Kobe Bryant is finally calling it quits after giving the game of basketball 20 incredible seasons.
I’m sure by now, all the articles regarding Kobe Bryant have become redundant and just the thought of yet another person examining the successes of his career makes you want to just roll your eyes. Well, sorry to break it to you, but this is exactly what this is.
Anyone who knows me knows just how much I love Kobe Bryant. From the moment I watched as a wide-eyed 5-year old as Kobe and Shaq lifted their second consecutive Larry O'Brien trophy, I became entranced.
I wanted to be just like Kobe: the swagger, the no-nonsense attitude, the fire and passion that he approached every game with. I wanted others to look at me in awe, the same way opponents did to Kobe. The funny thing about my admiration for Kobe was that I didn’t even play organized basketball growing up.
As I child, I grew up playing soccer, and if I wasn’t at soccer practice, then I was either somewhere drawing or reading a book.
So if I didn’t play basketball, why would I want to be like Kobe?
His attitude. His drive. His desire to succeed.
I knew from an early age that I would never achieve the success that Kobe Bryant had in the world of sports. I say this not because I didn’t have the capability or the time to work as hard as he did in his respective sport, but because my mind was always intrigued by other areas of life. This realization helped me to see Kobe for what he truly was.
Kobe wasn’t just an athlete to me. Kobe was a mindset, Kobe was a championship mentality. Kobe was synonymous with success.
During his entire career, Kobe was always known for being a tough teammate. He was often reported as tough to play with, even deemed “uncoachable” at times. His constant serious attitude and unwillingness to change was the root of all this.
While he was very stubborn, coaches and players couldn’t help but marvel at Kobe. Always the first one in the gym, the last one out. Even in games where he struggled, he still kept shooting, at the expense of his teammates. It was clear to everyone around him that they were going to win either his way or no way at all.
On the surface, it sounds like Kobe was a rather selfish guy. At the very least many would agree that he might have let his ego get the best of him one time too many. But I disagree. I would just attribute all of these characteristics to his dedication and commitment to wanting to be the best. While it may have seemed like he was simply being stubborn to those around him, he was simply refusing to let anyone alter his methods regarding his work ethic and his preparation for success.
His attitude every season was simple. He believed he had a shot at winning a championship. He believed that he was going to play at an MVP level, and he was definitely going to work hard each and every day.
The way Kobe Bryant approaches the game of basketball should be the way that every person approaches his/her everyday life.
No excuses, no giving up. You should always know that there will be another opportunity for you to succeed, whether you choose to accept that fact or not. And you have to be a little selfish, because ultimately, you are responsible for your own success.
I used to sit down and wonder as a kid, how does he do it? How is Kobe so good? How is he so successful? How does he seem to not be fazed by anything?
Now, as I look back on Kobe's career, these very questions have all been answered.
Kobe always stuck to plan A. Plan B was never an option. Never changed his attitude. Never allowed the naysayers to affect the way he approached each game. He believed in himself when no one else did, and most importantly, he pushed himself to the limits by working hard every day.
Most people will hear the name Kobe Bryant in the future and will think back to all the amazing shots and highlights that he had during his illustrious career.
I will be the exception.
I will remember him for the lessons he taught me from afar. I will remember the heart and passion he played with, the intensity with which he trained, his relentless pursuit to be the best. Most importantly, I will remember that his efforts were not wasted. He enjoyed the fruits of his labor by winning 5 championships, scoring over 30,000 points, and numerous other awards.
No matter where I end up in this world, I will emulate Kobe Bryant. I will work hard, I won’t make excuses. I will always perform to the best of my best ability. I will be legendary at whatever I do. I won’t stop until I’m the best.
So thank you, Kobe Bryant. I know I speak for many of my generation when I say that you were my hero growing up. As Kevin Durant said the other day, “He was our Michael Jordan.” There is simply no better way to put it. Hopefully one day I can inspire someone else the way you inspired me all these years. You’re truly an inspiration. It's sad to see you leaving the game of basketball, but as they say, “All good things come to an end.”
Shooting paper balls into garbage cans and yelling “Kobe” just won’t be the same without you.
