"I'm gonna kill this dude" - Ex-Laker Recalls $100 Bet That Ended in Kobe Bryant Punching Him Followed by Tearful Phone Call

Syndication: USA TODAY - Source: Imagn
Former Lakers star shares story of how Kobe Bryant punched him (Image Source: IMAGN)

Former LA Lakers player Samaki Walker had an interesting experience with the late Kobe Bryant. Walker appeared as a guest on "Byron Scott's Fast Break" on Sunday. During his time on the show, the former NBA player revealed a story he had about owing $100 to Bryant.

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Walker claimed that the squad was using $100 in pot money for a shootaround. The award went to the winner.

“We’re doing a shooting thing for $100. You make it you get the pot. Long story short, Kobe won the pot. Rule is you got 48 hours to pay,” Walker said.

Unfortunately for Walker, he didn't have his money at the time and couldn't pay Bryant.

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“I never heard a story where somebody didn’t pay $100. The next day on the bus I didn’t have the cash on me at the time, but it was the next day. It wasn’t even 48 hours yet."

Walker revealed that the Black Mamba provoked him when the latter punched him while on the bus. The former athlete became enraged and wanted a piece of Bryant after that. The team was on its way to practice, and the 2002 champion was telling coach Phil Jackson to stop the vehicle.

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Because he was fuming with rage, his teammates and coaches did not let him practice with Bryant that day. Even after practice, however, Walker hadn't moved on and still wanted to confront the five-time champion. According to his account, he waited for his younger teammate at the bus.

“I made up my mind, I’m gonna kill this dude,” Walker said as he waited on the bus.
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However, he learned that Kobe Bryant departed the area in a taxi. When Walker returned to his hotel room, he found that the star left him a voicemail.

“The motherf****r crying,” he added. “I swear to God, crying on my phone, ‘Man, I don’t know why I did what I did with my friends.’ Now he calling me a friend.”
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Walker concluded that the Lakers star's display of passion helped him comprehend what transpired between him and Kobe Bryant.


Samaki Walker didn't accept Kobe Bryant's apology the first time

Although Samaki Walker understood the situation, he still didn't like what Kobe Bryant did to him. After hearing the phone call, his goal was to get back at Bryant before their basketball game. He waited for the star in the gym.

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However, Shaquille O'Neal's longtime bodyguard, Jerome Crawford, helped diffuse the situation. Walker said that "Uncle Jerome" got the two of them in the gym, and Bryant explained himself.

Their relationship ended well because they put their animosity behind them and moved on. From there, Walker said that they both had respect for each other and remained on good terms.

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Edited by Reign Amurao
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