It is often said that Kobe Bryant is the closest anyone has been to emulating Michael Jordan but Kobe was even more than that for so many athletes. In a recent chat with HoopsHype, former NBA guard Greivis Vasquez explained how Bryant made such a strong impact in his life and his own NBA career.
"Someone who means everything to me is Kobe Bryant," said Vasquez. "Unfortunately, he’s no longer with us physically, but his spirit lives on. The Mamba Mentality is a lifestyle. Kobe’s approach, education, and willpower were extraordinary. He’s the definition of a winner. For me, Kobe is even more significant than Michael in terms of lifestyle. He was a different guy. He spoke three or four different languages and even spoke to me in Spanish a few times. Coming from Caracas, Venezuela, and playing against your hero – money can’t buy that. I don’t take that for granted.”
Kobe Bryant made plenty of enemies on the court but his determined and relentless playstyle also earned him quite a lot of fans. Dubbed the "mamba mentality," Kobe's competitive nature became a legend in the NBA community and drew comparisons to Michael Jordan's own willpower.
When Jordan retired from the game in 2003, he was already considered the GOAT by the vast majority of fans. His run with the Bulls resulted in six championships and one of the most dominant stretches in NBA history. His resume as a 6x champion, 5x MVP, and 14x All-Star is unmatched today, and his legacy will forever be enshrined in the history books.
Vasquez watched Michael for years growing up, but he got to play against Kobe Bryant during his 7-year career from 2010 to 2017. Clearly, what he experienced in that stretch was enough to rank Kobe in the same breath as the Chicago Bulls legend.
On the court, Bryant could do everything that Michael could and he proved it with averages of 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game on 447% shooting. He led the Lakers to five championships over 20 years and built a devoted population of fans who defend him to this day.
The best thing about Kobe, however, was his iconic approach to the game that involved getting almost personal with the competition. While Jordan had a similar level of ruthless competitiveness, Kobe took it to another level and became known for the way he would treat every game with urgency and desperation.
Bryant set the standard for work ethic across the league and he was somebody who constantly challenged those around him to be their best. Throughout his career in the NBA, and even after his retirement, Kobe was constantly competing for the win and he had a way of inspiring greatness in those around him.
Today, Bryant is no longer around to share his words of inspiration or wisdom but his beliefs and traditions will be carried on by all those who Bryant touched during his life. Greivis Vasquez is just one of the many names who looked up to Bryant and he still honors his legacy every chance that he gets.
