Having Survived Gut-Wrenching Childhood, NBA Veteran’s Life Took a Drastic Turn Courtesy of Kobe Bryant

As an athlete, your competitive fire is always at a high. Whether it’s during practice or the Finals, you want to put your best step forward. That is how you leave an indelible mark on your sport. For Kobe Bryant, even more than the accolades, the inspiration he became to future stars is his true legacy. Over the years, many have spoken about the role model figure Kobe was for them. Recently, a 3x NBA All-Star explained how watching the Black Mamba changed his entire approach.

A few years ago, Kevin Durant spoke about this. His entire argument’s basis was that in spite of the rings, his legacy would be the inspiration he gave to other hoopers that came after. While initially laughed off, the truth to his statement becomes more apparent every day.

Kobe Bryant set the mentality

Each year, we see more and more players talk about the impact Kobe had on them. Whether it was the play style, the competitiveness, or the mentality, Bryant became the standard for all. Even for former Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas.

In a conversation with Trae Young, Arenas revealed how watching the Los Angeles Lakers legend changed his perspective toward the game. “I got to see Kobe workout… I go to the gym. Like game day 3 o’clock – Kobe’s working out. I go there and just sit, sit in the stands, and sit in pre-game like I ain’t playing.”

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The 5x NBA Champion’s mentality and approach changed Agent Zero’s entire philosophy. “The man was going through workouts, pre-game workouts like he was playing in the Finals. Like he was playing against a Championship team… I can see the difference between what this is and what I’m watching every day in practice. I don’t want to be like that.”

Perhaps not seeing someone follow that mentality caused the explosion on Team USA from the Washington Wizards general. For Arenas, it was a change for the better, as it helped him improve his game and overcome the harshness of his childhood.

Gilbert Arenas’ rough upbringing

In a heartfelt conversation, Arenas revealed how much of an inspiration his father was for him. While his situation was rough, dealing with poverty, according to Gilbert, he never felt that way. The primary reason? His dad.

“We didn’t have much. But, I have never felt poor. Because I had my dad.” For him, Arenas Sr. has always been an inspiration for how a man should carry himself and for how a father should be with his kids. Trying to emulate that, he’s tried his level best. Further, he’s tried to be the same way with his children. However, he did draw the line at giving them his namesake. As a result, Arenas had very clear role models to look up to.

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As a man and a father? His own father. As a player and for work ethic? Kobe Bryant. Suffice to say, Gilbert has done a wonderful job of emulating both.