The deaths of basketball player Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, alongside seven others in a copter crash this morning, have plunged sports fans and general public into darkness and despair. Here are a few interesting facts about the late player that is sure to leave you nostalgic!
Played entire career for Los Angeles Lakers
Kobe Bryant was a Los Angeles Lakers man, start to finish, making his debut at 18 and had a vibrant 20-year-old career that ended in 2016.
Has won 5 NBA championships
Kobe played in seven NBA (National Basketball Association, a men's professional basketball league in the United States) finals and his teams won five championships.
Has 33,643 points, which ranks him fourth on the all-time NBA scoring list
Youngest to 30,000 points
Bryant became the youngest player in NBA history to reach the 30,000-point club when he connected on a jump shot during the first half of a game against the New Orleans Hornets, reports USA Today.
Loving father to four daughters
Has four daughters with his partner Vanessa – Gianna (who fatally died alongside him), Bianka, Natalia and Capri.
Nicknamed Black Mamba
Bryant gave himself the nickname ‘Black Mamba’ - a venomous snake native to Africa.
Named ‘Most Valuable Player’ in 2008 by NBA
Won 2 Olympic Golds
He procured the Gold Medals for the United States in 2008 and 2012.
