Olimpia Milano guard Nico Mannion recently shared a heartfelt memory of meeting NBA legend Kobe Bryant during his childhood.
Mannion, who was living in Salt Lake City at the time, recalled the moment he met Bryant, saying, “I was young, very young. I told my father that I wanted to meet Kobe Bryant.”
His father suggested that they wait for Bryant near the tunnel where the players would exit. “He said that Kobe could speak Italian and if I said something in Italian, maybe I would get his attention,” Mannion explained.
Taking his father’s advice, Mannion spoke to Bryant in Italian, and to his surprise, the Lakers superstar stopped to engage. “He stopped for a few minutes and took me on his knees,” Mannion said, reflecting on the unexpected yet meaningful encounter.
The two did not discuss basketball, but instead, Bryant asked Mannion about his personal life. “He asked me how I was doing at school, if I had good grades, he asked me if I listened to my parents’ advice,” Mannion recalled.
Mannion remembered that their conversation was more about life than sports, and it left a lasting impression. “It was small talk, but I will carry it with me forever,” he added.
The encounter was a reminder of Bryant’s unique approach to connecting with fans and the younger generation, especially those with a love for basketball. Despite the fact that Mannion was only a child at the time, the gesture made by Bryant would shape his life and career forever.
