Kobe Bryant: 5 Things We'll Miss Most About The Mamba

Kobe Bryant: 5 Things We’ll Miss Most About The Mamba

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 13: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after scoring 60 points against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. Bryant played his last game as a Laker and retired from basketball. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

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Mar 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) guards Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) on the court in the first half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

The Basketball IQ

The Mamba was always a dominant force on the court but, like MJ, he found different ways to dominate as his career progressed and his athletic abilities waned. This sustained dominance was a direct result of one of the greatest basketball IQs of all time.

Bryant could put the ball in the hole, and he knew just about every way there was to do it.

The pump fakes, dream shakes, up-and-unders and post fadeaways combined with his incredible footwork wowed and dazzled fans and opponents alike. In addition, Bryant dominated the perimeter with his first step out of the triple threat and one of the most underrated shooting touches the game has ever seen.

In a league that was becoming more and more predicated on athleticism, Bryant dominated by being the smartest player on the floor and having a move and countermove to every look a defense could throw at him.

Next: The Clutch Factor

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