With the much awaited 2014-15 season just almost a month away—former Los Angeles Lakers head coach and New York Knicks president Phil Jackson recently talked about the returning Kobe Bryant during his interview New York Post’s Steve Serby.
Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan are arguably the best two players who have ever played the game, and the never ending debate on who’s the greatest among them may never be really answered. But when it comes to training—it’s Kobe who’s above Michael, according to Jackson.
Q: Is Kobe Bryant the model for Carmelo Anthony?
A: No. No one can approach that. I don’t expect anybody to be able to model their behavior after that, although Kobe modeled his behavior a lot about Michael Jordan, but he went beyond Michael in his attitude towards training, and I know Mike would probably question me saying that, but he did.
Despite dealing with major setbacks for the last two seasons, Kobe has always relished and shined in these times of adversity. All his doubters and haters out there will forever continue to fuel his passion for the game and desire to prove them wrong again and again. And usually the Mamba pulls through all the time.
The amount of dedication and the work ethic that he has formed throughout his entire career has truly been a major reason to why he is who he is today—a five time champion and a future Hall of Famer.
For sure, Kobe will not be the same player anymore and will have to adjust his game when he returns, which will enable him to be just as effective and as great like before.
Benjamin Felix Santos is currently a senior college student from the Philippines. An aspiring NBA writer, who bleeds the purple and gold. His love and passion for the game will never die.
You may find his other musings at the Lake Show Life.
Follow him on twitter: @biefsantos
