DeMar DeRozan, a six-time NBA All-Star, has openly credited Kobe Bryant for significantly shaping his mindset as a professional player. Throughout his career, DeRozan has acknowledged Kobe not only as a childhood idol but also as a profound mentor who influenced his approach to basketball. This close relationship, rooted deeply in Bryant’s unique teaching methods, has left a lasting imprint on DeRozan’s mentality.
In a recent interview on 7 PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony, DeRozan shared insights into how Bryant’s mentorship was never straightforward. Instead of offering clear-cut advice, Bryant often used cryptic remarks and puzzling lessons that only made sense over time, profoundly affecting how DeRozan developed his mental toughness.
Decoding Kobe Bryant’s Mysterious Lessons on Mental Strength
During his conversation with Anthony, DeRozan described Bryant’s cryptic style as a form of mental strategy designed to challenge and sharpen a player’s thinking. Often, Kobe’s comments seemed confusing in the moment, but they eventually revealed deeper meaning that helped DeRozan grow.
Kobe the type who would say some s**t, and you be like, ‘What?’ You remember the Kanye commercial he was in? It really be that,
DeRozan explained, referring to the surreal 2012 advertisement featuring Bryant delivering abstract motivational slogans to Kanye West.
There have been times when I was working out, he was like… and I’m like, ‘What the f**k is – how you –what?!’ But I’d just go along with it. Later down the line, something accidental would happen, and I’m like, ‘Aah, that’s the sh** he was talking about.’
This unconventional technique wasn’t meant to confuse but to encourage independent reflection and mental resilience. DeRozan viewed these moments as Bryant’s psychological approach, intended to keep players alert and relentlessly self-questioning.
He’d play mind games from that type of standpoint when it comes to a lot of sh**. That was one thing that was great about him because it shows how cynical he was in his mind.
Rather than negativity, this cynicism reflected Bryant’s sharp intellect and his method of teaching by disorienting, which compelled learners to think beyond surface level and find solutions within themselves. This distinguished Bryant’s mentorship, forcing his mentees to internalize lessons instead of simply absorbing them passively.
Why DeRozan’s Bond with Kobe Bryant Was Especially Meaningful
DeRozan’s admiration for Bryant began long before they met. Growing up in Compton, California, DeRozan idolized Kobe’s game and honed his own skills by studying Bryant’s style. When DeRozan entered the NBA in 2009, their relationship deepened as Bryant took him under his wing during off-season training sessions, exemplifying his legendary work ethic.
These workouts not only honed DeRozan’s talent but also guided him in a league increasingly focused on three-point shooting, helping him carve a reputation as one of the most efficient midrange scorers. The connection and Bryant’s influence extended beyond what many noticed.
In 2022, fellow NBA star Joel Embiid pointed out that DeRozan’s footwork evoked memories of Kobe, a comparison that resonated widely.
That was my favorite player growing up, that was a mentor of mine, that was somebody I looked up to, I could go to for advice. For me, Kobe — he was everything to me.
DeRozan’s mentorship experience echoes that of many other NBA stars like Paul George, James Harden, Klay Thompson, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kyrie Irving, all of whom sought Bryant’s guidance. This speaks to Kobe’s special ability to challenge players intellectually while pushing them to reach their full potential in a nontraditional manner.
The Lasting Impact of Kobe Bryant on DeRozan’s Career and Mindset
Throughout his career, DeRozan faced Bryant in ten matchups, splitting wins evenly. In those games, DeRozan averaged 16.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting 44.4%, showcasing his competitiveness against one of the fiercest and most cerebral opponents in NBA history.
Years after Bryant’s untimely passing, DeRozan continues to find clarity and inspiration in the cryptic lessons he once found perplexing. These experiences reveal how Kobe Bryant’s mentorship shaped his perspective on both basketball and life, highlighting Bryant’s deep understanding of talent development and mental resilience.