Kobe Bryant shares his experiences, mindset, and work ethic that contributed to his success in basketball. At 17, he was drafted into the NBA and was determined to become one of the best players. He had a "kill list" of players he wanted to surpass and would study their games, strengths, and weaknesses.
Bryant emphasizes the importance of discipline, hard work, and self-awareness in achieving his goals. He talks about how he would tailor his training program to prepare for an 82-game season and how he would analyze his performance to identify areas for improvement.
Bryant also shares how he balanced his career with family life, citing the importance of setting an example for his children and being present for them despite his demanding schedule. He mentions how his wife, Vanessa, is equally competitive and supportive of his career.
The conversation also touches on how Bryant handled injuries and pain during his career, using the analogy of a hamstring injury to illustrate how he would prioritize his family's well-being over his own physical limitations. Bryant concludes by emphasizing the importance of leading by example as a parent and showing his children how to overcome obstacles to achieve their goals.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Kobe Bryant was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th pick in the 1996 NBA Draft.
2. Kobe Bryant was 17 years old when he was drafted.
3. Kobe Bryant attended Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania.
4. Kobe Bryant made a deal with himself to become the best basketball player at 13 years old.
5. Kobe Bryant had a "kill list" of 56 players ranked above him, and he aimed to surpass them.
6. Kobe Bryant's vertical jump was 40 inches, not 46 or 45.
7. Kobe Bryant's hands were big but not massive.
8. Kobe Bryant's wife, Vanessa, is a stay-at-home mom and is very competitive.
9. Kobe Bryant's daughters, Natalia and Gianna, were very young when he was playing in the NBA.
10. Kobe Bryant would often play games despite being injured or feeling unwell.
11. Kobe Bryant had a hamstring injury that was very painful, but he continued to play.
12. Kobe Bryant's decision to retire from basketball was made on his own terms.