ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0.4 months ago (distributed domain, exempt) |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant |
| Last Crawled | 2026-03-31 13:54:25 (11 days ago) |
| First Indexed | 2013-08-19 04:34:01 (12 years ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | Kobe Bryant - Wikipedia |
| Meta Description | null |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | For the American football safety, see
Coby Bryant
. For the American football cornerback, see
Cobee Bryant
.
Kobe Bryant
Bryant with the
Los Angeles Lakers
in 2014
Personal information
Born
August 23, 1978
Philadelphia
, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died
January 26, 2020
(aged 41)
Calabasas, California
, U.S.
Listed height
6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
[
a
]
Listed weight
212 lb (96 kg)
Career information
High school
Lower Merion
(
Ardmore, Pennsylvania
)
NBA draft
1996
: 1st round, 13th overall pick
Drafted by
Charlotte Hornets
Playing career
1996–2016
Position
Shooting guard
Number
8, 24
Career history
1996
–
2016
Los Angeles Lakers
Career highlights
5×
NBA champion
(
2000
–
2002
,
2009
,
2010
)
2×
NBA Finals MVP
(
2009
,
2010
)
NBA Most Valuable Player
(
2008
)
18×
NBA All-Star
(
1998
,
2000
–
2016
)
4×
NBA All-Star Game MVP
(
2002
,
2007
,
2009
,
[
b
]
2011
)
11×
All-NBA First Team
(
2002
–
2004
,
2006
–
2013
)
2×
All-NBA Second Team
(
2000
,
2001
)
2×
All-NBA Third Team
(
1999
,
2005
)
9×
NBA All-Defensive First Team
(
2000
,
2003
,
2004
,
2006
–
2011
)
3×
NBA All-Defensive Second Team
(
2001
,
2002
,
2012
)
2×
NBA scoring champion
(
2006
,
2007
)
NBA Slam Dunk Contest
champion (
1997
)
NBA All-Rookie Second Team
(
1997
)
NBA 75th Anniversary Team
Nos.
8 & 24
retired by Los Angeles Lakers
Naismith Prep Player of the Year
(1996)
Gatorade National Player of the Year
(1996)
McDonald's All-American
(
1996
)
First-team
Parade
All-American
(1996)
Fourth-team
Parade
All-American (1995)
Career statistics
Points
33,643 (25.0 ppg)
Rebounds
7,047 (5.2 rpg)
Assists
6,306 (4.7 apg)
Stats
at NBA.com
Stats
at
Basketball Reference
Basketball Hall of Fame
Medals
Men's basketball
Representing
the
United States
Olympic Games
2008 Beijing
Team
2012 London
Team
FIBA Americas Championship
2007 Las Vegas
Team
Kobe Bean Bryant
(
KOH
-bee
; August 23, 1978 – January 26, 2020) was an American professional
basketball
player. A
shooting guard
, he
spent his entire 20-year career
with the
Los Angeles Lakers
in the
National Basketball Association
(NBA). Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential players in the sport's history, Bryant won five
NBA championships
and was an 18-time
All-Star
, four-time
All-Star MVP
, 15-time member of the
All-NBA Team
, 12-time member of the
All-Defensive Team
, the 2008
NBA Most Valuable Player
(MVP), two-time
NBA Finals MVP
, and two-time
scoring champion
. He ranks fourth in
league all-time regular season
and
postseason scoring
. Bryant was posthumously named to the
NBA 75th Anniversary Team
in 2021 and was a two-time inductee to the
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
, for his playing career in 2020 and as a member of the
2008 U.S. Olympic team
in 2025.
[
3
]
The son of NBA player
Joe Bryant
, Bryant was born in
Philadelphia
and partly raised in Italy. Recognized as the top American high school basketball player while at
Lower Merion High School
in the Philadelphia suburb of
Ardmore
, Bryant declared for the
1996 NBA draft
and was selected by the
Charlotte Hornets
with the 13th pick; he was then traded to the Lakers. 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. Despite his
contentious relationship
with teammate
Shaquille O'Neal
, the pair led the Lakers to
three consecutive
NBA championships from
2000
to
2002
. In 2003, Bryant was
charged with sexual assault
. Charges were dropped after the accuser refused to testify, and a lawsuit was settled out of court, with Bryant issuing an apology and admitting to a sexual encounter he maintained was consensual.
