Latest news with #KobeBryant
Yahoo
4 hours 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
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A young Kobe Bryant was heartbroken over Magic Johnson's HIV news: "It was very difficult"
In the second half of 1991, Magic Johnson's professional and personal world began to unravel. On the court, he and the Los Angeles Lakers were outclassed by Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls in the NBA Finals. Their 4-1 series loss was seen by many as a clear sign that their dominant era was winding down. Advertisement Off the court, an even bigger blow followed: just days after the start of the 1991-92 regular season — which Magic and his teammates hoped would serve as a strong bounce-back campaign — the iconic 6'9" point guard shared he had been diagnosed with HIV. The announcement sent shockwaves far beyond basketball, even reaching Europe, where a young Kobe Bryant was profoundly affected. As Roland Lazenby recounts in "Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant," the news left a lasting impression on the boy who would one day become a legend himself. Shocking HIV revelation "The announcement" came on November 7, 1991 — a date the late Bryant never forgot. Advertisement That day, a tense crowd of reporters filled the media room at the Forum, microphones and cameras ready, having been told that Magic had important news to share. Then, the 32-year-old NBA star stepped up to the podium, wearing a sharp black suit and white shirt. He showed his familiar smile, but the news he was about to deliver was anything but cheerful. Johnson revealed that a recent routine medical test had shown he was HIV positive. This shocking diagnosis meant he would immediately retire from the Lakers, the team he had played for 12 seasons and won five NBA championships with. The announcement shocked the world, which at the time knew very little about HIV and AIDS. Many wrongly believed the disease only affected certain groups — mainly homosexuals and drug users — and often confused HIV with AIDS, which was widely seen as a death sentence. Advertisement Just weeks after Johnson's announcement, Freddie Mercury, the frontman of the legendary rock band Queen, died of bronchial pneumonia resulting from AIDS — a moment that only fueled public fear. For Magic, the shock of his own diagnosis was deeply personal. Suddenly, his biggest challenge was no longer facing rivals like Jordan or Isiah Thomas of the Detroit Pistons — now, the three-time MVP was fighting for his life. During the press conference, Magic promised to dedicate himself to fighting the deadly disease, turning his unexpected retirement into a powerful platform for awareness and change — a mission the now 65-year-old continues to this day. "I just want to say that I'm going to miss playing. And I will now become a spokesman for the HIV virus because I want people — young people — to realize that they can practice safe sex," he said. "You know, sometimes you're a little naive about it, and you think it could never happen to you. You only thought it could happen to, you know, other people and so on and all. And it has happened, but I'm going to deal with it, and my life will go on." Related: Kobe Bryant admitted resenting Michael Jordan when he first saw him play: "I don't like this kid 'cause Magic was my guy" Magic's news hit Kobe hard During that time, Bryant and his family were living in Europe, with Kobe and his sisters Sharia and Shaya attending a private school in Basel, Switzerland. This was because his father, the late Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, was playing professional basketball nearby in France for FC Mulhouse Basket. Interestingly, the former 6'9" forward ended his 13-year professional career just days after Johnson's announcement. Advertisement Even though the family was far from the United States and their roots in Philadelphia, they stayed closely connected to American culture and sports, mainly thanks to Kobe's grandparents. According to "Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant," they would often send packages filled with basketball tapes, popular TV shows and especially episodes of The Cosby Show, helping the Bryants feel at home despite the distance. Kobe's grandparents were also the ones who broke the shocking news about Magic. One evening in the fall of 1991, they called the family to say that the "Purple and Gold" star had revealed he was HIV positive and would be retiring from basketball. "The next morning, Pam and Joe broke the news to Kobe without going into the details of the disease that was forcing the Lakers star from the game. It didn't matter. The thirteen-year-old was crushed," wrote Lazenby. From heartbreak to purpose When Kobe heard the news from his parents, Joe and Pamela, he was devastated. It hit him hard — so much that he reportedly struggled to eat and spent over a week grieving in silence. Advertisement His heartbreak wasn't just about seeing his basketball idol, Magic, go through something so painful. Like many at the time, the young Kobe didn't fully understand what HIV meant, and the uncertainty scared him. However, rather than remain in confusion, the future five-time NBA champion with the Lakers made a decision: he would educate himself. "I was just trying to understand," said the 2008 Most Valuable Player. "I cried. I didn't know what it was about. I read some books, rented a movie on it. To see. As a kid you just don't know what to do. Hoping I could help him out in some type of way. It was very difficult." Back then, Bean didn't know how to deal with such a tough situation. But years later, he found a way to turn it into strength. The late Philadelphia native came to understand how quickly fame and attention could turn dangerous — especially considering the risky lifestyle Magic had once led, reportedly sleeping with 300 to 500 women every year. With this in mind, Kobe chose a different path. Advertisement "With me, it's simple," Bryant once said about staying away from temptation, explaining that he avoided it because "there's a lot I want to accomplish in my life." Related: Kobe Bryant said his mum, not his dad, shaped his on-court persona: "She's more like a pit bull"
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Letters to the Editor: Inmate firefighters deserve the chance of a meaningful career after incarceration
