19. His Grandfather’s Role
When Kobe was 10 years old, he was living in Italy with his Father, who also played in the NBA. Shockingly, NBA games may not have been as plentiful in Italy. As a result, Kobe’s grandfather who would mail Kobe tapes of NBA broadcasts from TNT. Kobe openly talks about how film study has been influential in his development as a basketball player. Kobe is not shy to openly praise other players, and it is fascinating to watch the influence of other superstars on helping a legend like Kobe hone his game. Kobe recalled talking to his father about basketball:
“My father told me, ‘Watch this. See this guy? This is how you can make use of your left hand,’ ” Kobe said. “It was John Battle, dribbling left and laying it in.”
It is clear that Kobe’s outstanding mind for the game of basketball was developed at a young age.
18. He Played With Lamar Odom In High School
Kobe Bryant was an outstanding basketball player at Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia, so much so that he ended up skipping college and was selected in the NBA Draft in the first round. Kobe was the 6th player to do so, with the most notable example being Kevin Garnett. Part of what helped Kobe excel in high school may have been playing alongside Lamar Odom. While Odom spent a year playing for Rhode Island, both Bryant and Odom were first round picks and both have also won championships.
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