As of 2023, the late Kobe Bryant’s net worth is estimated to be around $600 million, a sum accrued through his exceptional NBA career, as well as through his myriad business ventures. The former LA Lakers star’s wealth continues to grow posthumously, largely due to the sales of merchandise, memorabilia, and ongoing endorsements that are associated with his name.
Early life of Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bean Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Named after a city in Japan, Bryant was the son of former NBA player Joe Bryant. With his father’s career taking the family to Italy, Kobe spent part of his childhood in Europe, where he became fluent in Italian and Spanish.
At the age of six, Bryant started playing basketball and his passion for the sport grew during the years in Italy. In 1991, when his father retired from playing overseas, the family moved back to Philadelphia, and Bryant joined Lower Merion High School’s basketball team. His exceptional performance throughout his high school career culminated in him winning the Pennsylvania Player of the Year award in 1995.
Professional Career of Kobe Bryant
In 1996, Kobe Bryant was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets straight out of high school, and was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. He spent his entire 20-year professional career with the Lakers, winning five NBA championships and earning numerous accolades. He was a 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, a 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team, and was selected for the NBA All-Star team 18 times.
NBA career statistics of Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant had an illustrious NBA career. He scored 33,643 points (an average of 25.0 points per game), made 7,047 assists (an average of 4.7 assists per game), and collected 7,047 rebounds (an average of 5.2 rebounds per game). He also won two Olympic gold medals with the USA men’s basketball team in 2008 and 2012. In 2006, he scored a career-high 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, the second-highest single-game total in NBA history.
Off the Court
Off the court, Bryant was a philanthropist, businessman, and creator. He co-founded the venture capital firm Bryant Stibel, invested in sports drink BodyArmor, and launched a media production company, Granity Studios. Bryant also committed time and resources to charities like Make-A-Wish Foundation and Stand Up to Cancer.
Death
On January 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, tragically died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Their untimely deaths were a massive shock to the global sports community and fans worldwide.
How has Kobe Bryant spent his wealth?
During his lifetime, Bryant’s investments were broad and diverse. He invested millions in BodyArmor, a sports drink company, turning a $6 million investment into $200 million when Coca-Cola purchased a majority stake. He also co-founded venture capital firm Bryant Stibel, investing in technology, media, and data companies.
In addition to his business investments, Bryant used his wealth to give back to the community. He and his wife, Vanessa, founded the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of youth and families in need, both domestically and globally. The foundation has been involved in causes such as homelessness and education.
Bryant also spent his wealth on real estate. He owned multiple properties in Southern California, including a $6 million house in Newport Coast and a $13 million house in Pacific Palisades.
Did Kobe Bryant have any crypto investments? and if so, what are they?
Kobe Bryant showed interest in the crypto space. In 2019, he spoke at the Tron blockchain’s niTROn Summit, indicating his curiosity and appreciation for the innovation in the field. However, specific details about his cryptocurrency investments, if any, remain undisclosed.
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What records did Kobe Bryant hold in the NBA?
Kobe Bryant held several records in the NBA. He is one of the youngest players to start a game, the youngest All-Star in NBA history, and the youngest player to reach 10,000, 20,000, and 30,000 career points. Bryant also scored the second-highest points in a single game, with 81 points against the Toronto Raptors.
What businesses did Kobe Bryant invest in?
Bryant invested in several businesses, including BodyArmor, a sports drink company, and he co-founded the venture capital firm Bryant Stibel. His firm invested in various sectors, including technology, media, and data companies.
What charity work did Kobe Bryant do?
Bryant was involved in several charities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Stand Up to Cancer. He also co-founded the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation, which supported causes such as homelessness and education.
Did Kobe Bryant have any endorsement deals?
Bryant had several high-profile endorsement deals during his career, including partnerships with Nike, Sprite, McDonald’s, and Turkish Airlines. These endorsements significantly contributed to his overall wealth.
Did Kobe Bryant win any awards posthumously?
Bryant posthumously won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for “Dear Basketball” in 2018. After his death, the NBA renamed the All-Star Game MVP Award as the “NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player” in his honor.
Summary
Kobe Bryant was not only one of the greatest basketball players of all time but also a savvy businessman and philanthropist. Despite his tragic passing in 2020, his net worth, as of 2023, is estimated to be around $600 million. His investments in businesses like BodyArmor and Bryant Stibel, as well as endorsement deals, significantly contributed to his wealth. Bryant was deeply involved in charity work and had shown interest in the emerging world of cryptocurrency. His life and legacy continue to inspire millions around the world.
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