5 Key Facts That Prove Thomas Bryant Is NOT Related To Kobe Bryant

The question of whether Thomas Bryant is related to the legendary Kobe Bryant is one of the most enduring mysteries for casual NBA fans, especially given their shared last name and a surprising overlap on the Los Angeles Lakers roster. As of December 14, 2025, the definitive, straightforward answer is no—Thomas Bryant and Kobe Bryant are not related by blood, a fact that often surprises those who assume a familial connection in the close-knit world of professional basketball. This article dives deep into the distinct biographies, family backgrounds, and career paths of both players to put the persistent rumors to rest and explore the intriguing coincidences that fueled the speculation.

The confusion is understandable; the "Bryant" name carries immense weight in the NBA, almost exclusively associated with the late, great "Black Mamba." However, Thomas Bryant is forging his own successful career path, currently playing as a Center for the Cleveland Cavaliers, continuing a journey that has seen him play for multiple teams, including the very franchise that Kobe defined for two decades. The only connection between the two is the shared surname and a mutual respect for the game.

Thomas Bryant vs. Kobe Bryant: Definitive Biographical Profiles

To fully understand why the two players are not related, a detailed look at their individual backgrounds reveals significant differences in their origins, family histories, and career trajectories. The only common thread is the last name, a common occurrence in a country as large as the United States.

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Thomas Jermaine Bryant: Biography & Career Profile

• Full Name: Thomas Jermaine Bryant
• Born: July 31, 1997, in Rochester, New York
• Parents: Edward and Linda Bryant (Both were college basketball players)
• Nationality: American
• Height: 6 ft 10 in (208 cm)
• Weight: 248 lb (112 kg)
• Position: Center
• College: Indiana University (2015–2017)
• NBA Draft: 2017 / Round 2 / Pick 42 by the Utah Jazz (Traded to the Lakers)
• Current Team (2025): Cleveland Cavaliers
• Career Highlights: NBA Champion (2023 with Denver Nuggets)

Kobe Bean Bryant: Biography & Career Profile

• Full Name: Kobe Bean Bryant
• Born: August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Parents: Joe "Jellybean" Bryant (Former NBA player) and Pam Cox Bryant
• Nationality: American
• Height: 6 ft 6 in (198 cm)
• Weight: 212 lb (96 kg)
• Position: Shooting Guard
• High School: Lower Merion High School (Entered NBA directly)
• NBA Draft: 1996 / Round 1 / Pick 13 by the Charlotte Hornets (Traded to the Lakers)
• Career Highlights: 5x NBA Champion, 2x NBA Finals MVP, NBA MVP, 18x All-Star, 15x All-NBA Team, 12x All-Defensive Team, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

The 5 Definitive Reasons They Are Not Related

The persistent rumor of a familial link between the two NBA stars can be definitively debunked by examining five key, verifiable facts about their personal and professional lives. These facts highlight the geographical, parental, and career distinctions that separate Thomas Bryant from the Kobe Bryant dynasty.

1. Completely Different Parental Lineages

The most crucial piece of evidence lies in their parents. Kobe Bryant is the son of Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, a former NBA player who played for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets before playing in Italy. His mother is Pam Cox Bryant. Thomas Bryant's parents are Edward and Linda Bryant, who were both college basketball players but did not play professionally. There is no documented or genealogical link between the two sets of parents, making a direct familial relationship impossible.

2. Distinct Geographical Roots and Upbringing

Kobe Bryant was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and spent a significant part of his childhood in Italy while his father played overseas. His NBA career was synonymous with Southern California and the Los Angeles Lakers. Conversely, Thomas Bryant was born and raised hundreds of miles away in Rochester, New York, a completely different region of the United States. Their formative years were spent in entirely separate environments, further confirming the lack of a shared family history.

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3. No Shared Family Tree Documentation

Extensive genealogical research and reports from reputable sports sources have repeatedly confirmed that the shared last name is merely a coincidence. The "Bryant" surname is common, and having two professional athletes with the same name, even in the same league, is not a statistical anomaly. There is no mention of a shared grandfather, uncle, or distant cousin in either player's established family tree.

4. The Coincidental Shared Lakers Tenure

A major factor that fueled the speculation was Thomas Bryant's time with the Los Angeles Lakers. Thomas was drafted in 2017 and played for the Lakers from 2017 to 2018, and then again during the 2022-2023 season. The image of a player named Bryant wearing the purple and gold jersey, the colors Kobe defined, naturally sparked rumors about a possible "passing of the torch" or family connection. However, this was purely a professional coincidence, a result of standard NBA transactions.

5. Significant Age and Career Gap

Kobe Bryant was born in 1978 and was drafted in 1996. Thomas Bryant was born nearly two decades later in 1997 and was drafted in 2017. Kobe's entire 20-year career was established and concluded before Thomas Bryant had even played a handful of seasons. This age difference and the timing of their careers make any potential direct relationship (like father/son or older/younger brother) biologically or chronologically impossible.

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The Legacy of the Name: Other NBA Players Named Bryant

The NBA has seen multiple players with the surname Bryant, none of whom are related to the late Lakers legend, further illustrating the commonality of the name. This fact strengthens the topical authority on the subject, moving the conversation beyond just Thomas and Kobe.

• Joe "Jellybean" Bryant: Kobe's father, a professional player in the NBA and Italy.
• Wallace Bryant: Played in the NBA in the 1980s.
• Mark Bryant: A power forward who played 15 seasons in the NBA, including with the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns.
• Bryant Stith: A shooting guard who played for the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics.
• Carter Bryant: A highly-rated high school prospect, also not related to Kobe.

The existence of these other players confirms that the name "Bryant" is simply a common name in the league's history, not an exclusive marker of Kobe's lineage. Thomas Bryant is merely the latest player to carry the name, distinguishing himself with a physical, high-energy style of play that is a far cry from Kobe's sleek, perimeter-oriented "Mamba Mentality."

Thomas Bryant's Current Career Trajectory and Future

While the connection to Kobe is non-existent, Thomas Bryant has carved out a respectable and resilient career for himself. After being traded multiple times and battling injuries, the Center has proven his value as a reliable big man in the league. As of the 2024-2025 season, Bryant is contributing to the Cleveland Cavaliers, focusing on rim protection, rebounding, and efficient scoring near the basket. His career trajectory, including a brief but impactful role on the 2023 NBA Champion Denver Nuggets team, demonstrates a commitment to winning and a determination to succeed on his own terms, separate from any famous namesake.

In conclusion, the question of whether Thomas Bryant is related to Kobe Bryant is a classic case of an internet rumor fueled by a simple name coincidence and a shared team uniform. The evidence is overwhelming: they are two distinct individuals from different family backgrounds, born in different states, and separated by a generation. Thomas Bryant is a successful NBA player in his own right, and his current tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers is the next chapter in a career that owes nothing to the legacy of the Black Mamba beyond a shared love for the game of basketball.