Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham and general manager Rob Pelinka joked about Taylor Swift during the opening press conference for the 2023–24 NBA season on Thursday. They also praised Austin Reaves’ “Mamba gene.” Former agent Pelinka is best known for having represented Kobe Bryant.
While making it clear that no one will ever be able to live up to Bryant’s legacy, Pelinka, 53, did mention that some players in the NBA possess the “Mamba gene” that Bryant inherited.
Regarding [Reaves], I think the tenets of the “Mamba gene” are supported by his core traits. “I believe that players today can carry genes of what Kobe Bryant represented because we all had the opportunity to see Kobe’s career and everything it stood for,” said Pelinka. In addition, I think Austin does. Bullshit is not something he tolerates well. He goes straight to work when he gets to the gym. He just wants to win; he doesn’t sugarcoat things for his teammates. He resists becoming arrogant due to the compliments. He doesn’t take criticism personally and doesn’t feel self-conscious.
Speaking with him and watching him play in college made it abundantly evident to us that he is all about the smile. Going into training camp, he wasn’t assured a spot on the team’s roster, but he still went about his business and made sure everyone knew he belonged there. And we can see that he puts in a lot of effort just from his development. For that matter, he is unconcerned with rumors in the media regarding his romantic life. We love him because he’s all about the game and the business, which is why we’re thrilled he chose us for the summer.
It seems like there’s some playful banter and joking about the dating rumors involving Lakers guard Austin Reaves and Taylor Swift. The mention of Reaves not getting “caught up in media rumors about who he’s dating” suggests that the Lakers’ front office is aware of the speculation but doesn’t take it seriously. The reference to Swift cheering for NFL player Travis Kelce at Arrowhead Stadium indicates that Pelinka is up-to-date on current sports news and is incorporating it into the conversation.
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