Gordon Hayward: Working Out With Lakers Icon Kobe Bryant Took Me to the ‘Subsequent Stage’

Charlotte Hornets veteran wing Gordon Hayward has overcome his intensive damage historical past to stay an efficient participant within the NBA, and he credit his exercises with a legendary ball participant for serving to to form his resilient mentality.

Whereas talking on Podcast P with Paul George, Hayward defined how his time with Kobe Bryant helped him enhance not solely his on-court expertise but additionally his mindset.

“I believe the entire thing was him similar to testing me like, ‘Who is that this? Does he wish to work? Is he gonna be bulls–tting, like what’s his deal? As a result of I am not gonna put within the effort if he isn’t going to,’ sort factor,” Hayward mentioned. “From then on, he was form of like in my nook and he taught me greater than something, it is simply the mentality. I believe that is what actually took me to the subsequent stage, was that mentality.”

Hayward has appeared in 25 video games for the 7-23 Hornets and is averaging 14.5 factors, 4.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.1 steals. The 33-year-old is the second-oldest participant on a roster stuffed with youth, as 35-year-old level guard Ish Smith is the one different participant on the staff over the age of 30.

Hayward’s time with Bryant possible helped form his management expertise, which the Hornets desperately want amid their present 10-game shedding streak.

Hayward will attempt to assist Charlotte finish the skid in Monday’s recreation towards the defending champion Denver Nuggets.