professional basketball player (1978-2020)
I create my own path. It was straight and narrow. I looked at it this way: you were either in my way, or out of it.
KOBE BRYANT
Los Angeles Times, April 13, 2016
I don't want to be the next Michael Jordan, I only want to be Kobe Bryant.
KOBE BRYANT
Los Angeles Times, August 11, 1996
When I was young, my mindset was image, image, image. I took that approach with the media. As I became more experienced I realized: No matter what, people are going to like you or not like you. So be authentic, and let them like you or not for who you actually are.
KOBE BRYANT
The Mamba Mentality: How I Play
I have self-doubt. I have insecurity. I have fear of failure. I have nights when I show up at the arena and I'm like, 'My back hurts, my feet hurt, my knees hurt. I don't have it. I just want to chill.' We all have self-doubt. You don't deny it, but you also don't capitulate to it. You embrace it.
KOBE BRYANT
Los Angeles Times, May 6, 2012
Everything negative -- pressure, challenges -- is all an opportunity for me to rise.
KOBE BRYANT
Los Angeles Times, December 14, 2015
I'm not the most talented. I'm not the tallest. I'm not the strongest. But I will outwork you.
KOBE BRYANT
Los Angeles Times, February 16, 2015
If you're afraid to fail, then you're probably going to fail.
KOBE BRYANT
Los Angeles Times, July 12, 2012
I realize now that there's a strength in dunking that I can use to my advantage. When you dunk all the time it isn't as demoralizing to the opponent, but when you dunk at a key moment in the game you can use it to change the momentum.
KOBE BRYANT
interview, March 2001
I can't relate to lazy people. We don't speak the same language. I don't understand you. I don't want to understand you.
KOBE BRYANT
Los Angeles Times, May 12, 2016
The motivation for me is just the game itself, just playing the game the right way and trying to win, compete every time I step out there on the floor. That's motivation enough for me to go out there and play well.
KOBE BRYANT
interview, February 15, 2004
I have my own identity ... The whole Michael thing does drive me nuts sometimes because people won't leave it alone. He's bald, I have hair. He's almost 40, I'm 22. Seriously though, I wish people would let it be and let me just be Kobe.
KOBE BRYANT
interview, March 2001
Life is too short to sit around and hold grudges; it doesn't make any sense to do it.
KOBE BRYANT
Seattle Times, November 13, 2005
You always have to be on edge. You always have to take every practice, every game, like it is your last.
KOBE BRYANT
interview, March 1, 2005
The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.
KOBE BRYANT
Los Angeles Times, October 4, 2015
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.
KOBE BRYANT
attributed, Team Work: Rediscovering the Essence of Basketball
The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.
KOBE BRYANT
Los Angeles Times, December 17, 2015
It doesn't matter to me what place I get traded to. If I was traded someplace -- I'd play anywhere.
KOBE BRYANT
interview, February 15, 2004
I focus on one thing and one thing only--that's trying to win as many championships as I can.
KOBE BRYANT
Los Angeles Times, June 14, 2009
I'm chasing perfection.
KOBE BRYANT
Los Angeles Times, January 22, 2002
I'm reflective only in the sense that I learn to move forward. I reflect with a purpose.
KOBE BRYANT
Los Angeles Times, November 28, 2015