Once you've done the mental work, there comes a point you have to throw yourself into the action and put your heart on the line. That means not only being brave, but being compassionate towards yourself, your teammates and your opponents.

Your problems never cease, they just change.

Approach the game with no preset agendas and you'll probably come away surprised at your overall efforts.

Wisdom is always an overmatch for strength.

Kobe was hell-bent on surpassing Jordan as the greatest player in the game. His obsession with Michael was striking. When we played in Chicago that season, I orchestrated a meeting between the two of them, thinking that Michael might help shift Kobe’s attitude toward selfless teamwork. After they shook hands, the first words out of Kobe’s mouth were, ‘You know I can kick your ass one on one.’

When the mind is allowed to relax, inspiration often follows.

My accountant tells me I can't be a California resident anymore. I spend too much of my time in New York.