Kobe Bryant became one of the most well-known players in NBA history for his exploits in the early 2000s. Winning multiple titles and garnering multiple individual accolades, including an MVP trophy, Bryant unsurprisingly was the face of the league for multiple years.
While many might remember ‘Black Mamba’ as one of the best shooting guards in NBA history, before becoming a superstar, Kobe made his name in the league as a high-flying guard. Known for his phenomenal dunking skills, Bryant, as a youngster, hit some of the most ridiculous dunks.
When Kobe Bryant Hit An Incredible Slam Dunk In Front Of A 15th Century Italian Castle
Although Bryant was not much of a household name in 1997, he was a fan favorite in his hometown in Milan, Italy. Signed by Adidas, Kobe wanted to make his mark in an offseason competition in Milan.
Participating in the 1997 Streetball challenge, ‘Mamba’ showcased his incredible skills. Among the many highlights was an iconic dunk that Bryant hit. Wearing Adidas gear, Bryant hit an incredible elbow dunk in front of the historical Sforzesco Castle; Kobe’s iconic dunk remains fresh in many old-school NBA fans’ memory.
This was certainly a sign of things to come. After having a quiet debut season in the NBA, Bryant saw an increase in his playtime. This prompted a massive increase in his numbers and a well-deserved All-Star game appearance. But it was the 1998-99 season where Kobe really took off.
Forming a formidable partnership with Shaquille O’Neal, the Los Angeles Lakers, who were simply a playoff team, became a contender. Steamrolling past the opposition, the Lakers deservedly won the championship in 2000 and subsequently went on to win two more titles consecutively, finishing an illustrious three-peat.
Bryant might have only shown flashes in his debut season, but within three years, he certainly established himself as the second-best player on a championship team.
