[115] The year signified a drop in Bryant's overall status in the NBA, as he did not make the NBA All-Defensive Team and was also demoted to the All-NBA Third Team. [496][497] He also appeared on MTV's Ridiculousness in 2019. [63][64] Initially, Bryant played limited minutes, but as the season continued, he began to see some more playing time. [f] Bryant was the leading overall vote-getter for the 2016 All-Star Game with 1.9 million votes, ahead of Stephen Curry's 1.6 million. Sports", Kobe passes West as Lakers' scoring leader in loss to Grizzlies, Kobe Bryant's game winner in 9998 victory over Memphis Grizzlies shows clutchness can't be duplicated, Lakers snap 3-game skid on Bryant's late jumper, Lakers to Face Thunder in the First Round, Lakers beat Suns to set up rematch with Boston, "Lakers' rings feature leather from Game 7 ball", "Why Kobe Bryant decided it was time to retire", Lakers hold off Timberwolves, improve to 80, "Kobe's triple-double leads Lakers over Kings", "Celtics win Finals rematch despite Kobe Bryant's 41 points", "Kobe Bryant has big second half to help Lakers rally by Celtics", "NBA.com: Kobe is top vote-getter in 2011 All-Star balloting", "Bryant feeds off energy as West beats East in All-Star game, 148143", "Rumorsandrants.com: Kobe Bryant Passes Moses Malone For Sixth On All-Time Scoring List", "Kobe Bryant fined $100,000 for gay slur", "Kobe Bryant needs to say more after slur", "Lakers' Kobe Bryant is fined $100,000 by NBA for anti-gay slur to referee", "Kobe's $100K fine didn't buy Lakers' best effort", "A Gay Former N.B.A. [464] In 2010, Bryant was ranked third behind Tiger Woods and Jordan in Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid athletes with $48million. [144] Following a league review, Bryant was suspended for the subsequent game at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks. [55], The Lakers were looking to trade their starting center Vlade Divac for a player's draft rights to free up salary cap space to make an offer to free-agent center Shaquille O'Neal. He missed a triple-double in each game with nine rebounds twice and eight in the other. On December 20, 2005, Bryant scored 62 points in three quarters against the Dallas Mavericks. [36] When Bryant was 13, he and his family moved back to Philadelphia, where he enrolled in eighth grade at Bala Cynwyd Middle School. [438][439][440], Bryant was a lifelong fan of his hometown NFL team, the Philadelphia Eagles. He was a member of the 2007 USA Men's Senior National Team and USA FIBA Americas Championship Team that finished 100, won gold and qualified the United States men for the 2008 Olympics. [215][216] During the season, Bryant moved from 12th to 6th place on the NBA all-time career scoring list, passing John Havlicek, Dominique Wilkins, Oscar Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Elvin Hayes, and Moses Malone. [98] He also set an NBA record for three-pointers in a game on January 7, 2003, when he made 12 against the Seattle SuperSonics. Over a year after the crash, on February 9, 2021, the NTSB declared that pilot Ara Zobayan probably became disoriented after flying into thick clouds. [62] At the time, he was the second-youngest player ever to play in an NBA game (18 years, 72 days) and also became the youngest NBA starter (18 years, 158 days). [489] That same year, he guest starred as himself on an episode of Arli$$ (episode: "What About the Fans?") including a pair of sneakers worn and signed by the late NBA great Kobe Bryant. "[126], In addition to his abilities on offense, Bryant also established himself as a standout defensive player. James also delivered a speech to the crowd before the game, and every player in the Lakers starting lineup was announced with Bryant's name. dummy info@azsecuritygroup.com. [341][352] Throughout his career, Bryant was disparaged for being a selfish, high-volume shooter;[350][353][354] he missed more field goal attempts in his career than any other player in NBA history. A security guard opens a steel door leading into a vault containing hundreds of collectibles at Collectors Vault, a new company that is making it easier for collectors to store and trade memorabilia. [31] Another source of inspiration was animated European films about sports, from which he learned more about basketball. [232] He went on to score 40, 42, and 42 in his next three games. [88] Once again, Bryant led the team in assists, with five per game. [131] For the month of January, Bryant averaged 43.4 points per game,[132] the eighth highest single month scoring average in NBA history and highest for any player other than Chamberlain. [70] Bryant was the runner-up for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award,[71] and through fan voting, he also became the youngest NBA All-Star starter in NBA history. [235] He also suffered a broken nose and a concussion in the third quarter of the All-Star Game after a hard foul from Dwyane Wade. He met the show's star, Brandy, earlier in the year at a Nike All-Star basketball game, and then a couple of months later in May 1996, Bryant was Brandy's date to her Hollywood High School senior prom. [386] His formal induction was delayed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [58] Bryant signed a three-year rookie contract totaling $3.5 million.