Former Laker Tells Wild Story About Kobe Bryant Throwing A Sucker Punch Over $100

From 2001 to 2003, Samaki Walker had the honor of putting on a Los Angeles Lakers jersey. While Walker was on top of the world when he won an NBA championship during that period, there was one particular moment in his Lakers stint when he badly wanted to beat up one of the top stars.

To be fair to Walker, he didn’t start that fight. But because of an unexpected blow, the 6-foot-9 big man out of Louisville was out to get Kobe Bryant.

Appearing on a recent episode of Byron Scott’s “Fast Break” podcast, Walker told a story about the Laker legend beating every other player on the roster in a contest held after one practice session. “Everybody’s shooting the long shot,” Walker said, presumably referring to a half-court shooting contest. “A hundred dollars. You make the long shot, you get the pot.”

According to Walker, Bryant won this contest and earned the right to claim $100 within a 48-hour period. However, barely 24 hours later, the multi-titled superstar went up to Walker on the team bus to ask if he was going to get paid.

“Man, I ain’t got my wallet with me,” Walker said, recalling his words to Bryant. “I got you. When we get back.”

Just as Walker went back to enjoying music on his headphones, he was struck by a wave of pain. For one reason or another, Kobe Bryant had hit him.

Not pleased at all with what transpired, Walker attempted to get his hands on Bryant, who took his seat at the back of the bus. Walker ended up getting barred from participating in the Lakers’ practice session that day, and though he plotted to exact revenge when they boarded the bus again, Bryant had already made arrangements to take a taxi back to the Lakers’ hotel.

The dramatic conclusion to this story came when Walker got back to his room and found that he had a message on his phone. It was from Bryant, who was clearly shedding tears as he said his apologies.

“He’s on his phone, emotional, which made me understand that there’s some s*** going on. This is bigger than basketball,” Walker shared.

While some will view this story as an example of unhealthy obsession, Lakers fans will simply shrug it off as yet another story that illustrates a beloved figure’s dedication to winning. As Walker realized that day, Bryant (who passed away in 2020) was truly the embodiment of moving unceasingly toward a sense of accomplishment and never looking back.