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PHOENIX, AZ – FEBRUARY 19: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers adjusts his jersey during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on February 19, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 102-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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PHOENIX, AZ – FEBRUARY 19: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers adjusts his jersey during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on February 19, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 102-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Being a child of a professional athlete and living up to their legacy is a tough ask. And if your uncle is Kobe Bryant the task becomes even more difficult. Jett Washington is the son of Sharia Washington—sister of Kobe. Sharia is a former volleyball player whereas her husband Jerrod had a football career. Jett is currently in his sophomore year and is actively playing two sports at Nevada’s Bishop Gorman High School.
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On a recent episode with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Washington discusses playing football, family, and dealing with pressure playing his high school basketball game at Crypto.com arena. The house that his uncle, Los Angeles Lakers Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant built.
Washington said there was definitely pressure going into the game, but he focused like it was just any other game. “I did feel a little bit of pressure going in there, but I tried not to think about it and play like it was any other game. And I think people started noticing after I played and the Los Angeles Times had posted it and that’s really when it happened.”
He continues “But going into the game I wasn’t really trying to think about it. I was trying to play normal. I think everyone now and then feels a little bit of the pressure now and then, but I want to go out and have fun with it. That’s how I fell in love with the game and so I just try to go out there and have fun and take it day by day and just play.”
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Jett Washington delivers Kobe Bryant-esque performance
Washington scored 33 points for Las Vegas Bishop Gorman High including a buzzer-beater in regulation time to tie the scores. Eventually, they lost 82-81 to San Francisco Riordan in the Coastal Catholic Classic showcase event.
Kobe Bryant’s jersey hanging from the top gave plenty of inspiration. People were quick to draw similarities that the 33 number was also part of Bryant’s legacy. He wore #33 during his high school.
Kobe Bryant’s nephew Jett Washington (@JettWash) scores 33 points in game at Lakers' arena. 🏀
After helping Bishop Gorman win a national title in football, sophomore has big performance in showcase at @cryptocomarena. 🔥
STORY ⬇️https://t.co/TirD7a4JPo pic.twitter.com/qr6SNO2boT
— MaxPreps (@MaxPreps) January 11, 2024
“It means a lot playing in the house he built and playing where he played,” Washington said to Los Angeles Times.
What sport should Washington choose? Should he follow in the footsteps of his father and play football, or should he follow his Uncle Kobe Bryant’s Legacy?
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Caroline Joseph