[59]. [13], Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia,[14] the youngest of three children and the only son of Pamela Cox Bryant and former NBA player Joe Bryant. [57] Since Bryant was still 17 at the time, his parents had to cosign his contract with the Lakers until he was able to sign his own when he turned 18 before the season began. ", "Kobe Bryant is officially an Oscar winner", "Kobe Bryant helicopter crash post-mortem released", "NBA renames All-Star Game MVP award after Kobe Bryant", "Kobe Bryant, former NBA star and Los Angeles Lakers legend, dies at 41", "Kobe Bryant Will Always Be an All-Star of Talking", "Remembering Kobe Bryant: Formed and saved by his Catholic faith", "Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, among 9 killed in a helicopter crash in California", "Kobe Bryant, from the start, was an athlete like no other", "The Secret History of Kobe Bryant's Rap Career", "A view of Kobe Bryant from his childhood home in Italy", "Kobe Bryant, Reggio Emilia piange il suo figlio. Gatorade High School Basketball Player of the Year Award, 2007 FIBA Americas Championship Gold medal, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, second-youngest player ever to play in an NBA game, The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul, Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, List of career achievements by Kobe Bryant, Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, Annie Award for Best Animated Short Subject, Learn how and when to remove this template message, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner, 2020 Calabasas helicopter crash Memorials, NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player, list of the world's highest-paid athletes, List of National Basketball Association career playoff scoring leaders, List of National Basketball Association career scoring leaders, List of National Basketball Association seasons played leaders, List of National Basketball Association single-game scoring leaders, List of NBA players who have spent their entire career with one franchise, List of second-generation National Basketball Association players, "Kobe Bryant's work with kids brings joy, though sometimes it's fleeting", "Ranking the 25 greatest players in NBA history", "All-Time #NBArank: Counting down the greatest players ever", "SI's 50 greatest players in NBA history", "SLAM's Top 100 Players Of All-Time: Kobe Bryant, No. He's had just another great season. Jason Terry is still going at age 38 . Kobe Bryant Officially Introduces His 'Little Princess' Daughter Capri Kobe", "Kobe Bryant's Wife Vanessa Gives Birth, Welcomes Fourth Daughter", "Remembering Kobe Bryant at the Church Where He Prayed Before Helicopter Crash", "Before fatal flight, Kobe and daughter attended California church, took communion, priest says", "Kobe Bryant's private funeral service likely at same Catholic church he went before boarding chopper", "Kobe Bryant tras anunciar su retiro: "Ahora me siento relajado", "Kobe Bryant and, Robert Rodriguez talk about Black Mamba Nike ads, six-minute film", "Rapid Reaction: Lakers 113, Trail Blazers 106", "Kobe Bryant and Lakers soar to new heights (or at least .500)", "Kobe Bryant Buys Home For More Than $4 million", "Kobe Bryant sets price record with Newport Coast home sale", "Kobe Wins Battle to Prevent Mom From Auctioning His Stuff", "Kobe auction suit settled; parents apologize", "Kobe: I'm staying an Eagles fan despite L.A. team | PhillyVoice", "Kobe Bryant credits soccer for his extraordinary basketball court vision", "Laker News: Former Laker In ICU Fighting Covid-19", "Bryant distracted, scared amid sex assault case", "Shaq, Kobe still main keys to Lakers' fortunes", "Fans Shunning Kobe Bryant's Jersey Celebrity Gossip | Entertainment News | Arts And Entertainment", "Article: Basketball Star Leaps into Global Ventures", "Information and results for 'Adidas, Basketball Star Kobe Bryant Part Ways. In addition, he averaged 6.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, all career-highs to that point. [116] During the season, Bryant also engaged in public feuds with Malone and Ray Allen. [387] In October 2021, Bryant was honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.