Kobe Bryant showed all his talents as soon as he landed in the NBA. Even though he didn’t have much playing time in his first three years, Bryant knew he would be a star and played with so much confidence that delighted people at age 17.
The Black Mamba played in the 1996 Summer League, showcasing all his quality on the court, dominating rivals, and making big plays. Rare footage of that competition shows a young Kobe going at it, putting a show.
One fan shared this video with the rest of the world, reminding everybody how incredible Kobe was when he wasn’t even 18.
LMAO bro I see some 18 year old kid do this now and I’d be like he’s gonna be in this league for a loooooong time.. holy shit was Kobe ahead of the curve even vs NBA guys https://t.co/cqHWG89DPn
— 🦉 Lakers Vino (@VinoUncorked) August 9, 2021
As usual, the community reacted to the video, praising KB24 for showing huge confidence at such a young age.
I was there!!! Kobe had his jersey on backwards the first half. We were yelling at him about it and he stayed cool. Came out the 2nd half all fixed 🤣. Went to see what the hype was about and he became my favorite Laker since. 🐍 #MambaUP
— LAKESHOW824 (@lakeshow817) August 9, 2021
https://twitter.com/MeleeSparks_/status/1424732944011124736https://twitter.com/unclepivot/status/1424827777375682565https://twitter.com/MagicIStheGOAT/status/1424794720388075537https://twitter.com/SBeaberry/status/1424691440672595969
Jerry west pulled off one of the smartest trades sending divac to Charlotte for kobe. His summer league games are legendary!!
— sly dorsey (@quitmon) August 9, 2021
Kobe was determined and had a NBA pops who put him in basketball overseas and etc… I mean 🤷🏾♂️ lol
— Private Pyle (@100legit) August 10, 2021
If he’d been drafted by a different team he would have scored 20ppg as a rookie, the talent was there.
— PhxSuns95 (@uk_suns) August 9, 2021
https://twitter.com/HITTMANsince87/status/1424856716303233035
We’ll never see another player like him again.
— I have so many questions? (@english_shamar) August 9, 2021
Kobe's career stats would've been crazy if he didn't start his career on a team full of vets and all stars
— What the Halliburton (@seanj2485) August 10, 2021
Jus imagine if he went to Charlotte🤯🤯
— Cherokee Bill (@CallMeDaLottery) August 9, 2021
This guy knew… pic.twitter.com/Iacs0gk0RK
— nvrending 1 (@nathcam9_nathan) August 10, 2021
Yeah he was just DIFFERENT !!! they don’t come like this no more
— ♐️ ✨🦋🏀The view is mines …. (@tdanny1217) August 10, 2021
Bryant was something else. He was always hungry for more, trying to reach the next level. After making the league straight out of high school, the Los Angeles Lakers legend tried to show his game, but the first three years weren’t easy.
Once he started getting more minutes, Kobe started playing good basketball, becoming one of the best players in the league. He would win a three-peat before turning 25, creating a deadly combination with Shaquille O’Neal.
Kobe teased what he would do during the 1996 Summer League, showing off his skills to start his legend with the Lakers.
