Kobe's dad, who passed away in July 2024, sparked his early passion for basketball. They watched and analyzed game footage together, attended Joe's games, and even met NBA legends like Magic ...

Kobe Bryant said his mum, not his dad, shaped his on-court persona: "She's more like a pit bull" (© Eileen Blass-USA TODAY via Imagn Content Services, LLC) Julian Eschenbach.