Apart from being one of the best players in NBA history, Kobe Bryant is also well known for his nickname “The Black Mamba” and his mindset know as “Mamba Mentality.” While many understand it as giving their best effort to win, it remains unclear where and how it started.
Bryant recently shed light to it and shared via Andrew McNicol of South China Morning Post, that it was inspired by Bruce Lee’s philosophy on Jeet Kune Do. He then talked about adaptability and having the skills to quickly react to some things that he learned from it.
“The one thing – among many – that I have learned from Bruce’s philosophy of Jeet Kune Do is being able to adapt,” Kobe tells the Post. “It’s about having the fundamental skills available so that you can react to any situation.”
The Los Angeles Lakers legend also admitted that Lee had a big role in his life and served as an inspiration to him growing up. From his books to his movies, Bryant read and saw them all, which helped him become a better person.
“Bruce Lee was always one of my muses growing up. I’ve read everything he’s ever written; I’ve watched every film he’s ever been in, and I’ve watched pretty much every interview he’s ever done.
“He was really big on sharing his knowledge and hoped he could inspire. Not to learn how to fight, but through the art of fighting, learn how to be a better person. That’s what I want to pass on to the future generations.”
The former MVP and five-time champion has not been shy to let his fans know that he is his fan. He even paid tribute to him with some colorways of his signature shoes in the past, which goes to show how big his influence was to him. Before the martial artist and actor died in 1973, he was one of the most famous celebrities that time and also had a huge following all over the world. However, he was still known for being humble and continued to teach his martial arts to his instructors.
The generation of today may not be familiar with Lee anymore, but with Bryant’s stature and the millions of fans he has, it could make more people research and learn from him. The Little Dragon lived a very colorful life and now that Bryant himself made it known that he is a fan of him, it proves that his legacy still lives and may even grow further now that one of the most popular basketball players ever admits to look up to him.
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