Kobe Bryant

Remembering Kobe Bryant, one of basketball’s most recognisable figures. Born on 23 August 1978 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kobe spent part of his childhood in Italy before returning to the United States. He entered the NBA straight from Lower Merion High School in 1996 and went on to spend his entire 20-season NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Known for his scoring ability, footwork and fierce competitive drive, Bryant won five NBA championships with the Lakers. His achievements included the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player award, two NBA Finals MVP awards and 18 All-Star selections. His 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006 remains one of the game’s most celebrated individual performances.

Kobe also won Olympic gold with the United States in 2008 and 2012. After retiring in 2016, he explored storytelling and creative projects. The animated short film Dear Basketball, based on his retirement poem, won an Academy Award in 2018.

Kobe died on 26 January 2020, aged 41, in a helicopter crash that also claimed the lives of his daughter Gianna and seven other people. His legacy continues through the basketball community and the dedication to improvement often associated with his ‘Mamba Mentality’.

Part of our Basketball range, this collection is a space for fan-inspired gifts and basketball-themed finds celebrating Kobe Bryant’s career and legacy. Suitable products will be added as they are sourced; individual listings describe exactly what is included.