"Everything negative - pressure, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise. "

Hoopster in Hot Water

Kobe Bryant wears jersey #8 for the Los Angeles Lakers, stands 6'7' and is known for his exceptional basketball skills.

Bryant's father, Joe Bryant, played professional basketball in Italy; Bryant spent much of his childhood there practicing with his father. In July 1996 he was drafted from high school to play for the Charlotte Hornets, but within weeks he was traded to the Lakers.

Bryant has won several awards, been named to the All-NBA team several times, and is one of the leading forces in the Laker's NBA Championship success in 2000, 2001, and 2002. In 2004 Bryant signed a seven-year contract with the Lakers for over $136 million.

Much of Bryant's success and marketability was lost in 2003 after allegations of rape during a hotel stay in Colorado. He was charged with sexual assault after his stay at a hotel in Colorado by a 19-year-old resort employee. He insisted that the relationship with the woman was consensual and, after a storm of media attention, the case was dismissed.