The entire basketball world came to a standstill when Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others died tragically. Some may claim that the entire country was stunned. Even casual basketball fans had seen a Lakers finals or two on ABC, and Kobe, like Michael Jordan, was a household name. Millions of people around the globe, including business owners and entrepreneurs, are familiar with Kobe, have watched him play, or have been inspired by his work ethic and competitive spirit.
Most people are unaware that after retiring from basketball in 2015, Kobe Bryant became a venture capitalist and launched a $100 million media tech and data fund. Kobe had a net worth of $600 million at the time of his death. Here are some of the lessons we may take away from his illustrious career.
Work ethic is rewarded.
Michael Jordan famously stated that Kobe Bryant was the only player who ever came close to matching his work ethic. However, Kobe undoubtedly put in more effort than MJ, and possibly more than any other NBA superstar in recent memory.
Establish and maintain a high quality of performance.
“You’ve established the benchmark for brilliance throughout the world,” NBA champion Chris Bosh said of Kobe. It may be unsurprising that someone as hardworking as Kobe was also a perfectionist.
Every day, complete your homework.
Kobe famously remarked that fixation is natural, and went into detail about how he grew obsessed with beating Allen Iverson when he embarrassed him in a 1999 battle by scoring 40 points and dishing out 10 assists.
Have excellent mentors.
Throughout his career, Kobe has stated that Michael Jordan is his idol. MJ aspired to be the best at all he did. And, according to former Jordan teammate Steve Kerr, coach of the Golden State Warriors, Kobe got closer to MJ’s greatness than any other player at the end of his career.
Concentrate on long-term objectives.
Kobe’s five championship rings, 18 All-Star appearances, and several scoring crowns are well-known. But did you realize that Kobe Bryant’s 20-year Lakers career is an NBA record? No other player has ever played uninterrupted for a single squad.