Lakers’ Anthony Davis Recalls Kobe Bryant Amazed him by Just Shooting with his Left Hand

Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players to ever don the basketball gear. The sheer determination and grit he brought to the court was unmatched.

The ‘Black Mamba’ is still remembered fondly by many players and fans of today’s generation who grew up watching him steal the show. When Kobe wanted to get something on the court, no one could tell him that he couldn’t.

Kobe Bryant goes southpaw with fade-away

Los Angeles Lakers‘ Anthony Davis shared a story from the time he played against Kobe Bryant. It was during his time with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Kobe had hurt his right shoulder and had just come back into the game. Despite the injury, Kobe was determined to get his team the win, and he showed that with his play.

He said, “This was in New Orleans. I think this is the year Kobe tore something in his right shoulder.  And he was holding his shoulder after drove to the basket. I was on the bench. So timeout, he comes back into the game. He’s tough, still going to continue to play.” 

Mamba Mentality inspires players of today

Davis added that Kobe came back into the game and was playing in the post against a Pelicans’ defender. With his right arm out of action, Kobe decided to use his left arm to take a beautiful fade-away shot.

Kobe’s ability to compensate for an injury and still continue to play at a high level amazed Davis.

“He comes down the very next play, they throw the ball to him in the post. He takes two dribbles, does a shimmy, and shoots the ball left-handed. And it goes in. I just stare at him on the court looking at the bench. I was just amazed that a guy comes in and says ‘okay I’m just going to shoot left-handed’. One of my earliest memories in the league.”

Kobe Bryant’s stories continue to garner fascination from the basketball community. He was an inspiration to many players of the current generation, some of whom had the privilege of playing with or against him during their careers.

The memory of Bryant continues to live on today with the generation of players that he inspired to play with his ‘Mamba Mentality’.