Told in a new Who HQ Now format for trending topics, this Who Was? biography details NBA superstar Kobe Bryant's legendary career and the impact of his legacy on the sports world and beyond. Kobe Bryant was just an eighteen-year-old high-school basketball player when he decided to enter the National Basketball Association's draft. Though he was the thirteenth overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets, he would never play a single game for them. Instead, Kobe was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would spend his entire twenty-season career, winning five championships and numerous awards. Author Ellen Labreque takes readers through each exciting moment, from his iconic dunks to his 81-point game--all the milestones that span Kobe Bryant's legendary career and legacy.

#1 New York Times Bestseller Reggie has never felt destined for greatness. He dreams about basketball brilliance all day and night, but the hard truth is that he's a benchwarmer for the West Bottom Badgers, the worst team in the league. Even their mysterious new coach, Rolabi Wizenard, can't seem to help them end their losing streak. Reggie is willing to train tirelessly to improve his game, but the gym itself seems to be working against him in magical ways. Before Reggie can become the player he dreams of being, he must survive the extraordinary trials of practice. Basketball legend Kobe Bryant presents this illuminating follow-up to the #1 New York Times bestseller The Wizenard Series: Training Camp—a story of strain and sacrifice, supernatural breakthroughs, and supreme dedication to the game.

From 1996 through 2004, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal combined-- and collided-- to help bring the Lakers three straight championships and restore the franchise as a powerhouse. From public sniping and sparring, to physical altercations and the repeated threats of trade, it was warfare. The eight years of infighting and hostility were by turns mediated and encouraged by coach Phil Jackson. Pearlman shows how the Shaq-Kobe duo resulted in one of the most enduring, and ever-evolving, teams in NBA history. -- adapted from jacket

Mary Zaia's Mamba Forever collects wise words from one of the greatest basketball players in history, Kobe Byrant. Being successful means being relentless. Enter the mind of Kobe Bryant, the celebrated “Black Mamba,” a competitor so laser focused on victory that his brain could not process failure. This moving collection of Kobe’s most personal and insightful quotes on life, success, and the game of basketball will encourage you to push past your own struggles and achieve your greatest goals. With words straight from the heart of a champion to urge you onward, you’ll never be at a loss for inspiration. - Enjoy more than 150 stirring quotes on determination, self-improvement, leadership, and a winning attitude - Look to Kobe for strength, confidence, and the courage to pursue your dreams - Celebrate the life of a basketball icon whose legacy lives on

"Explores the life of Kobe Bryant, including his childhood, early basketball career, his many individual accomplishments, and his NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers"--Provided by publisher.

The #1 sports series for kids takes readers on the court and behind the scenes with beloved NBA icon Kobe Bryant in this inspiring biography. The son of Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, a former NBA player and star of various European teams, Kobe spent his childhood watching professional basketball. From the moment he could pick up a ball, he was learning to dribble and shoot. His basketball education was unique--a combination of lessons on basic fundamentals, one-on-one games against his dad, and observation and analysis of the world's best players. At age eighteen, Kobe was given the chance to prove his skills when he was drafted into the NBA. Fresh out of high school, Kobe showed that he had the talent and heart to make it in the pros. This biography traces Kobe's life from childhood to his part in the Lakers' 2000 NBA championship, giving readers a courtside seat to the greatest achievements of one of basketball's legends.

Kobe Bryant will forever be known as one of basketball's greatest superstars. Nicknamed "The Black Mamba," the Los Angeles Lakers legend left his mark on the game as a fierce competitor who lifted those around him and never settled for anything less than the best. The Legend of Kobe Bryant contains essential facts and stories all basketball fans should know, plus inspiring quotes and brilliant photos. Learn about Kobe's early days bursting onto the NBA scene, his five NBA championships with the Lakers, his unforgettable 60-point final game, and his desire to share basketball with everyone.