Getty
EL SEGUNDO, CA OCT. 1, 2012. Lakers star player Kobe Bryant is all smiles during the teams’ media day at their El Segundo training facility on Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. (Photo by Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Getty
EL SEGUNDO, CA OCT. 1, 2012. Lakers star player Kobe Bryant is all smiles during the teams’ media day at their El Segundo training facility on Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. (Photo by Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
After the Lakers’ legendary Kobe Bryant passed away in a ghastly helicopter accident in 2020, it was a shocking reality to digest for the NBA fraternity and its fans. What Kobe achieved in his 20-season career will remain embedded in the league’s history. Since then, fans, teammates, opponents, and even family members have helped keep his memory alive by sharing their memories of him.
In fact, once in a while, fans are even able to dig out some unseen videos or pictures of Kobe that send others into complete nostalgia. Just like the picture of him from back in 1995 just resurfaced.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Before Kobe Bryant became the Black Mamba…
Kobe Bryant was destined to take the baton passed by Michael Jordan, and carry the Los Angeles Lakers to an era of domination. From his work ethic, desperation to win, hard work, and unique approach towards the game, he attracted a fan following unlike any other.
Like most legendary players, Kobe compiled plenty of accolades. This included NBA championships, MVP awards, Olympic medals, and even found his way into the Hall of Fame, which was inevitable. However, his potential was something everyone had spotted from miles away, even when he was in high school.
But before Kobe became the driven, and no-pain no-gain kind of player, he was a youngster who believed in taking some rest when absolutely needed. So, the internet can’t get enough of an old picture of Kobe from 1995. In it, he seems to be sitting courtside during a practice session, peacefully listening to a cassette on his Walkman.
The year is 1995, Kobe Bryant is about to put a cassette tape into his Walkman.
What's he listening to? pic.twitter.com/UGkCtxXcO9
— Hoops Nostalgia (@HoopsNostalgia) November 8, 2021
WATCH THIS STORY: Kobe Bryant Picking Tony Allen, Magic Johnson Naming Michael Jordan, & Other NBA Legends Confessing Their Greatest Fears in the Form of Defenders
An unforgettable game of a soon-to-be born legend
Before Kobe made his way to the league, he was a star in high school as well. In his junior year, Kobe was playing for Lower Merion High School. During one of their games against Norristown Area High School, he led his team to an incredible win.
In this 75-70 playoff win, Bryant had scored 35 points. In fact, 29 of those came just in the second half of the matchup. It was thanks to this thirst to win, he was even named Pennsylvania Player of the Year. Even at that age, Kobe was the same player we ended up falling in love with through his 20-year career.
READ MORE: Oscar Winning Actress Viola Davis Shares Tear-Jerking Kobe Bryant Message
