“Kobe Bryant didn’t want to disappoint his fans”: Vanessa Bryant’s words are proof of why the Black Mamba is so beloved by NBA fans

Vanessa Bryant revealed why the Lakers legend Kobe Bryant would insist on playing basketball even through injuries.

Kobe Bean Bryant was not only one of the greatest basketball players ever, but also was one of the most celebrated athletes in the whole world. While personifying his famous “Mamba Mentality” ideology, he also instilled the never-back-down philosophy in his millions of fans around the globe.

Having an illustrious 20-year-long career, the Mamba gave his fans several occasions to cherish. His first three-peat, 81-point match against Toronto, his next two championships and finally his farewell 60-point game. It was obvious that Bryant left it all on the floor every match of his career.

Retired as a 5-time champion, 2-time Finals MVP, a league MVP and 18-time All-Star, it was only about time that he was enshrined in the prestigious Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. And talking on behalf of the Lakers legend was his widow, Vanessa Bryant. As many anticipated, she managed to deliver a heart-touching speech on Saturday night’s event.

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“Kobe really loved his fans”: Vanessa Bryant on why the Mamba would be hell-bent on playing through injuries

Kobe was a killer. He had a tough mentality and work ethic which set him apart from the rest. All Bean wanted to do was be the best version of himself and win at all costs. Despite all his worldly successes, Kobe never failed to give his fans as well as doubters tons of credits.

We have seen many instances when the 6-foot-6 guard played through injuries. Knocking down two clutch free throws on a ruptured Achilles, snapped back his broken finger and even played through the flu. In Vanessa’s heartwarming speech she revealed why the Los Angeles GOAT would play through such gruesome injuries and his selfless answer – for the fans.

“People don’t know this, but one of the reasons my husband played through injuries and pain was because he said he remembered being a little kid, sitting in the nosebleeds with his dad to watch his favourite player play (looking at Michael Jordan). “He could recall the car ride, the convos and the excitement of being lucky enough to have a seat in the arena. Kobe didn’t want to disappoint his fans, especially the ones in the 300 section that saved up to watch him play, the kids with the same excitement he once had.”

“I remember asking him why he just couldn’t sit a game out because he was hurting. He said, ‘What about the fans who saved up to watch me play just once?’ He never forgot about his fans. If he could help it, he would play every minute of every game. He loved you (the fans) all so much.”

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We are truly blessed to be an integral part of the legendary life of Kobe Bryant.