After the Lakers lost the
2004 NBA Finals
, O'Neal was traded and Bryant became the franchise's cornerstone. He led the NBA in scoring in the
2005–06
and
2006–07
seasons. On January 22, 2006, Bryant scored a career-high
81 points
, the third
most scored in a single NBA game
behind
Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game
and
Bam Adebayo's 83-point game
. Bryant led the team to championships in
2009
and
2010
, and was named NBA Finals MVP both times. He continued to be among the league's premier players through the
2012–13 season
when he suffered a
torn achilles tendon
. The last years of his playing career were hampered by injuries and limited playing time. Bryant retired after the
2015–16 season
. In 2017, the Lakers retired both his Nos. 8 and 24, making Bryant the only player in NBA history to have multiple
numbers retired
by the same franchise.
The all-time leading scorer in Lakers history, Bryant was the first
guard
in NBA history to
play 20 seasons
. His 18 All-Star designations are the
third most
ever, and his four
NBA All-Star Game MVP Awards
are tied with
Bob Pettit
for the most in history. Bryant gave himself the nickname
Black Mamba
in the mid-2000s, and the
epithet
became widely adopted by the public. He won
gold medals
on the 2008 and
2012 U.S. Olympic teams
. In 2018, Bryant won the
Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film
for
Dear Basketball
(2017),
[
4
]
becoming the only person to win both an Olympic gold medal and an Oscar.
[
5
]
In January 2020, Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter
Gianna
were among nine people who died in
a helicopter crash
in
Calabasas, California
.
[
6
]
A number of tributes and memorials followed, and the
NBA All-Star Game MVP
was renamed in Bryant's honor.
[
7
]
Early life
Kobe Bean Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
[
8
]
[
9
]
His mother, Pam Bryant (
née
Cox), is the sister of basketball player
Chubby Cox
, and his father,
Joe Bryant
, played eight seasons in the
National Basketball Association
(NBA).
[
10
]
[
11
]
He has two older sisters: Sharia and Shaya.
[
12
]
[
13
]
His father named him after the
Kobe beef
from Japan, which he saw on a restaurant menu,
[
14
]
[
15
]
whereas his middle name, Bean, was derived from his father's nickname "Jellybean".
[
8
]
Bryant's family was
Catholic
and he was brought up with this faith.
[
16
]
[
17
]
[
18
]
Bryant started playing basketball at the age of three,
[
19
]
and the Lakers were his favorite team when he was growing up.
[
20
]
When Bryant was six, his father retired from the NBA and moved his family to
Rieti
in Italy to continue playing professional basketball.
[
21
]
[
22
]
After two years, they moved first to
Reggio Calabria
, then to
Pistoia
and
Reggio Emilia
. Kobe became accustomed to his new lifestyle and learned to speak fluent Italian.
[
23
]
He was especially fond of Reggio Emilia, which Kobe considered a loving place and where some of his best childhood memories were made.
[
24
]
[
25
]
Kobe began to play basketball seriously while living in Reggio Emilia.
[
26
]
[
27
]
His grandfather mailed him videos of NBA games for him to study.
[
28
]
Another source of inspiration was animated European films about sports, from which Kobe learned more about basketball.
[
29
]
From 1987 to 1989, his father played for
Olimpia Basket Pistoia
where he paired with former
Detroit Pistons
player
Leon Douglas
. Kobe worked at the games as a ball and mop boy and practiced shooting at halftime. Douglas said, "At every one of our games at halftime, it was the Kobe show. He'd get out there and get his shot up. We'd come out of the locker room at halftime and have to chase him off the court".
[
30
]
Bryant also learned to play
soccer
, and his favorite soccer team was
A.C. Milan
.
[
31
]
[
32
]
During summers, Bryant returned to the United States to play in a basketball summer league.
[
33
]
When he was 13, Bryant and his family moved back to Philadelphia, where he enrolled in the eighth grade at
Bala Cynwyd Middle School
.
[
23
]
[
34
]
High school (1992–1996)
Bryant's retired
No.
33 jersey and banner at the
Lower Merion High School
gym in
Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Bryant earned national recognition during a spectacular high-school career at
Lower Merion High School
in
Ardmore
, located in the Philadelphia suburb of
Lower Merion
. He played on the varsity basketball team as a freshman.
[
35
]
Bryant became the first freshman in decades to start for Lower Merion's varsity team, but the team finished with a 4–20 record.
