Young retiree from the public prosecutor’s office, Chandler Parsons appeared on Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson’s All The Smoke podcast. The opportunity to discuss his career, his major health concerns, and the accident he suffered. He also gave a nice anecdote about Kobe Bryant. We are in April 2012, and it is the second time that the Rockets go to Los Angeles, a few days before the playoffs. Chandler Parsons is a rookie, chosen in the 2nd round of the Draft, but he simply became a starter during the season. Result: he must take care of Kobe Bryant, and the latter will reserve a nice surprise for him…
“During my rookie season, we went to play at the Staples Center and Kevin McHale (Rockets coach) warned me: “You are going to see crazy people, celebrities, stay focused! Then there is Kobe. He’ll try to kick your ass, and he’ll be upset that you defend on him. “I was there thinking it was cool, because I was flattered to defend against him”. says the former Rockets and Mavericks winger.
It’s the very beginning of Chandler Parsons’ career, and it’s the second time he’s played at the Staples Center. The Lakers still have a great team with Kobe obviously, but also Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Metta World Peace…
“I prepared your evening if you want to go out tonight, I got your number via Jordan Hill”
« I was disturbed continues Chandler Parsons. “I start the game on Kobe, and that’s the year Jordan Hill was traded mid-season from Houston to LA so I knew him. During the 4th quarter, Kobe looks at me and says: “Are you staying here tonight? And then I remember what McHale had said to me and I tell myself that he’s doing a Mister Miyagi-like blow to me. »
Chandler Parsons confirms to him that the Rockets are staying in Los Angeles, and Kobe Bryant tells him: “I’ve got your party ready for you if you want to go out tonight, I got your number through Jordan Hill.” » Parsons thinks Kobe is playing a joke on him to distract him. The match is close, and at the edge of the field, McHale stares at him, convinced that his rookie has fallen into the trap.
Contrary to what Parsons says next, it is indeed the Rockets who will win, but what he obviously remembers is what’s next.
« We find ourselves with all the veterans of the team, and they are the ones who take me. Then I get a text message: “Everything is arranged for you – Mamba”.
“A waitress arrives in front of me to give me the bill. I open it and it’s $22,000! »
Again, Chandler Parsons believes in a joke. He shows the message and the number to Courtney Lee. He ends up answering Kobe, and he asks him if he will be there. ” Everything is ready, do not hesitate if you need something Kobe replies.
And there, Parsons boasts in front of his teammates, the coaches and the rest of the staff. He explains to them that Kobe has reserved a table for them. Then comes the moment when the addition arrives…
« It’s 2:00 a.m. I’m in the middle of guys making hundreds of millions of dollars and a waitress comes in front of me to give me the bill. (…) I open it and it’s 22,000 dollars! And there, I am literally sick of it! I can’t do that, my card will never pass… »
Chandler Parsons is in his first year of contract, and it’s a sum for an NBA rookie… But he will quickly find a smile.
“The waitress looks at me, gives me the pen and says, ‘Sign for Mr. Bryant.’ And Parsons immortalizes this moment in video and in photo where he signs the note in place of Kobe Bryant…
