As an assistant for the LA Lakers, Phil Handy had the opportunity to work with both LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. Thanks to that, he pointed out the similarities between these two superstars.
Dubbed one of the best assistants in the NBA today, Phil Handy has been behind the success of many champions in recent years.
When the Cleveland Cavaliers completed a historic comeback in the 2016 NBA Finals, he was on the bench. When the Canadian team – Toronto Raptors – won the historic championship, Phil Handy was also a locker room hero.
Before that, he spent 3 years working at the Los Angeles Lakers, starting in 2011. At that time, Handy had the good fortune to work with Kobe Bryant.
Now after traveling to many teams, Phil has returned to LA, with LeBron James and the players to conquer his 3rd championship ring in 5 years.
Mr. Phil Handy took a souvenir photo with Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and a female player from the Mamba Sports Academy team.
Having coached both LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, Phil Handy was asked on the “Battle for LA” Podcast what impressive thing they have in common.
Pointing out the similarities in training spirit and extremely intelligent perspective on basketball, Phil was very impressed with both superstars wearing Los Angeles Lakers jerseys.
“When it comes to these two names, people often criticize each other to see who is the better player. They put Kobe and LeBron against each other day after day. I don’t like that very much, instead, I see both of them have a great training spirit,” Phil Handy shared.
A private practice session between Kobe Bryant and Phil Handy in 2011
“Both Kobe Bryant and LeBron James have such an attention to detail in their bodies and their ball skills. It’s so deep and detailed that outsiders will never understand it.
On the outside, both of them work hard, constantly learn and always want to improve themselves. Behind the scenes, they take care of their bodies, trying to maintain the best physical condition.”
“I was lucky enough to work with both Kobe and Lebron, that’s the only thing I want to see from both of them. I feel happy and honored with that,” Phil Handy concluded.
LeBron James and Phil Handy 2015-16 season
Perhaps the way Kobe Bryant and LeBron James constantly put themselves in a learning mindset is what sets them apart, and puts them on a completely different level from the rest.
While each of them has a different style of play on the court, both are people chasing the same thing called “perfect basketball”. In pursuit of it, they are willing to push themselves to the limit to improve themselves, to take themselves to the next level.