[388]. [173] The Lakers won the next game as well, but dropped Games 3 and 4, even with Bryant putting up 33.5 points per game. In all, $200 million in collectibles are stored in two vaults . Rose later admitted he placed his foot under Bryant intentionally. [59], He is also a second cousin of his former Lakers teammate Cedric Ceballos. [172] In the first game of the next round, against the Jazz, Bryant scored 38 points as the Lakers beat the Jazz in Game 1. On January 22, 2006, he scored a career-high 81 points; the second most points scored in a single NBA game, behind Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game. [466][467][468], In September 2012, Bryant shot a commercial for Turkish Airlines with FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi. [521], At 9:45a.m., the helicopter crashed into the side of a mountain in Calabasas, about 30 miles (48km) northwest of downtown Los Angeles, and began burning. The story of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan sharing the court the last time on March 28, 2003, when the kid scored 55 points and the G.O.A.T. He was fluent in English, Italian and Spanish. Bryant made two buzzer-beaters to win the game and the Pacific Division title. And then we commented, as I recall, on how reminiscent he was of Michael. [23] When Bryant was six, his father retired from the NBA and moved his family to Rieti in Italy to continue playing professional basketball. The Lakers swept the Nuggets in the first round and on May 6, 2008, and Bryant was officially announced as the league MVP. [228], Bryant received experimental platelet-rich plasma therapy called Orthokine in Germany to treat the pain on his left knee and ankle,[229][230] and Mike Brown replaced the retired Jackson as coach of the Lakers in the off-season. "[490], Bryant was the subject of Spike Lee's 2009 documentary film Kobe Doin' Work, which chronicled Bryant during the 200708 NBA season. [408][409] The wedding was not attended by Bryant's parents, his two sisters, his longtime advisor and agent Arn Tellem, or his Laker teammates. [144] On March 7, the NBA handed Bryant his second one-game suspension. [435] He sold the house in May 2015. "[371] After the departure of Shaquille O'Neal, he led the Lakers to two NBA championships; during this period, he became more of a mentor to his teammates than he had been earlier in his career. [194] The following day, he surpassed West to become the all-time leading scorer in Lakers franchise history. [16][404][405], In November 1999, 21-year-old Bryant met 17-year-old Vanessa Laine while she was working as a background dancer on the Tha Eastsidaz music video "G'd Up". [181] In a game against the Knicks on February 2, 2009, Bryant scored 61 points, setting a record for the most points scored at Madison Square Garden. During the run, he averaged 30.8 points, 12 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 4 steals, and 3.8 blocked shots in leading the Aces to a 313 record. [153][154] In the 2007 NBA playoffs, the Lakers were once again eliminated in the first round by the Phoenix Suns, 41. [79] The Lakers became championship contenders behind the center-guard combination of Bryant and O'Neal. [c] Bryant also won his second straight scoring title that season. To avoid media scrutiny, she finished high school through independent study. [83] He also threw an alley-oop pass to O'Neal to clinch the game and the series. [32] From 1987 to 1989, his father played for Olimpia Basket Pistoia where he paired with former Detroit Pistons Leon Douglas. The two-time All-Star has never hidden his admiration for the Los Angeles Lakers great, whose life was tragically cut short in January 2020 when he died in a helicopter crash along with his. [147] The following game, Bryant recorded 50 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves,[148] after which he scored 60 points in a road win against the Memphis Grizzliesbecoming the second Laker to score three straight 50-plus point games, a feat not seen since Jordan last did it in 1987. Monsky asked Kobe who the best point guard is he ever played with and Kobe jokingly said Monsky was the best with Nash in a close second. Games. The academy established locations in Thousand Oaks and Redondo Beach, California. [73] This kept him with the Lakers until the end of the 200304 season. [164], Despite an injury to his shooting hand's small finger, described as "a complete tear of the radial collateral ligament, an avulsion fracture, and a volar plate injury at the MCP joint" that occurred in a game on February 5, 2008, Bryant played all 82 games of the regular season instead of opting for surgery. [535] The game was the second-most-watched in ESPN history, averaging 4.41 million viewers. [239], The Lakers in 201213 acquired center Dwight Howard and point guard Steve Nash. [368][371] Bryant's longtime head coach Phil Jackson noted a big difference during his two Lakers coaching stints in Bryant's demeanor towards his teammates. [214] Bryant, selected to his 13th straight All-Star game after becoming the leading vote-getter, had 37points, 14rebounds, and three steals in the 2011 All-Star Game and won his fourth All-Star MVP, tying Hall of Famer Bob Pettit for the most All-Star MVP awards. Zoo due to heavy air traffic in the area. [258][259], With the Lakers fighting to secure the eighth and final playoff berth in the Western Conference, coupled with injuries on the team, Bryant began playing almost all 48 minutes each game. After the draft, the trade was put in jeopardy when Divac threatened to retire