Kobe Bryant is one of the most iron-willed players to ever play sports. Ever since he was a teenager, he mesmerized even NBA legends with his work ethic. The Great Jerry West saw something special in him way back before he made his NBA debut. He emulated Jordan and developed his own peculiar style, but it was his mentality is main reason that immortalized him in the NBA annals.

Therefore, it is not surprising to see his rivals vouching for the mental aspect that made him one of the best.

For Kobe Bryant, working hard was a religion

Ever since he joined the NBA family, Kobe’s lores related to his gym routine have been plentiful. He’d wake up early and get to the gym and then leave at late hours. He practiced and perfected hundreds of shots and did novel things as a hooper. It wasn’t just his offense. The Guard earned nine All-First Defensive Team selections, which is more than both Michael Jordan and LeBron James. 

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Therefore, he became the ideal for many young players to follow as someone who prioritized both ends of the floor. Even in 2023, his influence is ringing and there are a lot of veterans who ask youngsters to embrace his mentality. 

So it wasn’t surprising when Matt Barnes endorsed the Black Mamba to motivate two up-and-coming players. As someone who had countless heated moments with the expert scorer. One cult classic NBA moment came when the then Orlando Magic Forward tried to faze Kobe Bryant with a pass fake, but the Mamba didn’t budge at all.

This iconic moment came when the two became chippy during the 2010 season. Later, the Forward became one of his huge admirer.

Since the Lakers legend was a relentless worker way before he entered the league.

He had a razor-sharp mentality, and Barnes recommended his ethics to two young players.

Barnes motivates two NBA aspirants

Under Armour, which has a market cap of $33.3 billion is going to organize Elite 24, which will feature the 48 best girls and boys talent in basketball. For the boys, 6’10” Forward Ace Bailey and Center Derik Queen are going to feature for the Team Futr. Barnes sat down with them on SHOWTIME Basketball and had the following to say in relation to Kobe.

While talking about a teenage Kobe, he states, “His work ethic was incredible but just his mental approach to the game. He was a sicko when it came to great God-given talent, but always wanted to pay God back with hard work. One of the biggest things I learned from Kobe was mental aspect”. 

He continues, “All aspects was just mentally locked in, that mental focus, never cheating the day, never cheating the moment”. He urges Queen and Bailey to embrace this mental approach and “trust the work you put in the game”. 

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Will Bailey and Queen benefit from this interaction as Under Armour Elite 24 kicks off in a few hours.