Kobe Bean Bryant (born August 23, 1978 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.) is an All-Star shooting guard in the National Basketball Association who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. He is the son of former Philadelphia 76ers player Joe "JellyBean" Bryant. Bryant's combination of talent, skill, dedication, and work ethic have been instrumental in establishing his status as one of the premier athletes in the NBA. Bryant recorded, but did not release, a rap album.