During his playing days, Kobe Bryant made a name for himself as one of fiercest competitors the NBA has seen. He was popularly known for having the drive to always want to win every game he played in for the Los Angeles Lakers, bagging five championships in his illustrious career.

Kobe Bryant
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One of his best traits as a player, something that opponents feared is having the “killer instinct,” allowing Bryant to take over games and show no mercy to their opponents until the final buzzer has already sounded.

When asked by his former teammate in Hall of Fame center Shaquille O'Neal what motivated him to have such instinct, Bryant recalled growing up in Italy and being isolated from the other kids the same age as him.

Being the only African-American boy there and not knowing how to speak the language yet, it isolated Bryant and only fit in when he was playing basketball. Instead of having a negative impact on him though, it served as the main reason for him to be the competitor that the Lakers great turned out to be.

In the closing seconds of games, Bryant was never shy to ask for the ball and take the most important shot for the Lakers. He has already made a number of game-winning baskets for them, earning the nickname “The Black Mamba” for being cold-blooded and not feeling any pressure during those moments.

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The former MVP retired after the 2015-16 season, leaving a long list of awards and honors behind.

kobe bryant
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The Lakers legend has won five championships and two Finals MVP trophies, along with 19 All-Star and 15 All-NBA Team selections, among other incredible accolades he has amassed.

Bryant is truly a once-in-a-lifetime type player, not only for his basketball skills but also for the mentality that he exuded on the hardwood which he adapted from an important life experience.