Kobe Bryant believes the Brooklyn Nets' signing of Jason Collins will have a "domino effect" beyond the gay and sports communities.

"His impact [Sunday night] is greater than what people think," Bryant said. "You look at it from the context of having the first openly gay player. But they missed the domino effect that it has way beyond sports."

Bryant believes Collins will teach the youth "it's OK to be yourself." Collins became the first openly gay player in North American professional sports on Sunday night when he posted two rebounds against the Los Angeles Lakers.

"It's fantastic. It sets an incredible precedent," Bryant added. "I think the most important part about it, what I've learned on the issue is that one person coming out is showing this type of courage that gives others that same type of courage.

"There is a kid out there who … is going to say, 'Jason gave me strength in dark moments to be brave. He gave me courage to step up and accept myself for who I am despite what others might be saying or the public pressures. He gave me strength and bravery to be myself.'"