However, during the twilight years of his career, Bryant shifted into a mentor role<\/a> and tried to pass on his learning to the then-young core of the Purple and Gold.<\/p>\n The core featured a young Julius Randle<\/a>, who was drafted as the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Despite Bryant\u2019s best efforts, Randle and co. hardly understood his teachings.<\/p>\n Over the years, Randle has grown into a solid star in the NBA<\/a>. He truly broke out as a star during his stint with the New York Knicks.<\/p>\n Randle has carried that form into his first season with the Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a>. With the team eliminating the Lakers in the first round, Randle recently revealed where he stands on Bryant\u2019s teachings<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThe further I go in my career, the different experiences I have, the things that he passed down to me, the things that I learned from him [Kobe Bryant],\u201d Randle told reporters.<\/p>\n He added: \u201cIt may have not made sense when I was 19 or 20 years old but now that I\u2019m 30 it makes a lot more sense.\u201d<\/p>\n However, it isn\u2019t just about personal growth for Randle. After all, he is now at a stage in his career where the young players on the roster look up to him as a veteran.<\/p>\n Julius Randle speaks on his appreciation of Kobe Bryant growing with age<\/p>\n \u201cThe things that he passed down to me, the things that I learned from him. It may have not made sense when I was 19 or 20 years old but now that I\u2019m 30 it makes a lot more sense(smiling). I used to be like\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/LJzPCRkT6W<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) May 4, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n View Tweet<\/p>\n Randle wants to \u2018cherish\u2019 Bryant\u2019s teachings and pass them on<\/p>\n Part of being a good veteran is to ensure that the next generation of basketball players learn from their mistakes.<\/p>\n Randle mentioned that he has grown as a player thanks to Bryant\u2019s teachings, he is passing them on to the next generation of hoopers.<\/p>\n \u201cI used to be like what is this dude talking about, and now I get it a lot more. So I try to cherish those things, hold on to those things and I think the true blessing is being able to pass those things on to other,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n Randle looked calm and composed, which is a great sign as the road to the 2025 NBA Finals won\u2019t be easy for the Timberwolves.<\/p>\n Next, they will face off against Stephen Curry<\/a> and the Golden State Warriors<\/a>, a team full of veterans and stars who have an abundance of playoff experience.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n ![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/GettyImages-495564236-927x627.jpg\")
Photo by Kevork Djansezian\/Getty ImagesJulius Randle has finally understood Kobe Bryant\u2019s teachings<\/p>\n