Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Sasha Vujacic revealed that he and Kobe Bryant used to switch languages during games to prevent defensive specialist Tony Allen from understanding their offensive plans.
Vujacic explained that Allen frequently tried to listen to their conversations on the court, prompting the Lakers teammates to communicate in Italian when discussing offensive plays.
“That’s why when we played them, like he was the one actually, when Kobe and I would speak on the basketball court, he would come and listen, and we started speaking Italian. They’re like, ‘What? What is he talking about?’”
Allen confirmed that he had noticed the unusual tactic, pointing out that Bryant and Vujacic communicated in English on defense before switching languages on offense.
“I knew it. I knew it. I like, bro, they just said something in English on the defensive end. They get on the offensive end, they speaking a whole another language.”
Former Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph, also known as Z-Bo, reacted by asking Allen whether he had recognized what was happening.
“You knew it, huh?”
Allen explained that he suspected the language change was designed to prevent him from anticipating offensive movements, particularly when he was aggressively defending passing lanes.
“I promise you I knew it. Yeah, cuz I’ll be overplaying, and then y’all saying something to make when you go back door or something.”
Vujacic then responded to Allen’s explanation.
“That’s why you were laughing.”
Allen concluded the exchange by thanking Vujacic for confirming what he had suspected during their matchups.
“I knew it. I appreciate you for clarifying that.”
