Lakers’ Kobe Bryant dishes on new shoe line, charity work

In a recent interview with Laker’s star Kobe Bryant, Daily News questioned the NBA MVP about his new line of basketball sneakers, his training routine and even his fund raising efforts with various charity organizations. The result? Kobe revealed a little about his personality and a lot about his character. The Lakers point guard - although quite busy spending time with his young daughter, rigorously training and fashioning his new Nike Zoom Kobe II shoes (released Aug. 9 and already sold out) - still makes time to participate in a myriad of fundraising events for charities, such as the Make A Wish Foundation. At a recent event in Hollywood, Bryant held a silent auction to raise money for the national charity, which aims to provide children with life-threatening conditions with the hope, strength and joy. “It’s good to provide this type of atmosphere for my fans,” Bryant said at the event in an interview with Daily News. “It’s as fun for them as it is for me.”

In 2006, Bryant also created his own organization, VIVO Foundation, which is dedicated to enhancing the lives of young people through cultural enrichment opportunities and financial support. Last August, the foundation funded a trip to Italy, with tours of Rome, Florence and Venice, for a group of eight Latino and black high school students as a way to open their eyes to other cultures. This year, the foundation will provide similar excursions to Hong Kong and other U.S. destinations. “Everything that we do, we try to make it a family atmosphere and really reach out and connect with these youth,” Bryant said on his official Web site. “We really try to make a connection and broaden their horizons.” To get Lakers tickets for this season, visit www.StubHub.com.

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