Kobe Bryant facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Kobe Bryant

Bryant with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2014
Personal information
Born	(1978-08-23)August 23, 1978 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	January 26, 2020(2020-01-26) (aged 41) Calabasas, California, U.S.
High school	Lower Merion (Ardmore, Pennsylvania)
Listed height	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Listed weight	212 lb (96 kg)
Career information
NBA Draft	1996 / Round: 1 / Pick: 13th overall
Selected by the Charlotte Hornets
Pro career	1996–2016
Career history
1996–2016	Los Angeles Lakers
Career highlights and awards
5× NBA champion (2000–2002, 2009, 2010) 2× NBA Finals MVP (2009, 2010) NBA Most Valuable Player (2008) 18× NBA All-Star (1998, 2000–2016) 4× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2002, 2007, 2009, 2011) 11× All-NBA First Team (2002–2004, 2006–2013) 2× All-NBA Second Team (2000, 2001) 2× All-NBA Third Team (1999, 2005) 9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2000, 2003, 2004, 2006–2011) 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2001, 2002, 2012) 2× NBA scoring champion (2006, 2007) NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1997) NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1997) NBA 75th Anniversary Team Nos. 8 & 24 retired by Los Angeles Lakers Gatorade National Player of the Year (1996) Naismith Prep Player of the Year (1996) McDonald's All-American (1996) First-team Parade All-American (1996) Fourth-team Parade All-American (1995)
Career statistics
Points	33,643 (25.0 ppg)
Rebounds	7,047 (5.2 rpg)
Assists	6,306 (4.7 apg)
Medals Men's basketball Representing the  United States Olympic Games Gold 2008 Beijing Team Gold 2012 London Team FIBA Americas Championship Gold 2007 Las Vegas Team

Kobe Bean Bryant ( KOH-bee; August 23, 1978 – January 26, 2020) was an American professional basketball player. A shooting guard, he spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, Bryant won five NBA championships and was an 18-time All-Star, a 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, a 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team, the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), and a two-time NBA Finals MVP.

With career averages of 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, Bryant was considered one of the most complete players in NBA history. He is the fourth-leading scorer in league history with 33,643 points.

In the 2008 Summer Olympics, he won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. men's basketball team, occasionally referred to as "The Redeem Team". He won another gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Early life

Bryant's retired No. 33 jersey and banner at the Lower Merion High School gym in Ardmore, Pennsylvania

Kobe Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest of three children and the only son of Pamela Cox Bryant and former NBA player Joe Bryant.

When Kobe was just six years old, his family moved to Italy because his dad played basketball there. Kobe worked at the games as a ball and mop boy and practiced shooting at halftime.

Bryant also learned to play soccer, and his favorite soccer team was A.C. Milan. During summers, he returned to the United States to play in a basketball summer league. When he was 13, he and his family moved back to Philadelphia, where Kobe enrolled at Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. He quickly became a basketball star, leading his team to the state championship in 1996.

High school stardom and NBA draft

Kobe was such a talented basketball player in high school that he decided to skip college and go straight to the NBA. In 1996, he was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick. But before he even played a game for the Hornets, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. This was the start of an amazing career!

Los Angeles Lakers: A Legendary Career

Bryant taking a shot in 1999

Bryant at the free-throw line, 2005

Bryant driving towards the basket

Bryant's Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics in six games during the 2008 NBA Finals.

Derek Fisher and Bryant with President Barack Obama during the White House visit honoring the Lakers' 2009 championship

Bryant shoots a left-handed floater over future teammate Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic on January 18, 2010.

When Kobe joined the Los Angeles Lakers, he quickly became a fan favorite, known for his exciting style of play and his dedication to winning.

In his early years with the Lakers, Kobe played alongside another superstar, Shaquille O'Neal. Together, they formed a dynamic duo that led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002. Kobe was a key player on those teams, known for his scoring ability and his clutch performances in important games.

After Shaquille O'Neal left the Lakers in 2004, Kobe became the undisputed leader of the team. He continued to improve his game and became one of the most dominant players in the NBA. He won two more NBA championships with the Lakers in 2009 and 2010, earning the NBA Finals MVP award both times.

