Dodgers Using Kobe Bryant as Motivation Ahead of NLDS Game 5 vs Padres
The Los Angeles Dodgers are using one Kobe Bryant quote as inspiration for the final game of the National League Division Series.
On the two announcement screens in the Dodgers’ clubhouse, Bryant’s words are displayed:
“Job’s not finished.”
The quote is in reference to cutting any premature celebrations. Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers were up 2-0 in the 2009 NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic, but he didn’t seem pleased.
Bryant was then famously asked in a postgame interview about why he was unhappy if the Lakers had an early lead. His response was powerful and became the mindset of many athletes who want to finish the task ahead of them.
“What’s there to be happy about?” Bryant asked. “Job’s not finished.”
The Dodgers have the chance to transform their tattered postseason reputation Friday night. It’s a tall task since the San Diego Padres won’t give up easy, but the Dodgers are using the words of the Los Angeles legend to help them over the postseason hump.
Although the momentum is certainly with the Dodgers after handing San Diego an 8-0 smackdown, the club doesn’t want to celebrate until the final battle is won.
There were a number of celebratory moments throughout the season. Teoscar Hernández became the first Dodger to win the Home Run Derby. Shohei Ohtani broke open the 50-50 club. The Dodgers clinched the National League West. The Dodgers finished the regular season with the best record in baseball.
It was another phenomenal season in Los Angeles. However, the Dodgers have yet to pass the ultimate test. This isn’t the first time the Dodgers have used a quote from the Lakers legend as inspiration.
In 2020, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts opened spring training with a Bryant-themed message. It was the season the Dodgers went all the way.
“The first thing I told our guys this past spring before we stopped before Summer Camp and the quarantine, I reference a Kobe Bryant quote,” Roberts said back in 2020. “I was at his last NBA game, and he said, ‘The dream is the journey,’ and I just really wanted our players to understand that the ups, the downs, the trials, the failures, the successes… that’s a part of it. And although we were still in a World Series or bust, we still needed to focus on the journey. “
The current Dodgers roster is quite different from the 2020 Dodgers, but both teams are using Bryant as inspiration to reach the end goal. Bryant’s legacy transcends basketball. It has seeped into the baseball diamond.
The Dodgers have overcome much adversity to even get to a Game 5 with the Padres. It’s been a rollercoaster of ups and downs throughout the series, but it all boils over Friday night.
It’s win or go home for the Dodgers.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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That’s beautiful to hear. And another thing I know is that the Dodgers won the World Series that year for Kobe. It was the first World Series to be played since his devastating, untimely passing and the city of Angeles were crowned the MLB world champions in honor of another Los Angeles World Champion and won it all in 2020 for Kobe the same way his team, the Los Angeles Lakers did for him in 2020 after his passing. That was surely something special. I know he was looking down and smiling at our teams for giving him their all and keeping his proud legacy of being world champions, my favorite all time Laker player since I started watching them 35 years ago, and the reason I went into labor with my first born child due to a phenomenal game he had that night which I was so excited over it induced my labor. We were the same age. We all miss you terribly Kobe and are all grateful to have been able to have you here on this earth and inspire us and teach us all the wisdom that you had at such an early age. Now you have your father with you and I pray you are both resting in peace along with Gianna. God bless Vanessa and your girls. You were not only the best player ever, but an exceptional person in my eyes. Thank you for what you have given me in my life and the lessons and inspirations that mean so much to so many! You will never be forgotten and your legacy and star will forever shine not only in my heart, but countless others around the world Mr. Kobe Bean Bryant. We love you.