Mamba Mentality

The Mamba Mentality: How I Play — an autobiographical journey into Kobe Bryant's mindset and career, with photography by Andrew D. Bernstein.

The Mamba Mentality: How I Play is an autobiographical book by NBA player Kobe Bryant in which he provides personal insights into his life and basketball career. The book was published by Macmillan Publishers on October 28, 2018, with a foreword by Pau Gasol, an introduction by Phil Jackson, and photography and an afterword by sports photographer Andrew D. Bernstein.

Quick Facts

Originator: Kobe Bryant
Franchise affiliation: Los Angeles Lakers
Publication date: October 28, 2018
Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
Photographer: Andrew D. Bernstein
Peak rank: 1
Draft selection date: June 1996
Final game date: April 2016

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 teammate Pau Gasol. The introduction, written by Bryant's former Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson, is titled 'Be Prepared for an Adventure in High-Level Basketball'. The afterword was written by the book's photographer Andrew D. Bernstein.

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.'