Mamba Mentality

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Lore & Background

The book is broken up into several sections in which Bryant describes the progression of his mentality and training throughout his career. Each section is heavily accompanied by visuals. The foreword was written by Bryant's former Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson. The introduction, written by Bryant's former teammate Pau Gasol, is titled 'Be Prepared for an Adventure in High-Level Basketball'. The afterword was written by the book's photographer Andrew D. Bernstein.

In Their Own Story

In the "Craft" section, Bryant annotated game photos to explain his thought process on court technique. He credited teammates Shaquille O'Neal, Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, and Derek Fisher as special players who helped refine his skills. He also studied competitors like Kevin Garnett, Allen Iverson, and Ruben Patterson, adapting his approach based on their specific strengths and weaknesses. Bryant emphasized footwork, hand-eye coordination, and "sizing up the defense," admitting he enjoyed both hitting and getting hit. His connection with Pau Gasol highlighted that wins and losses did not alter his routine; he remained in the gym for hours regardless of whether the team lost 50 games or won a championship. He noted that without basketball's lessons on artistry, he would not have earned an Emmy or an Oscar.

Reader's Guide

Bryant details how he physically and mentally prepares for playing basketball, including midnight workouts, studying game film, and physical therapy. He highlights staff members Judy Seto and Gary Vitti, and various sports figures who impacted him. On injuries, he discusses fracturing his right index finger in December 2009 and his ruptured Achilles tendon on April 12, 2013, after which he spoke with Vitti and surgeon Patrick Soon-Shiong. He reflects on his leadership with Team USA and the Lakers, defining the 'mamba mentality' as about the journey and not the result. In 'Craft', he speaks of technique decisions, acknowledges teammates and competitors, and goes 'deeper than hoops' discussing his connection with Pau Gasol and the value of championships. The third section displays various facts and figures. 'Chronology' lists important milestone dates from June 1996 to April 2016.

Did You Know?

• The book spent 27 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list as of July 2020, peaking at number 1 in the Sports and Fitness Category.
• Kirkus Reviews called the book 'a visually beautiful presentation' thanks to the photos by Bernstein.
• USA Today's Jocelyn McClurg described the book as 'the next best thing to a courtside seat watching Bryant drive to the basket during his glory days with the L.A. Lakers.'