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The late Kobe Bryant was well-known for his unwavering work ethic and his relentless approach to basketball, a mindset famously dubbed "The Mamba Mentality." Interestingly, this commitment didn't just apply to the court; it also extended to how he cared for his sisters.
A great example of this was in a 1996 interview with the L.A. Times, where the then-18-year-old Kobe shared that he wasn't really into shopping. However, he would only go if it meant spending time with his sisters. His reason? He wanted to help them make the right clothing choices.
"I'll go shopping with them because I want to make sure they don't buy something that shows off their figures too much. I'm afraid of all guys when it comes to my sisters. I'm very protective," remarked Bryant.
A lesson in character over appearance
Even as a teenager, "The Black Mamba" understood that small details, like fashion choices, can have a significant impact, especially in the public eye. Kobe likely recognized that overly revealing outfits attract superficial attention and sought to shield his sisters from that, emphasizing that true value lies in character, not clothing.
Although Kobe was slightly younger than his sisters, the eldest Sharia and the middle child Shaya, he didn't just follow their lead. Just like on the basketball court, where the 6'6" guard-forward led the Los Angeles Lakers for most of his storied 20-year NBA career, he aimed to have a positive impact on those around him. While his approach didn't always resonate with everyone, it certainly didn't harm the Hall of Famer's relationship with his siblings.
This was clearly shown in many social media posts by "The Black Mamba" featuring his sisters before his tragic passing in January 2020. The heartfelt tributes from Sharia and Shaya that came afterward further emphasized their strong bond.
The Bryant siblings' bond
The bond among the Bryant siblings stemmed from their upbringing. When they were young, their parents moved the family to Europe for Bryant Sr.'s career in the Italian professional basketball league. This relocation was a major change, especially for the kids, who had to adapt to a new environment with limited life experience and no knowledge of the language.
"We couldn't communicate with anybody except members of the family. So when we went out, we went out as a group," recalled the 2008 MVP.
"The Black Mamba" later shared the challenges he faced during his early years in Italy. However, Kob' emphasized that despite these struggles, "I had my sisters' back," noting that the feeling was mutual. The former five-time NBA champ explained that Sharia and Shaya were always there for him during that time.
This mutual support was also reflected in their protective bond. Just as young Bean was protective of his sisters, they were "the same way with me," he said.
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Report: Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with Bucks is still uncertain
The Milwaukee Bucks were one of the most active teams in the early days of the NBA offseason. From signing Myles Turner to moving on from Damian Lillard, Doc Rivers' team didn't rest on its laurels early on. And while the front office has gone to great lengths to shut down all rumors of Giannis Antetokounmpo's discontent, ESPN insider Shams Charania reported they're not in the clear yet. On Monday's edition of "Get Up," Charania pointed out that Antetokounmpo is still considering all his options. "We're standing here, it's Aug. 4. Sources tell me there's still nothing set in stone about whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will stay in Milwaukee or whether he will be leaving," Charania said. "And so, he's going to continue to evaluate his future." He added that Giannis might still decide that the doesn't want to be there and force his way out this offseason, which would be a huge blow for a team that just waived-and-stretched the $113 million left on Lillard's contract. "They did that because they wanted to show Giannis, we're doing everything in our power to keep you here. But Giannis Antetokounmpo is the ultimate decider whether he feels this roster is good enough," Charania added. Giannis has always talked about winning the right way and staying loyal to the organization, but he's also been visibly frustrated with the early playoff exits and has been open about his desire to win another championship. He might want to give this new core a chance to show him that it can compete at the highest level. But if they get off to another slow start to the season, he may want to reconsider his options.
Three potential landing spots for disgruntled Bills RB James Cook
Superstar pass-rusher Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys aren't the only ones involved in a contract dispute. Buffalo Bills star running back James Cook is seeking a pay raise as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract. When asked Sunday why he wasn't practicing, Cook responded: "Business." ESPN insider Adam Schefter noted on Monday the hold-in by Cook, the 2022 second-round pick (63rd overall) who is unhappy with his contract situation. For now, Cook's future with the Bills is in question, so let's look at three teams that should be lighting up general manager Brandon Beane's phone in an attempt to pry him from Buffalo. Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles must continue to add weapons around second-year QB Caleb Williams. Per NFL.com, Chicago ranked 25th in the league in rushing yards (102 per game) and 29th in yards per carry (four) last season, which is not good enough to support a young QB. RB D'Andre Swift (253 carries, 959 yards rushing, 3.8 yards per carry) is a solid option but was inefficient last season in the workhorse role. Cook, who rushed for 1,009 yards last season (4.9 per carry), is an efficient runner who could balance this offense. Chicago has the draft capital and salary-cap space (roughly $13M, per Over The Cap) to get a deal done, particularly if it were to send Swift back the other way. Arizona Cardinals Their offense could reach new heights with a dynamic running back like Cook. James Conner, who rushed for a career-high 1,094 yards last season, has been a solid lead runner in Arizona over the past four years, but the 30-year-old could use help. Conner is a power back. Speedster Cook would bring a different style and create an explosive one-two punch with QB Kyler Murray. Per Over The Cap, Arizona has roughly $35M in cap space and all its own draft picks to get a deal done. It's a move it must consider to compete in the loaded NFC West. Minnesota Vikings What better way is there to aid rookie QB J.J. McCarthy than by trading for a high-end running back? Minnesota has perhaps the best receiving groups in the NFL, so improving the run game could make this offense unstoppable. Running back Aaron Jones will turn 31 on Dec. 2, so Cook — who will turn 26 on Sept. 25 — would be an upgrade. Free-agent RB Dalvin Cook, who has a similar running style to James, his brother, rushed for 1,173 yards with the Vikings in 2022. The Vikings have draft picks to make a solid offer, and while their cap space will get tight in 2026, they can find ways to wiggle their way around it. Perhaps Buffalo would be interested in Jones being a part of the deal to help its backfield in the short term.
