What Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality” Can Teach Us
This morning in training, we talked about Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality.” We discussed how some players took the opportunity to train with him while he was still alive. Many were surprised by his relentless work ethic—his early morning workouts, his focus on fundamentals, and his commitment to mastering the smallest details of the game.
Kobe didn’t just train hard; he trained with purpose. He believed that greatness wasn’t built on talent alone but on an obsession with improvement. That mindset attracted some of the best players in the NBA to seek him out as a mentor.
Who Trained with Kobe?
Some of the most notable players who trained with him include:
• Kawhi Leonard – 2× NBA Champion (2014, 2019)
• Kyrie Irving – 1× NBA Champion (2016)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo – 1× NBA Champion (2021)
• Dwyane Wade – 3× NBA Champion (2006, 2012, 2013)
• Jayson Tatum – 1x NBA Champion
These players weren’t just looking for a casual workout session—they wanted to understand the mentality that made Kobe one of the greatest of all time. They trusted his process because they saw the results it produced.
Why Did They Want to Train with Kobe?
One word: trust. They trusted his process because they knew it set him apart and led to his success.
Kobe Bryant is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history. His list of accolades speaks for itself:
• 5 NBA Championships (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010)
• 1 NBA MVP Award (2008)
• 2 NBA Finals MVP Awards (2009, 2010)
• 18× NBA All-Star
• Scored 81 points in a single game (2006), the second-most in NBA history
Kobe’s work ethic was legendary. He would wake up at 4 AM to get in extra workouts before his team’s scheduled practice. He believed in mastering the fundamentals, often spending hours perfecting a single move. His dedication set a standard that players like Kawhi, Kyrie, and Giannis wanted to learn from.
The One Who Said No
Famously, Russell Westbrook turned down the opportunity to train with Kobe. According to reports, Kobe saw Westbrook’s potential and wanted to help him refine his game, but Russ opted not to take the opportunity.
Why would he do that? Pride. Maybe he believed he didn’t need Kobe’s help because he trusted his own process. Westbrook has had an impressive career—he’s an NBA MVP and one of the most athletic point guards the league has ever seen. But there’s one thing he has never accomplished:
Winning an NBA championship.
It makes me wonder: If he had trained with Kobe, would things be different?
Applying This to Our Own Lives
Thinking about this made me reflect on my own career. Who are the successful people around me, and what can I learn from their process?
No matter what industry you’re in—business, sports, music, or ministry—there’s always someone you can learn from. But here’s the real question:
Is pride getting in the way of your growth?
Are you refusing to seek guidance because you think you already know enough? Are you missing out on valuable lessons from those who have already achieved what you’re striving for?
Kobe was willing to teach, but not everyone was willing to learn. Don’t let pride keep you from leveling up. Seek out mentors, trust the process, and put in the work.
Greatness isn’t just about talent—it’s about the willingness to learn, adapt, and grow.
