Scottie Pippen speaks about mentoring Kobe Bryant 

Most people know Kobe Bryant would often reach out to Michael Jordan and pick his brain. Jordan wasn’t the only player Kobe did this to. In fact, MJ’s running mate, Scottie Pippen, also used to receive calls from The Black Mamba.

“Kobe would call me and pick my brain, and it was amazing to know that he did that to a lot of other players,” Pippen said. “He did it to people from all walks of life. Whether it was a movie producer or someone that is the best-selling author, whatever. Kobe was a very intelligent guy. He believed in striving to be the best.”

Kobe certainly became the best. He led the Lakers to five NBA championships, including two without the aid of Shaquille O’Neal.

Kobe was also one of the most skilled players we’ve ever seen, largely due to his drive to reach out to NBA legends and ask for their help. Even though Kobe sometimes gets overlooked nowadays in the GOAT debate, he shouldn’t be.

Kobe was a true GOAT.