NBA Lakers coach reveals surprising anecdotes about Kobe Bryant, "He is the toughest person I have ever met"

As a legend of the Los Angeles Lakers and even the NBA, Kobe Bryant is famous for his "unyielding fighter" spirit and never-ending desire to win. As the Lakers trainer who has witnessed Kobe Bryant's entire NBA career, Gary Vitti recently talked about the greatness of his beloved disciple.

The coach of the Lakers revealed an amazing anecdote about Kobe.

Kobe, who entered the NBA with the 13th overall pick in the 1996 draft, dedicated his entire 20-year career to the Lakers and ranked first in total points. Ranked fourth in history with 33,643 points, won five championships (2000-02, 2009, 2010), and scored 81 points in a single game against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006, ranking second in history. Kobe, who unfortunately passed away in a helicopter crash in 2020, was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions.

Vitti, who served as the Lakers athletic trainer from 1984 to 2016, recently appeared on the podcast "Byron Scott 's Fast Break" hosted by Lakers legend Byron Scott, and shared the story of Kobe Bryant, who spent time with him day and night. "As for his physical condition? He is taller than me, but by no means outstanding by NBA standards. What about speed? It is indeed very fast, but it is only at the regular level of the NBA. The jumping is certainly good, but it is definitely not the vertical jump of Zach LaVine (Sacramento Kings). "

However, Kobe is known as a "training maniac" among NBA players. He always pursues "continuously achieving a better self". This spirit is called the "Mamba Spirit". Especially in terms of professional attitude, his level of commitment is overwhelming. "So what makes him extraordinary? The first is his professional attitude, which is simply unparalleled. Many players train hard, but Kobe sweats more than anyone else. " But not everyone knows how to train smart. Kobe is also different in this regard. He is an extremely wise man. Every move he makes is carefully calculated, like a carefully choreographed dance move. "

The experience of persisting in standing and completing two free throws after rupturing his Achilles tendon has become a legendary chapter of his indomitable spirit. Vitti also praised without hesitation: "It is no exaggeration to say that he is the toughest man I have ever seen in my life. " "There is a little-known story - he once said that he had undergone waterboarding interrogation. He actually experienced waterboarding while training with SEALs. His face was covered with a towel, he was put down and tied up, and then water was poured continuously to create a sense of suffocation. Kobe actually accepted this challenge. Who would do this? "

I believe there are more heroic deeds similar to Kobe's, sleeping in time, waiting for people to discover.