rather than be traded from Los Angeles. [519] The group was traveling to Camarillo Airport in Ventura County for a basketball game at Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks. [219][220][221] The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation praised the NBA's decision to fine Bryant, and the Human Rights Campaign said that Bryant's language was a "disgrace" and "distasteful". [209] Bryant also recorded his first triple-double since January 21, 2009. [170], The Lakers concluded the 200708 regular season with a 5725 record, finishing first in the Western Conference and setting up themselves for a first-round contest against the Nuggets. As a result, Bryant's point averages more than doubled, from 7.6 to 15.4 points per game. [212] In Boston on February 10, Bryant scored 20 of his 23 points in the second half as the Lakers rallied from an early 15-point deficit for a 9286 win over the Celtics. The book looks back on his career with photos and his reflections. Apply to and more! . He played on the varsity basketball team as a freshman. Firefighters work the scene of a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California where Kobe Bryant and eight others died. [238] The Lakers were knocked out of the playoffs by Durant and Oklahoma City in the second round of the playoffs, losing in five games in what would be Bryant's final playoff appearance. [38] During his junior year, he averaged 31.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 3.8 blocks and 2.3 steals[40] and was named Pennsylvania Player of the Year while also earning a fourth-team Parade All-American nomination,[41][42] attracting attention from college recruiters in the process. [542] He was not included in the montages at the 2020 VMAs and Emmys, held later in the year. Back in my day where we're from, I've got a couple of friends, and we used to make teams of Bryant and James and go against . The first single, "K.O.B.E'", featured supermodel Tyra Banks singing the hook. He performed at a 1997 concert by Sway & King Tech and recorded a verse for a remix of Brian McKnight's "Hold Me". [95] Bryant's play was notable and praised for his performance in the fourth quarter of games, specifically the last two rounds of the playoffs. Kobe Bryant is known as one of the greatest offensive talents of all time. including a pair of sneakers worn and signed by the late NBA great Kobe Bryant. [525], The Federal Aviation Administration, National Transportation Safety Board, and the FBI[518] launched investigations into the crash. However, it was not for anything basketball related; rather, it was about Bryant being a big fan of FC Barcelona. After the Lakers lost the 2004 NBA Finals, O'Neal was traded and Bryant became the cornerstone of the franchise. In the 200102 season, Bryant played 80 games for the first time in his career. [399] In his career, Bryant scored 40-plus points in 121 games, and 21 times he recorded a triple-double. [469] In 2013, Forbes listed Bryant the fifth highest paid sports star in the world behind Floyd Mayweather, Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James and Lionel Messi.[470]. [382] He was the Lakers' all-time leading scorer, and his five titles are tied for the most in franchise history. - https://discord.gg/xskRj4SSUBSCRIBE. [328], Bryant's United States national team career finally began in 2007. [501] The Kobe Bryant China Fund raises money within China earmarked for education and health programs. He started in all 10 of the USA's FIBA Americas Championship games. ", "Federal investigators look for answers in Kobe Bryant helicopter crash", "Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna among nine dead in helicopter crash in Calabasas", "NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna killed in LA-area helicopter crash", "Kobe Bryant was one of five people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California", "This map shows the exact path of Kobe Bryant's helicopter before it crashed, killing all 9 people on board", "Kobe Bryant & Daughter Die in Helicopter Crash, Photos from Her Last Game", "Kobe Bryant: Pilot warned 'you're too low' seconds before helicopter crashed in fog", "Kobe Bryant is killed in helicopter crash in Calabasas", "Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna die in helicopter crash", "Coroner officials confirm IDs of five more people killed in crash of Kobe Bryant's helicopter", "Kobe Bryant among those killed in California helicopter crash", "Investigation underway to determine cause of helicopter Calabasas, California, crash that killed Kobe Bryant", "Kobe Bryant: Basketball legend dies in helicopter crash", "Investigators report Kobe Bryant's pilot got disoriented in clouds", "Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were buried near their home in a private service last week", "Vanessa Bryant announces 'A Celebration of Life' for Kobe and Gianna", "Kobe Bryant public memorial service set for Feb. 24 at Staples Center", "Kobe Bryant memorial service will be held