John Ireland on Kobe's work ethic

Everyone strives to be good. Only some strive to be the best.

Everyone wants to be the best. Only some are willing to do what it takes.

These guys very well could have been gym rats in high school. Even I was. My friends and I would play ball for hours after school every day.

But when they became good, that cheque came in. And once you get a few of those fat million dollar cheques, and you're a famous, young 6'3+ black male living in LA... you're gonna get girls and you're gonna get invited out to free dinners and parties and all that shit. These guys already have to practice still. It becomes a job. Only those who not only desire to be better than they are but are WILLING will still be in the gym.

/r/nba Thread