The Road to Stardom - Article Example

The Road to Stardom As a child Kobe Bryant loved the game of basketball. He was inspired by his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, who was a professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Philadelphia 76ers. Kobe lived part of his youth in Europe and his family always made sure Kobe received a good education. In high school Kobe Bryant studied and played basketball for Lower Marion High School in Pennsylvania. During those teenage years Kobe was a phenomenon in the basketball court playing against other players his age. Scouts recognized his talent very early in his basketball career. Kobe was considered one of the nation’s top prospects in 1996. After Kobe graduated for high school he considered going to college to earn a degree and play for Duke University or another school since he received many scholarship offers. His talent in the courts was incredible and he opted to enter the NBA draft in 1996. Kobe was selected #13 in the draft by the Charlotte Hornets. After being drafted Kobe heard the news that would change his life forever. The L.A. Lakers traded Vlade Divac for the rights of an unproved rookie named Kobe Bryant. Kobe had a tough rookie season, but he learned what being a true professional is all about. He did win the slam dunk contest that season which made him a popular player. Within three seasons he developed his game and gained the recognition in the league to be chosen to his first of many all-star game selections. Kobe work hard and reached his goal of following his father’s footsteps and becoming one of the best players in the NBA. The Glory Years By 2000 Kobe Bryant was regarded by his peers as the best shooting guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Kobe had achieved some spectacular things in both the defensive and offensive sides of the court. Kobe wanted to achieve team success. Kobe needed assistance from his teammates to accomplish the Lakers team goal of winning a championship. The Lakers front office went and got him help when general manager Jerry West signed the most coveted free agent in the market that summer center Shaquille “The Diesel” Oneal. The two stars immediately created a bond on the court. Kobe’s all around game excelled and he made all the players around him better. The inside outside combo of Kobe and Shaq balanced out the court. Kobe was able to move freely and share the ball while at the same time dominating the scoring when the team needed it. The first season together with Shaq, Kobe averaged 28.5 points per game (Kobe-Bryant). The team reached the NBA finals and won its first NBA championship since the Showtime Lakers led by Earvin “Magic” Johnson. This was a time very special for Kobe and the Lakers. The first championship raised his level of play and intensity to another level. The following two years Kobe and the Lakers won two more championships and achieved a feat accomplished by very few professional sporting teams in the past. They won three consecutive championships (3peat). Kobe was in basketball heaven and he along with his teammates became a basketball dynasty. Works Cited Kobe-Bryant.org. “Kobe Bryant Statistics”. 2006. 9 October 2007. Doing the Right Thing Musicians, movie stars and professional athletes are admired figures. They make a lot of money from the loyal fan base that watches their movies, products and events. The money these people make means nothing if not put the right use. Kobe Bryant is one these public figures that has been blessed with great economic fortune. In 2004 he signed a contract worth $136 million dollars. He has invested his money and taking care of his family. Kobe has also used his fortune to help out the community. In 2006 Kobe Bryant founded a non-profit organization called Vivo. Vivo is a charitable initiative dedicated to enhancing the lives of young people and making their dreams come true through educational and cultural enrichment opportunities and financial support (Kb24). Along with the financial invest Kobe made to help out the kids, he also he invests a lot of his free time with young people teaching them how to become professionals in the future. Donating a person’s time is sometimes more valuable than donating money. It is a true sign that a person wishes to help transform and improve the lives of others. One of the projects Kobe sponsored through this foundation is a project called Vivo Del Mondo, in which Kobe takes nine day tours traveling with a group of children that earn the trip through their outstanding educational achievements in the school systems of Los Angeles and Philadelphia. More athletes and successful people should follow in Kobe’s footsteps and dedicate their time and fortunes helping out those in need of assistance and inspiration. Works Cited Kb24.com. “Vivo Foundation”. 2007. 9 October 2007. A Performance for the Ages Athletes always speak of games in which they entered a state which commentators called “The Zone”. They enter a level of concentration which helps them achieve spectacular performances. On January 22, 2006 Los Angeles star Kobe Bryant entered the zone. On this night playing against the Toronto Raptors Kobe was amazing. Kobe started out hot hitting jumper after jumper and driving the ball to hole with a vengeance. The opposition could not stop Mr. Bryant. He imposed his will over the opposition and by the end of the night the team won the game and Kobe ended up with total of 81 points for the ball game. The feat is the second highest amount of point scored by a player in the National Basketball Association (NBA) history. The NBA single game scoring record is held by the late Wilt Chamberlain. Wilt scored 100 points in a game. Wilt’s performance was amazing, but it is possible that Kobe’s achievement surpasses that performance by Wilt in 1962. Wilt scored the majority of his points down in the paint at a very close distance to the basket. Granted points are points, but Kobe scored his share of points from the perimeter hitting incredible fade away jumpers, spectacular drives, long range three point shots, post up moves along with an arsenal of other shots. Both games were incredible performances. Kobe Bryant achieved something than even his predecessor holding the NBA torch Michael Jordan never achieved. The performance was one for the record books and will go down as one of greatest single game performances in NBA history. He H Read More