WATCH: Kobe Bryant explains how he motivated teammates (2024)

WATCH: Kobe Bryant explains how he motivated teammates (2)

One of the lasting legacies of Kobe Bryant's illustrious career is how hard the Los Angeles Lakers legend worked to become an elite superstar player. Bryant didn't just want himself to be great though, he also wanted the same from his teammates, which is why he always pushed them as hard as he could.

In a recent interview, Bryant talked about how he motivated his teammates, which included going out drinking with them and then waking them up at 5 a.m. to workout.

"When I played one of the things I had to learn was to get the best out of my teammates," Bryant said. "Most people think it's a simple thing. Pass them the ball. That's not how you make guys better, you have to really affect their behavior.
"I would tell guys, we got back-to-backs, I don't care if we are in Miami, I don;t care if we are in the great city of Chicago, can't go out, you got to get rest. Guys aren't going to listen.
"So a few times, I was like alright, we all go out. We go out together. I will drink with you. But the next morning, I'm banging on your door at 5 in the morning [to workout]. I hung out with you, now you come hang out with me. This is what we do.
"If you're going to do that, do that but don't let that compromise what we are here to do. This is why we're here. This is why you're here in the first place."
"You got to show them that Kob can do that and still has the energy to get up and do this. So either I got to meet that same energy or keep my butt in the room."

WATCH: Kobe Bryant explains how he motivated teammates (2024)

FAQs

How did Kobe motivate his teammates? ›

Bryant didn't just want himself to be great though, he also wanted the same from his teammates, which is why he always pushed them as hard as he could. In a recent interview, Bryant talked about how he motivated his teammates, which included going out drinking with them and then waking them up at 5 a.m. to workout.

What was Kobe Bryant's motivation? ›

Kobe's fearlessness and competitive spirit were legendary. He believed that with hard work and dedication, he could overcome any obstacle. “If you're afraid to fail, then you're probably going to fail.” Kobe knew that taking risks and being willing to fail were essential to success.

How did Kobe Bryant inspire other people? ›

His fans around the world were inspired not only by his basketball skills but also by his values, work ethic, and contributions beyond the sport. Tragically, Kobe, along with his daughter Gigi and seven others, died in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, in Calabasas, California.

What is an inspirational quote from Kobe Bryant? ›

Kobe Bryant Quotes. Everyting negative - pressure, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise. The mindset isn't about seeking a result—it's more about the process of getting to that result. It's about the journey and the approach.

Who did Kobe inspire to play basketball? ›

Current stars like Trae Young, Luka Donicic and Bradley Beal have all spoken about how Kobe is the reason they play basketball and there is an entire generation of players who grew up idolising Bryant.

Who helped Kobe Bryant achieve his goals? ›

His father Joe and his maternal uncle John Cox were NBA players. Joe was also a coach and knew what greatness was in Kobe. The family reared Bryant to believe in his abilities, and helped him achieve goals because they knew what went into turning pro.

Why was Kobe Bryant a hero? ›

He is considered a hero because he has the trait of being determined, fearless, and inspirational. Kobe Bryant's was successful because of his determined mindset.

What was Kobe Bryant's greatest achievement? ›

Five NBA titles. Two Olympic gold medals. One incredible legacy. Kobe Bryant is undoubtedly one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the men's game.

What is the Kobe Bryant logo? ›

Kobe has a geometric logo design that has been around since the beginning of his partnership with Nike in 2003. The abstract illustration is composed of six shapes that form an image of a sword sheath. Kobe explained in an interview that his talent is the sword and his life experiences stand as the sheath.

At what age did Kobe get drafted? ›

Kobe Bryant was only 17 years old when he was drafted into the NBA in 1996. At the time, he was the youngest player ever to be drafted by an NBA team. This was a bold move for Bryant, as he was foregoing a college education to enter the league.

What players did Kobe mentor? ›

Take a look at the list of those lucky players...
  • Kawhi Leonard. Kobe always said he only mentored those who were curious and attacked the game the way he did and he found that in Kawhi. ...
  • Kyrie Irving. The mentor closest to Irving's hard was Kobe. ...
  • Devin Booker. ...
  • Devin Booker. ...
  • Anthony Davis.

How did Kobe Bryant train his mind? ›

Another key aspect of Kobe's career as a player and after he retired was harnessing the power of meditation to focus his mind. Like exercising the body, Kobe found that exercising his mind made it a lot easier to center his attention when needed, which turned him into a better player and teammate.

How did sports psychology help Kobe Bryant? ›

Here are a few examples: Kobe Bryant (former NBA player): Kobe Bryant was known for his dedication to mental preparation and seeking support from sport psychologists. He openly discussed the role of sport psychology in his career and how it helped him improve his focus, confidence, and overall mental toughness.

What was Kobe Bryant's vision? ›

Kobe and Gigi's vision was to create a world where young boys and girls had equal opportunity to pursue their dreams through sports and life.

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