Most young NBA players admit they've had a "welcome to the NBA" moment in some fashion. Whether it be on the court against a top-level player or something that happened off the court during their rookie season.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry was smacked with a dose of reality during the preseason of his rookie year while facing off with Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
During an interview with GQ, Curry discussed a number of interesting topics, but one noteworthy response came when asked if there was one player who made him realize that he had to take his fitness "more seriously."
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors dribbles past Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers during their NBA game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images
The answer didn't disappoint, as Curry explained how Bryant "controlled all 175 pounds" of him "with one hand."
"Kobe Bryant, for sure. My rookie year, we were playing a pre-season game against the Lakers at the Forum. I didn't play in the first quarter. I came in in the second quarter and I got switched over to him," Curry explained.
"He was posting me up, calling for the ball, and he usually had this trick where he'd hold whatever side he was on. This particular time, he held his left hand up calling for the ball, and with his right hand he literally grabbed my knee and wouldn't let me try to get around to deny the ball."
Curry called it a "humbling experience" that made him realize he needed to put on some weight.
"I literally couldn't move. He just had me. With one hand, he controlled all 175 pounds of me," Curry said of Bryant. "It was a very humbling experience knowing I was trying everything I could to get out of that death lock and had no chance.
"He caught the ball, one shoulder into my chest, and all the air came out. Little left shoulder fadeaway and he made it. That was my, "All right, I probably should think about gaining some weight."
Fortunately for Curry, that moment and realization that he needed to make the change has obviously paid dividends. Curry is a four-time NBA champion, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and 11-time NBA All-Star.
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This story was originally published March 29, 2025 at 2:37 PM.