Kobe Bryant, who died in a tragic helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, has inspired many players, fans, and analysts. Athletes from various sports are motivated by Bryant’s legacy. Many analysts and players often mention Bryant when discussing the greatest players of all time. Recently, a former Los Angeles Lakers star shared his thoughts on Bryant’s impact.
During a recent appearance on The Big Podcast With Shaq, Matt Barnes expressed his thoughts on Bryant’s ‘Mamba Mentality.’ He articulated how Mamba’s unyielding determination and fierce competitive spirit set a high bar for excellence and served as a profound source of inspiration for his teammates.
“I always say he had a ton of God-given ability, but I feel like he paid God back every day for how hard he worked with that ability,” Barnes said.
Barnes played with Bryant during his time with the Lakers. He emphasized that Mamba’s relentless drive motivated those around him to elevate their game and strive for greatness on and off the court. However, he was recently overlooked in a list of leading scorers by zone for the last 25 years.
Barnes Shines A Spotlight On Bryant’s Unmatched Dedication
Bryant’s mentality became a hallmark of his legacy, fostering a commitment to hard work that influenced many players’ careers. Bryant played his entire 20-year professional career with the Lakers. Mamba won five NBA championships, two NBA finals MVP awards, and the 2008 NBA MVP award during his career. During a discussion with former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal, Barnes highlighted Bryant’s strong work ethic.
“We always guard the best player to save his energy, but there would be times if that person hit one or two, man, get the f**k off, I’m going to guard that. So he’d be arguing with me and Ron on the court, who was going to guard the best player. So just his competitive nature and how hard he worked. I mean, I never got a chance to see that before or after.” Barness said.
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Bryant has been a powerful inspiration to countless individuals, largely because of his relentless Mamba mentality. Even after his passing, his influence on the sport and the lives of those he touched will continue to resonate.
Also Read: Mark Cuban Shockingly Reveals How Dallas Mavericks Almost Traded For Kobe Bryant In 2007