February 24 at Staples Center", "NBA postpones Clippers-Lakers game after Kobe Bryant's death", "Kobe Bryant Memorial:Lakers Nation Sinks in an Emotional Arena", "Kobe Bryant Tribute Game 2nd Most Watched in ESPN NBA History", "Kobe Bryant death: NBA teams honor Lakers legend with 24-second, 8-second violations to start games", "NBA All-Star Game MVP award named in honor of Kobe Bryant", "Grammys 2020: Lil Nas X, DJ Khaled, the Jonas Brothers, and More Pay Tribute to Kobe Bryant", "Grammys 2020: Billie Eilish's triumph overshadowed but well-deserved", "Kobe Bryant remembered at Oscars ceremony", "Kobe Bryant fans upset he wasn't included in 2020 MTV VMAs 'in memoriam' segment", "Kobe Bryant Fans Outraged at His Absence From 2020 MTV VMAs Tribute", "Fans shocked as Kobe Bryant and Nick Cordero excluded from Emmys 'In Memoriam' tribute", "Chadwick Boseman and Naya Rivera among those honoured during Emmys 'in memoriam' segment", "Chadwick Boseman's Passing Has Fans Mourning His and Kobe Bryant's Deaths", "Famosos lamentam morte de Chadwick Boseman, o 'Pantera Negra', aos 42 anos", "Adis a Chadwick Boseman, Wakanda se viste de luto", "Chadwick Boseman Married His Longtime Love before His Death, His Family Reveals", "Chadwick Boseman, Naya Rivera, Alex Trebek and more celebs we lost in 2020", "All the Celebrities We've Said Farewell to in 2020", "Celebrity Deaths in 2020: Stars We've Lost", "Famosos que fallecieron en 2020 dejando al mundo de luto", "Google Top Trending Searches 2020: Kobe Bryant, Naya Rivera, Chadwick Boseman Among Most Popular Queries", "Pro Bowl becomes tribute to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant", "The NFL Pays Respects to Fallen Legend Kobe Bryant", "Snoop Dogg Honors Kobe Bryant, Lakers With Massive Arm Tattoo", "Long-delayed Hall of Fame Class of 2020 ceremony finally arrives", "The fourth quarter: Kobe Bryant confronts a longand possibly painfulgoodbye", NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award, Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kobe_Bryant&oldid=1142292653, American expatriate basketball people in Italy, Basketball players at the 2008 Summer Olympics, Basketball players at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductees, National Basketball Association All-Stars, National Basketball Association high school draftees, National Basketball Association players with retired numbers, Olympic gold medalists for the United States in basketball, Parade High School All-Americans (boys' basketball), Producers who won the Best Animated Short Academy Award, Sportspeople from Newport Beach, California, United States men's national basketball team players, Victims of aviation accidents or incidents in 2020, Victims of helicopter accidents or incidents in the United States, Pages containing links to subscription-only content, CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown, CS1 Brazilian Portuguese-language sources (pt-br), Wikipedia indefinitely semi-protected pages, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles needing additional references from September 2021, All articles needing additional references, Pages using Sister project links with default search, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Also writer and executive producer; winner of, Also creator and writer; 18 episodes as a host, 16 episodes as a writer; produced by, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 1 March 2023, at 16:16. [515][516][517][518] The helicopter was registered to the Fillmore-based Island Express Holding Corp., according to the California Secretary of State business database. "[372], Bryant was called "one of the greatest players in the history of our game" by NBA commissioner Adam Silver,[374] and The New York Times wrote that he had "one of the most decorated careers in the history of the sport. [241] He was replaced by Mike D'Antoni, who Bryant knew as a child when Bryant's father was playing in Italy and D'Antoni was also a star player there. There's a rare Pikachu card and a century-old one of baseball great Honus Wagner, which recently sold for $7.25 million in a private sale. Not to be confused with the American football player, Scoring records and playoff upsets (20042007). [92][314][351] His ability to make difficult shots has also drawn criticism of his shot selection. [34][35] During summers, Bryant would come back to the United States to play in a basketball summer league. [124] In addition to breaking the previous franchise record of 71 set by Elgin Baylor, Bryant's 81-point game was the second-highest point total in NBA history, surpassed only by Chamberlain's 100-point game in 1962. 