Throughout his career, Kobe was known for his intense work ethic and his dedication to perfecting his skills. He would spend hours in the gym, practicing his shots and working on his footwork. He was always striving to get better, and he inspired his teammates to do the same.

Kobe played his entire 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He retired in 2016 as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

Achievements and awards

Kobe Bryant achieved many amazing things during his basketball career. Here are some of his most impressive accomplishments:

• 5-time NBA Champion (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010)
• 2-time NBA Finals MVP (2009, 2010)
• NBA MVP (2008)
• 18-time NBA All-Star
• 4-time NBA All-Star Game MVP
• 11-time All-NBA First Team
• 9-time NBA All-Defensive First Team
• 2-time NBA Scoring Champion (2006, 2007)
• NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion (1997)
• Los Angeles Lakers all-time leading scorer

Kobe also won two Olympic gold medals with the United States national basketball team in 2008 and 2012. He was a true global ambassador for the game of basketball.

Mamba Mentality

Kobe Bryant was known for his "Mamba Mentality," which was his approach to life and basketball. It was all about being dedicated, disciplined, and relentless in the pursuit of your goals. He believed in working harder than everyone else and never giving up, no matter how difficult the challenge.

The "Mamba Mentality" inspired many people, both on and off the basketball court. It taught them to be persistent, to overcome obstacles, and to always strive for excellence.

Player profile

Bryant shoots a fadeaway over Shane Battier in 2009.

Bryant primarily played as a shooting guard. He was listed at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) and 212 pounds (96 kg), He was often cited as one of the most dangerous scorers in the NBA. Bryant has drawn frequent comparisons to Michael Jordan, after whom he modeled his playing style. Like Jordan, he became most known for shooting a fall-away jump shot.

Bryant established a reputation for taking shots in the closing moments of tight games, even when he was double or triple-teamed, and was noted as one of the premier closers in the NBA.

In addition to his abilities on offense, Bryant also established himself as a standout defensive player. Bryant rarely drew charges when he played defense, which he believed spared his body and contributed to his longevity. However, some critics have suggested that Bryant's defensive accolades in his later years were based more on his reputation than his actual play.

Life after basketball

After retiring from the NBA, Kobe Bryant remained active in the world of sports and entertainment. He wrote and produced an animated short film called "Dear Basketball," which won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2018. He also coached his daughter Gianna's basketball team and was a passionate advocate for women's basketball.

Kobe was also involved in various business ventures and philanthropic activities. He was a role model for many people, showing them how to be successful in both their professional and personal lives.

NBA career statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

Personal life

Bryant at the premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, 2007

Bryant handling the ball in 2014, when he became the first NBA player with over 30,000 points and 6,000 assists

Bryant and fellow Lakers meet with President Barack Obama in honor of the 2010 championship.

Bryant wearing a mask in 2012 after suffering a broken nose

Bryant dunking against the Milwaukee Bucks, 2013

Bryant was the youngest of three children. He grew up with two older sisters, Sharia and Shaya, and had close relationships with them until his death.

In November 1999, 21-year-old Bryant Vanessa Laine while she was working as a background dancer on the Tha Eastsidaz music video "G'd Up". Bryant was in the building and working on his debut album. They began dating and became engaged six months later in May 2000.

They married on April 18, 2001, at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point, California. Bryant's parents were opposed to the marriage for a number of reasons—including, reportedly, his marrying so young, especially to a woman who was not African-American. This disagreement resulted in an estrangement period of over two years, which ended when the couple's first daughter was born.

The Bryants' first daughter, Natalia, was born in January 2003. Their second daughter, Gianna Maria-Onore (also referred to as "Gigi"), was born in May 2006. In early December 2016, Vanessa gave birth to their third daughter, and in January 2019 the Bryants announced they were expecting a fourth daughter, who was born in June 2019.

