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Kobe Bryant© GettyImages

Kobe Bryant spoke perfect Spanish thanks to these Latin TV staples

The legendary basketball player shared that help from his wife along this key element allowed him to learn Spanish


UPDATED JANUARY 29, 2020 2:25 AM EST

 Kobe Bryant  had a special place in his heart for Latinos — something we are sure his wife Vanessa, who is of Mexican descent, helped foster over throughout their relationship. In order to speak to his beloved wife’s family, the former L.A. Lakers player took it upon himself to learn the Spanish language. But he didn’t do it with teachers or fancy courses, Kobe started watching Spanish telenovelas! In an interview from two years ago, you can hear the father-of-four speaking Español to perfection!

“Watching novelas with Vanessa, my wife, as well as my mother-in-law,” explained the five-time NBA Champion when asked whether he spoke Spanish. He revealed that one of his favorites telenovelas was La Madrastra, with Mexican acting royalty Victoria Ruffo and César Évora, kept him glued to the TV.

Kobe Bryant© GettyImages
Kobe Bryant revealed that he was a fan of <i>La Madrastra</i>, a telenovela he would watch with his wife and mother in law

The dramatic stories weren’t the only things that caught the 41-year-old’s attention, he also enjoyed watching the iconic Sábado Gigante starring the legendary Chilean host Don Francisco. “[I also learned Spanish] watching Sábado Gigante as well,” Kobe, who along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna lost their lives on January 26 in a helicopter crash, revealed with a proud smile.

Kobe Bryant: the multi-linguist

Although the Spanish language had a special place in his heart, Kobe also spoke Italian along with English. However, the former NBA player surprised everyone at the end of 2019 during a game between his team the L.A. Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks when he popped up speaking yet another language.

Kobe Bryant© GettyImages
Kobe Bryant spoke four languages, one of which took Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks by surprise

While on the court, Dallas Mavericks player Luka Dončić did a double take when he heard Kobe speaking his native language. “He was speaking Slovenian. He was speaking my language. It took me by surprise,” explained the excited Slovenian transplant during a press conference. Minutes after the memorable moment, Luka posed with Kobe’s daughter Gianna, who was also on the helicopter with him.