According to TMZ’s convo with Vanessa Bryant’s ex-step dad Stephen Laine, Kobe Bryant’s soon-to-be-ex-wife learned from the best when it comes to sticking it to an ex-husband in the financial department.

Stephen, who was married Sofia Urbieta Laine from 1990 to 2003, said:

“Her mother taught her well to wait for the ten-year mark [before divorcing].  In California … it’s considered a long term marriage and then she gets paid for life or until she remarries … just like her mother is doing to me.”

So how did Mama Laine stick it to him?

“I have to pay her mom $1,800 every month and clearly they don’t need it.  I have a six-year-old daughter and that money could be used toward her college fund or something … you’d think she’d care .. but no, she’s spiteful.”

Apparently, Sofia lives in one of Kobe and Vanessa’s mansions and is well taken care of.  And since we told you there was no pre-nup and they’ve been married over ten years…..Vanessa is about to start stacking….