NBA-Star Kobe Bryant in Berlin, 1999 (photo)

Kobe Bryant, 21-year-old professional of the Los Angeles Lakers, speaks at a press conference in Berlin on July 9th, 1999. The youngest ever starter in the NBA is visiting the capital on the occasion of a "Euro abc Camp" organized in the city by the sporting goods manufacturer adidas to promote young talent. Bryant himself was voted the most valuable player at the "adidas abcd Summer Camp" in 1995 and the following year was one of six US basketball players to be called straight from high school to the NBA. In January 1999, the Lakers and the exceptional athlete Bryant agreed on a new six-year contract.