Between 1984 and 1991, the Bryant family lived in Rieti, Reggio Calabria, Cireglio and Reggio Emilia. Years spent far from the NBA spotlight, yet crucial in shaping his identity, discipline and competitive obsession.

A new documentary produced by Sports Illustrated takes cameras back to those places to tell the lesser-known European chapter of his life: “Hi Kobe”.

Italy Before the Legend

When his father, Joe Bryantleft the NBA to continue his professional career in Italy, Kobe was just six years old. He was not yet the generational talent who would define an era with the Los Angeles Lakersbut a child learning a new language and discovering a different culture.

In those often small, dusty provincial gyms, Kobe developed something that would stay with him forever: an almost artisan relationship with the game. Practices, youth league games, afternoons spent shooting alone. Far from the cameras, close to the court.

Those who knew him during those years recall a boy already determined, competitive beyond his age. “He didn’t just want to participate”, one of the documentary’s witnesses remembers. “He wanted to dominate”.

Between Rieti and Reggio Emilia: Discipline and Mindset

Each city left a different mark. In RietiKobe was the foreign kid who quickly integrated, learning Italian with ease. In Reggio Calabriahe absorbed the warmth of the South and the sense of community that still lives on in the memories of those who watched him grow.

In Reggio Emiliahis talent began to reveal itself more clearly: refined technique, uncommon coordination, relentless competitive hunger.

It wasn’t just about precocious talent. Italy offered him a different basketball education compared to the American system: more tactical, more technical, more rooted in fundamentals. An approach that, years later, would make his game remarkably complete.

The narrative is clear: the NBA legend wasn’t born in Los Angelesbut in those Italian gyms where a young Kobe learned what it meant to work harder than everyone else.

“Ciao Kobe”: A Return to the Roots

The Sports Illustrated project takes cameras back to where it all began. It’s not just a nostalgic journey, but an exploration of the emotional and cultural foundations of a global champion.

“Ciao Kobe” isn’t only about basketball. It’s about identity, belonging and how a European experience helped shape one of the greatest players in NBA history.

For many, Kobe Bryant is Los Angeles.

For those who watched him grow up, he is also – and perhaps first and foremost – Italy.