Kobe Bryant has not been the good guy too often during his NBA career, but that doesn't mean that he's incapable.

Lakeshowlife.com is reporting that Bryant is showing his compassion for a family who lost its teenaged son to an automobile accident.

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Vincent Ireland, a 17-year-old high school senior from Fort Worth, Texas, was a backseat passenger in a car that crashed sideways on the driver's into a utility pole, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. The car split in half between the front and back seats, and Ireland, who was in the rear passenger seat, was killed.

The reported added that three other teens were in the call and all of them were wearing their seat belts. One of the other teens went to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The other two were treated and released at the scene.

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Lakeshowlife.com reported that Ireland was a huge Kobe Bryant fan. After his death, one of his friends got the idea of trying to reach Bryant via social media. He posted a photo of a Kobe Bryant jersey and asked his friends to retweet his request for Bryant to sign the jersey.

The post received some 650 retweets and another 250 favorites, and it caught Bryant's attention. Mission accomplished. The following evening, Bryant tweeted Ireland's friend: "Beyond heart breaking to lose those we love and care for. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all #RIPVincent." Bryant's tweet received more than 7,000 retweets and favorites combined. Ireland's friend then repeated his request for the Black Mamba to sign the jersey.

Bryant, who is used to competing for NBA championships this time of year, proved he is capable of a heroic gesture off the court as well.

Does Kobe Bryant's autographed-jersey sent to the mother of a teen killed in a car crash change your opinion of the Lakers guard? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.