Kobe Bryant Net Worth and Biography

Kobe Bryant is a former American professional basketball player. As a shooting guard, Bryant entered the American basketball league Los Angeles Lakers from his high school. Since then, he had been in the sport for 20 years.

Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, and began playing basketball at the early age of 3. Before his death, Bryant won multiple awards and trophies and was declared among the best NBA player of his time.

It was unbelievable and very shocking when the news of his death was declared on January 26th, 2020. He died after a tragic plane crash on his way to watch his daughter’s basketball game. Bryant died alongside his daughters and others. Before his death, his net worth was estimated to be $500 million

Early Life And Family

Kobe Bryant was born on the 23rd of August,1978, in Philadelphia. He was the last child and has two older siblings. Bryant’s father Joe Bryant is also a renowned NBA player, hence he took a liking to basketball from his father. Bryant started playing at the age of 3. The likeness for basketball in the family is not just limited to Bryant and his father, his grandfather is also a lover of the sport. In fact, during his early days in the NBA, his grandfather would send him Basketball videos which he will study and follow diligently.

Career Life

When Bryant’s father retired from playing basketball, the family moved to the United States,. It was here that Kobe joined the basketball football team of the Lower Merion High School. He started playing in his first year and before he left school, he received a lot of recognition and awards.

Bryant completed his high school career as Southeastern Pennsylvania’s all-time leading scorer at 2,883 points. He received a lot of awards and graduated as the Naismith High School Player of the year. Also during his graduation, he was declared for the 1996 NBA draft and was selected among the 13 best basketball players by the Charlotte Hornets. It was from the Hornets that Bryant got into the Lakers.

When Bryant won the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest, he became very popular and earn a reputation as a high flyer. In the second season, he was named an All-Star. Not long a feud ensued between him and his teammate Shaquille O'Neal. Irrespective of this the twosome still led the NBA Championship from 2000 to 2002.

In 2003, he was accused of sexual assault by a 19-year-old hotel clerk, but the lady refused to show in court to defend herself. Bryant denied the accusation but admitted to a sexual encounter. He later presented a public apology.

Bryant continued in his game and became the cornerstone of the NBA. From 2005 - 2007, Bryant led more competition and contributed immensely to the win of the team. In 2006, he scored a career-high of 81 points. This became a second in history following Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game in 1962.

His contribution to the two consecutive championships of the team in 2009 and 2010 earned him the NBA Final MVP. He continued as a top player until 2013 when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon at age 34. Upon recovery, he suffered more injuries that lead to his decline and retirement.

By the time Bryant retired, he has participated in 20 seasons in the NBA and won lots of trophies and awards. Some of them include:

5× NBA champion (2000–2002, 2009, 2010)

2× NBA Finals MVP (2009, 2010)

NBA Most Valuable Player (2008)

18× NBA All-Star (1998, 2000–2016)

4× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2002, 2007, 2009, 2011)

11× All-NBA First Team (2002–2004, 2006–2013)

2× All-NBA Second Team (2000, 2001)

2× All-NBA Third Team (1999, 2005)

9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2000, 2003, 2004, 2006–2011)

3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2001, 2002, 2012)

2× NBA scoring champion (2006, 2007)

NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1997)

NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1997)

Nos. 8 & 24 retired by Los Angeles Lakers

Naismith Prep Player of the Year (1996)

First-team Parade All-American (1996)

Kobe Bryant's Net Worth

Before his death, Kobe Bryant's net worth was estimated to be $500 million.

Bryant's Death

Bryant died alongside his daughter due to a blunt force trauma sustained in a helicopter crash while he was going to watch his daughter's game/practice. He died in Calabasas, California.

Below is Kobe Bryant's Last Interview