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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kobe Bryant said his mum, not his dad, shaped his on-court persona: "She's more like a pit bull"
The late Kobe Bryant was famous for his legendary determination and relentless drive on the basketball court. But where did that competitive spirit come from? Psychologists often point out that a person's core mentality is shaped during childhood, strongly influenced by their surroundings and especially by important figures like parents. Advertisement By that logic, one might assume that Kobe's father, Joe "Jellybean" Bryant — who had a long 16-year basketball career, including six years in the NBA — was the main influence on his mindset, passing on lessons from his own experience. However, that is actually a misconception. Kobe himself said his mother, Pamela Bryant, had the biggest impact on how he carried himself during games. Inside the Mamba Mentality When you think of elite athletes known for their unique mindset, a few iconic names stand out — Cristiano Ronaldo, Serena Williams, Tom Brady, Novak Djokovic or Michael Jordan. However, only a handful have managed to turn their mentality into a lasting legacy. Bryant, a legend for the Los Angeles Lakers, not only did this — he gave it a name: the Mamba Mentality. Advertisement Mamba is a deadly snake known for its speed, precision and lethal power. Kobe adopted this symbol not just as his nickname but also as a way to express a sharp and focused mindset. For the NBA's 2008 Most Valuable Player, being the "Black Mamba" meant using such a mindset in every part of life — something he often spoke about before his tragic death in a helicopter accident in late January 2020. "[It] isn't about seeking a result — it's more about the process of getting to that result," Bean said about the Mamba Mentality. "It's about the journey and the approach. It's a way of life. I do think that it's important, in all endeavors, to have that mentality. Bryant carried this mindset to the court, showing relentless resilience, a strong work ethic and a fierce competitive spirit. These qualities played a big part in why he became a five-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, 14-time All-Star, nine-time Defensive First Team member,and two-time scoring champion. Advertisement Related: "They had it on the wall, in my mirror when I woke up" - Jalen Brunson says his parents instilled in him the six-word mantra that has fueled his NBA success The influence of Kobe's mom and dad Roland Lazenby's 2016 book, "Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant," provides a deep understanding of how Kobe's distinctive mindset was formed. In the book, a revealing quote from the NBA legend dating back to 1999 highlights the unique influence both of his parents had on him, ultimately shaping his on-court persona. "From the enthusiasm aspect, his love to play, I'm more like my father. But on the court, I'm more like my mother," explained Bean. Advertisement Kobe's dad, who passed away in July 2024, sparked his early passion for basketball. They watched and analyzed game footage together, attended Joe's games, and even met NBA legends like Magic Johnson — their favorite player — and the Showtime Lakers squad. However, since "Jellybean," a 6'9" forward, was often away traveling as a professional basketball player, they couldn't spend as much time together as they wanted. As a result, Kobe became closer to his mother instead. "Bryant would later be known for the basketball bond with his father. But, with the father's celebrity and the frequent travel of a professional athlete during the son's formative years, it was understandable that Kobe Bean's earliest and closest bond would form with Pam," wrote Lazenby. Pam's pit bull mentality Talking about his mother, now 71, Bean described her as fiercely competitive — a real force of nature. These days, NBA players often call themselves "dogs" to show their toughness and drive, but Pamela had that same fighting spirit long before it was a trend. Advertisement "She's more like a pit bull. Her temper is like that. Very competitive," Kobe emphasized. During those early years, they had a close bond. It was then that young Bryant took on many of his mother's traits, especially her determination and strong drive — qualities that stood out more than his father's laid-back attitude. "Mother and son shared pleasant personalities for the most part, right down to demeanors that could turn surprisingly cold in a flash. That coldness could be startlingly off-putting to those who encountered it. And, combined with their capacity for sudden, sharp anger, both mother and son would use it to define the parameters of their lives. The primary driving element, however, was the perfectionism," states "Showboat: The life of Kobe Bryant." This drive for perfection, instilled by Pam, became a defining element of Kobe's remarkable 20-year NBA career. Advertisement Lazenby concluded that much of the basketball icon's success stemmed from the powerful influence of the woman who raised him, stating, "In terms of Bryant's achievement, it's fair to say in so many ways, the mother made the man." Family feud Despite growing closer at the time and ultimately sharing many similarities, it didn't help the relationship in the long run. The turning point came after Bryant married Vanessa Urbieta Cornejo in April 2001 — something Pamela and Joe disapproved of, partly because of the now-widow's Latina background. They ultimately decided to skip the wedding. The conflict intensified in 2013 when Beans' parents tried to sell memorabilia from his career, including a Lakers championship ring, without his knowledge. This betrayal prompted their son to sue them, after which Pamela and Joe issued a public apology for the pain and misunderstanding caused. Advertisement Before Kobe's tragic death in 2020, there were hopeful signs of reconciliation. "The Black Mamba" reportedly made efforts to rebuild his relationship with his parents, with reports of affectionate moments such as a warm embrace with "Jellybean" at a basketball camp. Still, after the helicopter crash that took the Lakers legend, his daughter Gianna, and seven others, Pamela was reportedly cut off entirely from his estate and is believed to have no contact with his remaining children. Related: Kobe Bryant put together his first scouting tape as a nine-year-old: "I had to wait for the tapes. I used to wait for the mail guy to drop them off"
