Kobe Bryant: Influenced by Those Around Him
Kobe Bryant was one of the best basketball players to ever play the game. Throughout his successful career, he was strongly influenced by those around him to help him become the player he was. Who were those influential people that Kobe looked up to in the game of basketball?
1. Michael Jordan
The first person that Kobe looked up to was legendary player Michael Jordan. Kobe has never made a secret of the impact that Michael had on him. He watched Jordan play as a child and used Jordan’s technique as a benchmark for his own game. Kobe cited Jordan’s intensity and drive to be the best as the main traits he looked up to and wished to emulate.
2. Magic Johnson
Kobe also cited Magic Johnson as a major influence. Johnson’s style of play and passion for the game really won Kobe over, as Kobe has often discussed. Magic’s uncanny ability to make all of his teammates around him better was something that Kobe was always striving for.
3. Jimmy Jazz
Jimmy Jazz, whom Kobe met when he was in high school, was another important influence. Kobe worked with Jimmy on his defense and passed the ball better. He noted that Jimmy taught him the importance of getting help from those who know the game better than himself.
4.His Parents
Kobe’s parents were also a huge influence in his life. His mother, Pamela, played college basketball and his father, Joe Bryant, played in the NBA. They both taught him a lot about the game, especially the work ethic it took to become successful.
Conclusion
Kobe was highly influenced by those around him, from the legendary stars of the game to his own family. These influences helped Kobe become one of the best players in the history of the NBA and will live on in basketball for years to come.
Key Takeaways:
- Kobe Bryant was strongly influenced by his elders and mentors in the game of basketball, such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Jimmy Jazz.
- His parents helped Kobe gain knowledge and wisdom from the game, instilling in him the work ethic it took to become successful.
- The influence that Kobe garnered from those around him shaped how basketball is played today.
