Kobe Bryant was different from everyone else. He had the adoration and respect of the Hall of Fame. So how do you take this man to the next level?
Kobe Bryant, the name itself should take you back to a time when he was throwing faded jumpers in the final seconds of the game. Clutch. Winner. Type of poisonous snake.
The man was tenacious, to say the least. A man whose name has become synonymous with mental toughness, Kobe is the inspiration behind Netflix’s latest documentary, the redemption team.
While the entire film features stars like Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Carmelo Anthony, the spotlight is firmly on Kobe Bryant. Team USA had failed a lot at the Olympics before and this time, Bryant wanted to make sure he won gold.
So the challenges were set in the form of Argentina and Spain. The latter was easier to tackle. The first had his number. Argentina won the gold medal in Athens.
Also read: Vanessa Bryant and Pau Gasol spoke about Kobe Bryant’s weakest hour: “The first time I saw (him) cry, it was difficult!”
Kobe Bryant got angry when he found out that the media said that Manu Ginóbili was the best base 2 in the world 😭🔥 #ElEquipoRedeem
Carmelo: “When Kobe saw that quote he went from Kobe Bryant to black mamba”
Kobe: “Listen, I have Ginobili! This shit ends tonight.” pic.twitter.com/2dRkLZxPRC
— Shannonnn Sharp Burner (@shannonsharpeee) October 8, 2022
Kobe Bryant, the definition of toughness and how Coach K used that to push him
When Team USA was about to take on Argentina, Coach Mike Krzyzewski, or Coach K as he was affectionately called, knew exactly how to get the team going.
At that time, Manu Ginobili was among the top 2 shooting guards in the NBA. And at a time when 2 shooting guards like Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade carried the torch in the NBA, Manu arrived from the Euroleague and wreaked havoc.
Nobody liked that he was good and that he was in top shape. Coach K placed clippings of the media opinions on everyone’s seats before watching the tape. To piss off Kobe Bryant, he put up one saying that Manu was the best 2 shooting guard in the world.
In the words of Carmelo Anthony “When Kobe (had) seen that quote he passed from Kobe Bryant to the black mamba“. The rest is history.
Also read: How the heck did Kobe Bryant get his name?
“The Redeem Team” on Netflix shows the tenacity of the Lakers legend
As the game progressed, Team USA looked different. They were all fired, particularly Bryant, who took on the job of protecting Ginobili. And it was so effective that Ginobili left the game hurt.
It was smooth sailing after that. Bryant led Team USA to a gold medal. And he established himself as arguably the best leader on any Team USA squad. He led by example and in a country where his popularity was far beyond imagination, he delivered.
Kobe Bryant’s popularity in China with the Redeem Team 👀 pic.twitter.com/8AUCScd2wO
— Kobe highlights and motivation (@kobehighlight) October 8, 2022
