Kobe calls rookie Goudelock, 'Mini Mamba'

Kobe Bryant praised Lakers rookie guard Andrew Goudelock in a special way. "Mini Mamba", is the name he called him after a big win.

The Black Mamba a/k/a Kobe Bean Bryant is known as a tough critic, not just of others but of himself. He admits when he isn't at his best and never uses his many injuries as an excuse.

Praise, when it is given is doled out carefully and is usually a result of hard work on a teammate's part, both in a game and during practice sessions. Kobe likes to see progress and if a player is ready to step up and put in the time.

That is why it stunned Lakers beat reporters on Tuesday night, when Kobe spoke of the performances of one Andrew Goudelock, a 6 foot three inch, 23 year-old, second round 2011 draft pick. Goudelock played college ball at Charleston and was a prolific shooter.

He made the team after the pared down training camp and got some playing time in the two pre-season games, but not very much.

Goudelock made the roster and got playing time right away without distinguishing himself. He was relegated to the bench as fellow rookie guard, Darius Morris took over as the back up to Derek Fisher.

After Morris wasn't consistently productive Goudelock returned as the first substitute guard off the bench. He made the most of it and he has become a crowd favorite at Staples Center.

He is fearless as a shooter and hits enough three-pointers without throwing the ball up too many times, for him to be a good addition to the second unit. He's learned enough about how to run the pick and roll with the bench guys for them to feel comfortable with the ball in his hands.

After last night's blow out win over the Charlotte Bobcats, in which Goudelock again reached double-digit points in his 20 minutes of play, he got the thrill of his life when Kobe Bryant dubbed him the "Mini Mamba." When told of Bryant's compliment the rookie said.

"It's a very big compliment, especially coming from the real Mamba," reported the Los Angeles Times.

The young man has taken between seven and ten shots each game he's played and has become comfortable dishing it to the Laker bigs in the paint. He has a great little floater shot as well as a good jumper from inside or beyond the arc.

"I hope it sticks," he said about the new name. No kidding. Image: Wikimedia Commons

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