Hungry for more

(This one is long overdue, but better late than never)


More than a month ago, on August 12, NBA superstar Kobe Bryant braved Labuyo's onslaught and arrived, again, in Manila to be with his passionate Filipino fans.

"The passion in the game of basketball is the thing that drives me the most to come back here [in Manila]," said the five-time NBA champion Bryant during his one-day stop in the Philippines.

"I want to be remembered as a person who maximizes his potential and is always hungry for excellence. I have the curiosity about how to improve and get better in the game of basketball


Bryant, a frequent Manila visitor, has vowed to come back stronger from his injury as he chases a sixth NBA title, which is his top priority rather than breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's scoring record.

The two-time NBA Finals MVP said experiencing setbacks made him stronger. "If you continue to have setbacks, you must continue to try to figure out how to get through it as you get older," said Bryant, who is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon in April this year.

A lot of people doubted Bryant could return from his injury. There were even some who said that he's done for and should hang up his jersey, but the 34-year-old said he is taking it as another challenge.



"It is interesting, because all those people who are saying that 'he's done, did they have the same injury and same situation? I'm sure if they experienced it, they quit. That's a sign of weakness. I want to come back stronger."

The 34-year-old said he's constantly learning how to get past his injury and training non-stop to be ready for the upcoming NBA season.

"The doubters, haters, and challenges I use as a motivation to get better. I'm not only on track but ahead of schedule. I'm doing very well in rehab. I have a trainer, everywhere I go."

No photo opportunity with Kobe Bryant and had to settle
with actress Isabel Oli, who was among the celebrities who
waited for the NBA superstar.  Photo by Olmin Leyba

Bryant is also confident about the Lakers' chances this time after injuries plagued the team's title run last season. He added that the Lakers management put emphasis on chemistry and has put together a team whose main goal is to win.

"We have filled these voids, it is a matter of using them the proper way. [Management] has put players whose style of play fit very well together and hopefully, all the hard work we put in could translate into more wins."

Bryant said it will be tough for the Lakers to win the NBA title but they are setting small benchmark goals for them to reach the ultimate prize.

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