Kobe Bryant: Champion, Oscar winner, author
Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant is adding to his impressive resume off the court since retiring from the NBA.
Kobe Bryant never had a chance to become one of the only athletes to win both NCAA and NBA Championships as he entered the NBA right from high school. However, he is the only athlete of any sport to win an NBA Championship and an Oscar. Now, with the announcement of his upcoming book release, maybe he’ll collect a Pulitzer as well.
Kobe announced via Instagram on Tuesday, May 29th, that he will be releasing his first non-fiction novel, “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play.” It’s set to drop on October 23, 2018, for $35 USD. Luckily, eager readers can pre-order the book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, or Indie Bound.
Also via his social media post, he says that this book will teach readers “how [he] approached the process and the craft.”
Since his retirement in 2016, Kobe has already proven to be generous with his tutelage. So far it has been limited to people who have access to him, primarily NBA players.
More from Lake Show Life
- 3 most underrated players currently on the Los Angeles Lakers roster
- 2 Lakers who would benefit the most from a Kyrie Irving trade
- Victor Oladipo’s Russell Westbrook comments are terrible sign for Lakers
- 4 Free agent fits for the Lakers while they wait on Kyrie Irving
- 3 Most likely positions the Lakers will use for the last roster spot
With this book, that access will shift. As disclosed on the book’s website, Kobe feels an “obligation and an opportunity to teach young players, hardcore fans, and devoted students of the game how to approach it.”
To further draw in Lakers’ and basketball fans alike he’s recruited some of the best. The introduction is written by previous Lakers’ coach, Phil Jackson. Responsible for the foreword is none other than co-champion and Lakers’ teammate, Pau Gasol.
Additionally, there will be over 200 photos contributed by Andrew D. Bernstein. Bernstein has spent much of his career with the Lakers and NBA, witnessing both the entrance and exit of Kobe’s career in the NBA.
Beyond learning what it takes to have Mamba Mentality, Kobe is sharing his insight on countless subjects. “Readers will learn how Bryant studied an opponent, how he channeled his passion for the game, how he played through injuries,” per the book’s site. “They’ll also get fascinating granular detail as he breaks down specific plays and match-ups from throughout his career.”
Next: Kobe Bryant's Top 10 Games Of All-Time
To many, Kobe Bryant has always seemed like the NBA’s ‘Wizard of OZ.” Now with “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play,” the curtain will finally fall.