In his interview on the The Brilliant Idiots podcast, Russ explained what makes Kobe Bryant legendary in very simple and clear words; he left a mentality.
Kobe Bryant embodied the Mamba Mentality; the ultimate mantra for a competitive spirit. The Mamba Mentality is all about focusing on the things that matter the most and putting in the hard work necessary. Kobe Bryant worked on being the best version of himself in every way possible.
The Mamba Mentality
Beyond this intentional hard work, Kobe Bryant also believed in the need to inspire people to greatness, and this was evident in his relationship with other athletes and the younger generation. To Kobe Bryant, inspiring the next generation is the key creating something that will last generations.
“Now, championships come and go. But if you really want to create something that last generations, you have to help inspire the next generation. And they create something great, and then that generation will inspire the one behind them. And that’s when you create something forever. And that’s what’s most beautiful.”
The Legacy
To say his demise is devastating is an understatement. Basketball fans, who have had Kobe Bryant posters on their walls since they were kids and who were influenced by him to either play the game or love the game, lost an icon. People at Bryant Stibel lost a partner, an investor, an entrepreneur and creative visionary. Vanessa and her daughters lost a key part of their lives impossible to replace. The world lost a hero. We take comfort in the fact that, to the very end, he was focused on something that mattered a lot to him, his daughter.
So, if you are reading this, here is how we would celebrate Kobe Bryant’s life; we put our very best into thing that matter the most to us, and we commit to becoming the best we can be. And to everyone that holds a position of influence over basketball in Nigeria, think about what people would say about your impact on the game when you pass on.
Rest easy, Kobe Bean Bryant. We are certain that if heaven does not have a basketball court, you will create one. Nobody can stop you from playing one-on-one with Gigi.
The End
Photo Cred - Getty Images
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