Amazing Kobe Bryant Facts Every Baller Must Know In 2023

Known as “the closest thing to Michael Jordan,” Kobe Bryant stands out as one of the most captivating athletes to delve into, both on and off the basketball court. His exceptional talent and persona transcend the world of basketball, making him an unforgettable figure in sports history and beyond.

Regarded as both revered and criticized, the 5-time NBA champion finds himself featured prominently or omitted entirely from countless Top 10 lists. His polarizing nature serves as just one of the myriad reasons why discussions about him remain relevant and compelling.

This article unveils fascinating facts and statistics charting the transformation of Bean into the legendary Black Mamba. From his humble beginnings to conquering the big leagues, this journey encompasses both triumphs and his untimely departure.

Join me in exploring the fascinating life and enduring legacy of the legendary Kobe “Bean” Bryant.

Intense Facts Behind The Career of Kobe Bryant: The Black Mamba

One remarkable aspect of Kobe’s career was the abundance of testimonials and anecdotes from fellow players, all speaking to his unparalleled level of competitiveness and unwavering work ethic.

Aside from his accomplishments on the court, Kobe Bryant was renowned for his alter ego, famously known as the “Mamba Mentality.” This term encapsulates his unwavering defensive skills, extraordinary scoring ability, and unwavering dedication.

In regards to Kobe’s mental fortitude on the court, Michael Jordan once expressed the following sentiment:

“He possessed remarkable mental fortitude, perhaps even surpassing my own,” “Keep in mind, my followers, my loyal fans, were displeased with his attempts to emulate my accomplishments.”

This played a pivotal role in his remarkable accomplishments, including securing 5 NBA championships with the Lakers. This feat solidified the team’s standing as the greatest basketball organization in history.

Here are the top 5 Kobe Bryant Records

Join me in exploring his remarkable basketball journey – from his draft and trades to the iconic “Mamba out!” mic-drop moment. Let’s dive into the illustrious career of this basketball legend.

1. The Charlotte Hornets drafted him at the 13th spot of the NBA draft in 1996.

On June 26th of that year, Bryant was selected in the first round of the NBA draft.

Regarded as one of the most exceptional draft classes in NBA history, the 1996 cohort not only introduced the iconic Kobe Bryant but also unveiled an array of legendary players.

• Allen Iverson
• Ray Allen
• Shareef Abdur-Rahim
• Peja Stojakovic
• Steve Nash
• Jermaine O’Neal
• Derek Fisher
• Stephon Marbury
• Marcus Camby
• Ben Wallace (Undrafted)

Following Kobe’s draft, the Hornets made the fateful decision to trade him to the Lakers, a choice that would haunt the organization for years to come, leaving an indelible mark on its legacy.

2. After getting drafted, the Hornets traded Bryant to the Lakers for Vlade Divac.

Just two weeks after the Hornets acquired Bryant, the organization struck a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jerry West, at that time managing the Lakers, was rumoured to be enthralled by Kobe’s pre-draft workouts, further solidifying the young player’s status as an NBA legend.

The featured on the iconic NBA logo is none other than Jerry West, although West has expressed his discontent with being constantly associated with it. In 2020, there were multiple reports indicating a substantial call to replace the logo with the likeness of the late Kobe Bryant.

3. Kobe was named to the second team in the 1996–97 NBA season.

Bryant commenced his trophy collection in 1997, securing his maiden accolade – an All-NBA Second Team distinction – during his rookie season in the 1996-1997 NBA season.

In addition to Bryant, the second team for that season consisted of:

• Ray Allen (Milwaukee Bucks),
• Kerry Kittles (New Jersey Nets),
• Travis Knight (Los Angeles Lakers),
• Matt Maloney (Houston Rockets).

Kobe maintained an impressive average of 7.6 points per game, with a 42% field goal percentage. He contributed 1.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists, while playing an average of 15.1 minutes per game for 71 games.

4. Kobe “Bean” Bryant is the youngest player to become an All-Star in the NBA.

In the 1998 season, Bryant amassed an impressive 395,686 votes, earning him the coveted title of the youngest All-Star ever. This remarkable achievement still holds strong, solidifying his place in basketball history.

At the time of his induction, Kobe Bryant was only 19 years and 169 days old, surpassing the previous record held by Earvin “Magic” Johnson, another legendary Laker, who was 20 years and 173 days old.

The game left a lasting impression as it showcased an iconic duel between the young Bryant and the seasoned Jordan, ultimately resulting in the latter clinching the All-Star MVP award.

Kobe’s All-Star debut culminated in an impressive performance, where he tallied 18 points, six rebounds, one assist, and two steals.

5. He won the NBA All-Star Game MVP four times.

Kobe Bryant and the NBA All-Star are synonymous. Bryant accomplished nearly every All-Star accolade, earning respect as one of the rare individuals who infused a competitive spirit into the typically laid-back games.

His exceptional competitiveness led him to win the All-Star MVP title 4 times, an unmatched record shared only by Bob Pettit.

Bryant emerged victorious in 2002, 2007, 2009 (sharing the victory with Shaquille O’Neal), and 2011, showcasing his prowess and dominance on multiple occasions.

In a powerful tribute that solidified the profound connection between Kobe Bryant and the NBA All-Star MVP, the prestigious accolade was renamed to honor the legendary Mamba himself. The symbolic move in 2020 showcased the indelible mark Bryant made on this event. 🏆🏀