Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant was an American basketball player who played professionally for the Los Angeles Lakers. He spent most of his 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He went straight from high school to the NBA, where he went on to win five NBA titles.

About Kobe Bryant |  Family and Education

Kobe Bryant was born in the United States on August 23, 1978, in the city of Philadelphia.

He was the youngest of Joe Bryant’s three children and Pamela Cox Bryant’s three children.

Joe, Kobe’s father, was a former NBA basketball player as well. John “Chubby” Cox, his maternal uncle, was also a basketball player. As a result, basketball has always been in Kobe’s blood.

His parents chose the name ‘Kobe’ after a famous beef from Kobe, Japan, that they saw on a restaurant menu. His middle name, ‘Jellybean,’ is derived from his father’s nickname.

He was born in Philadelphia, where his father was a member of the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team.

Bryant’s father retired from the NBA when he was six years old and relocated to Rieti, Italy, to play basketball. As a result, Kobe was fluent in Italian as a child.

Sharia, who was born on March 19, 1976, is the oldest. She is currently an entrepreneur and socialite.

Shaya was born on July 30, 1977, in New York City. She, like her sister Sharia, is a businesswoman and socialite. As a result, Kobe was the only child in the family to follow in his father Joe’s footsteps.

Sharia received a tattoo of Kobe and her niece, Gianna, in their remembrance after they died. Sharia Daniele Washington Bryant and Shaya Tabb Bryant are Kobe’s older sisters.

Professional Life and Career

Bryant went from a highly regarded high school basketball talent to an NBA superstar in just a few years.

The Beginning

In 1996, Kobe began his professional career.

Kobe was a high school student at Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia when he was drafted into the NBA as the 13th choice.

When Kobe was 17, he signed with the Charlotte Hornets. The franchise eventually moved him to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Kobe’s parents signed a three-year, 3.5 million dollar contract for him when he was still a juvenile.

Slam Dunk Competition

When Kobe was 18 years old, he competed in the rookie challenge and won the Slam Dunk Contest with a near-perfect score.

The three-peat era and the golden years

Kobe and his club, the Lakers, had their golden years from 1999 to 2002. With Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, the Lakers had a fantastic team in 1999.

However, they were still not in champion shape. The Lakers then hired Phil Jackson, who had previously coached in the NBA finals three times.

For the third time, Kobe and Shaq aided him in accomplishing his goal. The Lakers won the NBA finals in 2000, 2001, and 2002 with an invincible team of three iconic players.

In 2000, they defeated the Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers in 2001, and the New Jersey Nets in 2002.

Shaq O’Neal’s fallout

Bryant and O’Neal always gave one other the cold shoulder. Shaq called Kobe “selfish” and a “show-off,” while Kobe despised the way Shaq prepared for the season.

They did not, however, let the consequences hinder their team’s performance.

Shaq asked to be traded to the Miami Heat the same year, and Kobe agreed to a seven-year, 136 million dollar contract with the Lakers.

Achieved career highs

Kobe Bryant set a new career-high with 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006.

The Olympic Games

The United States Men’s National Basketball team bounced back from a devastating loss thanks to Kobe Bryant.

Many consider the team’s bronze medal performance in the 2004 Summer Olympics to be a disappointment.

Kobe’s outstanding performance at the 2008 Summer Olympics, on the other hand, helped the team win gold.

In eight games, he averaged 18 points and led the club to a 118-107 victory over the Spanish team. At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Kobe won a gold medal for his National Team.

Despite his age and the fact that he was 33, he still managed to salvage his squad, averaging 12.1 points per game.

Retirement

Bryant published a poem titled “Dear Basketball” on November 25, 2015. Through the poem, he announced his retirement at the end of the season.

On April 13, 2016, he played his final game with a limp on his foot.

The Academy Awards

Kobe made a short film based on his poem “Dear Basketball” in April 2017.

Similarly, at the 90th Academy Awards, the short won Best Animated Short Film. The film was also nominated for a Sports Emmy and an Annie Award.

Mamba Sports Academy opens its doors.

In Thousand Oaks, California, Kobe opened a multi-sport training facility for young athletes in 2018.

Mamba Sports Academy is the name of the facility.

A biomechanics lab, cognitive training lab, and esports training ground are all part of the 100,000-square-foot facility.

Figures from a Career

We knew Kobe’s career stats would be incredible after such a successful career.

Los Angeles was home to the famed Lakers for 20 years.