[
35
]
[
36
]
The following three years, the Aces compiled a 77–13 record, with Bryant playing all five positions.
[
35
]
During his junior year, Bryant averaged 31.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 3.8 blocks and 2.3 steals
[
37
]
and was named Pennsylvania Player of the Year while also earning a
fourth-team
Parade
All-American
nomination,
[
38
]
[
39
]
attracting attention from college recruiters in the process.
[
38
]
Duke
,
Michigan
,
North Carolina
and
Villanova
were at the top of his list. However, after high schooler
Kevin Garnett
went in the first round of the
1995 NBA draft
, Bryant also began contemplating
going directly to the pros
.
[
38
]
At
Adidas
ABCD Camp
, Bryant earned the 1995 senior MVP award
[
40
]
while playing alongside future NBA teammate
Lamar Odom
.
[
41
]
While in high school, then 76ers coach
John Lucas
invited Bryant to work out and scrimmage with the team, where he played one-on-one with
Jerry Stackhouse
.
[
42
]
As a senior, Bryant led the Aces to their first state championship in 53 years. 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 31–3 record.
[
43
]
Bryant finished his high-school career as
Southeastern Pennsylvania
's all-time leading scorer at 2,883 points, surpassing both
Wilt Chamberlain
and
Lionel Simmons
.
[
44
]
Bryant received several awards for his outstanding performance during his senior year at Lower Merion. These included being named
Naismith High School Player of the Year
,
Gatorade
Men's National Basketball Player of the Year, a
McDonald's All-American
, a first-team
Parade
All-American and a
USA Today
All-USA First Team player.
[
45
]
[
46
]
Bryant's varsity coach, Greg Downer, commented that he was "a complete player who dominates" and praised his work ethic, even as the team's top player.
[
43
]
[
47
]
In 1996, Bryant took
R&B
singer
Brandy
to her Hollywood High senior prom.
[
48
]
Ultimately, the 17-year-old Bryant decided to go directly into the NBA, becoming only the sixth player in NBA history to do so.
[
35
]
His news was met with a significant publicity at a time when prep-to-pro NBA players were not very common (
Kevin Garnett
being the only exception in 20 years).
[
35
]
His basketball skills and
SAT
score of 1080 would have ensured admission to any college Bryant chose,
[
49
]
[
50
]
but he did not officially visit any campuses.
[
47
]
In 2012, Bryant was honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans for his high school play as well as his later accomplishments.
[
51
]
Professional career
1996 NBA draft
If you closed your eyes and thought a little bit, you might have thought you were watching
Michael Jordan
. He did everything well – beyond well. He was exceptional in everything that he did. And then we commented, as I recall, on how reminiscent he was of Michael.
—
Jan Volk
, the Celtics' general manager, on Kobe Bryant during a pre-draft workout in 1996
[
52
]
Before the
1996 NBA draft
, Bryant had worked out in Los Angeles, where he scrimmaged against former Lakers players
Larry Drew
and
Michael Cooper
and, according to then-Laker general manager
Jerry West
, "marched over these people."
[
53
]
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
. Bill Branch, the
Charlotte Hornets
' head scout at the time, said the Hornets agreed to trade their
No.
13 pick to the Lakers the day before the draft. Before agreement, the Hornets never considered drafting Bryant. During the draft, the Lakers told the Hornets whom to select minutes before the pick was made.
[
54
]
Bryant was the first guard drafted directly out of high school. After the draft, the trade was put in jeopardy when Divac threatened to retire rather than be traded from LA. However, on June 30, Divac relented and the trade was finalised on July 9, when the league's off-season
moratorium
ended.
[
55
]
Since Bryant was 17, his parents had to co-sign his contract until Bryant was able to sign his own when he turned 18 before the season began.
[
56
]
Bryant signed a three-year rookie contract totaling $3.5 million.
[
57
]
Los Angeles Lakers (1996–2016)
Adjusting to the NBA (1996–1999)
Bryant debuted in the
Summer Pro League
in
Long Beach, California
, scoring 25 points in front of a standing-room-only crowd. Defenders struggled to get in front of him, and his performance excited West and Lakers coach
Del Harris
.
[
58
]
Bryant scored 36 points in the finale and finished with averages of 24.5 points and 5.3 rebounds.
