Kobe Bryant does not see the basketball court like other players. Good thing for Serge Ibaka, Blake Griffin does not react to competition the same way Bryant does. Following the Lakers practice Monday, Bryant told reporters that if Serge Ibaka had hit Bryant below the groin like he did to Griffin on Sunday, he 'would've smacked [him]."
"I probably would have smacked [Ibaka] in the mouth," Bryant said. "I would have dealt with the pain after."
While plenty of men would say they would play the macho man role when placing themselves in the same situation afterwards, I'm not sure Bryant wouldn't really give Ibaka a serious smack for a below-the-waistline hit like he gave to Griffin, who has a more laid-back personality.
Though Ibaka was not ejected and remained in the game for the Thunder's 108-104 win over Griffin's Los Angeles Clippers, Lakers center Dwight Howard knows how he'll prepare for Ibaka next time Kobe, Dwight and company take on the Thunder.
"I mean, you got to wear a cup," Howard joked.
Bryant, who has been on a tear recently for the surging Lakers, is also known for his nickname 'Black Mamba.' However, this isn't the newest moniker the basketball star is going by.
Following LA's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Bryant tweeted that a friend gave him a new nickname that leads some to believe he's drunk tweeting following games.
Omg . My man just gave me a new nickname and I love it! Ha #vino
- Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) March 1, 2013
That was followed by another kobe tweet, "e=mc2=vino," and "vino."
What do you think of Kobe's new nickname? Should he stick with the 'Black Mamba' or switch up and try 'Vino?' What did you think of Serge Ibaka's groin punch of Blake Griffin? Let us know how you feel with your responses.