Kobe Bryant: The Life and Legacy of the Black Mamba

Kobe Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was named after the Japanese steak “kobe”. His middle name is Bean, after his father’s nickname “Jellybean”. His father, Joe Bryant, was also a professional basketball player who played in the NBA and overseas. Kobe grew up in Italy, where he learned to speak fluent Italian and developed a passion for soccer. He returned to the United States when he was 13 and attended Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania. He became a basketball star and led his team to a state championship in his senior year. He also won several awards, including the Naismith High School Player of the Year.