My parents are my backbone. Still are. They're the only group that will support you if you score zero or you score 40.

You can't go and anticipate what it is that you want to see. You just have to be present. Be where you are.

Each moment of my life I was dreaming of how great I could be, and continued working hard. Each time I closed my eyes I could see me shining bright like a sun.

You have to be true to who you are.

What does perfection look like to me? Championship rings

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.

I'm just so excited. We all are. We've been waiting for this [the gold medal] for years now and it's finally here. This meant so much. It just felt so good.