Mamba’s career averages are also near untouchable; some notable stats include:

• 1346 regular-season games
• 25.0 points per game
• 4.7 assists per game is the average number of assists a player receives in a game.
• 5.2 rebounds per game in the paint
• NBA All-Star 18 times
• The 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player

Awards

Bryant won some individual accolades in addition to championships and gold medals.

• Most Valuable Player in the All-Star Game in 2002, 2007, 2009, and 2011.
• Similarly, Most Valuable Player for the 2007-08 season
• Most Valuable Player in the Finals in 2009 and 2010.
• MVP of the 2007-08 Sporting News season

Relationship Status

The late actor was married to his fiancée at the time of his death. From November 1999 to May 2000, he was dating Vanessa. The couple got engaged in May.

Similarly, the couple married in April 2001 and had an almost 19-year marriage until Kobe died in 2020.

You Might Also be Interested in Lonzo Ball

Relationships in the Past

Kobe dated Brandy Norwood, a well-known American R&B singer, in 1996. From April through July of 1996, the pair dated.

Similarly, in 1997, Kobe dated American Attorney Jameika Williams. The romance, however, was brief and dissolved in the same year.

When Kobe and Vanessa were still dating, the media spread accusations that he had cheated on her. In 2008, Kobe had an affair with American singer Vanessa Curry.

In 2011, Kobe was accused of cheating again after he was seen with Adult/Glamour model Jessica Burciaga.

Jessica is well-known for her appearance in February 2009’s Playmate of the Month on Playboy.

Regardless of the reports, Kobe and Vanessa remained unfazed, and Vanessa was always by his side.

Bryant, Vanessa | Wife

When she first met Kobe in 1999, Vanessa Nee Laine was a dancer and model.

Vanessa was a high school student who was approached to appear in a music video by Snoop Dogg.

While trying to begin a side career in music, Kobe met Vanessa. At first sight, Bryant had a huge crush on Vanessa, and the two began dating.

When Vanessa showed her classmates photos of herself with Kobe Bryant, who was already a well-known basketball player, they were shocked.

Kobe was 20 years old at the time, and she was only 17 years old. Vanessa proposed when she turned 18 and the couple married a few months later.

However, because Vanessa is Latina and not African-American, Kobe’s family first disapproved of her.

On November 27, 1999, Kobe met Vanessa for the first time, and 20 years later, he took her to Disneyland to celebrate the old school style.

Kobe and Vanessa were always there for one other and made us envious of their connection.

Kids

Bryant described himself as a proud #GirlDad because he has four lovely kids. Natalia “Nani” Diamante Bryant, his first daughter, was born on January 19, 2003.

She and Kobe enjoyed watching movies together, and they both like Harry Potter. Similarly, Kobe hoped Natalia would one day take over his company.

Gianna “Gigi” Maria One-Bryant, his second daughter, was born in May 2006. Furthermore, Gianna, regrettably, died tragically in a car accident alongside her father on January 26, 2020.

Gigi played basketball at the Mamba Sports Academy and shared it with her father. She also changed her name to Mamacita.

Their third child, a four-year-old daughter, was born in December 2016. Bianka Bella Bryant is her given name, and Kobe refers to her as BB.

Capri Bryant is the couple’s youngest child. Her parents named her Coco when she was born on June 20, 2019.

You might also be interested in learning more about Ian Kinsler

Accusations of rape

The single controversy in Kobe’s life occurred in 2003 when a 19-year-old hotel employee named Katelyn Faber accused him of rape.

Bryant allegedly raped her in a hotel room, according to the allegation.

Kobe, on the other hand, admitted to having committed adultery. He admitted to having a sexual encounter with Katelyn Faber but stated the interaction was consensual.

After the accuser opted not to testify during the trial, the case was dismissed.

This allegation cost Kobe his reputation as well as a slew of endorsements and business relationships.

Furthermore, his marriage to Vanessa was in jeopardy. Vanessa, on the other hand, stood by his side throughout the ordeal.

Net Worth | Kobe Bryant

Bryant was regarded as one of the most wealthy athletes in history.

The net worth of Kobe Bryant is reported to be approximately $600 million.

His fortune is primarily derived from his income as well as several sponsorships and endorsement deals that come with celebrity status.

So, how did Kobe spend all of his money?

He was the owner of three mansions in California worth $18.8 million.

Bryant also flew across California in helicopters regularly, avoiding the enormous lines of traffic.

He also bought a $5.8 million mansion for his Kobe Inc. headquarters.

Furthermore, Kobe was a car enthusiast who once stepped into a Ferrari showroom and paid $329,000 for a 458 Italia.

