Kobe Bryant retired from the NBA in 2016 after playing 20 seasons in the league. Post-retirement, the Mamba initially had no desire to get into coaching. But his late daughter Gianna Bryant got him to coach youth teams.
In a 2018 appearance on the ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ show, Kobe shared his views on participation trophies. As expected, the Mamba is not a fan of them. But at the same time, he used them to teach a great lesson to kids who wanted to break a fifth-place trophy.
“I hate them,” Bryant said of the participation trophies. “It’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”
Kobe was then asked if such trophies were allowed in his house. The Los Angeles Lakers then narrated a great story.
“The team that I coach, last year played in a tournament,” Kobe said. “We played up, and we came in fifth place. We’re getting ready to leave, and the tournament supervisor says no, you guys have to stay, you guys get trophies. So, he hands us the trophies, and the kids all stand there with trophies, just completely pissed. I asked one of the kids, ‘What do you want to do with that trophy?’ He’s like, ‘I’m gonna break it.'”
Kobe added: “Listen, none of us want this trophy. Alright, I get it. But don’t break it. Take it home, put it right there on your mantel in your dream, and every day you look at that trophy, remind yourself of what you’ll never win again, and use it that way. … Dude, I sucked today, I will not suck tomorrow.”
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Kobe Bryant won five NBA Championship during his career. But he also lost two times in the finals (2004, 2008). He used those defeats as motivation to win instead of giving up. Bryant’s lesson for the kids essentially delivered this message.
Kobe Bryant Once Explained Why It’s Important For Kids To Play Sports
Playing sports is not every kid’s cup of tea. However, there are a plethora of benefits to it. Kobe Bryant understood that concept pretty well.
In a 2019 interview with ESPN, Kobe shared his views on how playing sports teaches kids valuable lessons.
“It teaches you a lot of valuable lessons,” Kobe said. “Aside from the physical, being fit. Aside from the mental health benefits that you get from playing sports, there’s also an emotional component to it. Sports is the greatest metaphor we have for life. Teaching you things, how to deal with anxiety, communicating with each other, leadership, performing under pressure, all those very valuable lessons.”
Following his retirement from the NBA, Kobe shifted his focus to a variety of things, including giving valuable life lessons to kids. Many never thought that he had this side in him. After all, Kobe maintained a mean personality throughout his NBA career.
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