Kobe Bryant's first stop in his five-city "81 Asia Tour" in early September was in Tokyo, where he held a basketball clinic for youngsters. As he soon found out, a behind-the-back pass is appreciated just as much in Japan as in the U.S.
Tokyo
AP
Kobe held a 90-minute basketball clinic for the kids, with a couple of giddy schoolgirls among the 150-plus students in attendance.
Hong Kong
In Los Angeles, Kobe isn't too far from the original Disneyland, so he probably enjoyed seeing some familiar faces (Mickey and Minnie, for instance) at the Hong Kong Disneyland. It's a small world, after all.
Hong Kong
AP
It's not easy to drive on Kobe, no matter what court he plays on.
Hong Kong
AP
Will one of these youngsters one day make it to the NBA?
Taipei
AP
Perhaps the next time Kobe's Lakers redesign their jerseys, it can incorporate some of the traditional aborigine clothing worn by these students.
Seoul
AP
It's all about the fundamentals, as Kobe teaches these South Korea students how to improve their dribbling skills. "It's not about where you're from," Kobe said during his trip. "It's about your practice and effort."
Seoul
AP
Everybody wanted a piece of Kobe during his week-long journey in Asia.
Beijing
Kobe called the basketball atmosphere in China "awesome. Yao Ming opened the door ... I look forward to seeing more Chinese players in the NBA."
