Pop culture

Young Photos of Kobe Bryant

Remembering the basketball player who inspired a generation.

Kobe Bryant in an ad shoot for Adidas at Will Rogers State Beach in 1996.
Kobe Bryant in an ad shoot for Adidas at Will Rogers State Beach in 1996. Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

Regardless of your interest level in sports, Kobe Bryant’s cultural impact is undeniable. Just after graduating high school in 1996, Bryant was drafted in the first round by the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. During his illustrious two-decade career, the athlete made 18 All-Star appearances and won five NBA Championships before retiring in 2016. Off the court, Bryant enjoyed spending time with his wife Vanessa, whom he married in 2001. The couple raised four daughters: Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, and Capri. Bryant was a devoted father who shared his love for basketball with his children.

In 2020, fans around the world were left in shock when news broke that Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna tragically passed away in a fatal helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Beyond his extraordinary talent as a basketball player, it was Bryant’s unrivaled work ethic and passion for the sport that inspired a generation. Having passed three years ago today, we look back on moments in Bryant’s life to honor his enduring legacy.

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Kobe Bryant during a high school playoff game in 1996.
Kobe Bryant posing for a portrait in his Bel Air home in 1996.
Kobe Bryant posing for a 1996 magazine shoot at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.
Kobe Bryant and wife Vanessa at the 2002 Teen Choice Awards.
Kobe Bryant attending a benefit for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in 2005.
Kobe and Vanessa Bryant at the Annual Lakers Casino Night in 2006.
Kobe Bryant visiting the Watts Willowbrook Boys and Girls Club in 2006.
Kobe Bryant speaking with the children at his basketball academy in 2007.
Kobe Bryant playing against the DC Wizards in 2008.
Kobe Bryant, Vanessa Bryant, and Young Jeezy attend the 3rd Annual Jay-Z & Lebron James "Two Kings" Dinner & After Party in 2009.
Kobe Bryant holding up the Larry O'Brien and Bill Russell MVP trophies after winning the 2009 NBA Finals.
Former President Barack Obama talking to Kobe Bryant during a 2010 Boys and Girls Club event.

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