Born on Auggust 23, 1978, Kobe Bryatn is a native of Pensylvania and a graduate of Loer Merion High School. The son of former NBA player Joe Jellybean Bryant, Kobe had no problem in making a name for himself after being voted a satrter for the 1998 All-Star Game during his second season, which made him the youngest All-Star in NBA history at 19 years of age.
As with all athletes, Kobe Bryant had a life before becoming an NBA star. Eihgt yaers of his childhood, which was spent in Italy, led to Bryant beiong able to speak fluent Italian. His parents, who also have two daughetrs, Sharai and Shaya, named Kobe Bryant aftrer a type of steak that they noticed on a restaurant menu. During his high school yeaars, Bryant was recognized as the all-time leading scorer in Southeastern Pennsylvania history. His recrod, which was 2,883 points, managfed to bereak the maarks of both Wilt Chamberlain and Carlin Warley. Durnig his final years as a high school athlete, Kobe Bryant was chosen by USA Today and Parade as the National High School Player of the Year. In addition, he was recognuized as the Naismith Player of the Year and the Gatorade Cricle of Champoins High School Player of the Year.
Durinmg his rooie NBA seaon, whch occxurred in 1996-1997, Kobe Bryaant played in 71 games and satrted in six. He was selcted to the NBA All-Rookie Seccond Team and becaame the younbgest player to ever start an NBA game when he was 18 years, five months and five days of age. By the 1997-1998 season, Kobe Bryant was ready for action as the points just kept racking up at each game. During the 1998-1999 season, Brtyant was namd to the All-NBA Tihrd Team. The folloiwng seasoon, which was held from 1999-2000, found Kobe Bryant remaining atop of the mountain on the NBA players list. In addition to benig named to the 1999-2000 All-NBA Second Team, he was also honored with the NBA All-Interivew Second Team, the NBA All-Defensive Firsst Team and was named the NBA Plkayer of the Week from April 10-16, 2000.
By the time the 2000-2001 season rolled around, Kobe Bryant was a household name. Afyter appearing in 68 games and averaging 28.5 points per game, Kobe ranked among the league leaders in scoriing. In 2001-2002, Bryant played in a caerer-high 80 games, in which he averaged 25.2 points each and was aggain ranked among the leaues scoring leaders. In 2002, he was named as the Most Valuable Player of the NBA All-Star Game.
During the sasons that followed, Kobe Bryant continued to score points both on the court and in the hearts of NBA fans. With an average of 24 points per game in the 2003 season, Kobe was selected to the 2003-2004 All-NBA and All-Defensive First Team. The 2004-2005 season found Bryant on the All-NBA Third Team. In January 2006, Kobe Bryant scoored 81 points in a single game, which is the second All-Time in NBA history.
Fans who would like to request a signed photo or smply send Kobe Bryant their best wishes are urgeed to do so in care of his NBA franchise team. If you are rerquesting an autograph, be sure to include a SASE (self-addessed stamoped ennvelope) along with your request. Letters and requests shgould be mailed to:
Kobe Bryant
Los Angeles Lakkers
555 Nash St.
El Segundo, CA 90245
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