Pelinka Alludes to Taylor Swift While Discussing Reaves’ Kobe-like Intensity and Focus

During Thursday’s inaugural press conference for the 2023-24 NBA season, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rоb Pelinka and head coach Darvin Ham slipped in a Taylor Swift joke while praising Austin Reaves’ “Mamba gene.” Pelinka is a former agent who most notably represented Kobe Bryant.

Rob Pelinka makes a subtle reference to Taylor Swift while praising Austin Reaves' 'Mamba gene'

Pelinka, 53, made sure to clarify that no one can ever live up to Bryant’s legacy, but he did sаy that some players have the “Mamba gene” that Bryant passed on to the NBA.

Rob Pelinka makes a subtle reference to Taylor Swift while praising Austin Reaves' 'Mamba gene'

As for [Reaves], I believe his fundamental characteristics are consistent with the principles of the ‘Mamba gene.’ Pelinka remarked, “I think players today can carry genes of what Kobe Bryant represented because we all got to witness Kobe’s career and what he stood for.” Moreover, I believe Austin does. He doesn’t put up with bullsҺit very well. When he enters the gym, he immediately gets to work. He doesn’t sugarcoat things for his teammates; he just wants to win. He doesn’t let the compliments make him cocky. He ignores criticism and doesn’t feel bad about himself.

Rob Pelinka makes a subtle reference to Taylor Swift while praising Austin Reaves' 'Mamba gene'

It was clear to us from talking to him and observing him play in college that he is all about the grinԀ. Even though he wasn’t guaranteed a position on the team’s roster coming into training camp, he nevertheless went about his business and made sure everyone knew he belonged there. And his development alone has proven to us that he works hard. He’s not concerned with media speculation about his romantic life. , for that matter. That’s why we’re so happy he picked us for the summer; he’s all about the business and all about the game, and that’s why we love him.

Rob Pelinka makes a subtle reference to Taylor Swift while praising Austin Reaves' 'Mamba gene'

Reaves, the young Lakers guard, was romantically linked to Swift during the offseason, and Pelinka’s chuckle after noting that Reaves doesn’t get “caught up in media rumors about who he’s dating” is a clear allusion to this.

In an earlier episode of the Full Send Podcast, Reaves, now 25, confirmed that the claims that he was dating Swift were completely baseless.

At Arrowhead Stadium, Swift, 33, was spotted by the world’s press cheering for NFL player Travis Kelce as he scored a touchdown for the Kansas City Chiefs versus the Chicago Bears, making her the topic of the sports world.

Making a joke about Reaves not caring about relationship rumors shows that Pelinka is current on sports news, as does the fact that he made the joke.

For the third season in a row, the Lakers have brought in undrafted standout Reaves to start alongside D’Angelo Russell, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.

Related Posts

California Classic Recap: 3 Things About the Lakers vs Heat Showdown

At the California Classic, the Los Angeles Lakers’ first summer game was a 107–90 loss to the Miami Heat. They will play the San Antonio Spurs (without Victor Wembanyama) on Wednesday before leaving for Las Vegas on Friday to start the NBA 2K24 Summer …

Read more

Heat Reportedly Engaged in Trade Talks Involving Two Restricted Players

A recent report claims that the Miami Heat are willing to make practically their whole squad available to negotiate a trade in order to get Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers. Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel suggested that …

Read more

NBA Transfer News: Kyrie Irving Secures Three-Year, $126M Deal to Remain with Mavericks

Transfer update: Lebron James’s best partner Kyrie Irving set to remain with Dallas Mavericks on three-year, $126m deal Kyrie Irving will sign a three-year, $126 million contract to play for the Dallas Mavericks. In Dallas, a mercurial guard plans to …

Read more

Timberwolves Lock In Anthony Edwards with Massive $260M Contract Extension

The Minnesota Timberwolves have made it plain that Anthony Edwards will be the focal point of their strategy. According to agent Bill Duffy, the Timberwolves and Edwards reached an agreement on a maximum extension on Monday that would have paid him $207 …

Read more

Damian Lillard and the Cost of Loyalty in Basketball

In the NBA, loyalty may cost a lot of money. Just ask Kevin Garnett, who spent 12 years in Minnesota stuck in mediocrity and eventually wished he had moved sooner. Ask Scottie Pippen, who sacrificed millions of dollars and persevered through injuries …

Read more

Gabe Vincent Surpasses D’Angelo Russell: What This Means for the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers may soon see a change in leadership. Actually, that needs to be changed: The Los Angeles Lakers should be getting a new guard. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, D’Angelo Russell is currently the “early favorite” to start …

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *