"I got to train in the morning" - Salley on Kobe pulling out of a party in Miami because of his commitment to training

During the 1999-2000 season, Kobe Bryant was already on his way to becoming a bona fide superstar in the NBA. Having already earned All-Star and All-NBA Team honors at age 21, the 6'6" wingman had become an immensely popular figure in the league. However, he had yet to develop his famed "Mamba Mentality."

However, traces of it were already evident in his mindset. His former teammate John Salley remembered how Bryant showed it when he invited him for a night out in Miami.

Miami was the place to be when it came to partying

NBA teams often circle the date on the calendar whenever they face the Miami Heat. The nightlife and party scene in South Beach is simply unparalleled, making it a preferred destination for many NBA players. During one visit to Miami, Salley saw it fit to organize a night out for the Lakers and invited Kobe, who usually didn't partake in team outings.

"When I was on the squad, he didn't hang out. Listen, he's about to turn 21 in 2000, and we're playing against Miami, who was horrible, and we're the Lakers. We've already won 17 games in a row. I used to play in Miami, and we don't have to play them until the next night. So, you know, I arranged a get-together, a gathering," Salley shared .

"So, he gets there, I bring him, and he's sitting upstairs at this indoor-outdoor place called Amnesia at the time. I remember the name of it now. And I see this girl—he's sitting at the bar, he doesn't drink, and he's like this—and this girl goes, 'Kobe Bryant!' And all the girls turn and look, and they rush him, like, 'Oh, let me—oh my God, I can't believe it!' He's sitting down, being casual, like this. You know, I'm like, 'Hey, my boy!'" the 6'11 center recounts the story like a proud father.

Related: "You're a good friend… I'm so sorry man" - When Kobe Bryant issued an emotional apology after punching his Lakers teammate over a $100 debt

Training beckoned

However, a little later, Salley was surprised when Kobe called him and asked to be returned to the hotel.

"As the crowd dwindles down, he goes like this, and I come over. He says, 'I'm ready to leave.' I said, 'Damn, you pulled one that quick?'" Salley said, chuckling while reminiscing the memory.

"And he's like, 'No, I got to train in the morning.' I said, 'Kobe, we're in Miami, bro.' He goes, 'Yeah, I got to train at 6:00, though. My trainer came in, so I need to get back to the hotel,'" John added.

Such was the mentality that the late, great Laker superstar harbored; even amid a good time in arguably the most popular party place in the United States, Kobe never lost focus on his ultimate goal: to be the best basketball player he could be.

Related: "He's seven foot tall, never let me win" - John Salley recalls playing one-on-one with Kobe Bryant after practices