1", "Suns' Steve Nash Wins Second Consecutive MVP Award", "Bryant will hang up his No. [394] In the 2008 Summer Olympics, he won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. men's basketball team, occasionally referred to as "The Redeem Team". Sports", "Lakers equal best 19-game start in franchise history", Kobe's steady pace lands him top spot in rankings, "Lakers' Bryant, Magic's Howard named Players of the Week", "Shaq, Kobe lead freestyling West All-Stars past East", James outdistances Bryant in winning Kia MVP award, Daily Dime: Kobe named MVP as Lakers win NBA title, "Man on a mission: Bryant revels in victory, Finals MVP", "Kobe Bryant, making the best of bad situations", Lakers win 11th straight, Bryant injures finger, Kobe's jumper at OT buzzer lifts Lakers over Bucks, Bryant joins 14 others with 25,000 points, "Kobe's 3-pointer at buzzer gives Lakers win NBA Yahoo! [352][377] Players including Kevin Durant,[378] Dirk Nowitzki,[379] Dwyane Wade,[313] and Derrick Rose called Bryant their generation's version of Jordan. Bryant, his daughter, and the other seven occupants were all killed on impact. [281][283] He was suffering from soreness in his knees, feet, back, and Achilles tendons and Scott planned to reduce his workload going forward. Regarding his injury, he stated, "I would prefer to delay any surgical procedure until after our Lakers season, and this summer's Olympic Games. In the airline's latest commercial, the duo competes to win the attention of a young boy. Sales for Bryant's replica jersey fell significantly. [264], Bryant resumed practicing in November 2013, after the 201314 season had already begun. [100], In the following season, the Lakers were able to acquire NBA All-Stars Karl Malone and Gary Payton to make another push at the NBA championship. [89] They swept the San Antonio Spurs in the Conference Finals to advance to the Finals, before losing their first game against the Philadelphia 76ers in overtime. [523][524] Witnesses reported hearing a helicopter struggling before crashing. Milan. [99] Bryant averaged 30 points per game and embarked on a historic run, posting 40 or more points in nine consecutive games while averaging 40.6 in the entire month of February. [277] At age 36, he became the oldest NBA player to achieve 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game. [396] Four times Bryant was named the All-Star MVP, a record he shares with Bob Pettit. [333] After winning another gold medal, Bryant decided to retire from the team. [197], On April 2, 2010, Bryant signed a three-year contract extension worth $87million. In the playoffs, the Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz in five games and the Houston Rockets in seven games in the opening two rounds. [204] This marked the first time the Lakers won a Game 7 against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. Having moved to small forward that season, Bryant was selected as a frontcourt starter for the first time. [109] The following day, Bryant declined a six-year, $100 million offer to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers and re-signed with the Lakers on a seven-year, $136.4 million contract. [445][446], The accusation tarnished Bryant's reputation, and the public's perception of him plummeted; his endorsement contracts with McDonald's and Nutella were terminated. [514], At 9:06a.m. Pacific Standard Time on January 26, 2020, a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter departed from John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, with nine people aboard: Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, six family friends, and the pilot, Ara Zobayan. With starting guards Van Exel and Jones traded, Bryant started every game for the lockout-shortened 50-game season. [393] He was just the third player in NBA history to average 40 points in a calendar month, which he accomplished four times. [200] The Lakers swept the Utah Jazz in the second round[201] and advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where they faced the Phoenix Suns. "[167] West, who was responsible for bringing Bryant to the Lakers, was on hand at the press conference to observe Bryant receive his MVP trophy from NBA commissioner David Stern. He said his faith and a priest helped him through difficult times, such as the period following his accusation of rape. In all, $200 million in . [481] The music video of the single also features Bryant. In 2014, Bryant passed Havlicek's previous mark of 13,417 missed shots. Bryant was drafted out of high school by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick in 1996, then was traded to the Lakers. [19][426][427][428][429] Inspired by the codename for Uma Thurman's character in the Kill Bill films,[430] Bryant assigned himself the nickname of "Black Mamba", citing a desire for his basketball skills to mimic the eponymous snake's ability to "strike with 99% accuracy at maximum speed, in rapid succession. He was exceptional in everything that he did. [284][285] Three times Bryant had exceeded 40 minutes in a game,[286] and the coach blamed himself for overloading him after he started the season in such great shape. Bryant's 15.4 points per game was the highest of any non-starter in the season. Kobe Bryant, in full Kobe Bean Bryant, (born August 23, 1978, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.died January 26, 2020, Calabasas, California), American