Kobe Bryant was an American professional basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and grew up in Lower Merion, a suburb of Philadelphia. He was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 and then traded to the Lakers. He spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers, winning five NBA championships. He also played for the Italian team Riese in the early 2000s. Kobe was also known for his philanthropic work, including his Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation. He was also a two-time Olympic gold medalist, winning gold medals in 2008 and 2012. Kobe was also known for his nickname 'Black Mamba' and his signature fadeaway jump shot. He passed away in 2020 at the age of 41.