Recognized as the top American high-school basketball player while at Philadelphia suburb Lower Merion, Bryant declared for the 1996 NBA draft and was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th pick; he was then traded to the Lakers.

High School: Lower Merion in Ardmore, Pennsylvania Draft: Charlotte Hornets , 1st round (13th pick, 13th overall), 1996 NBA Draft NBA Debut: November 3, 1996

Lower Merion High School is a public high school in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, in the Main Line suburbs of Philadelphia. It is one of two high schools in the Lower Merion School District; the other one is Harriton High School. Lower Merion serves both Lower Merion Township and the Borough of Narberth.

Jan 26, 2020 · His career with the Aces led him to be drafted 13th overall out of high school by the Charlotte Hornets, and he was immediately traded to the Lakers in a pre-arranged trade between the two...

Feb 26, 2020 · The 18-time NBA All-Star's fierce competitiveness didn't just torment high school competition. Bryant — through his father, former Philadelphia 76ers forward Joe Bryant — made his way down to Sixers' practices during his time at Lower Merion.

Jan 24, 2025 · Kobe Bryant was born in Philadelphia in 1978, the son of Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, himself an NBA player who was with the Sixers when Kobe was born. Bryant spent many years of his childhood in Italy while his father played with Italian teams, but returned home in 8th grade. He soon emerged as a star player at Lower Merion High School and at ...

Jan 21, 2021 · As part of his legacy, Kobe Bryant went from high school to the NBA draft. Gregg Downer, his coach at Lower Merion High School shares his memories of the NBA legend during his teen years.

At Lower Merion High School, Bryant became a basketball star, breaking records and collecting trophies and honors. As a senior he was voted National High School Player of the Year by USA Today and Parade magazine.

Apr 20, 2024 · Kobe Bryant was a special talent from the jump in high school, when his coach already saw professional potential for a young Black Mamba.

Jan 24, 2025 · Kobe Bryant’s Lower Merion jersey is unveiled in the Bryant Gymnasium during a ceremony at Lower Merion High School in 2020. The school paid tribute to Bryant, his daughter and the seven other ...