Social Media > Winning

            I recently read an article by Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant on The Players’ Tribune, a site with articles written by the athletes for the fans. It’s designed to bring the fans closer to the athletes by giving them a unique look into the daily conversations and first-person stories written by the athletes.

            This particular article struck me because Bryant isn’t one to hold back on how he feels about something. He isn’t a typical athlete. He’s old school; no nonsense, get to work, and do what you’re supposed to do. He doesn’t worry about the outside noise, mainly because he is always in the gym. The 36-year old, who is now recovering from a shoulder injury, has been documented as one of the premiere athletes in the world since he came into the NBA in 1996 because of his strong work ethic. Even at the age of 36 he still has the mindset that when he steps onto the floor, he is the best, and rightfully so. Bryant moved past Michael Jordan for third on the all-time scoring list earlier this season; an accomplishment that has gone somewhat unrecognized. Passing Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest of all time, is something that Bryant won't personally gloat about but it's something he should take pride in. 

           It’s easy to compare players from different eras and the easiest to compare Bryant to is Jordan. Aside from the body type and athleticism, Jordan and Bryant are comparable in their mental preparation for the game of basketball. The cerebral approach that Kobe takes is not seen in athletes today. Most athletes are worried about their social media followers and whom they’re associated with. An excerpt from Bryant’s recent article tells exactly that, “When I play, I compete, and if you’re too busy acting cool for the fans or celebrities courtside then I will demolish you in front of them”.  Needless to say, Kobe doesn’t care about what’s happening courtside.

            In today’s age of social media that is taking over the world, it’s imperative that athletes have a strong social image. LeBron James is that athlete today. The Cavaliers forward is the most recognizable athlete today and has a following that stretches across the globe. Kobe and LeBron have been linked since James came into the league in 2003, just after the height of the Lakers championship run. Social media can ruin an athlete and the media will write what they want to write about an athlete just based on something they heard. Bryant doesn’t care. He doesn’t care what people think and only cares about one thing, winning, something athletes today need to care more about.

            “Either way, I refuse to change what I am. A lion has to eat. Run with me or run from me.” Kobe Bryant. He gets it.

You can read the full article here