Michael Jackson’s Advice To Kobe Bryant: ‘Don’t Change For Them’

Corey Hansford
2 Min Read

Kobe Bryant has had a long and illustrious career with the Los Angeles Lakers and along the way has had the opportunity to speak with many of the most influential people both in basketball and the world as a whole. One person who really inspired Kobe was deceased international superstar, Michael Jackson.

Jackson called Kobe during his second season in the league at a time when Bryant said he was receiving a lot of criticism for being so serious all the time.

In an interview on HBO’s Real Sports, Bryant revealed what Jackson told him, as transcribed by Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation:

Jackson also gave Kobe advice about what he needed to do to become one of the all-time greats, via Ward:

Whether it is in sports, entertainment, or any other facet of life, the greatest always share that desire to be the best at any cost. Kobe is renowned for his work ethic and determination and Jackson made sure that Kobe knew that it was necessary for him to achieve what he wanted to.

Jackson is considered by many to be the greatest pop artist of all-time and he still holds many records, so getting advice from him at such a young age surely helped to motivate Kobe. Five championships and multiple accolades later and it’s safe to say the advice was right.

Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.
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