Facts About The Legendary Late Kobe Bryant You May Not Have Come Across Before

Basketball fan or not, Kobe Bryant is a household name that is synonymous with the sport. It’s rare to see the number 24 or the wave of an L.A Lakers flag without instantly thinking about the late basketball legend. Considered to be one of the best of all times, Kobe’s off and on-court behavior led to him becoming one of the most beloved sports stars of our times. There is a lot to know about him, and few people will know all the facts mentioned in this article. Enjoy the read, which will hopefully help to keep Kobe’s memory alive.

Born in America, Raised in Europe

Although he was born in Philadelphia, Kobe’s family ended up relocating to Italy when he was still a child. Joe Bryant, his father, had retired from the NBA and wanted to pursue international opportunities. Nine years later, the family would move back to the US in a bid for Kobe to start playing high school ball in the States. Learning how to play basketball in Europe would teach him different fundamentals to his US counterparts, but he often attributed his athleticism to his American training. Other players with similar stories have claimed the same.

A Polyglot In The Making

Basketball aside, Kobe was also well known for being bilingual. Growing up in Italy, learning the language was an important priority, not only for making new friends, but also to continue to advance his education. At the time of his death, Kobe was fluent in English and Italian, and had a proficiency for languages as a whole.