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Died Age: 41
source:wikimedia.org
Kobe Bryant
Birthday:
23 Aug, 1978
Date of Death:
26 Jan, 2020
Cause of death:
Helicopter crash
Nationality:
American
Famous As:
Professional basketball player
Age at the time of death:
41
Kobe Bryant Early Life and Family Background
Kobe Bean Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the youngest of three children and the only son of Joe Bryant, a former NBA player, and Pamela Cox Bryant. From an early age, Kobe Bryant demonstrated a passion for basketball, influenced by his father’s career. At age six, the family moved to Italy, where Bryant developed his basketball skills and became fluent in Italian.
High School Basketball Career
When Kobe was 13, the family returned to the United States, and he attended Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania. There, he played on the varsity basketball team as a freshman and gained national attention for his performance. In his senior year, he led his team to their first state championship in 53 years and received numerous accolades, including Naismith High School Player of the Year.
Entering the NBA and Early Career
At 17, Kobe Bryant declared for the 1996 NBA draft, bypassing college. He was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets but was quickly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant debuted in the 1996-1997 season, becoming the youngest player to ever play in an NBA game at that time. In the early 2000s, alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe helped lead the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships in 2000, 2001, and 2002.
Kobe’s Leadership and Continued Success
As Kobe Bryant took on more leadership responsibilities within the Lakers, he solidified his role as one of the NBA’s elite players. From the mid-2000s onwards, he earned several All-NBA and All-Star selections. He led the Lakers to back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010, winning Finals MVP on both occasions.
Late Career and Retirement
Despite suffering from injuries in his later years, Bryant continued to deliver remarkable performances, including surpassing Michael Jordan on the NBA all-time scoring list. He retired on April 13, 2016, with a memorable 60-point game against the Utah Jazz. By the end of his career, Bryant had earned five NBA championships and various accolades, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players in history.
Post-Retirement Achievements
After retiring from the NBA, Bryant explored new ventures, including writing and filmmaking. In 2018, he won an Academy Award for his animated short film Dear Basketball, based on a poem he wrote upon his retirement. He also became a successful businessman and philanthropist, focusing on inspiring future generations.
Kobe Bryant's Quote's
Tragic Death and Global Mourning
On January 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant tragically died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others. The sudden loss of Bryant sent shockwaves around the world. His death was deeply mourned by his family, fans, and the global basketball community. Multiple tributes and memorials were held to honor his legacy.
Profile Snapshot
Name:
Kobe Bryant
Popular Name:
Kobe Bryant
Gender:
Male
Cause of Death:
Helicopter crash
Spouse:
Vanessa Bryant
Place of Birth:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Place of Death:
Calabasas, California, U.S.
Occupation / Profession:
Professional basketball player
Personality Type
Virtuoso: Bold and practical experimenters, masters of all kinds of tools. His private, disciplined nature, relentless focus on refining skills, and ability to adapt creatively on the court reflect the Virtuoso personality.
Kobe Bryant's Interesting Facts
Kobe spent much of his childhood in Italy while his father played professional basketball there. He became fluent in Italian and even gave interviews in the language later in his career.
Bryant started playing basketball when he was 3 years old.
In 2006, Kobe scored 81 points in a single game against the Toronto Raptors — the second-highest scoring game in NBA history, only behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game.
Kobe is the only player in NBA history to have two different numbers retired by the same team. The Lakers retired both his #8 and #24 jerseys, honoring both halves of his legendary career.
In 2000 January, Kobe Bryant released a hip-hop single called, “K.O.BE,” with Sony Entertainment
Kobe Bryant (1978–2020) was an NBA legend who spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning 5 championships and becoming one of the greatest basketball players in history.
Achievements & Awards
NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1997)
McDonald’s All-American (1996)
Nos. 8 & 24 retired by Los Angeles Lakers
2× All-NBA Third Team (1999, 2005)
2× NBA Finals MVP (2009, 2010)
3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2001, 2002, 2012)
2× NBA scoring champion (2006, 2007)
18× NBA All-Star (1998, 2000–2016)
11× All-NBA First Team (2002–2004, 2006–2013)
NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1997)
4× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2002, 2007, 2009, 2011)
NBA 75th Anniversary Team
Gatorade National Player of the Year (1996)
NBA Most Valuable Player (2008)
9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2000, 2003, 2004, 2006–2011)
5× NBA champion (2000–2002, 2009, 2010)
2× All-NBA Second Team (2000, 2001)
Naismith Prep Player of the Year (1996)
Fourth-team Parade All-American (1995)
External Links