Sasha Vujacic recently opened up about his time with Kobe Bryant, revealing how the Lakers legend’s relentless pursuit of greatness shaped his career and the culture of the team.
During an appearance on the Out The Mud podcast, Vujacic shared candid insights into Bryant’s mentality, describing it as an obsession that pushed him to always go beyond what others were willing to do.
“Kobe’s obsession with being the greatest was something else,” Vujacic recalled, via HoopsHype. “He achieved that because there was never enough. There was always that extra mile he wanted to take.”
The phrase “Mamba Mentality” has become synonymous with Bryant’s drive to outwork and outthink his opponents, and Vujacic firmly believes it wasn’t just physical work that separated Bryant from his peers.
Bryant’s commitment extended far beyond the basketball court, with Vujacic highlighting how Kobe immersed himself in every aspect of the game. “It was about studying film, understanding the opponent, focusing on footwork, and delving deep into the system, the triangle offense. He wasn’t just outworking you on the court; he was mentally outworking you,” Vujacic explained.
Vujacic, who played alongside Bryant during some of the Lakers’ most successful years, emphasized how Kobe’s intense focus on every detail of the game affected everyone around him. “He gets into your psyche,” said Vujacic. “Once that happened, we knew we were golden.” Bryant’s influence wasn’t just about his physical skill or leadership on the court, but also his ability to instill confidence and focus in his teammates.
The former Laker sharpshooter also revealed how Kobe played a pivotal role in his decision to join the Lakers. Vujacic recounted how, before even stepping into the locker room, he received a call from Kobe himself. “Kobe calmed me down,” Vujacic said. “I was going crazy… I was like, ‘This is crazy.'”
Vujacic had options, including a potential move to the Boston Celtics, where he had a strong workout with Danny Ainge. However, after speaking with Kobe and hearing about the Lakers’ plans, his decision became clear.
“Rudy (Tomjanovich) had said, ‘He played for me before. You’re young, coming from Europe, and I think we’ll have a better chance with him,'” Vujacic shared, reflecting on the transition that led him to Los Angeles. “I was like, ‘Damn, do I just kill my dream?’”
Bryant’s role in Vujacic’s career was a pivotal one. Kobe not only guided him through the pressures of the NBA but also exemplified the leadership and mentality that helped the Lakers win multiple championships. For Vujacic, Kobe’s ability to bring out the best in everyone around him was unmatched. “He was our leader,” Vujacic said. “You either followed him or you fell behind. There was no middle ground.”
