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One of the greatest players in NBA history (wiki) is also an athlete who the public doesn’t know much about.

Who are we talking about?

Quite possibly the second best shooting-guard of all-time after Michael Jordan, the Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant.

Bryant, who is on a quest to win his sixth championship ring and tie his idol Michael Jordan, is currently being pursued by an Italian basketball team to play for them if the NBA season is locked out.

But Bryant’s focus remains on making sure that those who say he’s lost a step, regret it.

Below is a list of the top 10 facts from Kobe Bryant’s wiki that we never knew:

1. Kobe “Beef”

Right before his birth, Kobe Bryant’s parents were at a Philadelphia restaurant named after the high quality beef steak, Kobe, and they decided that would be the name of their son.

2. Only Child?

Some sportswriters and fans thought and still believe that Kobe is a selfish, spoiled brat. It would make you believe that Kobe was showered with affection and was an only child. Wrong? Kobe actually has two sisters — Sharia and Shaya, who are both older than him.

3. 1-on-1 Against His Shadow?

Kobe develops new moves in the off-season by playing against his shadow.

4. Pele, Messi, Ronaldo, Maradona, Kobe???

Had the Bryants remained in Europe, Kobe says he would have gone into pro soccer. He rooted for AC Milan while licing in Italy.

5. Just Like Any Kid

Kobe’s favorite video as a kid was “NBA Showmen,” which highlighted some of basketball’s all-time greats.

6.  Celebrity Prom Date

Kobe took R&B star Brandy to his senior prom. He later played the role of a basketball star on her show, “Moesha.”

7. The Godfather!

Speaks fluent Italian, having spent eight childhood years in Italy.

8. Take That Shaq!

In 2006, his daughter Gianna Maria-Onoro was born six minutes before the daughter of Bryant’s former teammate, Shaquille O’Neal.

9. History

At the age of 17, he was the first guard to be drafted directly out of high school.

10. There Must Have Been A Better Name Choice

Surprisingly, Kobe Bryant’s middle name is Bean. More than likely, Bean has to do with his basketball-playing father’s nickname, which was Jellybean.

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