Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bean Bryant (born August 23, 1978 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a National Basketball Association player for the Los Angeles Lakers; he is also the son of former NBA player Joe "Jellybean" Bryant.

Early Life

Bryant spent much of his childhood in Italy, where his father played professional basketball. Consequently, he speaks fluent Italian. Bryant entered the NBA at the age of eighteen after a spectacular high school career in the Philadelphia suburb of Lower Merion. He was originally selected 13th by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 NBA Draft, but they traded him on July 11, 1996 to the Los Angeles Lakers for center Vlade Divac. Though young and somewhat introverted, Bryant's immense talent made an immediate impression with his teammates on the practice court.

Related Topics:
Italy - Italian - Philadelphia - Lower Merion - Charlotte Hornets - 1996 NBA Draft - July 11 - 1996 - Center - Vlade Divac

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He married Vanessa Laine on April 18, 2001 in Dana Point, California and their daughter Natalia Diamante was born on January 19, 2003. His parents initially disapproved of the marriage, but have since reconciled with Bryant.

Related Topics:
Vanessa Laine - April 18 - 2001 - Dana Point, California - January 19 - 2003

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~