Kobe Bryant once bet $500,000 to score from free throw with his eyes closed

Basketball legend Kobe Bryant made his name in NBA with his sheer dedication and perseverance. Widely regarded as one of best players in history, late Kobe Bryant was kwn for his 'Mamba Mentality' and his frequent trash-talks with his opponents. Kobe Bryant liked getting into heads of his opponents during games, so much so that he once bet $500,000 that he could score a free throw with his eyes closed. 

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incident is from vember 2012 when Los Angeles Lakers face off against Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center. Former NBA player Gerald Wallace was pitted against Kobe Bryant for much of game and was even spotted exchanging a few words with Bryant on more than one occasion. One of ir heated exchanges during latter sts of game gained most attention after Lakers hung to a 95-90 win.

While it was unclear what led to unusual wr, Bryant can be heard saying, "How much you want to put on it? How much you want to put on it? Right here?" According to reports, Gerald Wallace was jawing with Kobe Bryant in final quarter with game hanging in balance. Bryant took his constant nagging to heart and put in outrous wr. Reports also suggest that Wallace was trying to unsettle Bryant by asking him to shoot free throws with his eyes closed. Lakers legend was willing to do, but only for a bet of half a million dollars. 

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It remains unkwn what was conclusion to wr, but Kobe Bryant dominated proceedings after bust-up as he scored six points in final two minutes of game, helping Lakers to a crucial win. Kobe Bryant finished game with 25 points. Bryant's teammate Dwight Howard contributed with 23 points and 15 rebounds. 

Kobe Bryant's tussle with Gerald Wallace from 2012: Watch

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On January 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant along with his daughter, Gianna and seven ors were killed in a helicopter crash near Calabasas, California. entire sports community mourned Kobe Bryant's death as tributes were seen in every ok and corner of his beloved Los Angeles. Several murals have also been dedicated to Kobe and Gigi Bryant in LA. 

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(Im Credits: AP)