Kobe Bryant is one of the most beloved NBA players of all time. The Black Mamba was known for his skill, tenacity, and his competitive spirit. He was the type of player that refused to give up. The type that both fans and haters loved to watch.
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Regardless of pain or suffering, Kobe was always on the court. He lived and breathed basketball, but more importantly, he played through it all for the fans. After all, at one point in time, he was a young fan himself, and his favorite player was Michael Jordan.
The GOAT was Bryant’s inspiration, he loved watching him play and always relished the chance to see him live in action. So, when people ask him why he never took a break? His response is simple. He does not want to disappoint his fans, especially the ones who’d saved up just to watch him in action.
Kobe Bryant did not take breaks because he did not want to disappoint his fans
In this day and age, “load management” has become a major practice in the NBA. Players all around the league are making use of it. Taking breaks from action for the simplest of reasons. It’s a practice deplored by fans.
Gone are the days when players would step onto the court for the love of the game regardless of injury. A perfect example is Kobe Bryant. The Black Mamba did not care about the risk of injury. All he cared about was playing the game and playing for his fans.
It was something he learned when he was a young fan himself. As his wife Vanessa Bryant revealed at his Hall of Fame induction, Kobe loved watching his favorite player Michael Jordan play. So, when thousands of fans were paying good money to watch him play, he could not disappoint.
“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 favorite player play. Kobe didn’t want to disappoint his fans. Especially the ones in the 300 sections that saved up to watch him play. The kids with the same excitement he once had. I remember asking him why he couldn’t just 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 the fans.”
Kobe was one of the greatest players of all time. A man who loved the game of basketball and loved his fans even more.
As Vanessa Bryant gave the speech, she gave a glance at MJ while talking about Kobe’s favorite player. A nod to their relationship.
Kobe once stepped back onto the court just to take free throws in spite of an Achilles injury
If there were any questions regarding Kobe Brynat’s dedication to the game and to his fans, they can be silenced with one clip. On April 12, 2013, The Black Mamba suffered an Achilles injury. Nevertheless, he limped back onto the court to take a pair of clutch free throws, helping the Lakers to victory over the Golden State Warriors.
The man was an absolute legend. A player who cared very little for the future of his career and would rather focus on securing victory in the now. A true competitor.
