Kobe Bryant: Most Influential Person in Basketball
Kobe Bryant was an NBA legend and one of the most successful, influential players of all time. But who was Kobe Bryant’s biggest influence in basketball?
Michael Jordan
Kobe Bryant has always credited Michael Jordan as his major inspiration and mentor. He was molded after the legendary player and even traded jerseys with him on the court. Kobe and Jordan were the greatest one-two punch in the NBA and Kobe was dubbed the “Black Mamba” after the nickname “Air Jordan”.
Jordan has always been supportive of Bryant and paying homage to his legacy even after Kobe’s passing.
Magic Johnson
Kobe was also influenced by former Lakers player Magic Johnson. Magic encouraged Kobe to be an all-around player on the court and develop skills in every aspect of the game. Kobe was also known for his trash-talking on the court which he learned from Magic, who was one of the greatest trash-talkers in NBA history.
Phil Jackson
Kobe Bryant worked with legendary coach Phil Jackson, who instilled within him the desire to win and stay focused during tough circumstances. He taught Bryant the value of team play and how to be a leader, which would become invaluable later in his career and help Kobe elevate the Lakers to multiple championships.
Shaquille O’Neal
One of Kobe’s biggest influences was Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq was Kobe’s rival and teammate at the same time, and both players went on to have successful careers. The two played a major role in helping the Lakers win 3 consecutive titles and help Kobe become one of the most successful and influential players in history.
Conclusion
Kobe Bryant was a legendary player who was inspired and influenced by the greats such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Phil Jackson, and Shaquille O’Neal. He developed his skills and drive from each of these icons in order to become one of the most successful and influential basketball players of all time.