45 pages • 1 hour read
Kobe BryantThe Mamba Mentality: How I Play
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Further Reading & Resources
Further Reading: Literature
Geese are Never Swans by Kobe Bryant and Eva Clark (2020)
The Legacy Series by Kobe Bryant and Annie Matthew (2019-2021)
The Wizenard Series by Kobe Bryant and Wesley King (2019-2020)
The Epoca Series by Kobe Bryant and Ivy Claire (2019-2020)
Conceptualized by Bryant and created in collaboration with writers of fiction, these three fictional series and one stand-alone novel were produced by Bryant’s own Granity Studios. The stories are crafted for younger audiences and address the themes of athletic performance, personal identity, and the effects of pressure as they manifest in the lives of Bryant’s young protagonists. The Wizenard Series and The Epoca Series are set in fantasy worlds, while The Legacy Series and Geese are Never Swans take place in a contemporary reality. Like The Mamba Mentality, these works convey lessons and values to not only entertain and inform readers, but also to encourage them to embrace their own abilities, navigate challenges, and develop confidence in themselves.
Further Reading: Beyond Literature (nonfiction)
“The Fourth Quarter: Kobe Bryant Confronts a Long—and Possibly Painful—Goodbye” by Ben McGrath (2014)
This 2014 article in the New York Times addresses Bryant’s decision to adopt the nickname “The Black Mamba.”
The L.A. Times Kobe Bryant Tribute Book by The LA Times (2021)
A hardcover collection of newspaper articles chronicling Bryant’s life and career, beginning in 1996 and concluding with the tribute article published on the one-year anniversary of his death, also available as part of a boxed set.
The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality by Mike Sielski (2022)
A 2022 biography by an acclaimed sportswriter and host of the “I am Bryant” podcast.
Video & Podcast Resources
The home page to the 10-part documentary produced by Hulu, a sweeping account of the history of the Los Angeles Lakers, including significant attention focused on Bryant’s career. Episodes 6-9 encompass his career, but the series begins with the founding of the team and includes historical aspects of the culture and legacy of the team that provide direct insight and background into Bryant’s career.
“I am Bryant” on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
A biographical look at Bryant’s rise from rookie to undisputed basketball legend, hosted by biographer Mike Sielski, author of The Rise.
A 19-minute whirlwind highlight reel featuring some of the most remarkable and poignant moments from Bryant’s 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers; it is a thorough, sweeping perspective on his legacy as an athlete.
A one hour conversation reflecting on his life and career with Bryant and Patrick Bet-David that took place just a few months before his death.
A three-hour tribute honoring the life of Bryant and his daughter.
Further Resources: Social Media Accounts
His final tweet was posted the day before his death in January 2020, but Bryant’s account remains available posthumously, and his thoughts and interests, as well as re-tweets of features including Bryant himself are abundantly available on his account page.
A more intimate look into Bryant’s life, featuring photos of family, friends, and his own personal appearances.
Bryant’s legacy lives on through the continued use of the Mamba Mentality hashtag. While the tweets appearing in this feed do not represent Bryant’s views, they are a testament to the enduring use of the hashtag he began, and many of the tweets contained therein feature Bryant-related media and resources.
The official website for the charitable foundation inaugurated by Vanessa Bryant in memory of her husband Bryant and their daughter Gianna (“Mambacita”). Their mission statement:
“Dedicated to creating positive impact for underserved athletes and boys & girls in sports. Founded through the vision and loving memory of Bryant and Gianna “Gigi” Bryant.”
