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Kobe Bryant Facts

Kobe Bryant Facts
Kobe Bryant is a former professional American basketball player. He is most well-known for spending 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers, and for his record with the NBA for playing the most seasons with one team, and with the same team for his entire career. He was born Kobe Bean Bryant, on August 23rd, 1978. He spent a few years in Italy while his father played professional basketball there. In 1991, when his father retired, the family returned to the United States. College recruiters were interested in him during his high school years at Merion High School in Ardmore, Philadelphia. At the age of17, Kobe decided to go directly to pro basketball with the NBA, and in 1996 became the only first guard to be taken out of high school.
Interesting Kobe Bryant Facts:
Kobe Bryant was named after Japan's famous Kobe beef, after his parents saw the name on a menu.
Kobe's favorite team while he was growing up was the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kobe Bryant's father was also a professional basketball player, named Joe 'Jelly Bean' Bryant. This was the inspiration for Kobe's middle name.
Kobe Bryant was the youngest NBA player to win the Slam Dunk Contest. It was the only time he ever competed in the competition.
Kobe Bryant only won one NBA Most Valuable Player award during his entire career - in 2008. He did however place in voting many times including 2009 (2nd), 2003, 2007, and 2010 (3rd), 2006, 2011, and 2012 (4th), 2002, 2004, and 2013 (5th).
Kobe Bryant is married to Vanessa Bryant, and they have two daughters Gianna, and Natalia.
Kobe Bryant has won Olympic Gold Medals for basketball in 2008, and in 2012.
Kobe Bryant was an NBA champion five times in his career. Only Michael Jordan beat Kobe's record by winning six times.
Kobe Bryant scored 60 points or more in a total of 6 games during his career. Only Wilt Chamberlain holds the record for more with 7 games of 60 points or more.
Kobe Bryant was named All-Star 18 times during his 20-year NBA career.
During his 20 seasons with the LA Lakers Kobe scored 5,640 points during the playoffs. He ranks third place for playoff points scored during an NBA career, behind Michael Jordan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Kobe Bryant scored a total of 33,643 points during his career. He ranks third for points scored, behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone.
In 2002 Kobe Bryant paid $8 million to get out of his endorsement contract with Adidas so that he could sign with Nike.
In 2015 it was reported that Kobe Bryant earned $49.5 million, between his NBA contract and endorsement deals with various companies.
Kobe Bryant earned over $328 million from his NBA contracts during his career. He is believed to have made over $680 million in total during his career from his NBA salary and endorsements.
In 2003, only 2 years after marrying his wife Vanessa, Kobe was charged with sexual assault against a 19-year-old hotel employee. The case was dismissed but he settled a civil suit out of court.


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