Born on August 23, 1978, Kobe Bryant is a native of Pennsylvania and a graduate of Lower 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 starter 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. Eight years of his childhood, which was spent in Italy, led to Bryant being able to speak fluent Italian. His parents, who also have two daughters, Sharia and Shaya, named Kobe Bryant after a type of steak that they noticed on a restaurant menu. During his high school years, Bryant was recognized as the all-time leading scorer in Southeastern Pennsylvania history. His record, which was 2,883 points, managed to break the marks of both Wilt Chamberlain and Carlin Warley. During 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 recognized as the Naismith Player of the Year and the Gatorade Circle of Champions High School Player of the...