Kobe Bryant getting sucker-punched once became troll material for Jamie Foxx

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant got into a fist fight with New York Knicks guard Chris Childs back in 2000.

Kobe Bryant getting sucker-punched once became troll material for Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx and Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant was well regarded for his drive and determination. He used that Mamba mentality to push himself to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time. The Los Angeles Lakers great was one of the last few beacons of players who stayed loyal to their franchise.

That loyalty started when they took a chance on him out of high school. Other teams were interested, but they were not willing to bet their future on the development of the teenager. The Lakers allowed him time to develop, and over his few years, he grew into the game as one of its most lethal assassins.

His offense was not the only standout part of his game. In fact, his hard-nosed defense helped the Lakers capture its first championship in the 1999-2000 season. But one incident during the regular season, became material for then standup comedian Jamie Foxx.

In one of his shows on BET, he appeared to be speaking on a podium. He had another NBA star in Kevin Garnett beside him and it seemed as if the forward was trying to rough him up. Then Foxx tried to walk away when Garnett faked as if he was going to hit the actor. Then Jamie Foxx yelled.

Oh, you see how he tried to Chris Childs me! He tried to Chris Childs me! I was just like Kobe, caught me off guard.

Jamie Foxx said

The audience related the incident and broke out laughing. They were in splits watching how Jamie Foxx brought the Kobe Bryant-Chris Childs fight into his standup and created a skit out of it. Fans knew at the time what happened, which is why clips of that skit are still floating around the internet.

What happened between Kobe Bryant and Chris Childs

The day was April 2nd, 2000, and the Los Angeles Lakers were hosting the New York Knicks at Staples Center. The Lakers were the league’s best team and fans flocked to watch them continue their stellar performances in February and March.

In the third quarter, the Knicks were trying to impose their tough defensive schemes, and it was guard Chris Childs’ duty to stop Kobe Bryant from getting free for an easy shot. As the Lakers guard moved around teammate Shaquille O’Neal, Childs followed him.

To gain separation, Bryant swung his elbow which caught the Knicks guard’s chin. Childs was not happy and shoved the Lakers guard. Now both were bumping into each other and Childs appeared to try and headbutt his opponent.

At this point an irate Kobe Bryant swung his elbow on to Childs and hit him on his arm. Now with some distance between them, Chris Childs swung both his hands. The first one caught the Lakers guard on his chin and the second on his neck. Immediately Kobe Bryant retaliated, but by now officials stepped in.

Kobe Bryant was unhappy with fight and suspension

In those days the NBA allowed physical battles on the floor. But in this case, it was pure fighting with both sides throwing hands. That is where the NBA stepped in and issues fines and suspensions. Chris Childs received a two-game suspension and a fine of $15,000.

On the other hand, the NBA suspended Kobe Bryant for one game and fined him $5,000. Since both lost game checks, the Los Angeles Lakers star lost a hefty amount. But it was not the money that bothered him as he told reporters.

The fine, I really don’t care much about. The fact that I’m missing a game is what I’m really concerned about. I’m really upset about that.

Kobe Bryant said

His drive and motivation are apparent from this response. He was upset as he was about to miss one game, rather than the fine or lost paycheck. He missed the next game against the Phoenix Suns, but the Lakers were good enough to win.