This week, superstar Arizona freshman Carter Bryant cleared the air and declared for the 2025 NBA Draft after weeks of uncertainty about his future. Now, he’ll move on and attempt to show he isn’t a “flash in the pan” after one season of college ball.
Fans have often speculated about a potential family connection between him and the late, great Kobe Bryant. With both sharing the Bryant surname and basketball excellence, people often question whether these two players are related.
Are Carter Bryant and Kobe Bryant Related?
Despite sharing the same last name, Carter Bryant and Kobe Bryant have no family relationship. Their backgrounds reveal completely different family trees and geographical origins, dispelling any connection theories.
Carter Bryant is special. Top 12 pick. Probably higher. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. pic.twitter.com/TupvecTGKb
— Pensare Basketball (@PensareBBall) May 15, 2025
Carter Bryant was born on November 26, 2005, in California, to parents D’Cean Bryant and Sabrina Torres. His father was a college basketball player at Long Beach State and has been instrumental in Carter’s development both as a coach and mentor.
Kobe Bryant came from entirely different roots. Born August 23, 1978 in Pennsylvania, he was the son of former NBA player Joe “Jellybean” Bryant and Pamela Bryant. His only siblings were sisters Sharia and Shaya.
Comparing The Duo’s Basketball DNA
While family ties don’t exist, both players showcase elite basketball qualities that make them standout performers. However, their playing styles and career trajectories differ significantly based on their respective eras and physical attributes.
Carter Bryant stands 6’8″ and weighs 225 pounds, playing as a versatile forward with modern playing capabilities. As a freshman at Arizona, he averaged 6.5 points per game, 4.1 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 1.0 block while shooting 46.0% from the field and 37.1% from three-point range.
Kobe Bryant wasn’t just a player; he was basketball royalty who redefined the concept of greatness over more than two decades with the Los Angeles Lakers. The five-time NBA champion and 18-time All-Star scored 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game in his storied regular-season career.
RELATED: Arizona Forward Carter Bryant Declares For 2025 NBA Draft, Gives Emotional Tribute to Arizona
His 81-point performance against Toronto still ranks as the second-highest single-game in NBA history. The two-time NBA Finals MVP and 2008 league MVP was the embodiment of “Mamba Mentality” that surpassed basketball and became a global icon for achieving excellence and the pursuit of perfection.
Carter has mentioned Kobe as one of his basketball role models and as an “all-time” favorite player. NBA scouts have projected him as a late lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. For his defensive versatility and three-point shooting, he draws comparisons to OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges.
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