In a remarkable display of tenacity and skill, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant maintained an impressive average of 38.6 minutes per game during his 17th season in the NBA. Despite facing age-related declines in athleticism and the toll of injuries, Bryant’s indomitable will was evident as he chased the elusive sixth Larry O’Brien trophy, often demonstrating strategic acumen honed over years of elite competition.
Doug Collins, then the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, recognized how Bryant had adapted his game—maximizing his remaining athletic abilities through intentional and calculated movements. Collins praised Bryant’s approach, noting that with experience, great players often streamline their energy and efforts. “As guys get older, for the guys who are really the savants, the game comes easier. They don’t waste energy,” he remarked in a 2013 interview with the Los Angeles Times, highlighting that, unlike younger players who might “chase their tail,” seasoned athletes like Bryant know how to control the game.
Collins also drew comparisons between Bryant and Michael Jordan, with whom he shared coaching experiences. Both legends held a profound commitment to playing every game of the regular season, revealing a shared mentality that all great players would answer the call for their teams on a nightly basis. “For Kobe and Michael, a badge of courage would be playing 82 games, not winning the NBA scoring title,” Collins noted, emphasizing their focus on team loyalty and durability.
Interestingly, it was Jordan who imparted crucial lessons on energy conservation to Bryant. In the grueling context of NBA regular seasons, where back-to-back games and fatigue are commonplace, Bryant adopted strategies to preserve his stamina without compromising performance. “One of the things I learned from MJ… you can alter your game a little bit,” he explained during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take. Bryant described shifting his playing style depending on the game’s demands, such as moving closer to the basket when fatigue set in, thereby conserving energy while remaining efficient.
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This strategic adaptation was key to both Bryant and Jordan sustaining long, successful careers—Kobe playing 20 seasons and Michael 15, both achieving remarkable accolades and championships along the way. Their unwavering dedication not only secured their legacies as two of the greatest players in NBA history but also provided fans with countless memorable moments as they poured their hearts into the game, night after night.
