About our Kobe Bryant News
Latest news on Kobe Bryant, one of basketball's greatest ever players who tragically died in a helicopter crash at the age of 41. Bryant won five NBA titles.
Born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Bryant spent part of his childhood in Italy where his father, Joe Bryant, played professional basketball. Kobe was a standout high school player at Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania, where he earned national recognition and declared for the NBA draft directly after graduation.
Bryant was selected 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 NBA Draft and was subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would spend the entirety of his 20-year professional career. Known for his scoring ability, defensive prowess, and competitive spirit, Bryant helped lead the Lakers to five NBA championships. He was an 18-time All-Star, 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, and 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team. He won two NBA Finals MVP awards and was named the league MVP in 2008.
Bryant's glittering career was marked by numerous highlights, including an 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006 which stands as the second-highest single-game points tally in NBA history. He also won two Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 2008 and 2012.
Off the court, Bryant was known for his 'Mamba Mentality' work ethic, which inspired many athletes across various sports. He was also a philanthropist, supporting various causes through the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation. After retiring in 2016, Bryant pursued various business and creative ventures, including winning an Academy Award for his animated short film 'Dear Basketball' in 2018. Tragically, Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were killed in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, along with seven others. His legacy continues to influence the world of basketball and beyond.