Kobe spent part of his childhood in Italy while his father played professional basketball there. As a result, he became fluent in Italian
He holds the record for most points scored in a career by a male player in Pennsylvania high school basketball history.
Kobe Bryant was actually selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft.
In 1998, at the age of 19, Kobe became the youngest player to start in an NBA All-Star Game.
After retiring from basketball, Kobe won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2018 for his work on "Dear Basketball,"
Kobe dabbled in the music industry and even released a rap album titled "K.O.B.E" in 2000, featuring collaborations with artists like Tyra Banks and Brian McKnight.
He also authored a book series called "The Wizenard Series," aimed at young readers. The series incorporates fantasy and basketball themes to impart important life lessons.
Kobe was involved in numerous philanthropic activities, including his work with the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation
Kobe was a vocal advocate for women's basketball and was known to attend WNBA games regularly. He actively supported and encouraged the growth of women's sports.
After retiring from professional basketball, Kobe started coaching his daughter's basketball team, contributing to the development of young talent.