Kobe Bryant Plays Beethoven After Deflating Loss to Chicago Bulls

Kobe Bryant just set a new standard in coping with a high-profile loss. Most people take long walks, go out for a quiet meal, or just get a good night's sleep—but not the Black Mamba.

Rather, as the five-time champion tweeted on Jan. 21 following his Los Angeles Lakers' loss to the Chicago Bulls, the best way to deal with defeat is to play some Beethoven on the piano, followed by some time in the weight room.

"

Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata calms me down when I reach my breaking point #relaxandfocus twitter.com/kobebryant/sta…

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 22, 2013"

"

@kobebryant "see me in a fight with a bear. Pray for the bear" from The piano to the weight room #determined #psycho twitter.com/kobebryant/sta…

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 22, 2013"

Hitting the gym post-loss is one thing, but getting Beethoven involved? This only further proves my theory: Kobe Bryant is something of an evil genius, a la Alex DeLarge in Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange*.

Bryant's tweet regarding Beethoven is especially interesting, particularly in mentioning his breaking point. He's only just reaching it? If I were in his position, I would have reached it long ago considering how badly the Lakers are struggling. 

Either way, we now know two things about the future Hall of Famer. 

First, if you're in the gym with him following a Lakers loss, it's probably best to stick to cardio work and stay away from a frustrated player working with heavy, metal objects.

Second, maybe it's time to break out some of Phil Jackson's old zen practices and have Beethoven constantly playing in the Lakers' locker room. Heck, set the dial to classical in the team offices as well.

A calm Mamba is a happy one, and the last thing we want is the highly unpredictable Bryant exploding.

*Warning: May contain images/content NSFW