Actor Miles Teller said a single tweet about his 2014 film “Whiplash” led to a personal friendship with Kobe Bryant, the late Los Angeles Lakers legend. Teller discussed the relationship on the “New Heights” podcast with brothers Jason and Travis Kelce, released on Nov. 12, 2025.
During the episode, Teller revealed he regularly sent Bryant screenshots of his performances while playing NBA 2K as the five-time NBA champion. The exchanges grew from Bryant’s interest in Teller’s portrayal of aspiring jazz drummer Andrew Neiman, a character obsessed with perfecting his craft in the Oscar-winning movie.
“Whiplash,” acclaimed for its depiction of relentless work ethic, resonated with Bryant, whose own dedication to basketball was widely documented throughout his 20-year career with the Lakers. Teller, known for roles in “Top Gun: Maverick” and “War Dogs,” said Bryant reached out after seeing discussion of the film on social media, ultimately sparking ongoing conversations about performance and preparation.
Randle Reflects on Bryant’s Demanding Approach
The podcast appearance follows recent comments from former Lakers forward Julius Randle, who spent the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons alongside Bryant. Randle said he valued the “tough love” he received from the veteran star, crediting Bryant’s direct feedback for helping him adjust to the NBA.
The anecdotes add to the growing collection of stories illustrating Bryant’s influence on both athletes and entertainers, underscoring how his pursuit of excellence extended well beyond basketball.
Source: Lakers Nation
