Kobe Bryant's Most Youthful Off The Court Moments We Forgot About

Source: Barry King / Getty

So Kobe Bryant is really turning 40 years old today. 

It’s hard to think that one of the greatest athletes of all time is not a young whipper snapper anymore.

Kobe officially announced his retirement from the NBA in 2016 after winning five championships and going to 18 All-Star games with the Lakers. Before his last official game, he wrote a letter to his fans saying: “My heart can take the pounding, my mind can handle the grind, but my body knows it’s time to say goodbye. You gave a six-year-old boy his Laker dream, and I’ll always love you for it. But I can’t love you obsessively for much longer.” Many people are wondering if he misses it enough to come back. Despite denial from Kobe’s camp, BIG3 Co-Founder Jeff Kwatinetz says the former Lakers player will be returning to the game to play to join BIG3. (click here for full Bleacher Report story).

Kobe has been many people’s favorite player since entering the league in 1996. We’ve seen hip, young Kobe.

And we’ve seen Mamba, the family/ business man, all grown up.

Source: Andrew D. Bernstein / Getty

In honor of #Mamba40,  let’s take a look at some of the moments when Kobe wasn’t in game mode and before he was the GOAT.  Hit the flip to see some young, fun, KB moments.

When he guest starred on “All That”

Remember when he took Brandy to prom in 1998?

Let’s not forget the time he and Tyra Banks performed one of his songs, live!

Kobe played in his first All Star Game at just 19 years old in 1998 — becoming the youngest starter in All Star Game history.

The time he made his first acting appearance on the short-lived 90’s sitcom Hang Time.

That one time he guest starred on Moesha.

Remember his first NBA scuffle with Gary Payton in ’97?

That one time he did a mixtape series with his sister.

Let’s not forget the time he went up against his idol, Michael Jordan, at just 20 years old, and played one hell of a game.