WNBA Legend Tamika Catchings on Growing Up With Kobe Bryant: “This Was Gonna Be the Storybook Ending”

Lakers legend Kobe Bryant has impacted millions of lives. He rose up the ranks from nothingness, and became the most influential NBA athlete of his time. Growing up, Kobe had to undergo numerous challenges. However, he always had a group of close confidants whom he could bank on. Among these friends, was Tamika Catchings. Who knew that many years later, the pair would go on to dominate their respective leagues.

Although he has the trophy cabinet filled as well, the impact of Kobe Bryant on the sporting world went way beyond the accolades. For young eyes, he was the epitome of what a sportsman represented; kindness, discipline, and a never-say-die attitude. The Mamba went on to win 5 NBA titles, and made 18 All-star appearances. In spite of his passing in early 2020, his near and dear reminisce all the great memories he has left behind.

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WNBA’s Tamika Catchings opens up on Kobe Bryant

At a very young age, family requirements forced Kobe and co. to move to Italy. Bryant has spoken extensively on how the change in life systems in a new country impacted his life. Interestingly, he developed many connections in the European nation, and many friends. Among his close buddies, was eventual WNBA icon Tamika Catchings.

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Kobe, Tamika and her sister became close friends, and roamed the streets of Italy together. This was of course, before the duo chose to pursue basketball. Addressing how it was growing up with the NBA’s household name, 4-time Olympic gold medalist Catchings quoted, “When he got drafted, he called my parents. Like, this is the Kobe that we were just in Italy right? Yeah, it was.” 

Talking about their evolution into the top leagues of basketball, she said, “Lives intertwine. The thing about it when you look at it, is it’s almost like a book. When you see the book and you start filling it with words and chapters, this was gonna be the storybook ending.”

Kobe and Tamika proved that if you dream big and work equally big, anything is possible. The sky truly is the limit, from where Kobe is watching all of us now. Undoubtedly, he has left behind the blueprint of how to become a successful athlete, and more importantly a successful human.