Kobe Bryant was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on this day in 1978. During his 20-year playing career, Bryant was an 18-time All-Star, a 15-time All-NBA player, and a 5-time NBA champion, among other honours.
When you look back at NBA history, it is easy to identify one or two legends who completely dominated their generation. In fact, you can refer to them simply by their first name and know who they are.
Kobe Bryant was more than just a basketball player. He was one of the greatest scorers, one of the greatest leaders, and one of the main reasons today’s generation of stars are playing the game.
Bryant was born on this day in 1978 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the youngest of three children.
Basketball was in Kobe’s blood from the moment he was born, and after spending the majority of his childhood in Italy, Bryant’s family relocated to Philadelphia when he was 13 years old. His journey to basketball immortality began at that point, particularly during his time at Lower Merion High School in Ardmore.
Kobe was drafted 13th overall out of high school by the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on draught night in a deal that included Vlade Divac, an already proven talent that Charlotte believed could not only help them win games, but also increase attendance.
