NBA legend, Kobe Bryant, who died on January 26, had been vocal about his study of Joseph Campbell, and specifically The Hero’s Journey. Ramona Shelburne, a reporter for ESPN, recounted her conversations with Bryant about Campbell and his work. “We talked often that year about Joseph Campbell and “The Hero’s Journey.” Kobe had read it cover to cover. Studied it deeply as both the author of his own legend throughout his 20-year career and the future author of what he hoped would be a second career as a legendary storyteller,” she said. To read more about Bryant’s life, career, love of mythology, and mentions of Campbell, click here. In addition, the Los Angeles Public Library released a list of books that had inspired Bryant and that he had recommended. The Hero’s Journey: Joseph Campbell on His Life and Work was on the list. To see the full list, click here.