To the editor: If the Fire Act passes, thousands of current fire camp inmates trained in the best practices in fire prevention and active abatement will complete their incarceration with hope for meaningful employment anywhere in our nation ('Under Fire Act, inmate firefighters could have a new pipeline to employment,' May 27). In my seven years as chaplain to Fire Camp 13 in Malibu, I witnessed hundreds of women become empowered and renewed while protecting our forests, mountains and homes. They were the first responders to the plane crash that killed Kobe Bryant and his daughter and friends. They cleared brush and treated the site respectfully and sorrowfully. These women faced the Palisades and Eaton fires for us. With our gratitude, let these trained firefighters share their courage and skills anywhere in the USA. Nan Cano, Westlake Village .. To the editor: I applaud Reps. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles) and Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) for introducing a bill to fund, mentor and ensure long-term employment for former inmate firefighters. Years ago, I was appalled to learn how little we pay firefighters, and even less to inmates who also put their lives on the line fighting fires. Andony Corleto and other former inmates who have proven their mettle should be encouraged and helped toward a firefighter career. We need to prepare all inmates to rejoin society with the skills to make a decent living. My grandfather, who was a prison warden in Campeche, Mexico, way back in the 1930s, had prisoners learn to weave hammocks and opened a prison-run bakery. They did so well that some of the prisoners' wives asked my grandfather to keep them in prison beyond their sentences — they made more money there than they had ever made! Let's support this federal bill. Carmen Escamilla, San Juan Capistrano
Hypebeast
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
First Look at the Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low "Court Purple"
Name:Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low 'Court Purple'Colorway:Court Purple/Court PurpleSKU:IB0018-500MSRP:$150 USDRelease Date:2025Where to Buy:Nike Nikeexpanded itsKobe Bryant-themed footwear offerings last year by paying homage to the late superstar with two takes on theAir Force 1 Low. Since then, multiple sequel pairs have been rumored and Vanessa Bryant even unveiled a'Soft Yellow'colorway. Now, yet another take on the sneaker has surfaced, offering a 'Court Purple' version of the low-top sneaker. Our first look at the Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low 'Court Purple' is limited to a few low-res shots, however, several key elements are identifiable. One immediately realized detail is the color scheme, which stays true to its rich purple hue throughout the sneaker. A snakeskin-inspired upper is made apparent upon closer inspection, with the texture present throughout. Nods to Kobe come courtesy of a small version of his Sheath logo at the toe, resting just below a silver 'FOREVER' dubrae on the left shoe, likely combining with a 'MAMBA' one on the right, while an '8' callout hits one of the heel tabs again. At the time of writing, Nike has not yet announced its release plans for this Kobe Bryant-themed 'Court Purple' iteration of the Air Force 1 Low. Stay tuned for updates, including official images of the kicks, as we currently expect the pair to drop later this year via Nike SNKRS and select retailers at a starting price of $150 USD.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"His game needs to get to the Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan stage" - Jay Williams shares what Anthony Edwards needs to add to his game to be unstoppable
"His game needs to get to the Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan stage" - Jay Williams shares what Anthony Edwards needs to add to his game to be unstoppable originally appeared on Basketball Network. Anthony Edwards' game often evokes shades of Michael Jordan, but for Jay Williams, athleticism alone isn't enough. He argues that the ability to dominate from the post separates the Chicago Bulls legend. That's where Ant-Man's trajectory must go if he aims to fly in rarefied air. Advertisement "If you keep putting those highlights in a side-by-side box, we're gonna see something that talks about the next iteration of Ant," the ESPN analyst said on First Take. "In every play that you're going to see, it's him at the top of the key, him trying to dance off the dribble, him trying to take long threes. His game needs to go to the Kobe Bryant stage, the Michael Jordan stage." "If Anthony Edwards learns how to play with his back to the basket, the game will be over for the rest of the league," the former Duke Blue Devil declared. The pros and cons Ant has been known for his hops and highlight-reel plays from the get-go and gradually improved as a knockdown shooter from deep. He connected on nearly 40 percent of his 10.3 attempts from deep, almost doubling his rainbow output from the previous season. Advertisement As Edwards vowed to work extra hard this offseason, Williams thinks improving his post-up game should be time well spent. It will do wonders for reading double teams, creating opportunities for his teammates while providing opportunities for him to conserve energy. "You can see the double team coming off the left shoulder; if you're on the right side, you can see it coming off the right shoulder. You can hit pinpoint passes for threes. It actually sets up your teammates a ton better. And by the way, it increases your probability of getting to the free-throw line, and you don't exert much energy on offense trying to dance with the ball, trying to get to your spots," Williams explained. Of course, it would be fantastic for Edwards' game to diversify his portfolio, so to speak. That said, it doesn't come without challenges. Having two non-shooting bigs like Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle could congest the lane, limiting the 6'4 guard's space to operate. While Randle has adjusted better alongside Ant in the playoffs, Gobert's presence might undercut the very advantages a post-up game is meant to create. Moreover, defenses might easily collapse on him, forcing him to take tough, inefficient shots or commit turnovers. It could also detract from the Georgia product's natural strengths in transition and on the move, where his explosiveness is most effective. Over time, the physical toll of constant post-play could affect his durability, especially if he's matched against bigger, stronger defenders. Much work to be done Becoming a post-up savant like MJ or Kobe Bryant requires much work and a different mindset. Edwards barely plays in the post, as shown by the stats at Ant averaged only 0.4 post-ups a game in the 2024-25 season, which put him around the 26th percentile. Additionally, he scores only 0.86 points per possession in these opportunities, hitting 30.8 percent of his attempts. Advertisement Meanwhile, "The Black Mamba" and "His Airness" practically lived in the post, especially during their later years. Bryant even sought guidance from Hakeem Olajuwon to further refine his skills from that part of the floor, while Jordan's mid-post fadeaway was just as beautiful as it was deadly. If Edwards decides to embrace Williams' advice, he will be playing the long game. He must integrate new habits into his rhythm and figure out how to make them work with the personnel around him. However, as he continues to evolve, there's no harm in adding another weapon to the arsenal, especially one borrowed from the greats. Related: "Nobody's going to work harder than me this summer" - Anthony Edwards promises to bounce back after another WCF heartbreak This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
