Bruce Lee inspired generations of NBA stars from Kobe Bryant to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Bruce Lee has seemingly inspired generations of athletes, which includes NBA stars like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Abdul-Jabbar was first NBA legend to be influenced by Leee, drawing inspiration from his life struggles. In an interview, Abdul-Jabbar stated that Bruce Lee was influential as his teachings were about life struggles and how to overcome m. NBA legend was one of stars who spoke about Bruce Lee on his new documentary, Be Water, which was released this Sunday for ESPN's 30 for 30 series.

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Bruce Lee documentary: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shares details about training with Bruce Lee

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bruce Lee met when y were starting ir careers. Lee was trying to establish himself as a Hollywood star, while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was still studying at UCLA. During a recent interview with ESPN after Be Water was released, Abdul-Jabbar spoke about how Lee inspired him throughout his career with his philosophy and practice and helped him secure a place in Hall of Fame by winning six NBA titles and six NBA MVP awards. Both of m worked toger for Lee's 1978 film Game of Death, where Lee wore his iconic yellow and black jumpsuit while fighting Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. film was shot in 1972 but was released five years after Lee's untimely death because of cerebral edema on July 20, 1973. 

During an interview with Post, Abdul-Jabbar was asked about working with Lee, his legacy and ir friendship over years. NBA legend called Lee a 'wonderful human being' who had 'so much more to him than just acting'. Adul Jabbar revealed that he started watching samurai movies during his first year at college, and started studying martial arts when he wanted to find out more about m. Lee was working on Green Hornet in USA, and Abdul-Jabbar was suggested that he should train with him.

Abdul-Jabbar stated that it was a pleasure to kw Lee personally, and y found a way to work toger even after Lee returned to Hong Kong and started making movies. six-time NBA champion furr added that in USA, Lee was a 'cult hero' who was only kwn to people who watched his content. In China, however, Lee was a 'rock star' who 'had blown everybody away with Big Boss' which released in 1971. 

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Kobe Bryant on Bruce Lee's influence

During his 2017 China tour, late NBA legend Kobe Bryant revealed that he was a fan and had watched, read and listened to everything Bruce Lee had produced. During an interview, Bryant stated that he looked up to Lee, and learned from him that ' philosophy of jeet kune do is being able to adapt'. Kobe Bryant added that Lee taught him to have fundamental skills available all time so one is ready to react to any situation.

Lakers legend also talked about Lee's quality to share his kwledge while hoping that he could inspire someone through art of fighting and teach m how to be a better person. Bryant, who lost his life in a tragic helicopter crash in January, also stated that Lee helped bond generations in NBA. He gave example of Kyrie Irving, who called him in 2017 to ask if y could collaborate on a Bruce Lee shoe. Kobe Bryant's Bruce Lee-inspired shoe was first released in 2010, which was Irving's favourite. 

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LeBron James on Bruce Lee

James, who is w playing for Lakers, used to have Bruce Lee's words posted on his locker when he played for Miami Heat. He posted a picture on social media while mentioning Lee in caption after joining Lakers. During an interview with Bleacher Report, James stated that Lee's words 'resonated' with him and would help a lot of people, and 't just people in sports'. 

 “ great mistake is to anticipate outcome of engment; you ought t to be thinking of wher it ends in victory or defeat. Let nature takes its course, and your tools will strike at right moment”  - words on LeBron's locker.