[
59
]
As a rookie in
1996–97
, Bryant mostly came off the bench behind guards
Eddie Jones
and
Nick Van Exel
.
[
60
]
At the time, he was the
second-youngest player ever to play in an NBA game
(18 years, 72 days) and became the youngest NBA starter (18 years, 158 days).
[
61
]
[
62
]
Bryant played limited minutes, but as the season continued, he saw more playing time.
By the end of the season, Bryant averaged 15.5 minutes. During the
All-Star weekend
, he participated in the
Rookie Challenge
and won the 1997
Slam Dunk Contest
, becoming the youngest dunk champion aged 18.
[
63
]
Bryant's performance throughout the year earned him a spot on the
NBA All-Rookie Second Team
.
[
64
]
The Lakers advanced to the
Western Conference
semifinals in the
playoffs
against the
Utah Jazz
, when Bryant was pressed into a lead role at the end of Game 5.
Byron Scott
missed the game with a sprained wrist,
Robert Horry
was ejected for fighting with
Jeff Hornacek
, and
Shaquille O'Neal
fouled out with 1:46 remaining. Bryant shot four
air balls
; the Jazz won 98–93 in overtime to eliminate the Lakers 4–1.
[
65
]
He first missed a game-winning two-point
jump shot
in the fourth quarter, then misfired three
three-point field goals
in overtime, including two tying shots in the final minute.
[
66
]
O'Neal commented that "[Bryant] was the only guy who had the guts at the time to take shots like that."
[
67
]
In
Bryant's second season
, he received more playing time and showed more of his abilities as a guard. As a result, Bryant's point averages more than doubled, from 7.6 to 15.4.
[
68
]
He saw an increase in minutes when the Lakers "played small", which would feature Bryant playing
small forward
alongside the guards he would usually back up.
[
69
]
Bryant was the runner-up for the
NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award
,
[
70
]
and through fan voting, became the youngest
NBA All-Star
starter in history.
[
71
]
Bryant was joined by teammates O'Neal, Van Exel, and Jones, making it the first time since 1983 that four players on the same team were selected to play in the same All-Star Game. Bryant's 15.4 points per game was the highest of any non-starter in the season.
[
72
]
The
1998–99 season
marked Bryant's emergence as a premier guard in the league. Bryant started every game for the lockout-shortened 50-game season.
[
73
]
He signed a six-year $70 million contract extension,
[
72
]
keeping him a Laker till the end of 2003–04. Sportswriters compared his skills to
Michael Jordan
and
Magic Johnson
.
[
56
]
[
74
]
[
75
]
However, the playoff results were no better as the Lakers were
swept
by the
San Antonio Spurs
in the Western Conference Semifinals.
[
76
]
Three-peat (1999–2002)
Bryant in December 1999
Bryant's fortunes improved when
Phil Jackson
was appointed Lakers coach in 1999.
[
77
]
After years of steady improvement, Bryant became one of the premier
shooting guards
in the league, earning appearances in the league's All-NBA,
[
78
]
All-Star, and All-Defensive teams.
[
79
]
The Lakers became championship contenders behind the center-guard combination of Bryant and O'Neal. Jackson utilized the
triangle offense
that he implemented to win championships with the
Chicago Bulls
; this offense would help Bryant and O'Neal rise to the elite. Three championships were won consecutively in
2000
,
2001
, and
2002
, further cementing this.
[
80
]
Bryant was sidelined for six weeks prior to the start of the
1999–2000 season
due to a hand injury from a preseason game.
[
81
]
When Bryant was back and playing over 38 minutes a game, he had an increase in all statistical categories during the 1999–2000 season. This included leading the team in assists and steals per game. The duo of O'Neal and Bryant backed with a strong bench led to the Lakers winning 67 games, tied for fifth-most in NBA history. This followed with Bryant being named to the
All-NBA
Second Team and All-NBA Defensive Team for the first time in his career (the youngest player to receive All-Defensive honors).
[
82
]
While playing second fiddle to O'Neal in the
playoffs
, Bryant had some clutch performances, including a 25-point, 11-rebound, seven-assist, four-block game in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the
Portland Trail Blazers
.
[
83
]
He threw an alley-oop pass to O'Neal to clinch the game and series. In the
2000 Finals
, against the
Indiana Pacers
, Bryant injured his ankle in the second quarter of Game 2 after landing on the Pacers'
Jalen Rose
's foot. Rose admitted he placed his foot under Bryant intentionally.
