Former Los Angeles Lakers backup big man Robert Sacre didn’t spend much time with Kobe Bryant on the floor, but he had a lot of fun memories with the late NBA legend. Among those was when Bryant casually pulled out wads of cash in front of him during a long road trip in mid-season.

As expected, Sacre was left astounded, describing how Kobe nonchalantly reached into his bag and grabbed a thick bundle of bills amounting to a staggering $40,000. Indeed, Bryant’s unexpected display of wealth left Sacre in awe. Still, that moment gave him a glimpse into the world of a superstar athlete who was truly earning his keep.

“We’re going on a road trip, so they gave us our per diem. I think our per diem was like $1200 for a long road trip,” Sacre told Hoopshype in 2021. “I was like, ‘Yo, Kobe, let me get your per diem. You don’t need it.’ He goes, ‘What are you gonna do with it?’ I had my own little joke with him. We both laughed about it. He’s like, ‘You’re not getting it, though.’ I’m like, ‘Come on, man. Well, how much cash do you have on you right now?’ He whipped out $40,000 in cash and put it on the floor.”

“I was like, ‘Damn! That’s what you’re rolling with?’ I’ve never seen that much cash like that. It was in his backpack,” he continued.

Sacre is honored to have played alongside his hero

Candian played four seasons with the Lakers. Throughout that stretch, “Baby Joker” never failed to fool around with Bryant whenever he got the chance.

In fact, Sacre once revealed that he constantly talked trash and poked fun at Kobe during team practice sessions. They often engaged in friendly yet competitive scrimmages. But all jokes aside, Robert is deeply honored to have the opportunity to play alongside his 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥hood hero.

“I couldn’t believe that I got to play with one of my heroes,” Sacre said of Kobe. “I collected basketball cards, and I had his rookie card and everything. I couldn’t believe then, like, ‘Wow, I get to play with the guy I looked up to.’ Super blessed to say that I was able to play with this man and have an opportunity to be in his aura. I can’t describe it. You just got to be around it to know what it was. He’s influenced so many people in this world throughout all the continents. He’s left something in everybody’s heart. It’s beautiful to see what one man can do to the world.”

Kobe wasn’t just about flaunting

Bryant was known for his unparalleled work ethic and dedication to the game. While some may have viewed him as someone who flaunted his wealth, that doesn’t change the fact that he was the hardest-working player on his team.

Despite achieving fame and fortune, Bryant never allowed himself to become complacent. He understood that true greatness required constant effort and a willingness to push oneself beyond perceived limits. This mindset was exemplified in his rigorous training routines and meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of his game.