Kobe Bryant wants to be remembered as a 'talented over achiever'

Kobe Bryant has been fairly open about how the Los Angeles Lakers' current road trip to New York to face off against the Knicks and Brooklyn Nets could be his last time playing in the Big Apple as a pro. While that shoots down rumors, again, that he will head to the New York Knicks for a reunion with Phil Jackson, Derek Fisher, and Sasha Vujacic; it also emphasizes that this really may be it for Bryant. This has naturally lent a retrospective vibe to the proceedings, with reporters and Bryant openly musing about a post-Kobe NBA.

So how does Kobe want to be remembered when he does leave the league? As a "talented over-achiever," Bryant told reporters after scoring 18 points on 6-19 shooting in the Lakers' 99-95 loss to the New York Knicks. Some might scoff at this notion, after all, Bryant was the son of a former NBA player, did he not hit the genetic lottery?

Bryant's genes may have given him a natural advantage, yes, but it is hard not to think Kobe has squeezed the absolute most out of his potential through his legendary training regimen and competitiveness. So while some may remember him as arguably the greatest player in Lakers' history, it is also fair to say that he definitely over-achieved what is expected from most players selected 13th overall in the NBA draft.

How will you remember Kobe? Let us know in the comments section!