When you think of Kobe Bryant, you probably think of his legendary basketball career, his tragic death, or his beautiful family.
But did you know that he also had two sisters who were very close to him and played a big role in his life?
In this article, we will explore the untold story of the Bryant family, focusing on Kobe’s siblings and how they supported him throughout his life and career.
Who are Kobe Bryant’s family members?
Kobe Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Joe Bryant and Pamela Bryant.
Joe was a former NBA player and coach, and Pamela was the sister of another NBA player, Chubby Cox.
Kobe Bryant was married to Vanessa Bryant, a Mexican-American businesswoman, philanthropist, and model.
They met in 1999 and got married in 2001.
They had four daughters: Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, and Capri.
Sadly, Kobe and Gianna died in a helicopter crash in 2020.
Kobe had two older sisters, Sharia and Shaya, who were also athletic and competitive.
The Bryant family moved to Italy when Kobe was six years old, as Joe continued his basketball career overseas.
Kobe learned to speak fluent Italian and developed a passion for soccer and basketball.
He also traveled back to the US every summer to play in a basketball league and hone his skills.
In 1991, the family returned to Philadelphia, where Kobe attended Lower Merion High School and became a star basketball player.
He was recognized as the top high school player in the country and decided to skip college and enter the NBA draft in 1996.
He was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick but was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would spend his entire 20-year career.
Kobe Bryant Siblings
Kobe’s siblings, Sharia Washington and Shaya were very close to him and supported him throughout his basketball journey.
They were also successful in their fields and had their own families.
Sharia Washington
Sharia was the eldest and was born on March 19, 1976.
She was a Division I NCAA volleyball player at Temple University and later became a certified personal trainer and fitness guru.
Sharia is also a businesswoman and a director of corporate sales and partnerships at Sun50, a company that provides UV-protective clothing.
She is married to entrepreneur Jerrod Washington and has three children.
Shaya Bryant
Shaya, the youngest, was born on July 30, 1977.
She was also a businesswoman and a director at Invest Hospitality, a revenue management company in Las Vegas.
She is married to Michael Tabb and has two children.
Kobe’s siblings were always there for him, especially during the difficult times in his life.
They stood by him when he faced a sexual assault allegation in 2003, which was later settled out of court.
They also helped him reconcile with his parents, who disapproved of his marriage to Vanessa Laine in 2001.
Kobe and Vanessa had four daughters: Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, and Capri.
Conclusion
Kobe Bryant was more than just a basketball legend.
He was a family man who loved and cherished his wife, daughters, parents, and siblings.
His siblings, Sharia and Shaya, were his biggest fans and his best friends.
They shared a bond that was forged by their upbringing, their values, and their love for each other.
They were the untold story of the Bryant family, and they continue to honor Kobe’s legacy and memory.
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Dylan Smith: A Passionate Blogger and Sibling Expert
About:
Dylan Smith is a blogger and sibling expert who has been fascinated by the psychology of sibling relationships since he was a child.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BA) specializing in family and interpersonal relationships from the University of Toronto.
Expertise:
Dylan’s expertise covers various aspects of sibling dynamics, such as:
- Sibling rivalry: He helps siblings overcome conflicts and jealousy and foster healthy competition.
- Sibling bonding: He helps siblings strengthen their emotional connection and mutual support.
- Sibling roles: He helps siblings understand and respect their different personalities and roles in the family.
- Sibling influences: He helps siblings recognize and appreciate their positive and negative influences on each other.
- Sibling communication: He helps siblings improve their communication skills and express their feelings and needs.
Experience:
Throughout his career, Dylan has explored the unique and complex relationships that exist between siblings and shared his findings with the people.
He is a blogger who writes articles for Siblingspedia.com, the ultimate source for all things related to the extraordinary bond between brothers and sisters.
He is also a guest contributor to various online platforms and magazines, such as Sibling Matters, Sibling Connection, and Sibling Zone.
Commitment:
Dylan is committed to providing insightful and engaging content that helps people understand and appreciate their siblings better.
He believes that siblings are family members, lifelong friends, and partners.
He is a passionate and enthusiastic voice in the sibling research and blogging community.
Dylan is always eager to learn new things and share his knowledge and experience with others.
He is also a proud and loving brother to his three siblings, who inspire him every day.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m always happy to help.