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Kobe Bryant has always been a little bit different. The now-retired Los Angeles Lakers superstar spent his career drawing inspiration not just from his opponents and critics alike, but also from the animal kingdom and (apparently) music.
In his quest to be a “different animal and the same beast,” Bryant would often turn to nontraditional sources for tips on how to succeed. There was the time he credited his lightning-quick, deadly step-back watching film of cheetahs, and more recently when he watched great white sharks hunt seals in order to learn how to better defend Allen Iverson.
With all of that in the open, it shouldn’t come as a surprise whenever Bryant credits to a non-traditional route for his success in something seemingly totally unrelated. His recent chat at the Tribeca Film Festival Sunday while promoting his film “Dear Basketball” film was no different, and Michael Gluckstadt of HBO.com brought us the highlights:
Saw Kobe speak at the Tribeca Film Festival today after screening his animated short "Dear Basketball." Here are the Kobiest things he said:
— Michael Gluckstadt (@gluckstadt) April 24, 2017
His 2009 Game 6 performance against the Nuggets was inspired by Beethoven's 5th Symphony.
— Michael Gluckstadt (@gluckstadt) April 24, 2017
"In sports, you have restrictions." He's referring to teammates.
— Michael Gluckstadt (@gluckstadt) April 24, 2017
Kobe had 60 in his last game, but could've had 90 if he didn't miss the easy ones.
— Michael Gluckstadt (@gluckstadt) April 24, 2017
That same night he was so caught up in his writing that he "forgot" he had a basketball game.
— Michael Gluckstadt (@gluckstadt) April 24, 2017
When Kobe meditated, he used to think about basketball, but then his mind began to drift to narrative and story arc.
— Michael Gluckstadt (@gluckstadt) April 24, 2017
Kobe knew he wanted John Williams to score his next project, but he had to finish Star Wars first.
— Michael Gluckstadt (@gluckstadt) April 24, 2017
"Seals are too athletic for great whites, so great whites sit back and bide their time. That's how I guarded Allen Iverson."
— Michael Gluckstadt (@gluckstadt) April 24, 2017
"I love writing as much as I loved basketball," he lied.
— Michael Gluckstadt (@gluckstadt) April 24, 2017
Asked who his greatest inspiration was, Kobe answered "Michael Jackson."
— Michael Gluckstadt (@gluckstadt) April 24, 2017
It’s hard to decide what is the most “peak Kobe” quote in here. Is it him comparing himself to a shark hunting seals again? Is it saying he could’ve had 90 points in his last game? Is it calling his teammates “restrictions?”
All of it’s great, and even Kobe will agree he’s a little different:
I mean... who does that?! @kobebryant is a weirdo #3rdperson #musecage https://t.co/YwcgME5T70
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 23, 2017
Harrison Faigen is co-host of the Locked on Lakers podcast (subscribe here), and you can follow him on Twitter at @hmfaigen.