10 unbelievable fun facts about Kobe Bryant: Things you did not know about the late NBA Legend

The national basketball association boasts some of the best players worldwide, and Kobe Bryant is no exception. His legacy and contribution to the basketball world are still embraced. And while he was a people person, there are unbelievable fun facts about Kobe Bryant that you ought to know.

He was an American-based former professional basketball player who played as a shooting guard and spent his entire 20-year career with Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basket Association, NBA. To date, Kobe is still regarded as one of the best basketball players in the world.

Kobe Bryant's profile and bio summary

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What are the 10 interesting facts about Kobe Bryant?

The former basketball guru was a popular personality worldwide, and the news of his death on 26 January 2020 shocked millions. However, before he passed away, he had achieved a lot thanks to his passion and dedication to basketball.

Most of Kobe's fans are only aware of his basketball career, but the truth is, there is a lot to learn about the late basketball legend. Join us as we detail some exciting facts about Kobe Bryant that will surprise you.

10. Kobe studied NBA tapes at 3

The legendary basketball player was born to Joe and Pam Bryant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the United States of America. He was raised alongside his two siblings, Sharia and Shaya Bryant.

Kobe began displaying a keen interest in basketball when he was barely two years old, and by the time he was three, he had started studying NBA tapes. It was only a matter of time before he got drafted by the NBA and became the third youngest player.

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9. Kobe and Michael Jackson were bros

In an interview with Jimmy Kimmel, when Kobe was asked about Michael Jackson, he stated that he had been a friend of Michael's since he was 18 years of age. He said,

Michael was my mentor. One time I feared that my car would run out of gas on the way to King of Pop at Neverland Ranch. But Michael asked me not to worry and that he had a personal gas station for his ranch.

8. He was philanthropic and supported many charities

During Kobe's basketball days, he engaged in numerous charity projects, immensely increasing his popularity and fan base across various social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Here are some notable charitable works still embedded in people's hearts.

• He participated in a fundraising effort for Stand-Up-To Cancer in 2012 that raised more than $80 million for cancer research.
• He participated in the league's NBA Cares initiatives and consequently helped build homes, and basketball courts, stocked food pantries and supported reading initiatives.
• He volunteered for the Boys & Girls Club of America, which often hosts basketball camps.
• He was so compassionate to kids that he worked with sick kids through the Make-A-Wish initiative.

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7. Kobe's incredibly insane workouts

One interesting thing that made Kobe so rare and spectacular is his insane workout ethic. Allegedly, his workout would commence at exactly 3:30 every morning. His trainer was always punctual with him, and both of them adhered to the workouts. His trainer once said,

Rarely does Kobe sit and do nothing.

One time it took me about 20 minutes to get my gear and [get] out of the hotel. When I arrived and opened the door to the main practice floor, I saw Kobe alone, and he was drenched in sweat as if he had just taken a swim. It was still a bit before 5:00 am.

6. Kobe Bryant's change of jersey from number 8 to 24

Through the first ten years of his career as a basketball player, he donned number 8. He claimed it was a time in his career when he tried to prove himself, but before the start of the following season, 2006/07, he chose to switch to number 24 for the remaining period.

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He said it was a profound change for him and represented a fresh start and period of his basketball career.

Then 24 is a growth from that. Physical attributes are not there the way they used to be, but the maturity level is more remarkable, marriage and kids. Start having a broader perspective being one of the older guys on the team now, as opposed to being the youngest. Things evolve.

5. His parents did not attend his wedding

In 2001, when Kobe Bryant was 23 years of age, he married his then-sweetheart, Vanessa Laine, whom he had met in 1999. After six months of dating, the dynamic duo engaged and tied the knot two years later.

However, Bryant's parents and two sisters failed to attend his wedding as his father was against his decision to marry at such a young age and, even more, to a lady from a different race. But despite his father's objections, Bryant stood by his wife and made it clear that his marriage was a priority in his life. They were married for over 19 years before he passed away.

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4. He was an AC Milan fan since his childhood

Even though he was a basketball player, he still had a keen interest in soccer, and his favourite team was AC Milan. The legendary basketball player spent the better part of his childhood in Italy and became fluent in speaking Italian.

While his father played for several basketball teams in the country during his period, Bryant, on the other hand, followed Italian soccer and became a diehard fan of AC Milan. It was a no-brainer for him, considering the high trophy haul that the team scooped while in Italy. He admitted to loving the team, saying,

It has always been my favourite squad. Back in Los Angeles, I have an AC Milan shirt and scarf inside my locker, and I see them every day.

3. He holds the NBA record for the most missed shots

This must come as a surprise, but the truth is that Kobe had a record for the most missed shots (14,481) in the history of the NBA. He was often known for his go-getter attitude on and off the basketball pitch. It is no wonder that he seldom needed any consent from coaches or teammates to take a lot of shots.

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But perhaps, that made him the legend he was, winning five NBA championships. Additionally, he was an 18-time All-Star, a 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, the 2008 NBA most valuable player, MVP, a 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team, and a two-time NBA Finals MVP.

2. Kobe Bryant's incredible net worth

According to Forbes, the renowned athlete had amassed a net worth of $600 million.

1. His failed music career

During the early days of his career, Kobe ventured into the music and film industry, among other non-sport activities. His first attempt at the music industry was a verse and a cameo in Brian McKnight's 1997 song, Hold Me.

His music career had begun picking, and it was only a matter of time before he was featured in the 1999 remix of Destiny Child's, Say My Name. It gave him so much morale that he decided to release a single solo album, KOBE. However, the song could have been better received as expected. In fact, it was regarded as an epic fail, and Sony Entertainment banned the album.

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There are so many unbelievable facts about Kobe Bryant that his fans are unaware of. Nevertheless, none of the details taints the fact that he was a legendary shooting guard that the NBA and the world would never forget.

READ ALSO: List of all Spanish La Liga teams that have never been relegated

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