Kobe Bryant: The Inspirational Story Behind One of Basketball’s Greatest Players

Fact #3: Kobe came to record a rap video when he met Vanessa who was acting as one of the background dancers for a music video at that time.

James, Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony.

Though he had very good grades and an impressive SAT score, Kobe decided to head straight for the NBA after finishing high school. He was selected by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 with the 13th overall pick. He would shortly after get traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.