Kobe Bryant: Understanding the ‘Mamba Mentality’ after jersey retirement

Monday night the Los Angeles Lakers retired Kobe Bryant’s No. 8 and No. 24. While it has been over a year since his last game, the idea behind “Mamba Mentality” still lives within him and in many others that he has inspired.

Under normal circumstances, this article would contain stats and trends to contextualize a career. However, today I feel the need to just stop and examine one of the greatest players in NBA history through a different lens. In honor of Kobe Bryant‘s jersey retirement, an examination of the “Mamba Mentality” and its significance to the Los Angeles Lakers franchise feels necessary.

What is Mamba Mentality? In fairness, there are many definitions for it. Really, it depends which Kobe you ask, and the answer will probably be different. However, the answers also contain similarities. Both numbers really aren’t that different in terms of skill. It’s the stories behind each number that’s different.

Remember this: There are two sides of Mamba Mentality — No. 8, or young Kobe, and then the older and wiser mentor within No. 24. It’s crazy to believe that Kobe Bryant basically had two Hall of Fame careers in two different numbers, but let’s dive into the two tales of Kobe Bryant’s career.

No. 8

First things first, one of the craziest moments in NBA history was the famous 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors back in 2006. There’s only way to describe this performance: legendary. That’s all.

However, the No. 8 jersey carries more meaning than that. In his 10 seasons under the No. 8, Kobe practically cemented his place in the Hall of Fame as a three-time champion, eight-time All-Star, and machine full of youth, explosiveness and ferocity that struck fear in any opposing team.

Mamba Mentality was born the minute this guy set foot on an NBA court. His demeanor as a young player on the court is defined by several choice words — assassin, lethal, hungry, relentless, forceful, the list goes on and on. Kobe scoring roughly half of his 33,643 career points (16,821) in just 10 seasons is amazing.

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The young Kobe was a driven man, but also set the bar high every time. While the luxury of having Shaquille O’Neal for those three titles helped, there is no doubt that both players needed one another.

However, it’s no secret that Kobe was ready to be the man from a young age. The No. 8 represents a version of Mamba Mentality that resembles the mindset of a rebel. Fearless, yet still needs to grow. In fact, he did things his way. That was young Kobe. A born leader, but someone who needed time to transition into that role. His early experiences with Shaq and the Lakers would help provide the growing pains that helped shaped the second half of his career.

Kobe Bryant under the No. 8 is an example of a young man who knew he was ready for this league. Anyone that doubted this guy’s readiness straight out of high school probably feels pretty weird now. Mamba Mentality at this stage of Bryant’s career symbolized a fearless approach where one is ready to attain greatness no matter the opponents he faces.

No. 24

While No. 8 saw many of Kobe’s explosive, prime years, it’s No. 24 that really solidified his career. The legend that is the Black Mamba came to life in the second half of an outstanding career.

Kobe averaged 29.3 points per game in the playoffs, was a two-time champion, the 2007-08 MVP, a 10-time All-Star, and captivating figure for the entire NBA. As mentioned earlier, it goes further than the stats. What Kobe displayed in the second half of his career goes beyond the numbers. It goes beyond the hardwood of the Staples Center.

Kobe’s No. 24 version of Mamba Mentality is about perseverance and guidance. From leading his own teams to two titles, to overcoming injury after injury, to mentoring a rebuilding young core showing promise now. During those 10 seasons as No. 24, it wasn’t always glory. There’s the trade demand saga, the back-to-back championship years, the fallout with Dwight Howard and the injury years where it seemed impossible for Kobe to ever come back.

No matter the dilemma, Kobe’s Mamba Mentality became a symbol during this decade of his career. The ability to out work the opponent, make the teammates raise their games that much more, and serve as the heart and soul while performing at a high level, that’s the essence of Mamba Mentality. There are only a handful of players that can say they imposed their will on the game night in and night out. Kobe is among those ranks.

Also, how cool is it to end a career with the kind of performance Kobe Bryant put on during his final game? Sixty points for a guy calling it a career? That’s just ridiculous and unheard of.

So, the question that begs to be answered is, what defines this mentality? It’s chasing greatness while grasping the concept of growth. It’s accepting glory and letting defeat fuel the desire to win. Not allowing any obstacle get in the way. It’s following a passion to the fullest and mentoring the next generation. The ability to inspire, lead and overcome.

To me, that is the essence of Mamba Mentality. Kobe Bryant imposed his will on every aspect of the game. Without a doubt, he was not a perfect teammate, but one that willed his teams to the finish line.

Regardless, the definition contains many qualities. For Kobe, it defines two halves of an incredible career. It tells the tales of two people: a kid with a desire to be great, and a man who achieved greatness. It creates a beautiful narrative of two personalities that together shape a Hall of Fame career. Kobe Bryant was a sight to behold on the court, a figure for young fans to emulate and a player who symbolizes work ethic, hustle and toughness.

Indeed, it is the perfect way to describe Kobe’s career. A tantalizing figure indeed. Now, the Black Mamba is forever immortalized with the other Lakers greats. With that, Mamba Mentality is a staple of the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA in general.

Next: Top 8 Kobe Bryant moments

With that, I say thank you for 20 years of greatness. For emulating the qualities of a champion and for always being as real as it gets. Kobe Bryant, you truly deserve both numbers in the rafters.