"We worked for about five hours straight" - Kobe Bryant revealed what it was like to work out with Hakeem Olajuwon

With over 32,000 career points, an MVP title just a season ago, and the distinction of being hailed as the best player in the NBA, Kobe Bryant had already accomplished more than most players could hope for. As the reigning NBA champion and Finals MVP, his legacy was already illuminating. For 99 percent of players, this would suffice. But for the soon-to-be 31-year-old Lakers guard, it was simply another chance to strive for something greater.

After finishing second in MVP voting in the most recent season, the Lakers superstar decided to elevate his already dazzling postgame and footwork. The Mamba entered the offseason with a broken finger, to which he replied "nah" after the season when asked if he would get it surgically repaired. Instead, he sought out Houston Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon . This decision would later prove to be one of the best of his career.

"Not the details of it. I'll leave those a secret," Bryant said during an interview with The New York Times . "But I had a great session with him. Absolutely great session. It was just one. I flew up there. I only had a day available. Flew up there late the night before, got up, did my own little workout. He came and picked me up at the hotel, went over to his house, and we began working. We worked for about five hours straight. Just hung out with him, ate some dinner and he took me out to the airport."

The experience was a training session and a masterclass in the art of post moves and basketball finesse. After taking some time to rest his body, No. 24 was back. A short while later, this would lead to another crowning achievement.

Mamba Mentality

Bryant was often spotlighted by the media because he always had a self-confidence reminiscent of NBA greats like Michael Jordan . But the Lakers superstar wanted more. He wanted to be the face of the NBA and to achieve that; he had to push himself to the limits and seek mentorship from those legends before him. Olajuwon wasn't the only one he sought training from.

The fiery guard also received the mentorship of Gary Payton, one of the greatest on-ball defenders of all time. The Supersonics icon, also Bryant's teammate for a season in Los Angeles, recalls the mentality that the five-time NBA champion displayed.

"I had the pleasure of mentoring him when he was in trouble with the Denver case and stuff," Payton said during an episode of "All The Smoke." "It was really a joyful time for me to mentor him. I became a big brother to him. Kobe was just a little different; he didn't have any ego. I mean, he did have an ego, but ego, as in asking OG's what to do and how to become better.

"And when he came to approach me at the All-Star game and asked me how to make First Team All-Defense. I sat there at the center court and told him a lot of things. I saw that this kid had a different mentality."

Related: "I almost expected Bird to show up at halftime" - When George Karl and World B. Free provoked Larry Bird in the 1985 Playoffs

A Legacy built on effort

Bryant was undoubtedly physically gifted. However, he regarded his physical talents merely as a foundation. To achieve his long-term, lifelong goals, Bryant exerted more effort than anyone else. As Shaquille O'Neal puts it.

"Kobe was a beast; nobody works harder than him," the Hall of Famer said on "The PBD Podcast."

This dedication entailed steady workouts, additional sessions off training days, and constant mentorship from other NBA greats. His time with Olajuwon paid off, as the Lakers superstar led the team to another championship in 2010 while clinching the Finals MVP award.

Related: "There was no bigger stage than center stage at MSG" - Garnett on how incredible it was to watch Kobe take on Jordan at the 1998 ASG