Kobe Bryant has been named the global ambassador for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The former Lakers star, who won five NBA titles with Los Angeles as well as two Olympic gold medals as a member of Team USA, joins Yao Ming as an ambassador for the event, which tips off Aug. 31, in China.
"Growing up in Italy and spending many years visiting China, I have always appreciated the global impact that basketball has had on the positive development of young people," Bryant said in a news release from FIBA. "I'm honored FIBA has invited me to serve as an ambassador for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.