Kobe Bryant Studied a Hunting Cheetah to Improve His Fadeaway Jumper

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant has one of the greatest fadeaway jumpers ever. Had it not been for the Discovery Channel, it may not be what it is today.

You read that right. The Discovery Channel gets credit for Bryant's fadeaway jumper being so devastating.

The Black Mamba revealed in an interview with The New York Times' Philip Galanes that he was watching television when he figured out a way to improve his form:

When you watch me shoot my fadeaway jumper, you’ll notice my leg is always extended. I had problems making that shot in the past. It’s tough. So one day I’m watching the Discovery Channel and see a cheetah hunting. When the cheetah runs, its tail always gives it balance, even if it’s cutting a sharp angle. And that’s when I was like: My leg could be the tail, right?

It's no secret that Bryant has taken some pages out of Michael Jordan's book in the past. But a cheetah? The Black Mamba will apparently look anywhere and everywhere for help on his game.

Given how much success Bryant has had with the jumper, other players may want to flip on the Discovery Channel and start taking notes. Who knows where the Black Mamba would be had he not studied cheetahs.

[h/t That NBA Lottery Pick]