Steph Curry Reveals Brutal Way Kobe Bryant 'Welcomed Him to NBA' in First Meeting

Steph Curry has revealed the brutal way that Kobe Bryant 'welcomed him to the NBA' when the pair met for the first time.

The Golden State Warriors point guard is widely regarded as the greatest shooter in history, revolutionising the game with his long-range shooting.

Since he joined the NBA in 2009, Curry has won four championships and claimed two MVP awards, cementing his legacy as one of the greats.

But in his new book, called 'Shot Ready,' Curry reflects on one of his earliest moments as a professional.

He recalled facing the Los Angeles Lakers and Bryant during an early pre-season game.

Speaking on the Jimmy Fallon show, he said: "That was kind of my welcome to the NBA moment.

"Pre-season game, I got switched onto him and he was giving me those body blows with his elbow.

"I’m in awe, what am I doing playing with Kobe Bryant and he’s elbowing me!

"And my naive self was looking at the ref asking for a call like they’re going to give me a call over Kobe Bryant…

"And then he caught the ball, did a little left shoulder fade away and ran up the court and I was like, alright, welcome to the NBA!"

Curry also shared a memory of a later encounter with Bryant.

"I played him about three years later and I hit a shot on him on the top of the key and that was his passing the torch moment back to me.

"He kind of gave me a little pat on the way back down the court, so it was kind of cool to get the initiation and then get the torch passed."

Curry's current contract with the Warriors runs through the 2026/27 season, meaning he still has at least two more years left in the NBA.

He was a key figure last year, although the Warriors suffered a disappointing play-off exit, falling short against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Golden State's pre-season begins in less than a month, when they host the Lakers, Bryant's old team, on 6 October.

The Warriors will play a total of five warm-up matches before getting their season underway on 22 October against the Lakers.

For Warriors fans, these could be the final years to watch Curry before he retires.

However, they may take some comfort from the knowledge that he does want to remain in the game when he retires.

It remains to be seen whether he will carry on working with the Golden State in some capacity once he hangs up his jersey.