Body Measurement | Hair, Height, Nationality

Kobe is a member of the African-American race. His parents are also both black, but their ethnic origins are unclear.

Similarly, Kobe was born and raised in a Catholic home, and he was a devout Christian. Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter were among his favorite American/Christian holidays.

Kobe had a striking demeanor, being tall, dark, and gorgeous with a contagious smile. He stood 6 feet 6 inches tall (198 cms) and weighed 96 kilos (211 pounds).

Social Media

Regularly, Kobe posted about his whereabouts and family life on social media. Bryant was a frequent user of social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

On Instagram, Kobe has 20.6 million followers.

Kobe’s most recent Instagram post was a congratulatory message to LeBron James for passing him on the all-time scoring record.

On Twitter, Kobe has almost 15 million followers.

Furthermore, Kobe has a Facebook page with almost 20 million followers.

Death| Kobe Bryant

The news of Kobe’s death on January 26, 2020, startled and heartbroken millions of fans.

Kobe, his daughter Gianna, and seven others, including the pilot, died in a terrible helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.

Furthermore, officials announced that it was Kobe and her daughter who died after analyzing the deceased bodies.

For Gianna’s game at the Mamba Sports Academy, they went to a basketball game. The inclement weather was considered to blame for the crash.

The news of the crash was initially reported by TMZ, before Kobe’s wife Vanessa even knew about it.

Thousands of fans and supporters gathered around Kobe’s Staples Center to pay their respects to the departed souls with flowers and warm words.

On February 7, 2020, Kobe’s funeral was held. Pacific View Memorial Park was the site of the famous basketball player’s burial.

In addition, the Bryant family hosted a memorial service in the Staples Center in honor of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, as well as seven other family members.

On February 24, 2020, a memorial ceremony was held.

Kobe’s autopsy results also leaked online three months after his death, and it was horrifying to see!

The autopsy reports also stated:

• Amputation after a traumatic injury
• A broken spine that is exposed
• femur and hip fractures
• femoral neck exposed

Frequently Asked Question:

Did Kobe Bryant die at a specific time?

The helicopter crashed after taking off at 10 a.m. PST, though the exact moment is uncertain.

Kobe Bryant would rise at what time?

Kobe once revealed his daily schedule, revealing that he gets up at 4:30 a.m. every day. He’d also be at the gym by 6 a.m. and follow a healthy diet.

Where did Kobe Bryant get his hall of fame introduction?

Yes, after his death, Kobe Bryant was admitted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

On May 15, 2021, the OG was honored by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

In addition, Michael Jordan’s wife Vanessa went on stage with him to accept the trophy on behalf of Kobe Bryant, who passed away earlier this year.

What were Kobe Bryants last words?

“Hello everyone, I’m so sorry can’t be with you tonight,” were last wors of Kobe which was in a video posted in Twitter.

“However, I couldn’t completely miss the chance to take a moment to share some thoughts with all of you.

“The lesson that I cherish is how important is to do what you love to do. If you love what you do and it makes you happy, all the hard work and perseverance will pay off.”

“You can’t stop people to limit your dreams but you can stop from becoming your reality,” he continued. “Your dreams are up to you. I encourage you to always be curious, always seek out things you love and always work hard once you find it.”

Quick Facts | Kobe Bryant

Full name	Kobe Bean Bryant
Date of birth	August 23, 1978
Death	January 26, 2020
Birthplace	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Place of Death	Calabasas, California, United States
Years Lived	41 years
Ethnicity	Black
Nickname	Mamba, Black Mamba
Father’s name	Joe Bryant
Mother’s name	Pam Bryant
Nationality	American
Marital Status	Married
Wife’s name	Vanessa Bryant (m. 2001-2020)
Children	4: Natalia Diamante Bryant, Gianna Maria Onroe Bryant, Bianka Bella Bryant, Capri Kobe Bryant
Height	6 ft 6 inches
Weight	96 kg (211 pounds)
Eye color	Dark Brown
Shoe size	14
Net Worth	$600 million
Siblings	Sharia Bryant, Shaya Bryant
Profession	Basketball Player, Coach
Position	Shooting Guard, Small forward
Jersey number	24
Team	Los Angeles Lakers
Playing Career	1996-2016
Notable Awards	NBA Most Valuable Player Award, BET Award for Sportsman of the Year, ESPY Icon Award, etc.
Social Media	Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
Website	www.granitystudios.com
Merch	Gold Rookie Card, Hoodie, The Mamba Mentality, Autographed Jersey
Last Update	April 2022