Kobe Bryant's birthday

Kobe Bean Bryant was one of the biggest American professional basketball player legends. He is known for spending 20 years of his basketball career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association.

Early life

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the August 23rd, 1978, Kobe was born into a loving family and he was the youngest of three children. His father, former NBA player, Joe Bryant, and his mother, Pamela Cox Bryant, named him after the well known Japanese Kobe beef, which they once saw on a restaurant menu and thought would make a good name for a boy.

Starting basketball at three years old

Kobe started playing basketball as young as three years old when he saw the Lakers play, which inspired him. When he turned 6, his father retired from the NBA and moved his family to Italy to continue his professional basketball career there. Kobe quickly adapted to this lifestyle and learn to speak Italian. His father started to play basketball again once they had settled in Reggio Emelia.

His father’s legacy inspired him

During their time in Italy, his father played for Olimpia Basket Pistoia, and Kobe definitely drew further inspiration from him. 

Kobe got into the basketball scene early when he used to go to work with his dad, as the ball and mop boy, and would practice taking shots during halftime.

Basketball recognition

Kobe received a lot of recognition for basketball talents during his high school career at Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia. He was the first freshman in many decades to start for this team, and he finished with a 4-20 record. The following three years during this team, Bryant played all five positions and his record only got better and better. 

The beginning of his professional career

It was in 1996 that Kobe started his professional career. The Lakers were looking for a new team member, and due to Bryant still only being 17 during this time, his parents had to sign his contract for him. When he was 18, Kobe signed his own three-year contract which totaled $3.5 million.

During his basketball career, Kobe won five NBA championships and was an 18-time All-Star as well as a 15-time member of the All-NBA team.

Family life

Kobe was dedicated just as much to his personal life as he was to his career, and he and his wife, Vanessa Laine, had four daughters during their relationship. 

Kobe Bryant sadly passed away on January 26th, 2020, due to a helicopter accident where nine other people were on board, including his 13-year-old daughter and six family friends.

Kobe was an incredible family man, and an incredible basketball professional with an amazing legacy that will never be forgotten by his fans.