russia has launched a full-scale war in Ukraine. Donate to support Ukraine and protect the world’s peace.

The Mamba Mentality

summary ofThe Mamba MentalityBook by Kobe Bryant, Andrew D. Bernstein

12 min
00:00
/
00:00
Get full summary

You’ll learn

  • Techniques to improve concentration
  • The universal power of music
  • What makes a good mentor
  • How Bryant cracked the code of the basketball game

first KEY POINT

Kobe Bryant’s career didn’t start at the top but grew with commitment and practice

Within a few years of Kobe’s career, “The Mamba Mentality” moved from being a mere Twitter hashtag to an inspirational phrase. It reflected how Kobe’s mindset and efforts brought him undisputable success on the court.Many people never missed a chance to praise Kobe for his dedication and techniques. One of those people was his longest-serving coach, Phil Jackson. Jackson described his time with Kobe as phenomenal. He became the Lakers' coach when Kobe was 20 years old, and he expressed his knowledge of the game as one who had been a pro for years. When Jackson joined as the new Lakers manager, he wanted to implement the triangular system in the team and was impressed at how much Kobe understood the method.

Talent only grows when one is disciplined enough to stay the course.

Another person who had great things to say about Kobe was Pau Gasol, his six-year — (2008-2014) — teammate at Lakers, who referred to Kobe as one of the greatest players ever to play basketball. He also highlighted how pivotal Kobe was to the growth of his career. Pau talked about how Kobe’s determination was unparalleled and how much work he put into preparing for a game, which helped the team win so many games.Kobe’s scoring prowess didn’t start in his early years, but he took it upon himself to improve, working diligently in training to get his three-point shots right. It paid off, and in the 2005-2006 season, he averaged over 35 points per game, becoming the highest scorer in the NBA for that season.Jackson narrated how Kobe would go through extreme routines to prepare himself for a game and even went ahead to play for about ten more years of NBA high-intensity basketball when people thought it impossible.This summary is a window to the mind of someone who mastered the game and could even make you a better player. Keep reading to gain more insight into Kobe’s playing days with the Lakers, breaking away from the norm, and creating a reputation as one of the best players ever to grace the game of basketball.

second KEY POINT

When it came to basketball, Kobe believed that everything was possible

Kobe tried to incorporate new things into his game without restraints or fear of failure. He believed that no matter how many shots he missed, it became an added skill once he got it right. Kobe started adding new elements to his game as a kid, and the goal was clear from the start: to be the best. He was willing to give everything, and he showed his toughness by picking offensive fouls in games to make it clear to the opposing defense. Kobe’s willingness to do more was the fun part of him, and he was prepared to figure anything out to dominate the world of basketball.As soon as Kobe got into the NBA, he started lifting weights immediately and focused on strengthening one muscle group at a time. Workouts were vital to him, and his lift routine was for 90 minutes every day except Wednesdays and weekends. Putting in work late at night was purposeful because it was about getting extra hours for workouts each day. He would start working out at 11 p.m., doing a few hours, followed by a four-hour rest, then back at it by 5 a.m. for another two hours. If he started at 5 a.m. instead, he’d go till 7 a.m., get back at it by 11 p.m., then do a 6 a.m. to 8 am afterward.

book cover

Continue reading with Headway app

Continue reading

Full summary is waiting for you in the app

first KEY POINT

Kobe religiously studied past games to observe any missed details

second KEY POINT

Kobe understood that his injuries were only temporary and did not determine important life decisions

third KEY POINT

Everyone needs a mentor to give them an extra push

fourth KEY POINT

Kobe’s craft was a mix of different styles, experience, hard work, and dedication to winning

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Kobe Bryant was considered one of the all-time greatest basketball players in sports history. Throughout his career, he managed to win five NBA championships and earned two gold medals at the Olympic Games.

Join 55+ million learners worldwide

172K 5 reviews on App Store and Google Play

Get started

Frequently asked questions

What is The Mamba Mentality: How I Play about?

The Mamba Mentality: How I Play, authored by the late Kobe Bryant, delves into the mindset and strategies that fueled his legendary basketball career. It showcases his relentless approach to excellence, emphasizing hard work, focus, and continuous improvement.

Is The Mamba Mentality: How I Play worth reading?

Absolutely! The Mamba Mentality offers valuable lessons not just for athletes but for anyone striving for success in their personal and professional lives. Kobe's insights on dedication and resilience are inspiring and applicable across various fields.

What are the key takeaways from The Mamba Mentality: How I Play?

Key takeaways from The Mamba Mentality include the importance of a strong work ethic, setting high standards for oneself, and learning from failures. Kobe also highlights the value of passion, perseverance, and the mental strategies that differentiate champions from the rest.

How many pages is The Mamba Mentality: How I Play and when was it published?

The Mamba Mentality: How I Play spans 192 pages and was published on October 23, 2018. This concise but impactful book captures Kobe's philosophy and game principles in an engaging manner.

How can I apply the principles of The Mamba Mentality: How I Play in my daily life?

You can apply the principles of The Mamba Mentality by cultivating discipline, setting clear goals, and pursuing excellence in every task. Embracing a mindset of continuous improvement and resilience, just as Kobe did, can lead to personal and professional growth.