Kobe Bryant has become known for a work ethic that is matched by very few in the world, so much so that it’s even become his own term: The Mamba Mentality.

Bryant struggled with injury a lot at the end of his career, even going though one that may have some similar rehab to what Gordon Hayward is about to endure. Hayward’s injury is the talk of the town in the sports world, largely for the grotesque way it happened. While it is one of the more gruesome looking injuries we’ve ever seen, it was also in a dangerous area.

The full extent of Hayward’s injuries are not yet known, but Kobe Bryant has some experience with issues like this in the past.

Bryant dealt with a brutal Achilles injury in the past which took him just under 8 months to recover from. So, with that experience, Bryant posted an inspiring message directed at Gordon Hayward, regarding the process that Hayward is about to endure and how he can use it to his advantage.

 

Be sad. Be mad. Be frustrated. Scream. Cry. Sulk. When you wake up you will think it was just a nightmare only to realize it’s all too real. You will be angry and wish for the day back, the game back THAT play back. But reality gives nothing back and nor should you. Time to move on and focus on doing everything in your power to prepare for surgery, ask all the questions to be sure you understand fully the procedure so that you may visualize it in your subconscious while being operated on and better the chance of it’s success. Then focus on the recovery process day by day by day. It’s a long journey but if you focus on the mini milestones along the way you will find beauty in the struggle of doing simple things that prior to this injury were taken for granted. This will also mean that when you return you will have a new perspective. You will be so appreciative of being able to stand, walk, run that you will train harder than you ever have. You see the belief within you grow with each mini milestone and you will come back a better player for it. Best of luck to you on this journey my brother #mambamentality always.

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We’re sure it’s very difficult for Hayward to see any positive in this experience, but Kobe really does deliver the message of positive thinking. Everybody will be rooting for Hayward, hopefully his rehab experience goes as smoothly as possible.

Knowing that others have come back better from events like these should inspire confidence as he prepares for his journey.

 

Surgery prep time. Lookin like Mrs Doubtfire with a jerri curl cap lol Anesthesia next #highasakite #mambaout

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