Knee operation: Kirby Dach not yet back on his feet
Two years ago to the day, Canadiens fans were optimistic about Kirby Dach’s future in Montreal: the 6’4 forward had just collected 38 points in 58 games – in his first campaign in Quebec – and many wondered whether Dach had a better chance of establishing himself as a first NHL center than captain Nick Suzuki. The past 730 days have proven otherwise, but that’s not the point this morning. Since joining the Canadiens, Dach has earned a reputation as a fragile player. Virus, shoulder, upper body (concussion?), lower body, knee(ACL and MCL), knee again… Let’s just say that injuries haven’t spared Dach since he arrived in Montreal. In fact, injuries haven’t spared Dach since he started playing hockey. He has never played more than 70 games in a single season, and has only broken the 60-game barrier three times in nine junior or pro seasons. Last February, Dach underwent a second operation on his right knee in the space of 18 months. Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes may tell us that Kirby Dach is fine,but we still have our doubts. Especially whenyou consider that, with the Canadiens’ recent additions and departures, Kirby Dach is still the team’s second center on the organizational chart. content-ads]Last week, I wondered where Kirby was ? We’ve seen plenty of Habs players skating at the CN Complex this summer, but not Kirby Dach. And I had to work like a monk to catch a glimpse of him in a video filmed at Nick Suzuki’s wedding! Yesterday, I was told that Kirby Dach was spending the summer in Edmonton with Kaiden Guhle – Dach is from Saskatchewan and Guhle is from Alberta – and that Dach was still in rehab. I repeat: five months after his most recent knee operation and some 40 days before the start of practice camp, Kirby Dach is still not recovered and ready to play. Good informants spotted him in an Edmonton gym doing squats with loads that look like the ones I used to take when I went to Econofitness, not the ones an NHL player uses [content-ads]This explains it: when he came to Montreal for his captain’s wedding, Kirby Dach couldn’t – or wouldn’t – skate with his teammates in Brossard. It’s worth noting that Dach is also very quiet on social networks – his last post was in November 2024 – probably in an effort to be forgotten… to go unnoticed. Spending the summer in Alberta, rather than in Montreal (with his chums at Osheaga), makes sense, when you think about it…Let’s just say that the chances of Dach starting his season at the same time as everyone else in two months’ time are pretty slim, which is cause for concern for those hoping to see the Canadiens in the playoffs in 2026. Yes, the Kirby Dach problem would be solved if a guy like Mason MacTavish-good offensively, defensively, physically and in the face-off circle-came to Montreal, but let’s just say that the odds of that happening this summer are very low. And you can’t make plans with very improbable things![spacer title=’Prolongation’]Matthew Tkachuk, who was injured last winter while throwing down the gloves at the 4 Nations tournament, underwent surgery last month (hernia and adductor). According to the latest information from Elliotte Friedman, Tkachuk could return to action just before the Olympic Games. Let’s hope Kirby Dach doesn’t have to wait as long as Tkachuk.
Matt LaFleur sheds light on concerning Tucker Kraft situation
The Green Bay Packers continued work on the field on Saturday, with tens of thousands of fans in attendance watching amid the annual Family Night. However, one notable player who was not able to make it to the field and practice was tight end Tucker Kraft. The former South Dakota State Jackrabbits star is nursing a lower-body injury, forcing the Packers to take it easy on the tight end and keep him on the shelf rather than risk aggravation of the issue. Speaking to the media, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur opened up about Kraft’s status, via Green Bay reporter Rob Demovsky of ESPN. “MLF said Tucker Kraft has been dealing with a groin injury and powering through it for the last two days but they decided to give him a couple days off.” Kraft is expected to be among the major targets in the Packers’ passing attack in his third year in the pros. Selected in the third round (78th overall) by the Packers in the 2023 NFL draft, the 24-year-old Kraft is looking to surpass his production in 2024, when he posted 707 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 50 receptions.
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