Becoming a champion or a basketball icon depends not solely on sheer talent but also on the effort invested to achieve it. While it's true that some stars-to-be are born with particular abilities, they still need to work hard to develop and hone their skills.

Every icon has a unique story, and Kobe Bryant is no exception. His talent, coupled with the favorable circumstances of his upbringing, played a significant role in his success. From a young age, Kobe was immersed in the world of basketball, thanks to his father's efforts.

Joe Bryant was also a very gifted player on the local NBA team, the Philadelphia 76ers, or Sixers, as the fans called them. Kobe spent his childhood watching his father play. He even felt as if the basketball court was his second home. Closely observing his father’s game and his life as a professional basketball player, Kobe realized what he needed to do. What’s even more significant is that he realized what he shouldn't do.

Despite being considered one of the city’s top players during college, Joe's professional basketball career took a turn for the worse when he entered the NBA. He played with the Sixers, but due to a public argument that tarnished his reputation, he was eventually traded.

Once, Joe was driving when the police officers signaled him to move his car to the side of the road and stop. However, he did not comply with the request but accelerated and drove at high speed, which led to the pursuit. Eventually, the police apprehended Joe and found cocaine in his vehicle. There was also a female passenger who wasn’t his spouse.

Joe’s erratic play on the basketball court and the scandal staining his reputation further solidified the belief that he was a significant liability for the Sixers. Consequently, he was traded to a Californian team. But he didn't stay there for long and later joined another team in Texas. When Joe's contract ended, no NBA team was interested in working with him. He had to decide whether to abandon his basketball career or move abroad to find a place where his skills would be appreciated. So, he chose the latter and relocated with his family to Italy.