Whenever there is talk about Mamba Mentality, Kobe Bryant’s name sits at the top. A fierce competitor, who loved the game Kobe indulged himself in different workouts throughout his career to be one of the very best. In his 17th season at NBA, Bryant was determined to take the Los Angeles Lakers into the postseason. However, he tore his Achilles during a game against the Golden State Warriors. After the game, Kobe took to Facebook and vented out his frustration with the injury.
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Bryant had missed a total of 112 games due to injuries, which include minor and major injuries. Although he had injuries in perhaps every part of his body, his right leg went through a lot during his playing career. Two of his biggest injuries, which were Achilles tendonitis and a fractured knee, happened in the right leg. Despite many injuries, Kobe is known to have played through many of them.
When Kobe Bryant vented out his Achilles injury frustration on Facebook
After the Achilles injury, Kobe Bryant wrote a long Facebook post expressing his frustration while also putting the injury in perspective. He was pondering whether Father Time had defeated him or maybe finally caught up to him. He also questioned his will to come back and be the same mamba again. Perhaps, he didn’t believe that he could be himself again. But in the latter half, perhaps the Mamba woke up, but more of a believer. He wrote this,
“Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever. One day, the beginning of a new career journey will commence. Today is NOT that day. “If you see me in a fight with a bear, prey for the bear”. Ive always loved that quote. Thats “mamba mentality” we don’t quit, we don’t cower, we don’t run. We endure and conquer.”
Kobe’s Facebook Post after the injury: “If you see me in a fight with a bear, prey for the bear. I’ve always loved that quote. That’s ‘Mamba Mentality.’ We don’t quit. We don’t cower. We don’t run. We endure and conquer.” pic.twitter.com/w4mEmWtcwZ
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) April 12, 2022
9 YEARS AGO TODAY
Kobe Bryant tore his Achilles, knocked down 2 clutch FTS then walked off the floor in a win over the Warriors. Lakers trainer Gary Vitti said this was Kobe’s “gutsiest moment.”Kobe also hyperextended his knee earlier in the game & was nursing a sprained ankle. pic.twitter.com/ojdXrfyLvv
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) April 12, 2022
He also wrote that perhaps this season he will coach Vino talking and training the young core. Kobe was aiming for the postseason, and he believed that they would have success in the season. The Lakers went to the playoffs but were handed a 4-0 defeat by the Spurs in the first round.
Kobe still was the highest-paid player after his Achilles injury
After his Achilles injury, many believed that Kobe’s career was over with the Lakers. However, over time, he had become the most beloved superstar of the franchise. Bryant signed a two-year contract extension with the team in November 2013, which was worth $48.5 million. Even with a major injury, he was still the highest-paid player in the league.
Without a doubt, Kobe got what he deserved after an extensive career with the Lakers. The money that was paid to him was a testament to his worth to the franchise. The team had released a statement on the deal saying that they wanted Bryant to finish his career in Los Angeles with the Lakers.
