Kobe Bryant is arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. I can sense the blood pressure of those who don’t agree rising, the statistic obsessed cringing, and the older generation of NBA fans scoffing at such a statement. Is Kobe Bryant the greatest basketball player of all time? The claim can be (and has been made), yes. Where people slip is understanding the cosmic why. Perhaps if we rephrase the question, it will help the perception around such a definitive answer. Let's ask instead, “What makes Kobe Bryant great?” Interestingly enough, his greatness isn’t entirely tied to his basketball career, not conventionally.

We live in a time where statistics and numbers have obscured some realities in assessing the greatness of an athlete and it’s unfortunate. Are personal statistics everything? No, nevertheless it remains the strongest argument when it comes to evaluating an athlete; cemented numbers cannot be denied. However, we do acknowledge the continued emergence of non-sport community programs, charities and activities that athletes engage in, likewise, the prestigious awards recognizing such contributions as well. It gives credence that statistics isn’t the only thing important in an athlete’s career.

When defining a player’s legacy, everything a player does and doesn’t do, in addition to, who they are and aren’t when not playing sports, has become equally — if not — more important to their identity and reputation despite their success in sports (i.e., Pete Rose). We recognize that the essential nature of a person, how they build their legacy, their influence, and how they evolve comprehensively matters substantially.

Numbers aren’t everything. Look at the large endorsement deals star athletes net, and, how these deals are offered and pulled on any given day contingent on their actions and voice (e.g., social media, social life) away from sports. Brands and companies care about their association with athletes— away from the sport — as much as they do in the sport. Quality of character and pro-activity speaks; it connects, unifies and inspires people.

Statistics don’t tell stories, nor shed light on the journeys or challenges of a team, player or coach. They don’t reveal what, why or how; they only give us the math.

Let's consider a scenario where everyone who isn’t a professional athlete were critiqued and statistically measured in life the same way professional athletes are. Chances are that people would quickly defend the nuances of what determines value and success; They’d explain why they can’t accomplish or be as successful as they would prefer — citing circumstantial or situational reasons like lack of opportunity, resources or preparedness (many of these excuses are certainly justified). We know very well of the complexities and influential factors surrounding life. Some of us had no choice in our responsibilities, others have preexisting conditions, the realities go on: Life isn’t fair.

If we conclude success isn’t defined solely by numbers—acknowledging the wealth of other overlooked yet critical elements that attribute to success or greatness—why do people hold such a myopic standard with professional athletes? Why aren’t things such as leadership, evolution, longevity, influence, strategy, IQ or charity considered in the conversation when we speak of the greatest athletes of all time? Or, at the very least, when considering iconic athletes? Shouldn’t they matter?

Kobe Bryant redefined what it is to be an athlete, however, he did so in a way that transcended the game of basketball. Unfortunately, this is where many people dismiss what separated Mr. Bryant from the rest of the NBA players. The “greatness” people witnessed didn’t exist in the victories or the championships, nor the impressive feats he acquired over his illustrious career. On the contrary, those accolades — in it of themselves — were nothing. Yes, you read that correctly, nothing. If you asked him, he would have agreed. Of course, he trained endlessly and worked immeasurably hard for everything he’s earned. But his achievements on the court were indicative of something else. They were a manifestation of who he really was.

What everyone witnessed when watching Kobe play was a representation, a culmination of innumerable concealed components. Sure, he stood proud for what he accomplished and contributed to the game of basketball, but his pride never rested upon his NBA stats alone. The money, the fame and the records…Kobe surmised those were for the superficial, the shallow. Anyone chasing them lacked depth of vision and identity. Kobe was beyond them. And he played beyond them too.

Throughout his career, Kobe’s thirst for what lied ahead increased. His soul constantly stayed on fire. Despite watching him play for years, few recognized the exhibition of his metamorphosis. If you ever questioned why his ceaseless tenacity and work ethic earned him the name, The Black Mamba, you might have seen the perfect storm of unyielding fury beneath his skin. There was a duopoly; one of rage and one of love.

Kobe Bryant didn’t burn to only win, he reforged himself to become an instrument of philosophical methodology, a reincarnation of active evolution.

Kobe was a progressive blueprint on how to become more in life. He unlocked critical secrets of success by re-imagining its definition, by evolving into what drove his passion and obsession. He proved it with the sport he played and proved it again after his basketball career (e.g., winning an Academy award). Kobe demonstrated that we have the ability to become more than just the sum of parts. He showed us that by embracing what we fear most that we too, can transform into a character that emanates strength, drive and integrity. We can become an individual that evokes inspiration and commands respect.

But how did Kobe do this? How could you do this? What do you need to learn and change about yourself in order to become something more? What adjustments do you need to make in order to become substantially successful? If you find yourself asking these questions, you’re likely out of touch. This isn’t meant to be harsh, but a harsh reality.

In a society where the culture has become obsessed with the finish line and not the race, the resolution and not the conflict, the result and not the process, Kobe Bryant revealed that everything is about the race, the conflict and the process.

Destinations and goals are just temporary constructs that help push us, keep us from plateauing. But success isn’t a destination, it’s an identity.

Mr. Bryant was a new breed of philosopher. He remained active and stayed engaged. He wasn’t the romanticized philosophers of old, who sat, pondered and debated with other minds for days over theories while stroking his beard. Kobe emerged into something else. He adapted adaptation, he constantly broke his mind and body to reforge it, to refuel it for a further horizon. This refinement is allegoric to how Japanese steel became legendary during the samurai period.

Kobe’s solidarity and unique path through all the endorsements, sponsorship deals, contracts and ground-breaking sneaker campaigns — on top of — personal challenges, physical setbacks and responsibilities as a father and husband, are the kind of characters legends are built upon. This is what made him greater. These don’t even account for his contributions after his retirement (Granity Studios, The Wizenard Series, Dear Basketball, etc.), which arguably cemented his legacy beyond basketball.

The legend of Kobe Bryant will never die. Basketball was only a part of his path. The insights and inspirations born from his endeavors possess a tremendous number of knowledge and stratagem. They’re waiting to be observed. There are many things that stay overlooked, unobserved, and that aren’t fully explored over why Kobe Bryant is the greatest basketball player of all time. We’re only at the surface. But I implore you to discover them. Seriously, watch and read what other players say about Kobe; View his documentaries and interviews. You may just find yourself rethinking what it means to be the greatest of all time.

Written Arrangements

Legacy Mentality

Statistics don’t tell stories, nor shed light on the journeys or challenges of a team, player or coach. They don’t reveal what, why or how; they only give us the math.

Kobe Bryant didn’t burn to only win, he reforged himself to become an instrument of philosophical methodology, a reincarnation of active evolution.

In a society where the culture has become obsessed with the finish line and not the race, the resolution and not the conflict, the result and not the process, Kobe Bryant revealed that everything is about the race, the conflict and the process.

Destinations and goals are just temporary constructs that help push us, keep us from plateauing. But success isn’t a destination, it’s an identity.