Apr 21

Apr 21 Kobe Bryant: The Black Mamba

Kobe Bryant: Gone too soon and without a doubt, one of the greatest players in NBA history

In almost every aspect of life, and certainly, in the sports world, the number 24 is greater than the number 23.

Sports, however, has shown us all, especially in these times (social injustice, racism, the pandemic), that it has the power to transcend life.

While it has been important to note that this series of articles about the 10 Greatest Players In NBA History was never about where each player ranked on the list, there are a few interesting dynamics that have been created by this collection of greatness.

One such dynamic involves the late, great, Kobe Bryant, the latest entry of The Greatest Players In NBA History.

Kobe, Like Mike?

Kobe Bryant’s legendary status can be summed up with numbers, but the greatness of the late basketball superstar is almost immeasurable. One way that his career has been measured is in comparison to his idol Michael Jordan.

Long before Bryant retired, his career was linked with Jordan’s, and even after his untimely death. Jordan was God-like to Kobe growing up, like many fans of the NBA during the Jordan era.

Kobe walked like Mike, shot like Mike, and had Mike’s moves. It was no secret that the two stars had a mutual admiration for one another, to the point where they were often seen conversing on the court as opponents. They are also both considered to be in the Top 5 most clutch players in NBA History, so why would you not compare them then?

Jordan lifted the Larry O’Brien trophy 6 times. Kobe won 5 NBA championships with the LA Lakers. That alone should put Kobe in the conversation as the greatest NBA player of all time if most accounts have Jordan being the G.O.A.T.

Arise Mamba Arise!

Unfortunately, Kobe’s disposition and persona the “Mamba Mentality”, often celebrated, may have been the reason why he fell a little short when compared to Jordan. Bryant even wrote a book with the same title to enhance the on-court personality known as “Mamba”.

Kobe was a competitor above anything else. He wanted to win more than anyone. Bryant was willing to sacrifice anything and anyone that interfered with his quest for rings. Cursing at teammates, throwing elbows and fighting in practices, are reasons that Kobe was difficult to play with.

Bryant had a reputation for being hard on fellow teammates and challenging the mental fortitude of the coaching staff. Though it was all in the name of competitive spirit, his unwillingness to endear himself to his teammates, ultimately made acquiring key players through free agency very difficult.

Unapologetic and brash. Many other negative words have been associated with Kobe and his relationship with his fellow players. Kobe had a simple explanation for his behaviour towards his Lakers’ teammates, and that was if they could not handle physicality, verbal jabs, and the occasional fight in practice, how would they handle it coming from opponents in the playoffs?

Sexual Assault Case

Bryant’s image took a much bigger hit when he was charged with sexual assault in the off-season of 2003. Although the charges would eventually be dropped, and the case settled privately, the damage was done. To add insult to injury, Kobe would miss games due to having to make court appearances during the trial. At the very least, Kobe cheated on his wife. The worst-case scenario, we will never really know.

Kobe Bryant mural — Check out our dedicated NBA Blog

The Dynamic Duo - Kobe and Shaq

When Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal played together, their relationship could best be described as non-existent. Kobe and Shaq did not socialize off the court.

Dubbed by O’Neal as the “best 1-2 punch” of all time, the dynamic duo did not need to be friends in order to win. Their mentality was, do what you want outside of the court, when you wore that purple and gold, it was all business. They combined to build one of the greatest NBA teams of all-time.

It was when Shaq left Los Angeles for the Miami Heat that the true nature of their relationship was revealed.

The two former teammates exchanged shots and engaged in good old-fashioned verbal mud-slinging via the media for a few years after they last won the 3rd of three straight NBA championships. Eventually, the pair kissed and made up, denying that there ever was beef between them.

Once O’Neal had left the Lakers, now it was bestowed upon Bryant to somehow continue the organization’s winning ways. Kobe would naturally welcome the challenge and prove all of his doubters wrong.

Kobe cannot win without Shaq. He won 2 titles after O’Neal was traded, and will forever have one more than the loveable giant. This was a fact that the pair would come to tease each other about before Bryant’s passing.

Kobe Bryant’s Individual Awards

Kobe was all about winning, and every statistic was his domination in an effort to help his team win. As mentioned, Kobe won 5 NBA Championships. If you have the time, take a look at the late Mamba’s on-court stats, and decide for yourself where he ranks in basketball lore;

● 2x NBA Finals MVP

● 2008 NBA MVP

● 18x NBA All-Star

● 4x NBA All-Star Game MVP

● 11x All-NBA First Team

● 2x All-NBA Second Team

● 2x All-NBA Third Team

● 9x NBA All-Defensive First Team

● 3x NBA All-Defensive Second Team

● 2x NBA Scoring Champion

● 1997 NBA Slam Dunk Champion

Mr Clean!

Kobe would clean up his image with a trip to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. It was in China that Bryant emerged as both a leader to the plethora of stars who played alongside him on that team, and also as an inspiration.

Kobe and Team USA would win the gold medal in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics under Bryant’s leadership. Once again Kobe was the darling of the NBA.

Lights! Camera! Action!

Bryant retired in 2016, but before his death in 2020, he had accomplished some things individually that nobody expected. The largest of Kobe’s off-court accolades came in the form of an Academy Award.

In 2018, Bryant won the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film, Dear Basketball, directed and narrated by the star himself. Kobe was in the process of owning an animation production studio.

Tragedy - The Death of Kobe Bryant

At 9:45 AM on Sunday January 26th, 2020, Kobe Bryant, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and 7 other occupants died tragically in a helicopter crash. The announcement shocked not only the NBA, but his loss was felt throughout the sports world.

Various tributes around the globe in the form of wearing his signature shoes, to painting his likeness on murals, all attempted to show respect to the late legend. Kobe Bryant should be considered as, and will ALWAYS be one of The 10 Greatest Players In NBA History.