When Kobe Bryant entered the NBA in 1996, there was plenty of speculation regarding his potential. Consequently, he wasn’t a top-10 pick in his draft class.
Despite the spotlight being away from him, the 6’6″ shooting guard exuded immense confidence, largely due to his success at Lower Marion High School, where he had cemented himself as a star. However, his self-assurance occasionally crossed into overconfidence, as evidenced when he introduced himself to the LA Lakers players – which some veterans found arrogant.
Kobe’s overconfident introduction
KB24’s rise to prominence began in his junior year at Lower Merion High School after a subpar freshman year. During his junior year, he averaged 31.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game to be ultimately named Pennsylvania Player of the Year. In his senior year, he led his school to its first state championship in 53 years after averaging 30.8 points, 12 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game.
So when he joined the Lakers in the 1996-97 season, he encountered more accomplished players on the roster, yet he refused to shrink his confidence – perhaps something that was expected of an 18-year-old rookie…