Kobe Bean Bryant was a former professional basketball player from America. He was one of the most famous and successful basketball players of his time. His father is a retired professional basketball player who most likely inspired his interest in the game. He started playing at a young age and has represented his school in numerous games. He helped his school win after 53 years, which was a proud occasion for Bryant and his institution. Bryant decided to pursue a basketball career after graduating from high school and did not continue his education. He was one of the rare players drafted into the ‘NBA’ directly from high school.
He joined his long-time favourite team, the ‘Lakers,’ and has never looked back since. His performance increased with each game, and he added another feather to his crown. He sustained injuries and was involved in controversies, yet he came out on top. He had set multiple records and broken many previous ones. He was an asset to his team, the ‘Los Angeles Lakers,’ and dedicated his entire 20-year career to them.
Biography:
Born: August 23, 1978 · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Died: January 26, 2020 · Calabasas, California, USA (helicopter crash)
Birth name: Kobe Bean Bryant
Nickname: The Black Mamba
Height: 6′ 6″ (1.98 m)
Childhood & Personal Life:
Kobe Bryant was born to Joe Bryant and Pamela Cox Bryant. He has two older sisters: Shaya and Sharia. He grew up playing basketball and football, and he supported the Los Angeles Lakers and the football team AC Milan.
At six years old, his family relocated to Rieti, Italy, before returning to Philadelphia in 1991. Kobe enrolled at Lower Merion High School, where his basketball skills helped the team win the state championship after 53 years.
In personal life, he married Vanessa Laine in 2001, and together they have four daughters: Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, and Capri.
Net Worth:
Kobe Bryan’s net worth at the time of his death was $600 million. On January 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant unfortunately died in a helicopter crash. Kobe Bryant was an 18-time NBA All-Star, five-time NBA Champion, and two-time NBA Finals MVP.
Awards & Honours:
- Olympic Games Basketball Hall of Fame (2020)
- Most Valuable Player (2008)
- 18x NBA All-Star selections
- 2x NBA scoring champion
- 5x NBA champion
- 15x All-NBA selections
- 12x All-Defensive selections
- 4x NBA All-Star Game MVP
- 2x NBA Finals MVP NBA Most Valuable Player (2007–08)
- Selected for NBA All-Rookie team, 1996–97
Fun Facts:
- He was part of the rap group ‘CHEIZAW’ and even recorded a song called ‘K.O.B.E.’
- He spoke Italian fluently.
- In his honour, the NBA changed the ‘All-Star Game MVP Award’ in 2020 to the ‘Kobe Bryant MVP Award.’
- Famous rapper Snoop Dogg has a Lakers-inspired tattoo on his forearm that reads “KB” for ‘Kobe Bryant.’