For most retired players, the calls they received from old teammates or fellow pros tend to center on a few familiar categories. It’s either reminiscing about the past battles, talking about the latest league drama, or sometimes sharing advice about life outside the hoop. But there are instances where they have no idea what the incoming call would be about. And one such situation was the day when the Lakers legend Tracy Murray saw ‘The Mamba” Kobe Bryant’s name pop up on his phone. 

Despite his legendary status, he was always willing to learn from those he respected. Whether it was picking the brain of an older veteran during his playing days or diving into new challenges headfirst with the same relentless curiosity that made him great, Kobe didn’t stop searching for ways to refine his knowledge. Or, sometimes asking advice on how he could teach offensive skills to a girls’ team. 

The Instagram handle CTG SPORTS shared a post where Tracy Murray recounted, “In the months after his retirement, he was working with Gigi, he was starting to get a team together. He called me out of the blue, man. T and you, I know you, you guys got a girls’ team and all that. And uh, do you think the triangle offense will work with the girls’ team?” And it was not what Tracy Murray was expecting. He then told Kobe that the triangle offense would be a good fit for the girls’ team, as they are more keen to adopt the fundamentals.

Kobe Bryant was a true student of the game. He had spent his entire career studying the game with obsessive attention to detail. He dissected opponents, broke down defensive schemes, and took a near-scientific approach to basketball. As he transitioned from NBA legend to coach, he found himself in uncharted waters, teaching young girls how to play basketball at a high level. Of course, he had to incorporate the Mamba Mentality translated into coaching.

Kobe Bryant and The Mamba Mentality In Coaching

Kobe did not just step into coaching, he attached to it a relentless drive that was a signature trait of his playing career. The Mamba Mentality he possessed was not something he switched off when he retired. Well, it simply evolved, finding a new home on the sidelines of his daughter Gigi’s team.

From day one, Kobe treated the girls like elite athletes, not just kids playing for fun. Kobe pushed them, challenged them, and expected them to approach the game with the same focus, discipline, and dedication he had. But his approach was not based on yelling or intimidation, it was about preparation, attention to detail, and unlocking their full potential. He taught them to embrace challenges, push through adversity, and work harder than they ever thought would be possible. He wanted them to develop a Mamba Mentality, an unshakable belief in their ability to grow and improve, no matter the obstacles.

For Kobe, this challenge was never just about basketball. It was about life. Kobe was molding young athletes into strong, disciplined, and fearless individuals, both on and off the court. And his call to Tracy Murray is a testament to it. He was willing to do whatever it took to make sure he was giving them the absolute best.