Sometimes it’s good to remember just how driven, talented, and special Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers was.
There is no doubt that he’s easily one of the greatest to ever play the game and one of the most iconic Lakers in history.
But beyond the glitz, glamor, and five championship rings, Bryant had something truly special: a work ethic that was and still is unparalleled.
“What’s there to be happy about… Jobs not finished.”
On this date in 2009, Kobe Bryant's Mamba mentality even when up 2-0 in the NBA Finals against the Magic 😤pic.twitter.com/aav9YE2HAh
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) June 8, 2022
It was on full display back in 2009, when Bryant and his Lakers took a 2-0 lead in the Finals against the Orlando Magic.
Being up two games was massive and a huge indicator that the Lakers would eventually be champions.
Yet, Bryant wasn’t even remotely ready to celebrate.
Following Game 2, he was asked if he was happy with the team’s back-to-back wins.
His response was simple: “What’s there to be happy about? Job’s not finished.”
This was classic Bryant and was a major part of his success in the league and in life.
Mamba Mentality
There have been many great players in the NBA but few were as dedicated to the game as Bryant.
From his first game to this last, he lived and breathed basketball and accepted nothing but the very best from himself and his teammates.
Make no mistake: Bryant would celebrate and there are plenty of images of him joyously dancing around and parading with a huge smile on his face.
But he only did when victory was actually claimed and not a second before.
He was the epitome of someone who put his head down, pushed himself to the brink, and never let up until the final second ticked down.
We could all use some Mamba Mentality in our lives.
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