Despite Getting ‘Knocked Out’ by Kobe Bryant, 34YO NBA Star Discovers Career-Changing Anecdote Through Lakers Legend

There are countless stories from NBA players about Kobe Bryant transforming them into better players. He had the most bizarre way to make Metta Sandiford-Artest embrace his rough style of playing. His contributions to the sport of basketball are why he’s worthy of the monument being built in his honor. One contemporary player who suited up purple and gold after the ‘Black Mamba’ retired reveled in that legacy.

Isaiah Thomas was on Gilbert Arenas’ show recently and both pros revealed practical tips they got from the Lakers star himself. Thomas got a firsthand lesson on leading a team from Bryant himself. Albeit a little too late.

Isaiah Thomas reveals Kobe Bryant’s teachings

When Isaiah Thomas entered the NBA in 2011, there were hopes he’d follow after his namesake, Pistons legend, Isiah Thomas. The younger Thomas, however, emulated another NBA legend. Namely, Kobe Bryant.

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Isaiah Thomas had two brief stints in the Los Angeles Lakers, once in 2018 and once in 2021. Kobe Bryant retired in 2016. But even as an opponent, Bryant lent his expertise to improving his game.

Thomas dished on it during his recent appearance at Gil’s Arena, hosted by Gilbert Arenas. Both NBA players, in fact, had lessons from ‘The Black Mamba’.

Arenas revealed Bryant taught him a method of scoring per quarter. So he had to ask his guest what was the one thing Bryant had taught him was. Thomas said that he learned to “Get the guys who aren’t as good as you to follow you, you got to really teach them the way“.

Thomas didn’t get it at that time that Bryant meant it was all about being a better leader. “Getting those guys to figure out where you are mentally.” 

Bryant had tactics to get his team riled up on the court and follow his lead. As Thomas said, the late NBA champion made other pros “To believe they was just like me” no matter what the world thought.

Thomas idolized Bryant and was excited to just breathe near him. He gloated his “Welcome to the NBA moment” when Bryant hit him with his fadeaway and Isaiah felt like he’s made it just for being there.

Thomas on Kobe Bryant’s Leadership 101

It’s hard to beat the Mamba Mentality, but players like Thomas will do anything to get there. Honors like statues built for Kobe reflect his legacy of leadership. Naturally, Isaiah asked Bryant on how to get his team in the same mindset. Bryant said he’s got to sit down and watch films with his team.

“Their mind has to be where yours is when you’re watching films,” Thomas narrated. “And when he told me that I was like we watched film in the playoffs that year, that’s why I was serving.”

Thomas sheepishly admitted that before he used to only watch films to see where he could score. Bryant actually gave him homework and figure out from those clips how to get his teammates on the same level. He’d send him clips of players like Stephen Curry, Larry Bird, and John Stockton to analyze every possession. One of their viewing sessions went on for five hours. He’d also email his videos and Bryant would give detailed notes.

“And it just opened that whole game!” Thomas revealed his improvement. “I didn’t even waste energy no more. I wish I had that in the season, I would average 37″.

Never too late for Isaiah Thomas to rock the Mamba Mentality!

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