Dodgers draw on Bryant's 'Mamba mentality' for World Series

LOS ANGELES, United States — The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking inspiration from late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant as they target World Series glory.

Bryant's 2009 NBA Finals quote -- "Job's not finished" -- has been used by the team this postseason en route to the series opener on Friday (Saturday, Manila time) with the New York Yankees.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Saturday (Manila time) his team wanted to replicate NBA superstar Bryant's relentlessness and ruthless streak, known popularly as "Mamba mentality."

"To pull from what Kobe did, what he said, I think it rings true to a lot of people," Roberts said. "So for us to use some of his quotes, I believe in him. What he would say -- there's work to be done.

"The thing about (Bryant) is that not only being uber-talented, but he was a killer, and the job's not done. That's something I know our guys understand too."

Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in 2020, was a regular spectator at Dodger Stadium and was in the crowd the last time the Dodgers played in a home World Series in 2018.

His widow, Vanessa Bryant, was in attendance at the Dodgers decisive game five division series win over the San Diego Padres earlier this month.

Bryant's 2009 quote came during the NBA Finals when he was asked why he looked unhappy despite the Lakers taking a 2-0 series lead over the Orlando Magic.

"What's there to be happy about? Job's not finished," Bryant said at the time.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, confirmed their World Series roster on Friday, revealing that star reliever Evan Phillips had been ruled out of the Fall Classic with injury.

"Obviously losing Evan, not having Evan available for this series, certainly is disappointing," Roberts said.

"We've got to make sure we protect him, short term, long term."

- Two relievers return -

There was better news, however, with the team confirming that experienced relievers Brusdar Graterol and Alex Vesia were recovered from recent injuries and restored to the roster.

"Being able to add Brusdar and Alex to this roster is a huge addition," Roberts said.

"I think they match up well with this ball club, and they've got experience. Losing Evan was a blow, but getting two nice additions is big."

The Dodgers will open game one with Jack Flaherty as starting pitcher, meaning that Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto will get the nod for game two on Saturday.

Yamamoto, who joined the Dodgers in January on a $325 million 12-year contract, is relaxed about his World Series debut.

"I signed with the Dodgers because I really wanted to win," Yamamoto said Friday.

"My first year, I've come this far and get to play on this big stage in the World Series. Also, I'm able to go out there and play with these great teammates."