Kobe Bryant gives Gilas Pilipinas pointers on how to compete in world stage

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers answers questions from the media and the fans during a news conference at a hotel-casino in Pasay city on Monday. Bryant arrived Monday from Beijing to endorse a smartphone brand. It was his fifth visit to the country. AP

MANILA, Philippines — If there’s any player who knows how to win in the world stage, it’s Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant.

Bryant, one of the leaders of Team USA which took home the gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Summer Games, shared his thoughts on how the country’s Gilas Pilipinas can take that next step when it competes next year in the FIBA World Cup in Spain.

“Just continue to play together,” said Bryant, who arrived early Monday morning as brand ambassador for Lenovo Mobile, during a press conference at Passion Restaurant at Maxim’s Hotel in Resorts World Manila.

“It’s not the strength of individual. It’s a team sport. It’s how well these individuals play as a team so just continue to work together with constant communication. If that happens then you’d really accomplish truly something special,” the 34-year-old Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, added.

The Philippines proved that it’s back as one of Asia’s best in basketball after a silver medal finish in the 27th FIBA Asia Championship last Sunday.

“The team can always hide the weaknesses that the individual has,” Bryant shared.