Kobe Bryant Latest News, Photos, and Videos

Kobe Bryant is addressing the rumors!

The 40-year-old basketball player made an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Friday (September 28).

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Kobe Bryant

During his appearance, Kobe talked about his family surprising him with a trip to Mexico for his 40th birthday. He also addressed recent rumors, saying there’s “not a chance” he’s coming out of retirement to play with the Los Angeles Lakers. He did say, however, that his 12-year-old daughter has inherited his skills!

Kobe also revealed he’s a big Harry Potter nerd and his most valuable possessions are a first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone signed by J.K. Rowling, followed by the Game of Thrones series signed by George R.R. Martin, and the Dear Basketball score signed by composer John Williams. Then, Kobe discussed his podcast inspired by his children, “The Punies,” and Ellen surprised him with a L.A. Lakers Harry Potter robe!

Plus, Ellen tested Kobe’s skills in a game of “Ellen & Kobe’s Connect 4 Hoops.”

Watch below!

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Kobe Bryant poses for a photo with a young patient while visiting the Children’s Hospital of Orange County on Monday (September 24) in Orange, Calif.

The legendary basketball player and Academy Award winner surprised the kids with a live reading of the newest episode of his #1 family podcast, The Punies.

Kobe also made personal visits to rooms of patients who were not able to join the large group. He signed autographs and brought plenty of gifts for the kids!

The Punies follows an eclectic group of neighborhood friends who play sports and take on adventures together.

LeBron James is the talk of the town after announcing a huge move: he’s joining the Los Angeles Lakers!

Chrissy Teigen, Kobe Bryant and Arnold Schwarzenegger are among the many stars excitedly speaking out about the news.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy seemingly got the inside scoop early after spotting LeBron with a blank Lakers jersey at an embroidery shop on Saturday (June 30)!

“told youuuu,” she tweeted once the news was announced the next day.

“Welcome to the family @KingJames #lakers4life #striveforgreatness @JeanieBuss @MagicJohnson and RP well done!!! 🙌🏾,” Kobe wrote.

See more celebrity reactions below!

Kobe Bryant accepts his award on stage at the 2018 Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday (March 4) in Hollywood.

The 39-year-old basketball player won the award for Best Documentary – Short Subject for producing the short film Dear Basketball.

“I don’t know if it’s possible, as basketball players we’re really supposed to shut up and dribble. I’m glad we do a little bit more than that,” Kobe said during his speech. Thank you, Academy, for this amazing honor. Thank you John Williams for such a wonderful piece of music. Thank you Verizon for believing in the film. Thank you Molly Carter, without you we wouldn’t be here and to my wife Vanessa and to our daughters Natalia, Gianna and Bianka… you are my inspiration.”

Kobe Bryant looks sharp on the red carpet at the 2018 Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday (March 4) in Hollywood.

Kobe‘s animated film, Dear Basketball, is nominated for Best Animated Short Film during the evening’s ceremony. The short film was written by Kobe, and is based on a letter he wrote to The Players’ Tribune in 2015 announcing his retirement from basketball.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Kobe Bryant

Kobe posed alongside his wife, Vanessa Bryant, on the red carpet.

Make sure to watch the Oscars, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, at 8pm EST/5pm PST on ABC.