Last updated on June 2nd, 2023 at 11:50 am
Kobe Bryant did not go to college, he went straight to the NBA. He was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1997 and then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe won 5 NBA championships with the Lakers.
Did Skipping College Help Kobe Bryant’s NBA Career?
Kobe Bryant’s decision to skip college and go straight to the NBA has been cited as a reason for his success and chances are that he may never have played for the Lakers as the Philadelphia 76ers reportedly almost drafted Kobe Bryant to team up with Allen Iverson.
It is said that former Lakers general manager Jerry West was so determined to acquire Bryant that he convinced Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss, to go under the radar and trade Vlade Divac to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Bryant’s draft rights.
If Kobe Bryant had gone to college that trade would have never happened as another team and not the Charlotte Hornets would have taken Kobe in the 1997 NBA Draft.
Not going to college also allowed Kobe to focus earlier on his passion which was basketball and it also gave him a more years to play the game he loved before retiring on April 13th 2016 at the age of 35.
Kobe spent countless hours honing his craft and it showed in his results on the court.
He would train harder off season and during the season than anyone else.
He also worked with some of the best basketball minds to learn the game.
Kobe was always trying to improve his game and become the best player he could be.
Kobe was able to learn from some of the best players in the world like Michael Jordan who was still in the league when Kobe first came in.
Kobe Bryant’s Life Growing Up
Kobe Bryant did not grow up in the United States. He was born in Philadelphia, United States to a father who was a professional basketball player. When Kobe was just six years old, his father retired from the NBA and moved his family to Rieti in Italy where he played basketball professionally. Kobe spent his childhood living in Italy and then when he was thirteen years old, the family moved back to the United States and settled in Lower Merion, a suburb of Philadelphia.
Kobe Bryant’s High School Career
Kobe Bryant attended Lower Merion High School where he quickly became one of the top basketball players in the country. Bryant was named the American Family Insurance ALL-USA Player of the Year in the 1995-96 season at Lower Merion in Ardmore, Pa.
Kobe Bryant’s NBA Career
Kobe Bryant was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. He was then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers where he would spend his entire 20-year NBA career. Kobe Bryant won 5 NBA championships with the Lakers and was named the NBA Finals MVP twice. He was also named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2008. Kobe Bryant retired from the NBA in 2016 as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
Kobe Bryant’s Post-NBA Career
After retiring from the NBA, Kobe Bryant started working on his own business ventures. He launched a production company called Granity Studios and also wrote children’s books. He won an Academy Award in 2018 for his animated short film Dear Basketball. Kobe Bryant also became a spokesperson for various brands and products.
Kobe Bryant’s Death
On January 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. They were on their way to Gianna’s basketball game when the helicopter crashed into a hillside. All nine people on board were killed.
Kobe Bryant was one of the most successful and popular basketball players in the world. He was a global icon and his death came as a shock to the entire world. Kobe Bryant will always be remembered as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Kobe’s Work Ethic
Kobe Bryant was known for his incredible work ethic. He was always working on his game and trying to improve. He would often stay after practice to shoot extra shots or work on his dribbling. Kobe was always looking for an edge and he did whatever it took to get better.
Kobe’s Mamba Mentality
Kobe Bryant was known for his “Mamba Mentality.” This meant that he was always trying to be the best and he never gave up. Kobe always believed in himself and he inspired others with his work ethic and determination.
Kobe’s Legacy
Kobe Bryant was one of the most popular and successful basketball players in the world. He inspired millions of people with his work ethic, determination, and talent.
