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Bryant tells local teens success is hard work
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NBA star Kobe Bryant told 12 young Shanghai basketball players yesterday that there is really no secret to success.
It’s all about putting in the work.
The players were on court at 4am waiting for Bryant to arrive, almost like a dream, as they didn’t truly believe the All-Star for the Los Angeles Lakers would show up. And then he appeared.
“It’s great you guys take the challenge and put in the effort,” the 34-year-old Bryant said.
Once asked about why he was so successful on the court, Bryant looked at the reporter and said: “Have you seen Los Angeles at 4am?
“I see it often because that’s when I start training.”
Chinese reporters mentioned the story and asked the question again yesterday and Bryant laughed.
“Yeah, not right now, but I have in the past,” the five-time NBA champion said, smiling.
Bryant, who is recovering from a ruptured Achilles’ tendon, said he doesn’t think about past success, but is focused on what lies ahead.
He said he would like to add two more championship rings to bring his collection to seven — one more than his idol Michael Jordan.
“I enjoy competing. That’s the beautiful thing about sports and about life. Challenge what people believe can be done and I really enjoy doing that,” Bryant said.
Despite Bryant being one of the best players in the league, the Lakers look more like a pretender than a contender at this stage as they have lost center Dwight Howard and Metta World Peace in the off season.
They were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs last season.
It’s uncertain whether Bryant will recover in time for the new season, but he added his recovery is ahead of schedule and he may be ready for training camp in September.
“I just want to be healthy,” Bryant said. “That’s really the most important thing.”
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