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kobe Bryant put together his first scouting tape as a nine-year-old: "I had to wait for the tapes. I used to wait for the mail guy to drop them off"
The late Kobe Bryant was much more than an incredible athlete — he was a true student of basketball. While most fans remember his legendary moments on the court, not everyone realizes how his deep understanding of the game set him apart from even the greatest players. Of course, his sharp basketball mind didn't just appear overnight. So, where did it all begin? Advertisement As Roland Lazenby explains in "Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant," Kobe's early years in Italy played a key role in his development. Removed from the American basketball scene, the future Hall of Famer — still just a kid at the time — spent countless hours watching game footage, analyzing plays and studying NBA stars with an almost scientific focus. "It was the beginning of a career-long focus on studying game recordings, normally the domain of the Xs and Os wonks who serve as assistant coaches," wrote Lazenby. From Philly to Italy When Kobe was just six years old, his life took a sharp turn. His family left the United States and relocated to Italy. Advertisement This move was due to his father, Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, deciding to continue his basketball career in Europe after several seasons in the league, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers and Houston Rockets. Joe, a towering 6'9" power forward and former NBA draft pick from 1975, signed with multiple Italian teams over the years, which meant the family frequently moved to follow his contracts. Their journey began in the quiet town of Rieti, where they lived for two years before moving to other Italian cities as Joe's career took him to AMG Sebastiani Rieti, Reggio Calabria, Pistoia and Reggiana. Although far from home, the Bryants stayed closely connected to American culture — thanks to Kobe's grandparents, who regularly sent VHS tapes filled with NBA highlights, American TV shows and family comedies like NBC's "The Cosby Show." Advertisement It's easy to guess what type of content the family's only son enjoyed most. "What I looked most forward to getting was the basketball games," remembered the "Black Mamba." Kobe waited by the mailbox for NBA tapes Many might wonder why Bryant didn't simply watch the games live on TV. The main challenge was the significant time difference between Europe and the U.S., which meant that games often aired very late at night, sometimes well past midnight. This is a common problem for NBA fans all around Europe, but it's especially tough for kids who have school the next day — just like Kobe did back then. Advertisement "I had to stay up to three in the morning to see these games, and I had school the next day. That wasn't happening," remembered the five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers. Instead, he relied on taped recordings sent to him by his grandparents. Each season, Kobe's collection grew to nearly forty tapes, which became his lifeline to the NBA and something he eagerly awaited with every new delivery. "I had to wait for the tapes. I used to wait for the mail guy to drop them off all the time," recounted the 2008 Most Valuable Player. Related: Coach Isiah Thomas surprisingly praised Michael Jordan while comparing him to Kobe Bryant: "I don't know if there's really been anyone else" Basketball analysis Kobe's passion for the game was obvious, but just as important was his father, who helped him move beyond just playing and start analyzing every detail of the game. Advertisement After subscribing to a service that sent them game videos directly, Joe — who already had deep basketball knowledge from his own high-level career — and his son really started to dig in. According to Lazenby, they watched NBA tapes together, not just for fun but to learn. They would pause, rewind and slow down the action to study footwork, spacing, timing and defensive moves. "Jellybean" pointed out details that most people missed. And when his dad was away, Kobe kept going on his own. "When Joe was away, Kobe pursued his studies alone, virtually memorizing entire sequences, especially those that revealed player tendencies. By age nine, he had put together his first scouting tape, a look at relatively obscure Hawks guard John Battle," wrote the 73-year-old. Studying the all-time greats Throughout all the game analyses by Joe and Kobe, one player stood out: Magic Johnson. Advertisement The 6'9" point guard was at the heart of the Lakers "Showtime era." Watching his and his dad's favorite player, a young Kobe sat glued to the family TV, replaying Magic's passes and playmaking over and over again. But it didn't stop there. As Bryant later recalled, his obsession also extended to legends like Larry Bird, Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins — all dominant figures of that era who went on to become all-time greats. Kobe didn't just watch their moves — he studied them and added them to his own game. This approach brought him great success and, more importantly, deepened his understanding of basketball down to the finest detail. The iconic 6'6" swingman showed this sharp feel for the game not only during his legendary 20 seasons with the Purple and Gold but also long after his playing days. Advertisement A perfect example is "Detail," his film breakdown series on ESPN+, launched in 2018. Until Bryant's tragic death in late January 2020, each episode featured his high-level analysis as he broke down games and individual performances from the NBA, WNBA, and college basketball. Related: Kobe Bryant on how he crafted his "Detail" episodes: "I typically pick a player who I believe is going to have some serious challenges"
