Phil Handy on Coaching Kobe Bryant and LeBron James Up Close

Feb 6 2026 9:08PM UTC

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The trust of legends has been earned by a few NBA coaches like Phil Handy. Handy's résumé is a testament to his reputation as one of the most respected minds in skill development in the league, and he is in the company of generational icons like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

His experience in championship locker rooms gave him a glimpse of greatness in action.

Learning the Mamba Mentality

Handy coached in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2011 to 2013, working closely with Kobe Bryant in his later years. During that time, it was not just about natural talent; it was about being fully committed. Kobe's workouts were known for being hard, focused on small things, and always intense. Handy saw for himself that Bryant treated improving at basketball as something he worked on every day, not just during the season.

What really stood out was how skilled Kobe was. He had a way to handle every move. He turned every weakness into something to work on. Handy has often called Bryant one of the most skilled basketball players ever, not because he was showy, but because he really understood how the game works and how players think.

Championships, Growth, and LeBron James

In 2013, Handy joined the Cleveland Cavaliers, joining a team led by LeBron James. He learned a lot with the Cavs, who reached the NBA Finals four years in a row and won the unforgettable 2016 championship. LeBron took over games completely, while Kobe always worked to get better.

In 2019, Handy helped the Toronto Raptors win the title under coach Nick Nurse before returning to the Lakers. When he teamed up with LeBron James again, Handy won another championship in 2020, which made him even more sure that LeBron is the most complete basketball player ever: a top scorer, top passer, top leader, and tougher than anyone before.

A Lineage of Legends

Handy sees the Michael Jordan-Kobe Bryant-LeBron James debate not as a contest, but as a line of progress. He thinks Jordan set the bar, Kobe improved his game, and LeBron made greatness mean even more. By coaching both Kobe and LeBron closely, Handy gained a unique perspective on how greatness has changed over time and why it continues to evolve.

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Phil Handy on Coaching Kobe Bryant and LeBron James Up Close

Learning the Mamba Mentality

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