Many young players are taught as they are growing up to control their emotions and never play mad because one tends to make more mistakes when one is angry. Kobe Bryant does not subscribe to that theory.
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After the Lakers 129-122 overtime win over the Toronto Raptors, Kobe said that he wants to carry his anger over into future games according to ESPN Los Angeles’ Beto Duran:
Kobe "I want to stay mad. Helps me play better"
— Beto Duran (@DuranSports) December 1, 2014
Kobe’s frustrations are obviously coming from the Lakers’ performance so far this season. At 4-13 so far, the Lakers currently have the worst record in the Western Conference. Though the team has been competitive in most of the games recently, they have struggled to finish down the stretch.
While most people must avoid frustration, Kobe thrives precisely because he is able to channel his anger on the court. Perceived slights are things he uses as motivation and he will attack even more because of it.
Tonight was one of Kobe’s best games of the season as he recorded his 20th career triple-double. In the process, Kobe became the first player in NBA history to record 30,000 career points and 6,000 career assists, as well as the oldest player in league history to score 30 points while recording a triple-double.
Kobe’s anger is one of the things that has driven him to his place amongst the greats in the history of the NBA. As he continues to try and turn things around for these Lakers, he will try to keep that going.
[divide]NBA History: Kobe Bryant With Over 30,000 Points And 6,000 Assists