[
84
]
[
85
]
Bryant did not return to the game, and missed Game 3. In Game 4, Bryant scored 22 points in the second half and led the team to victory as O'Neal fouled out. Bryant scored the winner to put the Lakers ahead 120–118.
[
86
]
With a 116–111 victory in Game 6, the Lakers won their first championship since
1988
.
[
87
]
Statistically, the
2000–01 season
saw Bryant perform similarly to the previous year, but he averaged six more points per game (28.5). It was the year when disagreements between Bryant and O'Neal surfaced.
[
88
]
Bryant led the team in assists, with five per game. However, the Lakers only won 56 games, an 11-game drop from the previous year. The team responded by going 15–1 in the
playoffs
. They swept the
Portland Trail Blazers
in the first round, and the
Sacramento Kings
in the semifinals. In Game 4 against the Kings, Bryant recorded 48 points, 16 rebounds, and three assists in a 119–113 series-clinching victory.
[
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
. The Lakers won the next four games and their second championship in as many seasons. During the playoffs, Bryant played heavy minutes which brought his stats up to 29.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. In the playoffs, O'Neal declared Bryant the best player in the league.
[
43
]
Bryant ended up making the All-NBA Second Team and All-NBA Defensive Team for the second year in a row. He was voted to start in the NBA All-Star Game for the third year in a row (no game in 1999).
In the
2001–02 season
, Bryant played 80 games for the first time in his career. On January 14, 2002, Bryant recorded a then career-high 56 points, with five rebounds, in a 120–81 victory over the visiting
Memphis Grizzlies
.
[
90
]
He continued his all-round play by averaging 25.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. Bryant had a career-high 46.9% shooting and once again led his team in assists. Bryant claimed his first
All-Star MVP trophy
after a 31-point performance in Philadelphia, when he was booed by fans throughout the game, stemming from his comment to a 76ers heckler during the Finals that the Lakers were "going to cut your hearts out."
[
91
]
[
92
]
While making the All-NBA Defensive Team again, Bryant was named to the All-NBA First Team for the first time. The Lakers won 58 games that year and finished second in the
Pacific Division
behind in-state rival
Sacramento Kings
. Bryant was suspended for one game after he punched
Reggie Miller
of the
Indiana Pacers
after the Lakers' March 1, 2002, victory over the Pacers.
[
93
]
[
94
]
The road to the Finals would prove much tougher than the record run the Lakers enjoyed the previous year. While they swept the
Blazers
and defeated the
Spurs
4–1 in the first two rounds of the
playoffs
, the Lakers did not have home-court advantage against the
Sacramento Kings
. The series would stretch to seven games, the first time this had happened to the Lakers since the 2000 Western Conference Finals. However, the Lakers beat their division rivals and made their third consecutive NBA Finals. In the
2002 Finals
against the
New Jersey Nets
, Bryant averaged 26.8 points, 51.4% shooting, 5.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists per game, which included scoring a quarter of the team's points.
[
95
]
Aged 23, he became the youngest player to win three championships.
[
95
]
Bryant was praised for his performance in the fourth quarters, specifically the last two rounds of the playoffs.
[
95
]
[
96
]
This cemented Bryant's reputation as a "clutch player".
Coming up short (2002–2004)
Bryant during the 2005 preseason
In the first game of the
2002–03 season
, Bryant recorded 27 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and four steals in an 87–82 loss to the visiting Spurs.
[
97
]
On November 1, he recorded a triple-double of 33 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 108–93 victory over the Clippers.
[
98
]
Bryant also set an NBA record for three-pointers in a game on January 7, 2003, when he made 12 against the
Seattle SuperSonics
.
[
99
]
He 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. Bryant also averaged 6.9
rebounds
, 5.9
assists
, and 2.2
steals
per game, all career-highs to that point.
[
14
]
He was once again voted to both the All-NBA and All-Defensive First Teams,
[
14
]
and came in third place in voting for the MVP award. After finishing 50–32 in the regular season, the Lakers floundered
in the playoffs
and lost in the Western Conference semifinals in six games to the eventual NBA champions
San Antonio Spurs
.
[
100
]
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.
[
101
]
Bryant was arrested for
sexual assault
before the season began.
