In the wake of Kobe Bryant’s tragic passing in January 2020, basketball fans around the world continue to grapple with the loss of one of the game’s greatest icons. The helicopter crash that took Kobe’s life and that of his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, left an indelible mark on the sports community. As fans in the UAE have embraced the NBA’s pre-season games in Abu Dhabi, the void left by Kobe Bryant is still palpable.
However, Derek Fisher, a close friend and five-time NBA champion who played alongside Kobe for the Los Angeles Lakers, believes there are invaluable lessons that young athletes in the UAE—and indeed around the world—can learn from Bryant’s enduring legacy.
The Unyielding Drive for Excellence
In a recent Zoom interview with Khaleej Times, Fisher reflected on Kobe Bryant’s remarkable career and personal attributes that set him apart. “What I loved most about being his teammate for a really long time is to see how hard he worked on his game every single day of his life,” Fisher shared. He emphasized that while Kobe’s scoring prowess was legendary, it was his relentless pursuit of improvement that truly defined him.
Kobe’s unparalleled work ethic and unquenchable thirst for self-improvement were hallmarks of his career. Fisher described Bryant as someone who was never satisfied with his achievements and always sought ways to elevate his game. “Kobe was never satisfied,” Fisher noted. “He always wanted to get better and this is what made Kobe so special.”
Fisher highlighted that this tireless commitment to growth is a crucial lesson for anyone striving to excel, not just in sports but in any field. “This is something that we can all learn from,” he said, emphasizing the importance of continuously pushing boundaries and striving for personal betterment.
Advice for Aspiring Young Athletes
When discussing advice for aspiring players, Fisher stressed the importance of seizing opportunities and maintaining focus. “The biggest piece of advice I often give is how important it is to grab the opportunities that you get in life,” he explained. Fisher encouraged young athletes to focus on their craft and not be discouraged by factors beyond their control. “What matters is the focus,” he said. “There will always be things in life which are out of your control, but you can always control the controllables.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
The NBA’s pre-season games in Abu Dhabi are more than just high-profile events; they represent a significant opportunity for young basketball enthusiasts in the region. Fisher expressed his excitement about the impact these games could have. “One of the most important things we have seen is developing emerging talents, creating opportunities, putting the game in a position where people can see it,” he noted. He believes that witnessing global stars in action can inspire local youth to dream big and pursue their basketball aspirations.
As Fisher prepares to join the pre-season festivities in Abu Dhabi, he looks forward to connecting with fans and sharing his passion for the game. “It’s going to be my first time in Abu Dhabi, so I am looking forward to meeting people, meeting fans, taking photos with them and talking to them about the sport,” he said.
Fisher’s visit highlights the growing global reach of basketball and the positive influence that such events can have on the sport’s development worldwide. As he continues to champion the game and its values, Fisher’s presence in Abu Dhabi serves as a testament to basketball’s power to inspire and unite people across the globe.
