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biographies > kobe bryant |
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Lower Merion, Ardmore, Philadephia -
Bypassed college by electing to enter the NBA directly from high school,
becoming the first ever player in Los Angeles history to do so. Finished as the all-time leading scorer in Southeastern Pennsylvania history (2,883). As a senior, voted USA Today's National High School Player of the Year after averaging 30.8 points, 12 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 4.0 steals and 3.8 blocked shots per game. Led the Aces to the class AAAA Champions High School Player of the Year.Selected by Charlotte in the first round (13th overall) of the 1996 NBA Draft. Draft rights traded by the Hornets to the LA Lakers for Vlade Divac.Made his NBA debut at the age of 18 years, 2 months and 11 days old, becoming the youngest NBA player ever to appear in a league game. Participated in the Rookie Game, where he scored a rookie game record 31 points, and won the Slam Dunk Championship during the 1997 NBA All-Star Weekend.Was named after a type of steak (Kobe) seen on a restaurant menu prior to his birth. He is fluent in Italian after spending part of his childhood in Italy. Enjoys reading, playing video games and lists Star Wars as his all-time favourite movie. His father, Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, played eight NBA seasons for Philadelphia, the San Diego Clippers and Houston. Has two older sisters, Sharia and Shaya. |
