Kobe Bryant

What was unique about Bryant joining the NBA in 1996?

• He didn't finish college.

• He didn't finish high school.

• He was only 17.

• He wasn't a real good player.

Which award did Bryant NOT receive?

• Naismith High School Player

• Most Valuable Player

• All Star Player

• Atlanta Journal Constitution USA First Player

The phrase "parasocial bonds" is essential to understanding why Kobe Bryant's death affected so many people. Which sentence from the article explains what "parasocial bonds" means?

• People who had never met Bryant told reporters they felt like they had lost a family member.

• These are one-way relationships with people we've never met.

• Chances are small that a celebrity will respond to a fan's message on social media.

• They might also say to live every day to the fullest.

Which answer choice shows the author's point of view about the public response to Kobe Bryant's death?

• At the Indiana University men's basketball game on the afternoon of January 26, a chorus of cellphones sounded

• We might expect the basketball world to grieve the passing of one of its all-time greats. However, the grief came from everywhere.

• How can so many be affected by the death of someone they've never met? Why might some people see Bryant as a family member?

• As a scientist, I'm not surprised by these reactions. I see reasons that explain why Bryant's death had such a strong effect on many people

What does the author want readers to understand about the deaths of celebrities like Kobe Bryant?

• There is scientific research that helps to explain why so many people can feel affected by a stranger's death.

• It does not make sense that so many people feel deep sadness over the death of a stranger.

• It is normal to express condolences and grief on social media for people who have died.

• There were celebrities in addition to Kobe Bryant whose deaths have caused similar public responses.

Read the following selection from the section "Fear Of Our Own Deaths." Which phrase from the selection helps the reader to understand the meaning of the word "estranged"?

• former teammate

• to make amends

• death was a reminder

• life is too short

Which two statements support the inference that Kobe had other NBA player’s respect?

• “Washington Wizards player Gilbert Arenas once described Bryant as the NBA's top player..” (Paragraph 11)

  He said Bryant was a fierce competitor who was feared by other NBA players.” (Paragraph 11)

• However, the pair did not get along.

• “Bryant was just 17 years old at the time, so his parents had to sign his NBA contract because he wasn't a legal adult yet. ” (Paragraph 5) 

• Bryant was named the NBA's MVP in the 2007-2008 season. (Paragraph 12) 

Which statement supports the inference that Kobe was one of the best players in the NBA at a young age?

• “Bryant was just 17 years old at the time, so his parents had to sign his NBA contract because he wasn't a legal adult yet. ” (Paragraph 5) 

  “At the time, he was the youngest player ever to appear in an NBA game.(Paragraph 6)” 

• Bryant and Lakers player Shaquille O'Neal helped lead the Lakers to three back-to-back NBA championships in 2000, 2001 and 2002.(Paragraph 8)

• In 2014, the Lakers missed the playoffs for only the second time since Bryant joined the team.  (Paragraph 13) 

• However, the pair did not get along

Which statement supports the inference that Kobe was known and loved by many?

• “The legendary basketball star Kobe Bryant died on January 26 at the age of 41.” (Paragraph 1) 

  “His death shocked Los Angeles and the sports world. .” (Paragraph 1)

• “At the time, he was the youngest player ever to appear in an NBA game.(Paragraph 6)” 

• In 2018, he won an Oscar along with director Glen Keane for the animated short film "Dear Basketball." (Paragraph 15)

• In 2014, the Lakers missed the playoffs for only the second time since Bryant joined the team.  (Paragraph 13) 

Which statement support the idea that Kobe is much more than just a basketball player?

• In 2018, he won an Oscar along with director Glen Keane for the animated short film "Dear Basketball." (Paragraph 15)

• Bryant and Lakers player Shaquille O'Neal helped lead the Lakers to three back-to-back NBA championships in 2000, 2001 and 2002.(Paragraph 8)

• “Bryant was just 17 years old at the time, so his parents had to sign his NBA contract because he wasn't a legal adult yet. ” (Paragraph 5) 

• He said Bryant was a fierce competitor who was feared by other NBA players.” (Paragraph 11)