Kobe Bryant was the voice that froze the whole league anytime he spoke. In the 2000s and 2010s, Bryant enjoyed legendary levels of fame and respect. Kobe was a ?Big Brother? to many stars in the league. An example of Kobe’s greatness, the Black Mamba shared some beautiful words of wisdom with a 10x All-Star before their final matchup in the league.
The 39-year-old veteran, who was one of Kobe?s teammates from the famed Redeem team, was also saved by the 5x NBA champion from pressing questions by the media back in the day.
Kobe Bryant’s enduring message to 10x All-Star
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The great Kobe Bryant played his last game in the NBA in 2016. The Los Angeles Lakers legend brought out his 100% and undeniable love for the game each time he stepped on the court. Known for his ?Mamba Mentality?, Kobe always inspired people around him. In his final matchup against the New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony reflected on the message and the lessons Kobe gave him.
Anthony was an integral part of the Redeem Team and was close to the Black Mamba. During their time together, Kobe imparted a great deal of wisdom to the Knicks legend. According to Anthony, the most essential lesson Kobe gave was to own up to everything which comes in the way.
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?We always talk about how to accept everything that comes your way?You gotta be the one to stand up to it. When things are going great, stand up to it, accept it. When things are going bad, stand up to it, accept it,? Melo revealed ahead of their game in 2016.?
“…We always talk about how to accept everything that comes your
way…You gotta be the one to stand up to it. When things are going great, stand up to it, accept it. When things are going bad, stand up to it, accept it”—Carmelo Anthony on Kobe Bryant before their last game 2016 pic.twitter.com/vWJvsRvVUa
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) August 11, 2023
The two continued to share a close bond until Kobe’s unfortunate death in 2020. Bryant and Anthony had many memorable moments as opponents and they had their fair share of fun during the All-Star weekends as well.
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Kobe Bryant established himself as Carmelo Anthony’s big brother back in 2011
During the 2011 All-Star weekend, the air was abuzz with speculation about Carmelo Anthony’s imminent move from Denver to the bustling streets of New York City. Amidst the excitement, veteran broadcaster Craig Sager saw an opportunity to extract inside information from Anthony. However, the shrewd Kobe Bryant was quick to intervene, recognizing the potential fallout of such a revelation.
Bryant said, ?He is not allowed to answer that question? because I said so, the big brother said so.??Understanding the ramifications for both Anthony and the league, Bryant skillfully deflected Sager’s probing questions.
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?This act of camaraderie illustrated Bryant’s role as a protective big brother to Anthony. What are your thoughts on Kobe’s wise words? Let us know in the comments.