ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

My story, my career, my dedication would not exist without my wife, Vanessa. Thank you for your partnership, patience, and equally competitive spirit. You are my ultimate teammate.

Natalia, Gianna, and Bianka, I hope you find the inspiration in this book to go build your own Mentality. Each of you, above all else, is my pride and joy.

Thank you to the Hall of Fame photographer Andy Bernstein, who through the years perfected a craftsmanship with his lens that is unparalleled in the industry. One photographer, one athlete, one team, 20 years—without your work, this story could not fully come to life.

Tzvi Twersky, who spent countless hours helping me craft the perfect words to express and define the Mamba Mentality. Thank you for helping teach the next generation about the process and the craft.

Pau and Phil, you each challenged me to be the best version of myself. I hope your words help teach future athletes how to be the best version of themselves—in whatever they dream.

And special thanks to Rob Pelinka at the Los Angeles Lakers; Jay Mandel and Josh Pyatt at WME; Charles Melcher and Chris Steighner at Melcher Media; Darin Frank at Sloane, Offer, Weber and Dern, LLP; and the Kobe Inc. team, Molly Carter, Rita Costea, Matt Matkov, and Jay Wadkins.

                                                                    —KB

Thanks to Kobe for the trust and joy of documenting 20 amazing years. 

Thanks to Joe Amati and David Denenberg of NBA Photos, Carmin Romanelli of Getty Images, Kelly Ryan, and Gail Buckland. 

                                                                   —ADB