Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) is elbowed by Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) during the second half at Staples Center.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) is elbowed by Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) during the second half at Staples Center. USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant exemplified the phrase "humble in victory" when his side came out with a surprising victory against Dwight Howard's Houston Rockets.

The Black Mamba had an altercation in the pre-season with former Lakers teammate Howard, and was caught on camera appearing to have uttered the word "soft" that was directed against the big man, after the latter flashed his elbow on Bryant following a rebound play.

Nevertheless, it was still another learning block for the 36-year-old veteran star, reiterating that emotions should always be kept in check throughout a game, while also admitting that sometimes, passion can also take over.

"Heat of the battle, heat of the moment," said Bryant.

"You [reporters] have all been in arguments, you guys that are married."

"Sometimes you say things that you wish you could take back that you don't really mean. But it's in the heat of confrontation, and sometimes things come out."

"Well, in the moment, no. In hindsight, yes," he explained about being more cautious with his actions on the court.

"Especially now with social media and [the fact that] everybody has a camera. You try to be as conscious as possible to the fact that kids are watching."

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Kobe also believes that the recent controversy involving Howard and Oklahoma City Thunders main guy Kevin Durant is also, pretty much, of the same nature.

"No, I don't feel that way. I don't think Kevin does, either," he said, when asked if he shares Durant's alleged expletive description of the former Orlando Magics man.

"I know Dwight. I'm sure Kevin does. We don't really feel that way about him."

"It's like when you get in an argument with somebody, you'll say things out of frustration, out of anger, that you don't really mean."

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