I'm not comfortable being preachy, but more people need to start spending as much time in the library as they do on the basketball court.

I tell kids to pursue their basketball dreams, but I tell them to not let that be their only dream.

I think someone should explain to the child that it's OK to make mistakes. That's how we learn. When we compete, we make mistakes.

But people don't know if I can teach the game. I know I can. My experience in Oklahoma was positive. It opened my eyes to how the game is played - the interaction among players, fans and media, how all that works. You have to know about the business of the game and how the actions of players and coaches affect the business. I think I have it down now.

High school dropouts are forfeiting their opportunity to pursue the American Dream.

My biggest accomplishment has been making a transition from athlete to author.

Kobe's an incredibly talented athlete, and there are many more like him among today's players.