Kobe Bryant is one of the most influential players in NBA history. He inspired generations of players in the NBA and millions of people all over the world. His tragic death in 2020 left an indelible mark on the world of sports. Since then, he has been immortalized with murals all over the world.
Stephen Curry is one NBA star inspired by the late Los Angeles Lakers legend. Recently the Golden State Warriors superstar revealed some of Bryant’s stories during an interview.
Bryant was known for his “Mamba Mentality” mindset, which simply means trying to get better every day. The mantra has inspired millions of people across the globe, making Bryant one of the greatest figures in sports.
Curry and other NBA stars have used that mindset to improve their performances in the NBA. The Warriors superstar played against Bryant, who retired from the NBA in 2016.
Curry reveals Byrant’s stories
During an interview on “Hot Ones” with Sean Evans, he shared three amazing Bryant stories.
The first story is from Curry’s first NBA season in 2009/2010. That season, Curry was 21, and the Lakers star was in his 14th season. The Warriors rookie impressed Bryant after he made a silky move around the paint before making a step-back jumper off the glass during a Warriors vs. Lakers game at Oracle Arena. The camera caught Bryant’s reaction on the bench, per NBC Sports.
The second story is when he saw “Mamba Mentality” in person during a preseason clash between the Warriors and Lakers. Bryant guarded Curry 94 feet down the court and even unbalanced the sharpshooter, who was forced to make a desperation shot. It went in from 30 feet.
“The second time, we’re playing in a preseason game and he’s doing that Mamba Mentality thing where he’s picking me up full court in a preseason game in the first quarter,” Curry said via Sporting News.
The last story the 35-year-old shared was when the Lakers icon acknowledged Curry for having a “killer instinct.”
“The third time is what you’re referring to in terms of him breaking down the killer instinct that I hide behind the smile,” Curry said. “For someone to validate you like that — especially he’s not giving out compliments like that — that was truly special, for sure.”
Bryant’s influence has obviously helped Curry, who overcame struggles early in his career, to become one of the greatest players ever.
Here’s the full interview.
Bryant’s murals continue to inspire
On January 26, the basketball world mourned the third anniversary of Bryant’s untimely demise. He died with his daughter, Gianna, and seven others in a helicopter crash in 2020.
Since his tragic death, the basketball icon has been honored worldwide. Murals of Bryant and Gianna were painted on streets and courts to eternalize them both.
Even in death, his influence still endures. From LA to the Philippines, artists worldwide have painted murals of Bryant and Gianna to honor them, as Sports Brief reported.