On Monday, the Los Angeles Lakers are raising Kobe Bryant's jersey to the rafters of Staples Center.
The ceremony will honor one of the NBA's all-time greatest players, a freakish athlete with a knack for scoring, with a vicious competitive streak, and an unparalleled work ethic.
Tales of Bryant's work ethic have become NBA folklore. From early morning workouts, to marathon shooting sessions, to a relentless desire to improve himself, here are our favorite examples of Bryant's work ethic.
Michael Jordan, Kobe's idol, said Kobe is the only person to ever approach Jordan's work ethic.
From Roland Lazenby, author of "Michael Jordan: The Life":
"He said Kobe had done that work to deserve the comparison. He says Kobe's the only one to have done the work."
Source: LA Times
He used to show up to practice at 5 a.m. and leave at 7 a.m. ... in high school.
Source: Sports Illustrated
He'd make high school teammates play one-on-one games to 100.
Kobe played a bench-warmer to 100 multiple times when he was in high school.
In Kobe's worst game, he still won 100-12.
Source: SI
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