Jalen Brunson shared a surprising and personal connection to the late Kobe Bryant. Speaking about his ties to the Lakers legend, Brunson revealed that their families have been intertwined since before he could remember.
“Honestly, I think I have childhood memories before I even remember them,” Brunson said. “My mom and Kobe’s sister were teammates and roommates at Temple; my dad knew Kobe at Temple, Kobe playing high school ball in Philly… Connections ran deep. It’s been like a lifetime thing.”
Brunson, now 28, has emerged as a star for the New York Knicks, earning his second All-Star selection this season as a starter. He is averaging 25.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in 35.4 minutes per game, anchoring the Knicks’ offense as they hold a 30-16 record, placing them third in the Eastern Conference.
The Brunson-Bryant connection dates back to their time in Philadelphia, where Kobe starred at Lower Merion High School and Brunson’s father, Rick Brunson, played collegiately at Temple University. This shared history created a bond between the families that has influenced Jalen’s basketball journey.
Brunson credited Bryant as one of his inspirations, not just for his on-court brilliance but for his relentless work ethic and mentality. The Knicks guard has showcased those qualities since joining New York, leading the team to its current standing as one of the top contenders in the East.
