His middle name, Bean, was derived from his father's nickname "Jellybean". Bryant's family was Catholic and he was brought up with this religion. In 2003, Bryant was charged with sexual assault, with the alleged victim being a 19-year-old hotel employee.

On April 12, Bryant suffered a torn Achilles tendon towards the Golden State Warriors, ending his season. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak had spoken to Bryant about his extensive enjoying time 10 days earlier, however Bryant insisted the minutes needed to proceed given the Lakers' playoff push. Bryant had surgery on April thirteen to repair the tear, and it was estimated he would miss six to 9 months. He ended the season with customary averages of 27.three points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6 assists per sport on forty six.3% taking pictures.

This marked the fifth time in Bryant's career and the first time with out Shaquille O'Neal to go to the NBA Finals. The Lakers then lost to the Boston Celtics in 6 games. On December 23, 2007, Bryant turned the youngest participant to achieve 20,000 points, in a game towards the New York Knicks, in Madison Square Garden. In the following 2003–04 season, the Lakers had been capable of acquire NBA All-Stars Karl Malone, and Gary Payton to make one other push on the NBA Championship. Before the season started, Bryant was arrested for sexual assault.

It’s another reminder that Bryant, who died at 41, was really simply beginning the off-court chapter of his life. The post-NBA profession was already exhibiting great promise—Bryant gained an Oscar in 2018 for Best Animated Short Film, for example—and the video shows his smarts and curiosity. Bryant was already teaching Gianna on the youth level—they had been on their approach to a sport that tragic day on January 26, 2020. If he ever wanted to show the sport to others, at any degree, he might have made a superb coach.

“Lise, come here.” I go in there, he pauses the tape, stands up in his flip flops and does the move he’s been studying. Shay and I bathe, we go out, like out out — Kobe didn't really go out much — come back, one in the morning. “Lise, come right here.” He’s still in his room watching videos. That’s why if you look at Kobe’s early interviews, the best way he licks his lips, the method in which his mannerisms … it is all a discovered conduct from him watching his favourite participant, Michael Jordan. If you watch him stroll, he would ooze Michael Jordan.

Kobe Bryant is known for being one of the best basketball gamers in the historical past of the NBA. He played guard for the Los Angeles Lakers for 20 years. He was recognized for his tough defense, vertical leap, and talent to score successful baskets at the finish of the sport.

He was a standout basketball player and earned several awards together with the Naismith High School Player of the Year. The newest edition of the NBA 2K video game collection was announced lately and this 12 months, it will be graced by the late, great Kobe Bryant on the duvet. Why LeBron James Is Worth $100 Million to the Lakers, Win or LoseIf all James did was win basketball video games, that might be more than enough. January 26, 2023, is the third anniversary of the death of Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others who perished in a helicopter crash in California. NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant was announced Thursday as the cover athlete for NBA 2K24.

In 2012, American rapper Chief Keef launched a song paying tribute to Bryant referred to as "Kobe". It was featured on his debut studio album, Finally Rich, as part of the deluxe edition. For the NBA 2K21 soundtrack, Damian Lillard, underneath his stage name Dame D.O.L.L.A., released a tribute monitor additionally titled "Kobe," featuring Snoop Dogg and Derrick Milano.