His mother and father named him after the well-known beef of Kobe, Japan, which they noticed on a restaurant menu.His middle name, Bean, was derived from his father's nickname "Jellybean". Kobe grew to become accustomed to his new way of life and discovered to speak fluent Italian.He was particularly keen on Reggio Emilia, which he considered a loving place and the place his best childhood recollections have been made. On January 26, 2020, Bryant was onboard a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter that crashed in the Los Angeles suburb of Calabasas. Nine people, including Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna "Gigi," died.

"Kobe Bryant's 'airball recreation' in 1997 was as defining moment in his career". "Kobe Bryant's work with youngsters brings joy, although sometimes it's fleeting". At the time of his dying, he was working with Brazilian author Paulo Coelho on a children's book aimed at inspiring underprivileged kids.

Several months later Bryant was accused of raping a younger girl in Colorado. He maintained his innocence, and all costs had been eventually dropped when the girl refused to testify after a monthslong marketing campaign of harassment by fans of Bryant and some members of the media. (Bryant later apologized, admitting that he realized his accuser did not imagine their sexual encounter was consensual, and a civil suit was settled in 2005.) The incident greatly tarnished his image.

Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, together with Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan, Matt Mullen and Christian Zapata. The newest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Browse an unrivalled portfolio of real-time and historic market knowledge and insights from worldwide sources and specialists. She added that it resolves "all excellent issues related to pending authorized claims in state court, future claims by the Bryant youngsters, and different costs, with each party answerable for its respective attorneys' charges." Vanessa Bryant had sued Los Angeles County, alleging invasion of privateness, after accusing members of the Los Angeles County sheriff's and fire departments of sharing pictures of the crash in unofficial settings, including to patrons in a bar. Bryant was a notable within the Philadelphia space, a star at Lower Merion High School, leading the squad to a state championship.

He also gained the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1997 and was its youngest winner. In his profession, Bryant scored 40-plus factors in 121 video games, and 21 occasions he recorded a triple-double. Bryant taking part in against Gary Neal of the Washington Wizards after saying his forthcoming retirement, 2015After recovering to play within the 2015–16 preseason, Bryant suffered a calf injury and missed the ultimate two weeks of exhibition games. However, he performed within the season opener to begin his twentieth season with the Lakers, surpassing John Stockton's league record of 19 for the most seasons with the identical staff.

He performed guard for the Los Angeles Lakers for 20 years. He was identified for his robust protection, vertical leap, and ability to attain winning baskets at the finish of the game. He is broadly considered one of the best basketball participant of the 2000s and perhaps top-of-the-line of all time.

In the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers played nicely enough to achieve a 3–1 sequence lead over the Phoenix Suns, culminating with Bryant's overtime-forcing and game-winning photographs in Game 4. They got here inside six seconds of eliminating the second-seeded Suns in Game 6, nevertheless, they lost that sport 126–118 in extra time. Despite Bryant's 27.9 points per game in the sequence, the Lakers broke down and finally fell to the Suns in seven games. After scoring 50 points on 20 of 35 shooting within the Game 6 loss, Bryant was criticized for under taking three shots in the second half of the 121–90 Game 7 loss to Phoenix. Bryant received a quantity of awards for his excellent efficiency throughout his senior 12 months at Lower Merion. These included being named Naismith High School Player of the Year, Gatorade Men's National Basketball Player of the Year, a McDonald's All-American, a first-team Parade All-American and a USA Today All-USA First Team participant.

And there I was, in another IInstagram reel, taking half in meek defense on Bryant, as he mockingly tells me, “don’t reach! ” The user put an emotive piano tune over the motion, serving as a somber reminder that he’s gone. Given they’re both first-rounders, Bufkin and Brown appear to be locks to be in the NBA when the brand new season opens this fall. Bufkin was drafted No. 15 total out of Michigan by the Hawks -- and also has a brother named for an NBA participant in Isaiah Thomas. The Kobe Bryant edition showcases the five-time NBA champion in his renowned No. 8 jersey, representing the earlier years of his profession. The Black Mamba edition of the sport features Bryant's aspect profile, and presumably refers to the second half of his profession as No. 24.