Williams dispatches dazzling steal, reignites fiery feud!

That search for respect hit a wall in the Grand Hyatt elevator. As the story goes Jayson Williams offered a casual greeting to the young Bryant. Kobe, perhaps distracted or simply possessing that singular aloof focus that would define his career gave a dismissive nod or a short response without making eye contact.

Bryant was reportedly listening to a Walkman and while he heard the greeting he merely shrugged and slurred “Hey big man” without looking up. In the “Old School” code of the 90s NBA this was a cardinal sin. Williams was a man whose career was defined by both immense talent and a hair trigger temper and he took it as a personal insult.

According to witnesses Williams lunged and shouted “Are you f—-n’ kidding me? ” before landing a punch to Bryant’s cheek . ScoopB.

com This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Insult. According to witnesses Williams lunged and …