Growing up in suburban Philadelphia, Kobe Bryant faced scrutiny ... which was perceived by many as a "white school," raised doubts about his connection to the Black experience.

A fan-favorite Kobe Bryant sneaker is set ... gray lateral side mixed with black and white with a fully white medial section. Long before the "Panda" Dunk nickname came about, the "Beethoven ...

The art of the slam dunk has woven itself into basketball as an expression of style and exultant power.