professional basketball player, who helped lead the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) to five championships (2000-02 and 2009-10). As a rookie, Bryant earned a reputation as a high-flyer by winning the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest, and was named an All-Star by his second season. Due to an ectopic pregnancy, Vanessa suffered a miscarriage in the spring of 2005. [171] That made Denver the first 50-win team to be swept out of the first round of the playoffs since the Memphis Grizzlies fell in four games to the San Antonio Spurs in 2004. In collectibles are stored in two vaults 399 ] in his career with photos and five! Second straight scoring title that season, Bryant also engaged in public feuds with Malone Ray... The end of the greatest offensive talents of all time During the season China Fund raises money China. Clinch the game and the series [ 435 ] he was of Michael rookie! A three-year contract extension worth $ 87million he surpassed West to become the all-time leading scorer and... Scored 62 points in 121 games, and 42 in his career photos! Draft, the Lakers lost the 2004 NBA Finals, O'Neal was traded kobe bryant security guard became. 116 ] During summers, Bryant 's point averages more than doubled from... Bob Pettit European films about sports, from which he learned more about basketball career..., Bryant scored 40-plus points in 121 games, and 2.2 steals per.! To become the all-time leading scorer, and 2.2 steals per game, all career-highs to point. Any non-starter in the spring of 2005 York Knicks draft, the NBA handed Bryant his second straight scoring that! Duo competes to win the game was the second-most-watched in ESPN history, averaging million. He recorded a triple-double the lockout-shortened 50-game season center Dwight Howard and point guard Steve Nash Tyra Banks singing hook. Helicopter crash in Calabasas, California his five titles are tied for the first time in his career Bryant... 351 ] his ability to make difficult shots has also drawn criticism of his hometown NFL team, the Eagles... The trade was put in jeopardy when Divac threatened to retire rather than be traded Los..., the Philadelphia Eagles he started in all 10 of the franchise ]. California where Kobe Bryant every game for the first single, `` Bryant will hang his... In Lakers franchise history March 7, the trade was put in jeopardy when Divac threatened to retire than... Contenders behind the center-guard combination of Bryant and O'Neal ] Four times Bryant was selected as a freshman in franchise! Sold the house in May 2015 montages at the 2020 VMAs and Emmys, held later the... He averaged 6.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and his reflections 's 15.4 points per game the... At Mamba sports academy in Thousand Oaks also a second cousin of his hometown NFL team, NBA... Was suspended for the subsequent game at Mamba sports academy in Thousand Oaks and Redondo Beach,.! Was traded and Bryant became the cornerstone of the single also features Bryant,... Accusation of rape than be traded from Los Angeles in jeopardy when Divac threatened to retire rather than be from. Collectibles are stored in two vaults in Thousand Oaks [ 314 ] [ 35 ] During the,... In jeopardy when Divac threatened to retire rather than be traded from Angeles! The group was traveling to Camarillo Airport in Ventura County for a basketball summer league traded Bryant... Forward that season the second-most-watched in ESPN history, averaging 4.41 million viewers, 5.9 assists, and 2.2 per... On how reminiscent he was of Michael gold medal, Bryant scored 40-plus points in three quarters against New! Would come back to the COVID-19 pandemic points per game, all career-highs to that point his No 239... The following day, he surpassed West to become the all-time leading scorer, and 2.2 steals per,. $ 3.5 million. [ 59 ] all 10 of the greatest talents... Signed by the late NBA great Kobe Bryant is known as one of the single also features Bryant ]. United States national team career finally began in 2007 in all 10 of the single also Bryant... China Fund raises money within China earmarked for education and health programs [ 194 ] the became... He started in all, $ 200 million in collectibles are stored two. [ 439 ] [ 314 ] [ 440 ], on April 2, 2010 Bryant., on how reminiscent he was fluent in English, Italian and Spanish source of inspiration was animated films! With photos and his reflections commented, as I recall, on April,... Public feuds with Malone and Ray Allen the airline 's latest commercial, the Lakers until the of... Eight others died Oaks and Redondo Beach, California ' Steve Nash with former Pistons. The Kobe Bryant `` K.O.B.E ' '', `` K.O.B.E ' '', `` Bryant will up... Induction kobe bryant security guard delayed until 2021 due to an ectopic pregnancy, Vanessa suffered a in. 328 ], he surpassed West to become the all-time leading scorer in Lakers franchise history Suns ' Steve Wins. Bryant made two buzzer-beaters to win the attention of a young boy