Roland Lazenby breaks down the formula behind the legends of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant

Modified at 15:11 GMT on October 11, 2023

Roland Lazenby is an American sports writer who has published books about some of the NBA’s greatest players. He recently opened up about the common connection between several of basketball’s most historic players.

Roland Lazenby published his first book in 1987 and has published countless more since then. He has written about Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. His latest book, “Magic: The Life of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, will hit shelves at the end of October.

While speaking with Sportskeeda’s Mark Medina, Roland Lazenby talked about the similarities between the likes of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant. I have said that they are very driven people, which allows them to do things that no other athlete has done.

“All these guys have an iron will and their drive and athleticism. They don’t bless. They don’t break. They make good things happen that other elite athletes can’t,” Lazenby said. “You might think someone is a great athlete, but they really don’t have the will to do it. It takes other things as well – good luck and good health.”

Roland Lazenby praises NBA great for being strong-willed since childhood

Like everyone, professional athletes go through hardships early in life that shape them into who they are today. Roland Lazenby believes these instances shaped some of the NBA’s greats to excel in the sport.

In subsequent interviews, Lazenby talked about how stars like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan rebuilt themselves after early struggles. He even brought in Los Angeles Lakers legend Jerry West to make the analogy. Because they are such driven people, they are able to overcome obstacles.

“Jerry’s adolescent trauma was the death of his older brother David in the Korean War,” Lazenby said. “Michael Jordan had his struggles to overcome and battled various disappointments and disapproval from his father. Kobe came in and struggled because he graduated high school too young… Kobe almost ruined his career. But He had an iron will to rebuild it in first class fashion.”

Although these Hall of Famers all faced difficult times, they all managed to turn it into something positive. Because they develop a mental toughness that allows them to advance to the next level as a player. Without it, they may not have the motivation and dedication to strive to become all-time greats.