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Kobe Bryant has the reputation of being one of the fiercest competitors in the history of professional sports. No matter the situation, whether his team was winning, losing or even if he was just trying to gain an advantage on a future opponent, Bryant was locked in. Throughout his famed career, the term "Mamba Mentality" was used to describe his intense gamesmanship.
Needless to say, the fierce competitiveness of Bryant often resulted in some tense moments during games and practice. When Shaquille O'Neal parted ways with the LA Lakers, many surmised that the tension with Bryant was to blame. With O'Neal frequently coming into training camps in less-than-ideal shape, tension between him and Bryant continued to build.
The way Bryant's former teammate Lamar Odom saw things, it was hard for the Black Mamba to get along with players who weren't as committed. Given that Bryant would often be seen going to work out in the wee hours of the morning while other players were just getting back from partying, it's no surprise he held teammates to a high standard.
Odom spoke during a recent interview to reflect on his time spent on the same team as Bryant, saying:
"Yeah, he's sick. It was hard for him to get along with guys that you know didn't want it as bad as he did."
The comments came on a recent episode of the "Bootleg Kev Podcast," which can be seen below. Odom's comments regarding Bryant open the video.
Kobe Bryant's Mamba Mentality
Kobe Bryant put his Mamba Mentality on display countless times during his storied career. After parting ways with Shaquille O'Neal, many thought that Bryant's time atop the NBA was over. Without one of the most dominant big men in the history of the game, how would he win?
Bryant answered that question as only he could, with his actions. With a less-than-stellar team, the Black Mamba elevated his game with Pau Gasol at his side and won two more NBA titles. It was the "Mamba Mentality" personified: a perfect example of what one man can do when he sets his mind to it.
Years later, when Bryant tore his Achilles tendon midway through a game, he walked to the other end of the court and knocked down a pair of free throws. Rather than concede to the injury and go back to the locker room, Bryant showed fans just how much two free throws can mean to a player.
When he returned from injury, despite playing in just 35 games during the 2014-15 season, Bryant averaged 22.3 points per game, picking up right where he left off. The following year, during his farewell tour, Bryant gave fans a moment to remember when he exploded for 61 in his final game.
Long after his untimely and tragic death, Kobe Bryant and his Mamba Mentality will continue to live on. Both in the stories that live on through fans, and the stories that live on through his former teammates.
Below you can see highlights of Bryant's legendary career.
