Kobe Bryant

I dont want to be the next Michael Jordan, I only want to be Kobe Bryant

Family
Kobe Bryants family consisted of dad Joe Jellybean Bryant, mom Pam, and sisters Shaya and Sharia. Kobe and his dad havent talked in two years because Kobes wife, Vanessa, isnt black.

Kobes Love Life

Kobe is married to Vanessa Laine. They have a daughter, Natalia Diamante, who was born in February of 2003. Controversy started when the two wed. This is because Kobe is African American, and Vanessa is Latino. Kobes parents did not attend their wedding, and have not seen their grandchild yet.

Early Life
Kobe Bryant was born on August 23, 1978 to Joe and Pam Bryant. Kobe was the third child and their only son. Kobes father, Joe, was in the NBA, he played for the Sixers, Rockets and Clippers. Then Joe moved his family to Europe, to play in the Italian league. Kobe grew up speaking Italian fluently.

Kobes High School Days

Bryant was the all-time leading scorer in Southeastern Pennsylvania history with 2,883 points, breaking the marks of NBA legend and Hall of Farmer Wilt Chamberlain (2,359 points) and former St. Joseph's player Carlin Warley (2,441 points). Bryant led his high school team to a 77-13 record Bryant was selected by USA Today and Parade Magazine as the National High School Player of the Year. He was also named Naismith Player of the Year, Gatorade Circle of Champions High School Player of the Year and to the McDonald's All-America Team. Bryant averaged 30.8 ppg, 12 rpg, 6.5 apg, four spg and 3.8 bpg. He led Lower Merion to Class AAAA state title with a 31-3 record. Bryant scored a career-high 50 points vs. Maple Newton and scored 34 points to go along with 15 rebounds, six assists and nine blocks to lead Lower Merion to District I Class AAA title over Chester. He scored 117 points and was named Most Outstanding Player in Prestigious Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C

Rookie Season
Kobe was selected 13th pick of the first round of the 1996 NBA draft. He started 6 games. In the All Star game, he scored a game high 31 points.

First Championship
The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers, for the Championship in the 99-00 season. The MVP went to Shaquille ONeal. Kobe broke the record for the youngest player to win an championship. He was 21 years old.

THE REPEAT
In the 2000-2001, the Lakers did it again, winning the Championship. This time they beat the Philadelphia 76ers. The MVP, for the second year in a row, was Coquille ONeal. Now Kobe had two rings!

BACK TO BACK!

The Booing
In the 2002 All Star game, as always it was the East vs. the West. Kobe, a starter of the West, was named MVP as the West won. Kobe finished 31 points, 10 rebounded, and 5 assists. But when Kobe was announced as MVP, his hometown of Philly booed him. At first he said it hurt his feelings, but later he said, Let em boo, that lets me know I intimidate them.

Its a 3-PEAT!!!

In the 01-02 season, the Lakers finished the season with a - record. The finished 2nd in Pacific and 3rd in the Western Conference. In the first round the Lakers swept the Blazers 3-0. The Lakers then played the Spurs and passed them 4-1. The Lakers then played the Kings, where the rivalry heated when the series lasted the whole 7 gam and finished the last game in overtime. During the series, Kobe got food poisoning from eating in a Sacramento restaurant. But in the end, the Lakers won the series 4-3. Then they played the New Jersey Nets in the championsh Everyone new whoever was in the championship the West would win, because they Lakers as they swept the Nets 4-

02-03 Season
In the 02-03 Season, Kobe has been a major factor in the Lakers success. He has been the 2nd leading scorer of the regular season averaging 30 points a game. In the playoffs he has been unstoppable. On May 1st, the Lakers won the first series against the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-2. They advance and play the San Antonio

Adidas
Kobe signed an 3 million dollar contract with Adidas in 2000. He was to wear their shoes, and he ended up with his very own shoe. They were called Kobe's. But Kobe Bryant and Adidas parted ways.

Sprite
Sprite is the official sponsor of the NBA Playoffs. Kobe and Sprite have partnered up. Kobe has many commercials sponsoring the product.

Did You Know??

Kobe Bryant speaks Latin fluently. Kobe was the youngest player drafted in the history of the NBA. During the 02-03 Season, Kobe made his 10,000th point. He was the youngest player to do so, at 24 years, 193 days.

Bibliography
Kobe Bryant www.nba.com 2002-2003 April 23, 2003 http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/index.html?nav Books: World Book Encyclopedia. Volume 5. Chicago. World Book Inc. 1996 Websters Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield: MerriamWebber, Inc. 1987