Kobe Bryant often reflected on Michael Jordan 's influence on his journey to greatness. Bryant knew people Jordan was seen by most as the greatest player of all time; meanwhile, he found himself in the shadows of that towering figure.
This duality of being both influenced by and compared to MJ shaped Kobe's perspective on success and legacy. Eventually, it led the Los Angeles Lakers legend to see both the positive and negative aspects of being his successor.
"[Jordan] has the gift and the curse of having gone first...I have the gift and the curse of having gone second. I get a chance to watch and learn from things that he's done. The good and the bad," Bryant told the Kamenetzky Brothers of SheridanHoops.com.
Learning about life after NBA
Bryant unapologetically emulated Jordan on the court. As a result, many agree that he was the closest thing to "His Airness."
Outside of his on-court greatness, "Black Mamba" was also inspired by how Jordan navigated his retirement. Bryant knew that finding "something you can sink your teeth into and obsess about" is one of the keys to having a fulfilling life post-NBA. The Lakers legend intended to use Jordan as his "guide to life after basketball" as he was impressed by how MJ transitioned from being a basketball icon to a business tycoon.
"I think [the key to handling the end of your career is] finding an area before you retire that you want to do, that you want to be passionate about...I think that's really the biggest challenge for every athlete, is to find something that you really want to do. A lot of us wait until the last year, until you retire, and try to figure that out. Then it takes five or whatever years. Some people never figure it out. I've tried to begin that process," Kobe said.
Related: "That's not a goal I want to achieve. That's not something I think I'll be good at" - Allen Iverson on why he would never want to be a coach
Not all players were eager to learn from Mike
Bryant held a unique perspective on success and the qualities necessary to achieve it. He often highlighted the importance of humility and determination to continuously improve. By that, Kobe meant one has to have the courage to let go of one's ego and seek help from others, particularly from those who have already reached the pinnacle of success—in other words, from someone like Jordan.
Not all players are willing to approach a legendary player like MJ for advice and mentorship. According to the five-time champion, this reluctance may stem from pride, fear of rejection, or a belief that they should figure things out on their own.
Kobe once emphasized it by saying , "I don't know if other players had the balls even to ask."
Whatever the case may be, Kobe believed that this mindset could hinder growth and limit potential, which was why he soaked up everything he could from Jordan whenever he got the chance.
Kobe and MJ transcended sports
Having studied Jordan's mentality and approach to life, Bryant realized that MJ's success was about maintaining his brand and redefining his identity. As an admitted follower of Jordan's legacy, Kobe also envisioned becoming more than just a generational athlete.
Like Jordan, Bryant also set a standard for success and redefined what excellence truly means in the NBA. However, their influence undeniably stretches far beyond the boundaries of the sport.
In conclusion, Jordan and Bryant's identical stories illustrate how dedication, resilience, and passion can inspire millions and foster change within communities worldwide. They also remind us that greatness can be achieved through dedication and that true influence lies in the ability to inspire and uplift others.
However, one must first accept that he could be either the pupil or the teacher. Kobe certainly never confused the two.
Related: "Even at 17 years old, I was not afraid of anybody" - When Kobe Bryant said he did not fear Michael Jordan as a rookie
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