[
102
]
This caused him to miss some games due to court appearances or attend court earlier in the day and travel to play games later on the same day.
[
103
]
In the final game of the regular season, the Lakers played the
Portland Trail Blazers
. Bryant made two buzzer-beaters to win the game and the
Pacific Division
title. At the end of the fourth quarter, Bryant made a three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left to send it into overtime.
[
104
]
The game eventually went to a second overtime, in which Bryant made another three-pointer as time expired to narrowly lift the Lakers past the Blazers, 105–104.
[
104
]
With a starting lineup of O'Neal, Malone, Payton, and Bryant, the Lakers were able to reach the
2004 Finals
.
[
105
]
However, they were upset in five games by the
Detroit Pistons
, who won their first championship since
1990
.
[
106
]
In that series, Bryant averaged 22.6 points per game and 4.4 assists while shooting 35.1% from the field.
[
107
]
Jackson's contract as coach was not renewed, and
Rudy Tomjanovich
took over.
[
108
]
O'Neal was traded to the
Miami Heat
for
Lamar Odom
,
Caron Butler
, and
Brian Grant
.
[
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.
[
110
]
[
111
]
Scoring records and playoff upsets (2004–2007)
Bryant attempting a shot during his
81-point game
on January 22, 2006
Bryant was closely scrutinized and criticized during the
2004–05 season
with his reputation damaged from all that had happened the previous year. A particularly damaging salvo came when Jackson wrote
The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul
. The book detailed the Lakers' tumultuous
2003–04 season
and has criticisms of Bryant. Jackson called Bryant "un-coachable".
[
112
]
Midway through the season, Tomjanovich resigned as Lakers coach, citing the recurrence of health problems and exhaustion.
[
113
]
Stewardship of the remainder of the Lakers' season fell to assistant coach
Frank Hamblen
.
[
114
]
Bryant was the league's second-leading scorer at 27.6 points per game, but he was surrounded by a subpar cast, and the Lakers went 34–48 and missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
[
115
]
The year signified a drop in his status in the NBA, as Bryant did not make the NBA All-Defensive Team and was demoted to the All-NBA Third Team.
[
116
]
Bryant engaged in public feuds with Malone and
Ray Allen
.
[
117
]
[
118
]
Bryant dunking against the
Golden State Warriors
during a preseason game in
Honolulu, Hawaii
, in October 2005
The
2005–06 season
marked a crossroads in Bryant's career. Despite past differences with Bryant, Jackson returned to coach the Lakers.
[
119
]
Bryant endorsed the move, and by all appearances, they worked well together the second time around, leading the Lakers
back into the playoffs
. Bryant's scoring accomplishments resulted in the finest statistical season of his career. On December 20, 2005, Bryant scored 62 points in three quarters against the
Dallas Mavericks
. Entering the fourth quarter, he had outscored the Mavericks team 62–61, the only time a player has done this through three quarters since introduction of the
shot clock
.
[
120
]
When the Lakers faced the
Miami Heat
on January 16, 2006, Bryant and O'Neal made headlines by engaging in handshakes and hugs before the game, signifying a change in
the feud
that had festered between them.
[
121
]
[
122
]
A month later, at the
2006 NBA All-Star Game
, the two were seen laughing together.
[
123
]
On January 22, 2006, Bryant scored a career-high
81 points
in a 122–104 victory over the
Toronto Raptors
.
[
124
]
In addition to breaking the previous franchise record of 71 set by
Elgin Baylor
, Bryant's 81-point game was, at the time, the second-highest point total in NBA history, only behind
Chamberlain's 100-point game
in
1962
.
[
125
]
As of 2026, Bryant's 81-point performace is the third highest-scoring single-game scoring total by a player in NBA history behind Chamberlain's 100 points and
Bam Adebayo
's
83 points
in March 2026.
[
126
]
That same month, he became the first player since
1964
to score 45 points or more in four consecutive games, joining Chamberlain and Baylor as the only players to do so.
[
127
]
For January, Bryant averaged 43.4 points per game,
[
128
]
the eighth highest single month scoring average in NBA history and highest for any player other than Chamberlain.
[
129
]
By the end of 2005–06, Bryant set Lakers single-season franchise records for most 40-point games (27) and most points scored (2,832).
[
130
]
He won the
league's scoring title
for the first time by averaging 35.4 points per game, becoming just the fifth player in league history to
average at least 35 in a season
.
