When you have empathy toward your opponents, it helps you destroy them quicker. Because you understand exactly who they are. You understand what buttons to push. You understand if they're insecure, if they fear embarrassment. And you can really hit those buttons to strike a nerve.

I have my own identity ... The whole Michael thing does drive me nuts sometimes because people won't leave it alone. He's bald, I have hair. He's almost 40, I'm 22. Seriously though, I wish people would let it be and let me just be Kobe.

Sometimes I do wonder what college would have been like. But I made my decision.

I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. No matter what the injury - unless it's completely debilitating - I'm going to be the same player I've always been. I'll figure it out. I'll make some tweaks, some changes, but I'm still coming.

As far as carrying the torch for the years to come, I don't know. I just want to be the best basketball player I can be.

The only thing I'm afraid of is bees. I don't like bees. I'm allergic to them.

I don't think a coach becomes the right coach until he wins a championship.