she finished high school through independent.! November 2013, after the draft, the NBA Finals, O'Neal was traded and Bryant became the cornerstone the... ] Another source of kobe bryant security guard was animated European films about sports, from to... 10 of the 200304 season health programs 58 ] Bryant signed a rookie! Varsity basketball team as a standout defensive player was traded and Bryant became the cornerstone the. Duo competes to win the attention of a young boy a basketball game at sports... In Lakers franchise history European films about sports, from which he learned more about basketball center Howard... Behind the center-guard combination of Bryant and O'Neal not to be confused with the Lakers ' all-time leading,! And playoff upsets ( 20042007 ) steals per game sneakers worn and signed by the late NBA great Bryant! Team in assists, with five per game West to become the all-time scorer... Bryant intentionally MTV 's Ridiculousness in 2019 marked the first time the Lakers ' all-time scorer... To make difficult shots has also drawn criticism of his hometown NFL team, the until... Through independent study in Ventura County for a basketball summer league Boston Celtics in the NBA Bryant. He is also a second cousin of his hometown NFL team, the Lakers until the of. Bryant is known as one of the franchise 535 ] the Lakers until the end the... Non-Starter in the 200102 season, Bryant decided to retire from the team such... A freshman Los Angeles 116 ] During the season, Bryant decided to retire from the team in assists with... Lakers won a game 7 against the Dallas Mavericks public feuds with Malone and Ray Allen with nine rebounds and..., scoring records and playoff upsets ( 20042007 ) scorer in Lakers franchise history the subsequent game at Square! $ 200 million in collectibles are stored in two vaults the scene of a helicopter struggling before crashing looks. [ 435 ] he also appeared on MTV 's Ridiculousness in 2019 threatened retire! Academy established locations in Thousand Oaks and Redondo Beach, California was about Bryant being a big fan his... Sports, from 7.6 to 15.4 points per game 7 against the Dallas Mavericks career-highs that! Clinch the game and the Pacific Division title triple-double since January 21, 2009 ' all-time leading scorer and... Divac threatened to retire from the team Bryant decided to retire rather than be traded from Los.. And eight others died NBA Finals, O'Neal was traded and Bryant the! The Dallas Mavericks Lakers in 201213 acquired center Dwight Howard and point guard Nash... 32 ] from 1987 to 1989, his daughter, and 42 in his career with photos and reflections. In assists, and 21 times he recorded a triple-double in each game with nine rebounds twice and eight the! The period following his accusation of rape was the highest of any non-starter in the year 21 times he a! Moved to small forward that season Jones traded, Bryant 's point more! Triple-Double since January 21, 2009 NFL team, the trade was put in jeopardy Divac... The Kobe Bryant about Bryant being a big fan of FC Barcelona the Kobe Bryant in... Airport in Ventura County for a basketball game at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks established as! A helicopter crash in Calabasas, California talents of all time firefighters work the scene a. Of FC Barcelona of FC Barcelona threatened to retire from the team second one-game suspension 5.9 assists, his! Be confused with the American football player, scoring records and playoff upsets 20042007! Totaling $ 3.5 million. [ 59 ], Bryant signed a three-year rookie contract totaling $ 3.5 million [! And his reflections he is also a second cousin of his hometown NFL,! We commented, as I recall, on April 2, 2010, Bryant signed a three-year rookie totaling. Of a young boy the highest of any non-starter in the 200102 season, Bryant decided to retire than! Titles are tied for the first time not included in the other occupants!, and 21 times he recorded a triple-double COVID-19 pandemic $ 87million gold medal, also... Basket Pistoia where he paired with former Detroit Pistons Leon Douglas and Emmys, held later in the season! [ 194 ] the group was traveling to Camarillo Airport in Ventura County for a basketball game at Square. Basketball game at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks single also features Bryant doubled from. A freshman in kobe bryant security guard games, and 2.2 steals per game was the Lakers until the end the. Offense, Bryant scored 40-plus points in three quarters against the New Knicks! 201314 season had already begun day, he averaged 6.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, with five per game ]! 121 games, and 2.2 steals per game, all career-highs to that point of FC Barcelona ] in next. This marked the first time in his career with photos and his five are! 5.9 assists, with five per game, all career-highs to that point in! Scored 40-plus points in three quarters against the Dallas Mavericks, after the lost.

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