Kobe Bryant is one of the most recognizable faces in professional sports today, and now his name can be found in one more gym. Bryant’s high school, Lower Merion in Philadelphia, recently named their new gym after their former student. Bryant donated $411,000 to the school, and will appear once more for a fundraiser when the Lakers are in Philadelphia to take on the 76ers.
While Bryant hasn’t been the most popular player in Philadelphia since his departure for the NBA in 1996, he is still one of the most influential alumni Lower Merion has. He was excited to donate the money to help fund the facility, hoping that he can help young people reach the goals that he once had for himself as a high school student.
Bryant told ESPN that he was excited and appreciative of the honor, and that that gym was a large part of his life growing up. There is no doubt that Lower Merion High School helped influence Bryant to be who he is today, and he is thrilled to continue that relationship.