Lakers Introduction Presser Takes Awkward Turn After Kobe Bryant Question

So a priceless thing happened Wednesday afternoon at the Los Angeles Lakers' new player introduction press conference.

Gathered to address the media for the first time as official Lakers, Roy Hibbert, Lou Williams and Brandon Bass sat in front of a Los Angeles backdrop and fielded questions from the press.

Most of the presser was forgettable—typical fare for a ceremonial gathering. Then somebody asked what seemed like an innocuous question about Kobe Bryant, and the wheels immediately fell off.

ESPN's Dave McMenamin posted an Instagram video of the moment. A reporter asked if Bryant had reached out to any of them, and stuff went from zero to awkward real quick.

Danny Moloshok/Associated Press

"Have any of you guys heard from Kobe? And if so, what did he say?" the reporter asked.

And just like that...the derp deluge:

Well then.

I'm sure there's a perfectly fine reason for all of this. New guys on the Lakers aren't exactly born into Bryant's good graces, and he's been busy with soccer and whatnot this week.

But still—man. A fart could have literally escaped Roy Hibbert's eyelids in the midst of this all-consuming silence and it wouldn't have been any more awkward. They just sat there, defeated before they even left the gate. They were so young.

And even with Kobe being Kobe, this still seems weird. You'd think Hibbert would at least rate a "Yo don't suck this year" Snapchat or something.

Maybe you have to call Kobe. He's not exactly plugged in, and there's a distinct possibility he doesn't know who Lou Williams or Brandon Bass is. 

Take a note from Larry Nance Jr., guys. Make the first move. Kobe isn't about to go out of his way to learn the name of every guy the Lakers wedge into their starting five, and he'll appreciate the effort.  

Dan is on Twitter. #PrayForHibbert.