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kobe Bryant admitted resenting Michael Jordan when he first saw him play: "I don't like this kid 'cause Magic was my guy"
In the summer of 1984, a young boy who would turn six in August that year was captivated by a television broadcast. The screen featured the newly formed Team USA playing a series of exhibition games against professional opponents as part of their preparation for the home Olympics. Roland Lazenby, author of the acclaimed biography "Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant," explains that these games were intended simply as warm-ups for the American squad against pro players. Yet for the young viewer watching, this event became a defining moment. Advertisement It was during these broadcasts that the boy, who would one day become basketball legend Kobe Bryant, first noticed Michael Jordan, a moment that would profoundly influence his future on the hardwood. Kobe's early basketball passion At that time, a lot was going on in young Bryant's life. Not long before those memorable scrimmages, his parents had decided to move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Europe. Eager to begin a new chapter, the family was looking to settle in Rieti, a quiet town in central Italy. There, Kobe's father, Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, wanted to continue his professional basketball career after eight seasons in the NBA. Advertisement Still, Kobe didn't want to miss watching Team USA scrimmage. The biggest reason for it was Magic Johnson, a star on that team who had just finished third in MVP voting a few months earlier. Lazenby's 2016 book mentions several times how much young Kobe admired the Los Angeles Lakers legend growing up. For example, Bryant Sr., who passed away in July 2024 after suffering a major stroke, shared how he took his son to Lakers games and introduced him to the players. Those experiences were crucial in shaping Kobe's admiration for Magic — the player his father respected as well. Lazenby wrote that Johnson, often regarded as the greatest point guard in NBA history, eventually became the "undisputed star" in the Bryant household during those years. Advertisement The "Black Mamba" himself remembered how much he admired the Lakers' point guard at the time. "I wanted to see Magic. Just the enthusiasm he had for playing the game. He just loved playing, you could tell. Plus, his forward passes used to drive me nuts," noted the 2008 Most Valuable Player. Related: "You saw how he broke down emotionally" - B.J. Armstrong admits Michael Jordan sometimes felt his own leadership style was too intense Mike stunned a young Kobe While Bryant was originally focused on the Lakers legend during that televised scrimmage, an unexpected newcomer stole the show — Jordan, fresh off his third and final season at North Carolina and soon to be the number one pick in the 1984 NBA Draft. Advertisement The "Black Mamba" recalled when his focus shifted. During one play, MJ raced down the court on a fast break, got past Magic and dunked forcefully over him. The move was so impressive that it left the young viewer stunned. "This guy dribbles on the fast break and took off — I think it was over Magic — and dunked and flew past Magic. That's not supposed to happen. Who was this kid?" Kobe recalled his reaction. At the outset, Bean experienced a whirlwind of emotions. Watching his idol being outplayed triggered a complex mix of frustration and a touch of envy in the young athlete who would eventually become a five-time NBA champion. "I don't like this kid 'cause Magic was my guy," confessed the "Black Mamba," adding that he believed it was the first time he had ever seen "His Airness" play. Advertisement Despite the initial bitterness, Bryant's dislike for Jordan masked a hidden form of respect. In this case, Kobe's feelings likely reflected an unspoken admiration for Michael's extraordinary talent and composure, especially since the 1982 NCAA champion with the Tar Heels was competing — more accurately, dominating — against well-known NBA stars like Johnson. The "Black Mamba" vs. "His Airness" While Team USA, featuring future Hall of Famers Jordan and Johnson, won Olympic gold shortly after at the Los Angeles Summer Olympics, a young Bryant was quietly honing his skills overseas in Europe — and with impressive success. Advertisement Despite his youth, Kobe, who also played soccer, quickly stood out as a talented basketball player. He often competed against older, more experienced opponents and still made a strong impression. Fast forward to December 17, 1996 — approximately twelve years after Bryant first saw Jordan play, and the two faced each other on an NBA court for the first time. In an exciting overtime win for the Chicago Bulls, Jordan scored 30 points and put on a great performance. Meanwhile, rookie Kobe, still finding his footing with the Lakers after being picked 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets, scored just five points in his 10 minutes off the bench. Over the next few seasons, the two faced each other several more times in regular-season games but never in the playoffs. Their final meeting came during the 2002-03 campaign. Ultimately, Bryant finished with an 8-3 head-to-head record against Jordan. Advertisement It's important to note that during several of these matchups, Kobe was just entering his prime, while Mike was already past the peak of his legendary career, which included six NBA championships, six Finals MVPs, five regular-season MVPs, 14 All-Star appearances and a record 10 scoring titles. Related: Kobe Bryant put together his first scouting tape as a nine-year-old: "I had to wait for the tapes. I used to wait for the mail guy to drop them off"