[
c
]
Bryant finished in fourth place in the voting for the 2006
NBA Most Valuable Player Award
but received 22 first place votes—second only to winner
Steve Nash
.
[
133
]
Later in the season, it was reported that Bryant would change his jersey number from 8 to 24 at the start of the
2006–07 season
. Bryant's first high-school number was 24 before he switched to 33.
[
134
]
[
135
]
After the Lakers' season ended, Bryant said he wanted 24 as a rookie, but it was unavailable as it was worn by
George McCloud
, as was 33, retired with
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
. Bryant wore 143 at the
Adidas
ABCD camp and chose 8 by adding those numbers.
[
135
]
In the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers played well enough to reach a 3–1 lead over the
Phoenix Suns
, culminating with Bryant's overtime-forcing and game-winning shots in Game 4. They came within six seconds of eliminating the second-seeded Suns in Game 6, but the Lakers lost 126–118 in overtime.
[
136
]
Despite Bryant's 27.9 points per game, the Lakers fell to the Suns in seven games.
[
136
]
After scoring 50 points on 20 of 35 shooting in the Game 6 loss, Bryant was criticized for only taking three shots in the second half of the 121–90 Game 7 loss to Phoenix.
[
137
]
[
138
]
During the
2006–07 season
, Bryant was selected to his ninth All-Star Game appearance, and on February 18, he recorded 31 points, six assists, and six steals, earning his second career All-Star Game MVP trophy.
[
139
]
Over the course of the season, Bryant became involved in several on-court incidents. On January 28, while attempting to draw contact on a potential game-winning jump shot, he flailed his arm, striking
San Antonio Spurs
guard
Manu Ginóbili
in the face with his elbow.
[
140
]
Bryant was suspended for the subsequent game at
Madison Square Garden
against the
New York Knicks
. The reason given was that Bryant had performed an "unnatural motion" in swinging his arm backward.
[
141
]
On March 6, he seemed to repeat the motion, this time striking
Minnesota Timberwolves
guard
Marko Jarić
.
[
140
]
NBA handed Bryant his second suspension.
[
142
]
In his first game back on March 9, Bryant elbowed
Kyle Korver
in the face, which was retroactively re-classified as a Type 1
flagrant foul
.
[
140
]
On March 16, Bryant scored a season-high 65 points against the
Portland Trail Blazers
, which helped end the Lakers seven-game losing streak. This was the second-best scoring performance of his 11-year career.
[
143
]
The following game, Bryant recorded 50 points against the Timberwolves,
[
144
]
after which he scored 60 points in a road win against the
Memphis Grizzlies
—becoming the second Laker to score three straight 50-plus point games, a feat not seen since Jordan did it in 1987.
[
145
]
The only other Laker to do so was Baylor, who scored 50+ in three consecutive contests in December 1962.
[
145
]
The next day, in a game against the
New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets
, Bryant scored 50 points, making him the second player in NBA history to have four straight 50-point games behind Chamberlain, who achieved it twice with streaks of five and seven.
[
146
]
Bryant finished the year with a total of 10 50-plus point games, surpassed only by Chamberlain.
[
d
]
Bryant won his second straight scoring title that season.
[
147
]
Throughout 2006–07, Bryant's became the top selling NBA jersey in the US and China.
[
148
]
Journalists attributed improved sales to Bryant's new number, as well as his All-Star performance.
[
149
]
[
150
]
In the
2007 NBA playoffs
, the Lakers were again eliminated in the first round by the
Phoenix Suns
, 4–1.
[
151
]
Back on top (2007–2010)
In May 2007 Bryant stated his desire for
Jerry West
's return, but denied stating he wanted to be traded if that did not happen.
[
152
]
However, three days later, on
Stephen A. Smith
's radio program, Bryant expressed anger over a Lakers "insider" who claimed Bryant was responsible for
Shaquille O'Neal
's departure from the team, and stated, "I want to be traded."
[
153
]
Three hours afterwards, Bryant stated in another interview that after talking with coach Jackson, he had backed off his trade request.
[
154
]
Bryant was shown in an amateur video saying that center
Andrew Bynum
should have been traded for All-Star
Jason Kidd
.
[
155
]
[
156
]
On December 23, 2007, Bryant became the youngest player (29 years, 122 days) to reach 20,000 points, in a game against the
New York Knicks
, after scoring 39 points to go along with 11 rebounds and eight assists.
