“Kobe!” is something we all gleefully shout about as we even toss a ball of paper into the trash from long distance. Kobe Bryant has been one of the most influential and hardworking basketball players in the history of the game, and not a day goes by that we remember his greatness on and off the court. His eternal drive and dedication to the game remains unique, which we call the ‘Mamba Mentality’ today. However, as Gilbert Arenas has previously explained, his mindset wasn’t very popular with his teammates when he was still a young gun in the league.
Bryant is considered one of the greatest LA Lakers in franchise history. He brought the Mamba Mentality every time he stepped onto the field and that’s what makes him special. Playing for 20 seasons, Bryant achieved everything thanks to his unending passion and love for the game.
When Kobe Bryant was drafted in 1996 he wanted to make a name for himself, and the best way to do that was to get the only big Bull in the league. He went after MJ and ended up doing something no one else had done before. Bryant bonded with Jordan and became his mentee. Kobe studied MJ’s game and embraced every aspect of it. The famous ‘Mamba Mentality’ was inspired by Jordan Himself.
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“This is an arrogant man” – Gilbert Arenas, Kobe Bryant’s early years in the NBA
We hear a lot of stories from Pau Gasol to Shaquille O’Neal and even about Kobe and his genius. Iman Shumpert They told excellent stories about Kobe’s violent gaming nature. Former 3-time All Star Gilbert Arenas talked about ‘I Am Athlete’ and claimed that while it sounded impressive, players who played with Bryant hated the Mamba Mentality.
“When we’re in sports and on teams, our natural instinct is to fit in, to be liked. Greatness does not want to be liked. Nobody loved Kobe Bryant. As if it’s funny that everyone has the Mamba Mentality. Everyone hated the Mamba Mentality. You hated that he thought so selfishly. no problem nowGilbert noted that interviewer Shady McCoy agreed –
“This is true. He started getting cool in his senior year. He started acting cold to everyone with a smile. I’ve never seen Kobe smile.“
“Yes, because it was shutting itself down. Competitiveness is gone. You know, it’s like slapping players trying to get a reaction to see who will pass and who will pass. Telling everyone ‘Take off my shoes, you can’t play like this’. take them off.’ That’s what greatness does. Greatness wants to challenge everyone. I mean, nobody likes it when you’re in the locker room. Here’s that arrogant bastard.Gilbert explained how Kobe’s tough nature was disliked by everyone because none of them could keep up with his will to win.
Gilbert Arenas is notorious for expressing controversial opinions on some issues, but he might be right here. Teammates who are not mentally on the same level as their greatest teammates ever find it difficult to cope with the constant expectation and pressure placed on them. Kobe will always be remembered for his unwavering will to win and his outstanding ability to make it happen, but there will likely be moments where some of his teammates look a little offended. He even discussed how Kobe would trade Shaq when, among other things, he was slapped in the face.
Kobe Bryant’s tragic helicopter crash in January 2020 still haunts the entire NBA community as we are numbed by the news of his passing. At the end of the day, Kobe’s legacy will shine brightest among most athletes of his generation. Their achievements spanned generations as they set a benchmark for what it means to work hard to be the best version of yourself. You will always be remembered Kobe, Mamba Out !
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