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Getting Drafted
Kobe Bryant was drafted in the 1996-1997 season by the hornets but immediately was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. This was the beginning of a historic career. -
First Playoffs
As a rookie, Bryant badly misses four shots in the final moments of a playoff loss to the Utah Jazz, ending the Lakers' season. When the team returned to Los Angeles that night, Bryant went to a suburban gym and worked on his shot until dawn. Today, he says the Airball Game was a turning point in his ability to handle negativity and self-doubt with hard work. -
First Championship Appearance
Bryant has 26 points and 10 rebounds against the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, teaming with Shaquille O'Neal and coach Phil Jackson to lead the Lakers to their first championship together. They won it all in each of the next two seasons as well, establishing the first dynasty of the 21st century. -
Sweep
Bryant scores 30 points in the Lakers' 112-106 overtime victory over the Sacramento Kings in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals, ending one of the greatest playoff series in NBA history. The Lakers swept New Jersey to win their third straight title in the anticlimactic NBA Finals. -
81
An ordinary Sunday home game in a mediocre Lakers season turns into magic when Bryant goes off for 81 points, the second-highest total in NBA history. He mostly did it on jumpers in a close game, hitting seven 3-pointers while going 28 for 46 from the field and 18 for 20 from the line. Sure, he only had two assists. Not a soul at Staples Center cared. -
Pau Gasol
Los Angeles acquires Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies in a heist of a trade that swiftly ended a frustrating four-year stretch for Bryant, who repeatedly flirted with leaving the Lakers — even nearly for the neighboring Clippers. Instead, with the star Spanish 7-footer at his side, Bryant led the Lakers to the next three NBA Finals and won two more championships. -
Gold USA
Bryant scores 13 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and wins his first Olympic gold medal as the United States defeats Spain 118-107 in Beijing. After missing the previous two Olympics, Bryant proved to be an excellent international player, and he added another gold medal to his collection four years later in London. -
Leading Scorer in Lakers History
Bryant scores 44 points against the Memphis Grizzlies and passes West to become the leading scorer in Lakers history. The franchise has a glossy history of talent from George Mikan and Elgin Baylor to Magic Johnson and Shaquille O'Neal, but nobody played more seasons or scored more points in purple and gold than Bryant. -
5 Rings
Bryant scores 23 points on 6-for-24 shooting as the Lakers rally to beat the Boston Celtics 83-79 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, securing the 31-year-old's fifth championship ring. He still calls it the sweetest title of his career for multiple reasons, including the Lakers-Celtics rivalry and the difficulties faced in repeating after their 2009 championship. He celebrates by jumping on the scorers' table at Staples Center in a now-iconic pose -
Achilles Tear
Bryant was carrying the Lakers toward the playoffs while playing more than 40 minutes per game before he tore his Achilles tendon in this game against Golden State. Incredibly, Bryant still shot his ensuing free throws in front of fans who didn't realize what had happened. Bryant was never the same. Three straight seasons ended early due to injury. -
3rd Leading Scorer in NBA History
The third-leading scorer in NBA history is scheduled to play his 1,346th and final regular-season game at home against the Jazz. The Lakers are wrapping up the worst three-year stretch in franchise annals, but his fans throughout the world will pause for one last tribute. -
Last Game
In the Lakers last game of the 2015-2016 season against the Jazz, Kobe miraculously scores 60 points. Kobe shocked the world with a ridiculous performance. Every fan in the building was standing and yelling MVP.
