Paul Pierce is wrong about Kobe Bryant, Bryant's former running mate says.
Pau Gasol says the 20th-year Lakers veteran understands better now -- than he ever has -- that he will take on a different role with the 2015-16 version of the Purple and Gold than he's had in the past, according to NBA.com.
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"I think he's at a point in his career that he's mature enough to accept certain things, and accept uncertainty," said Gasol, now with the Bulls but once one of Bryant's closer friends and his Lakers teammate from 2008-14. "Probably earlier on in his career, he wouldn't have dealt with it as well. But I think he understands they have a pretty young group -- with some talent, for sure. But he also understands he's in his 20th year in his career. He hasn't had a full, healthy year for the last three years, pretty much. I think he's just looking forward to having a healthy year and to compete and have fun and be the player he is, and we'll see where the team goes."
It was less than two weeks ago that Pierce, Bryant's nemesis who joined the Clippers in the offseason, called out the Black Mamba, saying "That will be tough on some guys in L.A. to take on that (reduced) role *cough* Kobe *cough* I mean, you know, we get older," as reported by Pro Basketball Talk.
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Bryant has spoken about getting the younger Lakers to mesh, and his current teammates say he is living up to his word.
"Just really a mentor so far," rookie guard D'Angelo Russell said to NBA.com. "Every time I've talked to him, he's always giving me positive information."
Added second-year forward Julius Randle, "He's been great, mentally checking on me, making sure I'm okay" Randle said. "Obviously challenging me on the court. Kobe's Kobe. He's a great guy, and I'm excited to get back on the court with him ... I'm a person that thrives on competition, that thrives on challenges. Whenever he challenges me, whatever it is, it's fun."
Bryant said his mindset is not to order his young teammates around, but rather simply share his experiences.
"I think it's experience, kind of what I've been through on my journey," Bryant said. "That's the most important thing. It's not necessarily to tell the young kids, do this or do that. It's more like, this is what I'm gonna do. These are some of the obstacles that I've met. And hopefully they can relate it to whatever it is that they're going through. So that's what I'm looking forward to bringing off the court."
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