Kobe Bryant (2024)

Kobe Bryant's Fade away jumpersteve.lanctot [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]“He could suck the air out of a rival's arena by leading a frenetic comeback or hitting a game-winning fadeaway jumper as the clock wound down. The work ethic was part of his DNA” (“Kobe Bryant" Biography.com). Kobe Bryant was known for his work ethic, determination and selflessness on the basketball court. His work ethic was unmatched to those around him. His mentality was unique compared to everyone else, because he was willing to do more than anyone else would do. “Kobe was born in Philadelphia, moved to Italy when he was 5, moved back to Philadelphia to attend high school at Lower MerionHigh School” (Kobe Bryant.” Notable). He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996. Kobe won multiple championships while on the Lakers, and he gained recognition as the arguable “GOAT.” Kobe’s work ethic was insane. He would be in the gym multiple hours before every practice and before anybody else got there. He would also keep teammates after practice to perfect his skills by playing one versus one to 100. Kobe Bryant possesses hard work and selflessness. He is willing to improve other people’s skills, basketball and life wise. Whether it is a teenager at a camp or an NBA player needing a mentor to improve their game, Kobe is willing to help anybody who asks and helps them to his fullest abilities. Kobe Bryant is a hero because he is a selfless and hardworking person. He works to make himself and others better. He always puts others first before himself.

Kobe Bryant would go to practice hours before it started, even when he was injured. He would keep teammates after practice to perfect his moves on them. His coach once found him in the gym two hours before practice, shooting in the dark. From then on he knew Kobe would be something special. Kobe Bryant had this energy about him that whenever you watched him play you would feel as if you were inside the game.Kobe Bryant took it on himself to carry his team to the victory. He is known for his hard work on and off the court, but without it he would be a nobody. Kobe showed his work ethic every time he stepped onto the court by willing himself and his team to win either by hitting a clutch shot or by his leadership and play-making ability. “Pro basketball player Kobe Bryant won five NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers while establishing himself as one of the game's all-time greats” (Kobe Bryant.” Notable). Kobe put in the work to win multiple championships. He did this by staying on the court after games and coming to practice early. He often stayed after games to put up shots no matter the outcome of the game. Kobe Bryant achieved multiple milestones and records in his career. He achieved these milestones by dedicating his life to the game of basketball.

Whenever Kobe got injured he would rush the recovery time. He did this because his team needed him. In his last couple seasons, he was prohibited from playing due to injuries. When he announced that he was retiring he said his mind was still sharp, still had the competitive spirit, but his body was broken and couldn't continue. Kobe was the type of player and scorer that without him his team wouldn't win as easily. “Laker guard Kobe Bryant had suffered an ankle injury earlier in the series. His ankle still was not as strong as it normally was. But Kobe knew his teammates needed him to play his best” (“Kobe Bryant “Biography.com). Kobe was more focused on his team and winning games that he risked his health and body for the benefit of his teammates and coaches. He knew his team needed him to play, so he endured the pain and suffering. This allowed his team to make the playoffs and eventually the NBA finals. Kobe worked hard to be the best version of himself and pushed his team to the victory, but his body couldn't handle it. “After suffering a torn Achilles tendon in April 2013, Bryant worked hard to return to the court before fracturing his knee just six games into the 2013-14 season. The veteran All-Star surpassed Michael Jordan for third all-time on the NBA scoring list in December 2014, but his season ended due to injury for the third straight year when he sustained a torn rotator cuff in January 2015“ (Kobe Bryant.” Notable). Every time he got injured, he would work harder than before to get back to where he was. Unfortunately his body couldn't sustain all the pressure he put on it. All the extra hours he stayed in the gym, and all the times he stayed after practice helped him perform better in games. Unfortunately he was plagued with injuries and it seemed like everything he did had gone to waste. Bryant’s selflessness allowed him to sacrifice his body for his team. He didn't care about the consequences that could occur, but only cared about making everybody around him better.

Characteristics of a hero include selflessness and hard work. Kobe possessed those exact characteristics. Kobe prioritized other people, and he puts his effort into making everyone around him better. He inspires others to perform at their greatest abilities. People can follow his example of a tremendous work ethic. Kobe Bryant was known for his insane hard work and work ethic. He was always the first one in the gym and the last one to leave. This shows his effort because he always wants to become better no matter how well he was playing or how bad he was playing. Kobe Bryant showed selflessness on the court, because he was always aware that he was one of the most important people on his team, so he worked to help his team win no matter how much pain he was in, he pushed through it. Kobe’s mentality of hard work was an inspiration to many people. “In 2004, the Lakers reached the NBA finals, but lost four games to one to the Detroit Pistons... The team kept Bryant, and signed him on to a seven-year, $136 million contract extension. Bryant enjoyed All-Star status again in 2005... The following year, Bryant continued his stellar performances on the court. For the 2005-06 season, he was the NBA's scoring champion with an impressive average of 35.4 points per game” (Kobe Bryant.” UXL). Even after a disappointing loss in the finals against the Pistons, Kobe was still determined to redeem himself and his team. His mindset is an inspiration to many people to work the hardest you possibly can. Kobe Bryant motivates me to work the hardest I can in academics and sports. Whenever I want to quit, I push through knowing my body is capable of far more than I will it to. Kobe Bryant can inspire others to be the best versions of themselves. His work ethic can be an example of what we can achieve with our maximum potential. Kobe Bryant’s hard work is evident when he’s on the court, because his mindset allows him to do whatever he sets himself to do.

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Kobe Bryant (2024)

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