The sporting world of basketball recognizes Kobe Bryant as one of the greatest athletes of all time. With his flair and exceptional prompts, the Black Mamba decorated his career with some of the most prestigious accolades. However, the NBA legend once credited his successful career to his role model, Bruce Lee, and paid a heartfelt tribute to the Little Dragon by honoring him in the best way possible.

A couple of years back, Bryant talked about how Bruce Lee and his teachings greatly affected his life and career. Let’s take a look at his homage.

Kobe Bryant paid his heartfelt homage to Bruce Lee

In 2017, Kobe attended the annual Chinese excursion in Haikou, where he profoundly talked about his childhood inspiration, Bruce Lee. Stating his respect for Lee, Mamba said, ?Bruce Lee was always one of my muses growing up?.

As per the report, while growing up, the NBA champion watched all of Lee?s movies and interviews. Passing on the Little Dragon?s message to future generations, Bryant added, ?He was really big on sharing his knowledge and hoped he could inspire. Not to learn how to fight, but through the art of fighting, learn how to be a better person. That?s what I want to pass on to the future generations?.

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Bryant?s adoration for Lee even convinced him to customize his ‘Nike Kobe Zoom V’ shoes with a theme that reflects the essence of Bruce Lee. Inspired by Little Phoenix?s jumpsuit in the ‘Game of Death’, Bryant changed his shoe color to yellow. Moreover, imitating Lee?s red claw marks from ‘Enter the Dragon’, he even added red slashes on his Nikes.

Black Mamba learned adaptability from Lee?s bequest

Not only was Bryant hugely influenced by Lee?s teachings, but he also attested to some of Lee?s influential methods in his own life. As per the Laker?s champion, the Little Dragon?s hybrid martial arts philosophy Jeet Kune Do teaches adaptability and receptivity. ?It?s about having the fundamental skills available so that you can react to any situation?, added Bryant.?

Clearly, Kobe Bryant epitomized Lee as his role model. In fact, like Bruce Lee, Bryant?s legacy and his influential ways serve as a guiding light for many athletes across every sporting arena. Legends like Bruce Lee and Kobe Bryant will always be remembered in the pages of history.

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