-
Period: to
The Beginning Years
Kobe Bryant was drafted 13th overall in the 1996 draft class by the Charlotte Hornets. He was then traded to the LA Lakers for center Vlade Divac. During this three year timespan, Bryant was not of a factor until the 98-99 season when he made a drastic change. -
Period: to
The Championship Run
These three years of Bryant's career would go down as three of the most dominating years in sports. There was no team that could stop the 1-2 punch of O'neal and Bryant.Averages: 1999-2000: 22.5 pts, 6.3 rebs, 4.9 ast. 2000-2001: 28.5 pts, 5.8 rebs, 5.0 ast. 2001-2002: 25.2 pts, 5.5 rebs, 5.5 ast. -
Period: to
Final years of Shaq and Kobe
Shaq and Kobe's feud was not one of any secret, but no one knew that it was this bad. Every few days, one would say something negative about the other and it would make front page news. The following day, the other would reply with something even worse.It got to the point that the team could not function with two superstars who could not stand each other. Something had to be done, and thus one would have to leave LA. Thus Shaq left and went on to join the Miami heat. -
Period: to
The Adjustment Years
The following years after Shaq left Los Angeles were tough years for the franchise. Most people remember the January 22, 2006 game against Toronto in which Kobe Bryant exploded for a career-high 81 points and 28 field goals made. The 81 points scored by Kobe was the second most in a single game in NBA History, second only to Wilt Chamberlain's 100 point game. Kobe was at his best. 2004-2005: 27.6 pts, 5.9 rebs, 6 ast. 2005-2006: 35.4 pts, 5.3 rebs, 4.5 ast. 2006-2007: 31.6 pts, 5.7 rebs, 5.4 -
Period: to
The Lakers are Back
In 2008 Kobe received the missing piece he had been longing for every since the departure of Shaq in Pau Gasol. He was named 2008 NBA MVP but lost in the finals to the Celtics. He went on to win two staright NBA titles without Shaq and proved he is one of the all-time greats. -
Period: to
To this date
During this time Kobe won the 2010 title beating out the Boston Celtics. He was named tot he NBA All First-Team, Finals MVP, All NBA First Team, and NBA All Star MVP.