Tyronn Lue reveals Kobe Bryant’s unique way of welcoming new Lakers teammates

Tyronn Lue has shared another story that reflects Kobe Bryant’s competitive nature and leadership style with the Los Angeles Lakers.

During an appearance on Club Shay Shay, Lue revealed that Bryant had a specific ritual whenever the Lakers added a new player to the roster.

“Every time we got a new player, like Glen Rice—Glen Rice is a bad dude—Kobe wanted to play one-on-one… show him this is my team,” Lue said.

According to Lue, the one-on-one battles were more than just competitive workouts. They were Bryant’s way of establishing authority while also setting expectations for what it meant to play for the Lakers.

It didn’t matter whether the newcomer was a role player or an established star—Bryant wanted to make it clear that the standard of excellence ran through him.

The ritual helped build the team culture that would fuel the Lakers’ three-peat from 2000 to 2002. Bryant’s intensity in practice often matched his intensity in games, leaving no doubt about his role as the centerpiece of the franchise.