“Unveiling the Untold Wisdom: How Kobe Bryant’s Candid Conversations with Icons Shape His Lasting Legacy”
Of his relationship with Kobe at the time, Woods said he had a feeling like he “really connected” with Bryant “more on the mental side…the prep, how much it takes to be prepared.”
While Others Doubted Steph Curry, Kobe Believed In Him
Stephen Curry is one of the NBA’s brightest stars, but it was not always the case. Curry faced doubt about staying healthy and whether his slight frame would endure an NBA career. Not Kobe Bryant. Bryant recognized Curry’s talents when he was in college at Davidson and offered this advice “Don’t force things. Just take what the defense gives you.”
Getting recognition from a legend like Kobe gave Curry the confidence that overflows in his game today.
Kobe Helped Influence The Women’s Game Of Basketball
Kobe had four daughters named Natalia, Bianka, Capri, and Gianna, the latter of whom sadly passed away alongside her father. Bryant took particular interest in Gianna’s desire to play basketball.
Once Gianna expressed her commitment to training and wanting to learn, Kobe took control of the reigns. Bryant served as a coach and mentor to Gianna’s teams but made the time to offer any tidbits of wisdom that he had to her teammates if they were interested.
Lebron James Regrets Being Kobe’s Rival And Not His Disciple
When Kobe was at the peak of his prime, Lebron James was just scratching the surface of his talents and superstardom. During that period, NBA fans would wonder out loud which of the two players was better.
Comparisons between them ranged from the number of championships to their legacies as Lakers players. All of this happened before either of them had finished playing. What James desired above all else and regrets today is not seeking Kobe’s mentorship.
Lebron Vs. Kobe Is What NBA Fans Wanted, But Not Lebron
While the world thirsted for Kobe Bryant and Lebron James to be at each other’s throats, Lebron wanted Kobe’s blessing. After playing his first two seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers, the team Bryant spent his whole career with, James reflected on a meeting that was supposed to be shortly after his signing.
Schedule conflicts between them, unfortunately, never created the opportunity for the two stars to get together before it was too late.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: “Kobe Was Such An Athlete.”
Lakers and NBA legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar scored the most points ever. Jabbar won five titles with the Los Angeles Lakers and has numerous NBA records associated with him, yet his admiration for Kobe Bryant is what he talks fondly about.
“Many professional athletes are admired, praised, and cheered by the public for their inspiring athletic prowess…But some athletes are so special that they represent more than their athletic achievements. Kobe Bryant was such an athlete.”
Neymar And The Soccer World Honored Kobe’s Memory
Many athletes, like Brazilian soccer star Neymar, paid tribute on the day of Bryant’s death or the first game after. The PSG star wore a custom-made soccer jersey bearing the number 24 that Kobe played with.
“I met Kobe personally, and the times he came to Paris. When you meet the person behind the athlete, it creates a different relationship, and with Kobe, it was very special. Sports and society lost a great guy.”
Jay Williams “I’m Willing To Work Harder Than You!”
“This guy’s still working out? It looks like he was in a dead sweat when I got there,” Williams said. “That game, he drops 40 on us. After the game is over, I’m like, ‘I have to ask this guy; I have to understand why he works like that.’ After the game, I’m like, ‘Hey Kobe, why were you in the gym for so long?'”
“He was like, ‘Cause I saw you come in, and I wanted you to know that it doesn’t matter how hard you work, that I’m willing to work harder than you,'” Williams said.
NOT Wanting To Be Like Mike
Kobe’s favorite NBA player growing up was Michael Jordan. Bryant’s ferocity and painful attention to detail were inspired by the former Chicago Bulls legend. Kobe learned everything he could from studying Jordan’s every move.
He watched intently and marveled over Jordan’s proper shooting mechanics, strong footwork, defensive positioning, and relentless mid-range jump-shooting display. Bryant showed toughness and competitiveness rivaled only by Jordan. He once said, “If you see me in a fight with a bear, pray for the bear.”
While Other Players Partied, Kobe Was Putting In Work
Nobody matched Kobe’s intensity when it came to basketball. His work ethic and dedication had him constantly working to improve his game. Compared to Bryant, most former teammates and opponents often remarked about feeling lazy about their progress.
