Despite Needing Electrical Shock Therapy, Kobe Bryant Resorted to a Fascinating Habit to Improve His Game: “I Worked on It… and Benefited for the Rest of My Career”

The Los Angeles Lakers began their dynasty days in 2000. A young Kobe Bryant and a dominant Shaquille O’Neal made their first trip to the NBA finals. Matched up against the Indiana Pacers, the task ahead wasn’t easy. However, in midst of the series, the Black Mamba suffered an ankle injury.

Bryant went on to miss Game 3 of the emphatic finals series. However, stimulation therapy helped the 18-time NBA All-Star return to the floor. Ending their Pacers’ chase to the Larry O’Brien in six games, the Lakers had finally taken over the NBA. However, the victory put Bryant’s ankle in a state of major pain.

During this time, the Lakers great switched to an unorthodox method to strengthen his injured ankles. In his autobiography. In ‘The Mamba Mentality: How I Play’, Kobe Bryant revealed how taking tap dancing lessons changed his NBA career forever.

The secret to strong ankles used by Kobe Bryant

The Los Angeles Lakers were fresh off their finals victory in 2000. The franchise was in a mood to celebrate. However, for Bryant, his celebrations were cut short as the focus shifted to his ankle. Sending electric currents worked during the NBA finals. “This treatment involves wires that deliver low-level electric current directly through your skin,” wrote Kobe in his book.

READ MORE-1 Year Before His Death, Kobe Bryant Made a Big Claim on the GOAT Debate. And 3 Years Later, Shaquille O’Neal Has Finally Responded

But it was nothing but a temporary solution. For the long term, the two-time Finals MVP had to figure something out. And the Mamba went completely out of the box.

Revealing the unique method in his autobiography, the creator of Mamba Mentality incorporated tap dancing to help make his ankles strong. Kobe Bryant said: “After researching the matter, it became apparent that tap dancing was going to be the best way to build up my ankle strength while simultaneously improving my foot speed and rhythm. So I hired an instructor and started going to the studio. I work on it all of that summer and benefited for the rest of my career.”

The groove of dance helped the Mamba elevate his footwork to new heights. Using the rhythm, the five-time NBA champ became an elite player in the post. However, he didn’t stop there. Kobe Bryant wanted to explore his limits and carried a mentality to be the best. Hence, he consulted Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon, who was most known for his iconic dream shake. The training with the Houston Rockets legend made Bryant’s footwork one of his most underrated weapons. Bryant’s iconic fadeaway became a staple in his later days. As he lost the young fire in his legs, the low post became the Mamba’s playing ground.

WATCH THIS STORY: How has Stephen Curry Progressed On NBA 2K over the years? 2k23 Rating & More

Despite suffering a plethora of ankle injuries in his career, Kobe Bryant’s affiliation with tap dancing had built up his strengths. Sprains were never enough to hold the Los Angeles Lakers guard down. Likewise, in his illustrious 20-year career, the Black Mamba barely got hurt. Do you think tap dancing was the reason Kobe could stay away from major injuries? Comment below.