Watch CBS News

Kobe Bryant Tells Brazilian Reporter He Is 100 Percent

FORTALEZA, BRAZIL (CBSLA.com) — If you've been watching the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, you know Kobe Bryant is there watching one of his favorite sports: soccer.

The Italian-raised Bryant has attended two prime matchups in Brazil: Netherland vs. Spain and Mexico vs. Brazil.

Not only is he there to watch the games, but he's also there working for Nike, representing the brand to promote the newest Nike gear to the thousands who traveled to Brazil.

Kobe has spoken to ESPN, responding to U.S. Coach Jurgen Klinsmann's remarks on making $48.5 million for something "that was done before."

On Wednesday, Bryant, who has been recovering from a knee injury, also sat down with a Brazilian reporter, telling him he is ready to go for the coming season.

"Oh, yeah. I'm 100 percent," Bryant tells him. "One hundred percent."

Bryant knows he is going to need help from the front office after ending one of the worst seasons in franchise history.

"We only have three players from last year's team signed to contracts right now, including me," said the former MVP. "We don't have a coach. So, it's literally like starting from scratch. It's not really what we have to do better than we did last year; it's that we have to build the right team to win next season."

Steve Nash and Robert Sacre are the only players, besides Bryant, who are signed for the coming season.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.