Music

Bryant shooting against Marcin Gortat of the Washington Wizards, 2014

Bryant playing against Gary Neal of the Washington Wizards after announcing his forthcoming retirement, 2015

In high school, Bryant was a member of a rap group called CHEIZAW, named after the Chi Sah gang in the martial arts film Kid with the Golden Arm. The group was signed by Sony Entertainment, but the company's ultimate goal was to eliminate the group and have Bryant record on his own. The label wanted to capitalize on Bryant's youth and NBA fame. He performed at a 1997 concert by Sway & King Tech and recorded a verse for a remix of Brian McKnight's "Hold Me".

Sony pushed Bryant from his roots of underground hip hop into a more radio-friendly sound. His debut album, Visions, was scheduled to release in the spring of 2000. The first single, "K.O.B.E'", featured supermodel Tyra Banks singing the hook. The single debuted in January 2000, and was performed at NBA All-Star Weekend that month, but it was not well received. Sony abandoned plans for the album, which was never released, and dropped Bryant later that year. The Sony president who originally signed Bryant had already left, and Bryant's other backers had mostly abandoned him. Afterward, Bryant co-founded an independent record label, Heads High Entertainment, but it folded within a year. In 1999, he appeared on a remix of "Say My Name" by Destiny's Child on the Maxi single version of the song.

In 2011, Bryant was featured in Taiwanese singer Jay Chou's single "The Heaven and Earth Challenge" (天地一鬥, pronounced "Tian Di Yi Dou"). The proceeds for downloads of both the single and ringtones were donated to impoverished schools for basketball facilities and equipment. The music video of the single also features Bryant. The song was also used by Sprite in its 2011 marketing campaign in China.

In 2009, American rapper Lil Wayne released a song called "Kobe Bryant". Similarly, in 2010, American rapper Sho Baraka released a song called "Kobe Bryant On'em", which was featured on his album Lions and Liars. In 2012, American rapper Chief Keef released "Kobe", a song paying tribute to Bryant. It was featured on his debut studio album, Finally Rich, as a part of the deluxe edition. For the NBA 2K21 soundtrack, Damian Lillard, under his stage name Dame D.O.L.L.A., released a tribute track also titled "Kobe," featuring Snoop Dogg and Derrick Milano.

Film and television

Bryant made his acting debut in 1996, appearing in an episode of Moesha. He met the show's star, Brandy, earlier in the year at a Nike All-Star basketball game; a couple of months later, in May 1996, he was Brandy's date to her Hollywood High School senior prom. That year, he guest starred as himself on an episode of Arli$$ (episode: "What About the Fans?") and Sister, Sister (episode: "Kid-Napped"). In 1997, he appeared on an episode of Hang Time, followed by a guest appearance on the Nickelodeon sketch comedy series All That (1998). He was also the first choice for the role of Jesus Shuttlesworth in Spike Lee's 1998 film He Got Game, but turned down the role, saying "this summer is too big for me."

Bryant was the subject of Spike Lee's 2009 documentary film Kobe Doin' Work, which chronicled Bryant during the 2007–08 NBA season.

Beginning in 2018, Bryant wrote, produced and hosted the television series Detail, which aired for multiple seasons on ESPN and ESPN+. It featured his insights into the game of basketball and in-depth analyses of games and individual players. He also appeared on MTV's Ridiculousness in 2019.

Filmography

Philanthropy

Bryant, in his final Cleveland game, defending LeBron James

Bryant avoiding a collision in a game against China at the 2008 Summer Olympics

Bryant was the official ambassador for After-School All-Stars (ASAS), an American non-profit organization that provides comprehensive after-school programs to children in thirteen US cities. Bryant also started the Kobe Bryant China Fund which partnered with the Soong Ching Ling Foundation, a charity backed by the Chinese government. The Kobe Bryant China Fund raises money within China earmarked for education and health programs. On November 4, 2010, Bryant appeared alongside Zach Braff at the Call of Duty: Black Ops launch event at the Santa Monica Airport, where they presented a $1 million check to the Call of Duty Endowment, an Activision-founded nonprofit organization that helps veterans transition to civilian careers after their military service has ended.

