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Relaxed Kobe sets sights on NBA championship No 6

By Chen Xiangfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-07-27 11:11

American basketball star Kobe Bryant waves to members of the audience before the start of a television talk show in Beijing July 26, 2010. [Agencies]

Kobe-mania in China

This is the fourth time in four years that Bryant has visited China, where affection is lavished on him everywhere.

He is mobbed wherever he goes.

He also appears in commercials and on billboards, has a popular website and blog and had a reality show on Chinese television.

He also is involved in the Kobe Bryant China Fund, which partners with the Soong Ching Ling Foundation to raise money in China for education and health programs.

He sells more NBA jerseys here than Yao Ming.

However, Kobe is modest about his huge popularity.

"I am very fortunate. I just come here and walk with open arms," he said.

Kobe is also impressed by China's love of basketball.

"I can see the passion from Chinese fans. Even when I first came here, I could see how they loved basketball," he said.

"For me, I'm so excited about their passion for the sport. So I like to come to China. I am doing the camp and clinics and that's been going on for years now.

"I hope these kids follow their dreams. Whatever you want to do, follow your dreams. It's not going to be easy, but just keep working hard and never give it up."