Kobe Bryant made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Tuesday night (October 23) and talked about his new book, The Mamba Mentality: How I Play, and taking tap lessons to improve his skills.
The NBA legend spoke out about his secret lessons when Jimmy asked him if he had any celebrity friends who might surprise his fans: “Surprised? I don’t know. Maybe not surprised, but, you know, recently, I’ve been spending a lot of time with Debbie Allen,” Kobe said, referring to his famous dance teacher.
“Well, it was kept secret for obvious reasons,” Kobe continued, adding that he had to get customized size-14 tap shoes. “I had to get them made. I can’t go to a store and be like, ‘Yeah, I’ll take those size 14s. Tap.’”
“[At one point,] I could, like, tell my feet to do this, and they would actually do that,” Kobe added. “I walked into the studio, and it’s all these, like, 6-year-olds … and these kids are looking up at me like, what in the world? What’s this grown-ass man doing in here learning tap dance?”
Jimmy Kimmel Thinks Kobe Bryant is a Lunatic
Click inside to watch the rest of Kobe Bryant’s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live…More Here! »
During his appearance, Kobe talked about his family surprising him with a trip to Mexico for his 40th birthday. He also addressed recent rumors, saying there’s “not a chance” he’s coming out of retirement to play with the Los Angeles Lakers. He did say, however, that his 12-year-old daughter has inherited his skills!
Kobe also revealed he’s a big Harry Potter nerd and his most valuable possessions are a first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone signed by J.K. Rowling, followed by the Game of Thrones series signed by George R.R. Martin, and the Dear Basketball score signed by composer John Williams. Then, Kobe discussed his podcast inspired by his children, “The Punies,” and Ellen surprised him with a L.A. Lakers Harry Potter robe!
Plus, Ellen tested Kobe’s skills in a game of “Ellen & Kobe’s Connect 4 Hoops.”
Watch below!
Kobe Bryant Addresses Rumors of a Return to the L.A. Lakers
Kobe Bryant poses for a photo with a young patient while visiting the Children’s Hospital of Orange County on Monday (September 24) in Orange, Calif.
The legendary basketball player and Academy Award winner surprised the kids with a live reading of the newest episode of his #1 family podcast, The Punies.
Kobe also made personal visits to rooms of patients who were not able to join the large group. He signed autographs and brought plenty of gifts for the kids!
The Puniesfollows an eclectic group of neighborhood friends who play sports and take on adventures together.
Hello yes I've been to a handful of Lakers games in my life so my all of a sudden becoming a huge fan is in no way jumping on the bandwagon and also unrelated to their newest signing thank you I will not be taking questions at this time.