Together with his wife, Bryant founded the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation (KVBFF). Its goals are "helping young people in need, encouraging the development of physical and social skills through sports and assisting the homeless". Bryant spoke of the injustice aimed at homeless people who are blamed for their situation, saying that homelessness should not be ignored or made a low priority. Bryant said he wanted more out of life than just a successful basketball career.

Bryant and his wife Vanessa were founding donors of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, with Bryant also donating his uniform he that he wore in the 2008 NBA Finals, the year he was named the league MVP. During his lifetime, Bryant granted over two hundred requests for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Business ventures

Bryant established Kobe Inc. to own and grow brands in the sports industry. The initial investment was a 10% stake in the Bodyarmor SuperDrink company for $6 million in March 2014. The headquarters are in Newport Beach, California. With The Coca-Cola Company purchasing a minority stake in the company in August 2018, the valuation of Bryant's stake rose to approximately $200 million.

In 2013, Bryant launched a production company called Granity Studios, which developed different media, ranging from films to television shows and novels.

On August 22, 2016, Bryant and his business partner Jeff Stibel launched Bryant-Stibel, a venture capital firm focused on different businesses including media, data, gaming, and technology, with $100 million in funding. In 2018, Bryant and Sports Academy launched Mamba Sports Academy, a joint athletic-training business venture. The academy established locations in Thousand Oaks and Redondo Beach, California.

Books

On October 23, 2018, Bryant's book The Mamba Mentality: How I Play, with photographs and afterword by Andrew D. Bernstein, an introduction by Phil Jackson, and a foreword by Pau Gasol, was published by MCD / Farrar, Straus and Giroux. The book looks back on his career with photos and his reflections.

At the time of his death, he was working with Brazilian author Paulo Coelho on a children's book aimed at inspiring underprivileged children. After Bryant's death, Coelho deleted the draft, saying in an interview that "it didn't make any sense to publish without him." He did not say how many pages had been written or whether the book had a title.

Bryant also co-wrote/produced several young adult novels through Granity Studios: The Wizenard Series: Training Camp, Legacy and the Queen, and Epoca: The Tree of Ecrof. A fourth novel, The Wizenard Series: Season One, was released posthumously in March 2020. The Wizarenard Series: Season One topped the New York Times middle-grade hardcover list.

Tragic loss and lasting legacy

Fans gathered in front of Staples Center (later Crypto.com Arena) on the day of Bryant's death.

Metro Bus in Los Angeles with "RIP Kobe" banner, January 2020

On January 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven other people were tragically killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. The world mourned the loss of a basketball legend and a beloved father.

Kobe Bryant's legacy will live on forever. He inspired millions of people with his incredible skills, his fierce competitiveness, and his dedication to the game. He taught us the importance of hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest basketball players of all time and a true inspiration to us all.

Interesting facts about Kobe Bryant

• His parents named him after the famous beef of Kobe, Japan, which they saw on a restaurant menu.
• His middle name, Bean, was derived from his father's nickname "Jellybean".
• The Lakers were Bryant's favorite team when he was growing up.
• Bryant's family was Catholic and he was brought up with this faith.
• Kobe learned to speak Italian and Spanish while in Italy.
• His jersey numbers, 8 and 24, were retired by the Los Angeles Lakers.
• On December 23, 2007, Bryant became the youngest player (29 years, 122 days) to reach 20,000 points, in a game against the New York Knicks, in Madison Square Garden, after scoring 39 points to go along with 11 rebounds and 8 assists. This record has since been broken by LeBron James.
• According to Forbes, at the time of his retirement Bryant's $680 million in career earnings was the most ever by a team athlete during their playing career.

Kobe Bryant quotes

• "It's not about the number of hours you practice, it's about the number of hours your mind is present during the practice"
• "Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses."
• "The most important thing, the thing that unites all of us, is that we can inspire and challenge one another to be better."
• "You have to be true to who you are."
• "You always have to be on edge. You always have to take every practice, every game, like it is your last."
• "If you don't believe in yourself...nobody else will."
• "Heroes come and go, but legends are forever."

See also

In Spanish: Kobe Bryant para niños