Kobe Bryant, the legendary Los Angeles Lakers icon, remains a towering figure in basketball history. His legacy and the relentless "Mamba Mentality" continue to inspire today's players.
But what truly set him apart? Lamar Odom recently offered some insight during an episode of the AMP Sports Original Series “Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady.”
Odom and McGrady revealed that Bryant would often tell himself, “I’m better than Mike,” a mantra that fueled his legendary clutch performances.
Odom shared, “He was on a streak - hitting game-winners and walk-offs. After his ninth, in Milwaukee, the adrenaline was still pumping, and he was murmuring to himself, ‘I’m better than Mike.’” McGrady added that Bryant had been saying this since he was 19, highlighting his unwavering confidence.
Odom's story likely refers to Bryant's incredible clutch performances during the 2009-10 season, where he delivered six game-winning shots. One memorable moment was a buzzer-beating, one-legged three-pointer over Dwyane Wade. Even with an avulsion fracture in his right index finger, Bryant didn’t let that stop him, securing another thrilling game-winner against the Milwaukee Bucks.
In another twist, ESPN’s Baxter Holmes recently uncovered the surprising origin of the "Black Mamba" nickname. Originally intended for Michael Jordan, Nike pitched the name to him five years before Bryant adopted it. Jordan declined due to his fear of snakes, leaving the moniker for Bryant, who embraced it fully.
While Bryant may no longer be with us, his incredible stories and legacy continue to resonate throughout the league, leaving an indelible mark on basketball and its fans.