As long as we give him 100 percent effort, I think he’s pleased” – Kwame Brown pointed out how to get on Kobe Bryant’s good side in 2006

**“As Long as We Give Him 100 Percent Effort, I Think He’s Pleased” — Kwame Brown on How to Get on Kobe Bryant’s Good Side in 2006**

In the intense, high-pressure environment of the Los Angeles Lakers during the mid-2000s, earning the respect of superstar Kobe Bryant was both a challenge and a badge of honor for teammates. Kwame Brown, then a young center trying to carve out his role, gave candid insight into what it took to get on Bryant’s good side back in 2006.

Brown, who was often under the microscope as the Lakers’ first overall pick in 2001, revealed that the key to earning Kobe’s respect was straightforward but demanding: giving 100 percent effort every time on the court. “As long as we give him 100 percent effort, I think he’s pleased,” Brown said in an interview, highlighting Bryant’s relentless competitive nature.

At the time, Kobe was known for his fiery demeanor and exacting standards, pushing teammates to elevate their game constantly. For Brown and others, that meant showing up fully committed, whether in practice or games, and matching Bryant’s work ethic and intensity.

Brown’s reflections underscore the mindset Kobe demanded — no excuses, just hard work. It was a clear message for any player hoping to share the court with one of the game’s most driven competitors.

While Brown’s career faced ups and downs, his acknowledgment of Kobe’s expectations gives a glimpse into the locker room culture during one of the Lakers’ most transformative eras. It also reveals how Bryant’s leadership style, though tough, was rooted in a desire for collective excellence.

Looking back, Brown’s words remain a testament to Kobe’s legendary work ethic and the standards he set — standards that pushed teammates to their limits and forged a championship culture in Los Angeles.