1996 Topps Kobe Bryant #138

The card back poses the question scouts were asking: why are they so confident in Kobe? Topps cites three reasons — his experience traveling Europe with father Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, who played 16 years of pro ball; his excellent grades; and a scoring average of 30.7 PPG. To illustrate the point, Washington's Tim Legler, who played with Bryant in a summer league game, offered this: "There were 10–12 NBA players in the gym, and it was difficult to tell the difference." Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1st round of 1996 (13th overall) and acquired via trade with the Hornets, Bryant is listed as a Guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. Born 8-23-78 in Philadelphia, PA. College: Did Not Attend.