I realize now that there's a strength in dunking that I can use to my advantage. When you dunk all the time it isn't as demoralizing to the opponent, but when you dunk at a key moment in the game you can use it to change the momentum.
- Kobe Bryant


As far as carrying the torch for the years to come, I don't know. I just want to be the best basketball player I can be.
- Kobe Bryant


I don't want to be the next Michael Jordan, I only want to be Kobe Bryant.
- Kobe Bryant


Basketball is my refuge, my sanctuary. I go back to being a kid on the playground. When I get here, it's all good.
- Kobe Bryant


The guy said NBA players are one in a million, ... I said, 'Man, look, I'm going to be that one in a million.'
- Kobe Bryant


Even when I'm old and grey, I won't be able to play it, but I'll still love the game.
- Michael Jordan


I never thought a role model should be negative.
- Michael Jordan


My body could stand the crutches but my mind couldn't stand the sideline.
- Michael Jordan


It's heavy duty to try to do everything and please everybody . . . My job was to go out there and play the game of basketball as best I can, ... People may not agree with that . . . I can't live with what everyone's impression of what I should or what I shouldn't do.
- Michael Jordan


I don't want this to feel like a funeral.
- Michael Jordan


You guys forget I was a pretty good basketball player. They offered me a college scholarship in that, too.
- Joe Montana


Michael left because of the Bulls' management, not because he'd lost his love of playing the game.
- Tiger Woods