“Why is yo a*s in my seat? Get the f**k out” – Kevin Garnett BULLIED Kobe Bryant in pair’s first meeting as teenagers

The enduring friendship between Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett, two NBA legends who bonded over fierce competition and mutual respect.

“Why is yo a*s in my seat? Get the f**k out” – Kevin Garnett BULLIED Kobe Bryant in pair’s first meeting as teenagers

Kevin Garnett an Kobe Bryant curtesy Getty Images

In a book titled KG: A to Z: An Uncensored Encyclopaedia of Life, Basketball, and Everything in Between, Kevin Garnett discussed his connection with Kobe Bryant and some of their most memorable experiences. Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett had fierce competition, but they also had a great deal of respect and regard for one another. In his book, Garnett narrates some of their most treasured moments, both on and off the court, including their first encounter as rookies.

When Kevin Garnett first saw a young Kobe Bryant during his rookie season, the beginning of their relationship was written. They first met at Philadelphia’s Spectrum, which served as the setting for Garnett’s NBA debut. The scene was established for their first meeting by the dramatic and gloomy lighting in the arena. 

After a respectable game, Garnett, full of kid energy, went into the locker room to see Bryant sitting in his seat, looking alive and living. With his characteristic intensity and boisterousness, introduced himself in his unique style, “Whassup, KG? I’m Kobe.”  Garnett, responded, “Whassup, but why is your a*s in my seat? Get the f**k outta my seat.” They shared a chuckle, and their instant camaraderie was evident.

Since both of them had decided to follow the NBA after high school, they clicked right away. Naturally curious, Bryant blasted a series of inquiries at Garnett. He said, “Is it really as aggressive as it looks out there?” Garnett responded, “Hell, yes, it’s aggressive. Is it rough being a rook?” Kobe inquired further. Straight to the point, Garnett said, “Rough as f**k.” They discussed the intricacies of making due, taking on experienced players, and the challenges encountered by newcomers. Although Bryant and Garnett had different personalities Bryant being outgoing and Garnett being reserved they bonded as kindred spirits.

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When Kevin Garnett tried to reach Kobe: Unanswered calls, frustration, and an on-court conversation cleared the air

When Garnett was thinking about making a job change in 2007, there was one instance of dissatisfaction. To find out whether joining the Lakers was the best move, he asked Kobe. He called Kobe many times in an attempt to get through, but no one responded. Garnett became frustrated, gave up, and finally decided to sign a contract to play with the Boston Celtics.

Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant
Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant courtesy Getty Images

Both their competitiveness on the court and their friendship endured. On November 23, with Kobe representing the Lakers and Garnett representing the Celtics, the two squared off. Garnett was not going to take no for an answer from Kobe on his ignored calls as they positioned themselves side by side at the free-throw line. The referee had to step in and instruct them to find their positions when they started to drift away from one another.

When Kobe finally got close to Garnett, he started talking to him and he became upset over the calls being unanswered. Kobe clarified that none of them had received the texts and that their contact details had changed over time.

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