[
157
]
[
158
]
This record was broken by
LeBron James
. On March 28, Bryant scored a season-high 53 points to go along with 10 rebounds in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
[
159
]
Bryant's Lakers lost to the
Boston Celtics
in six games during the
2008 NBA Finals
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. Regarding his injury, Bryant stated, "I would prefer to delay any surgical procedure until after our Lakers season, and this summer's Olympic Games. But, this is an injury that myself [
sic
] and the Lakers' medical staff will just have to continue to monitor on a day-to-day basis."
[
160
]
Aided by the trade for All-Star
Pau Gasol
, Bryant led his team to a West-leading 57–25 record. The Lakers swept the
Denver Nuggets
in the first round and on May 6, 2008, Bryant was announced as the league MVP.
[
161
]
He said, "It's been a long ride. I'm very proud to represent this organization, to represent this city."
[
162
]
West, who was responsible for bringing Bryant to the Lakers, was at the press conference to observe Bryant receive his MVP trophy from NBA commissioner
David Stern
. Stern stated, "Kobe deserved it. He's had just another great season. Doesn't surprise me one bit."
[
163
]
Bryant was the only unanimous selection to the All-NBA team on May 8, for the third straight season and sixth time in his career.
[
164
]
Bryant headlined the NBA All-Defensive First Team with
Kevin Garnett
, receiving 52 points, including 24 first-place nods, earning his eighth selection.
[
165
]
In the first game of the next round, against the
Utah Jazz
, Bryant scored 38 points as the Lakers beat the Jazz in Game 1.
[
166
]
The Lakers won the next game, but dropped Games 3 and 4, even with Bryant putting up 33.5 points per game.
[
167
]
The Lakers then won the next two to win the semifinals.
[
167
]
This set up a
Western Conference Finals
berth against the Spurs. The Lakers won the series in five games, sending themselves to the NBA Finals against the
Boston Celtics
. This marked the fifth time in Bryant's career, and the first time without O'Neal, that he made the Finals.
[
168
]
The Lakers lost to the Celtics in
six games
.
[
169
]
Derek Fisher
and Bryant with President
Barack Obama
during the White House visit honoring the Lakers' 2009 championship
In early September 2008, Bryant decided not to have surgery to repair his right pinkie.
[
170
]
In the
2008–09 season
, the Lakers opened the campaign by winning their first seven games.
[
171
]
Bryant led the team to tie the franchise record for most wins to start the season going 17–2,
[
172
]
and by the middle of December they compiled a 21–3 record. He was selected to his 11th consecutive
All-Star Game
as a starter,
[
173
]
and was named the Western Conference
Player of the Month
for December and January in addition to being named Western Conference Player of the week three times.
[
174
]
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
.
[
175
]
During the
2009 NBA All-Star Game
, Bryant tallied 27 points, four assists, four rebounds, and four steals and was awarded All-Star Game co-MVP with former teammate O'Neal.
[
176
]
The Lakers finished the regular season with the best record in the West (65–17). Bryant was runner-up in the MVP voting behind James,
[
177
]
and was selected to the All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team for the seventh time in his career.
In
the playoffs
, the Lakers defeated the
Utah Jazz
in five games and the
Houston Rockets
in seven games in the opening two rounds. By finishing off the
Denver Nuggets
in the Conference Finals in six games, the Lakers earned their second straight trip to the
NBA Finals
. The Lakers defeated the
Orlando Magic
in five games. Bryant was awarded his first
NBA Finals MVP
upon winning his fourth championship,
[
178
]
achieving series averages of 32.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks.
[
179
]
Bryant became the first player since West in the
1969 NBA Finals
to average at least 32.4 points and 7.4 assists for a Finals series
[
180
]
and the first since Jordan to average 30 points, five rebounds, and five assists for a title-winning team in the Finals.
[
181
]
Bryant was the league's leading scorer throughout the 2000s decade, accumulating 21,065 points in regular season play between the 1999-00 and 2008–09 seasons.
Bryant shoots a left-handed floater over future teammate
Dwight Howard
of the
Orlando Magic
in 2010
During the
2009–10 season
, Bryant made six game-winning shots including a
buzzer-beating
, one-legged three-pointer over
Dwyane Wade
on December 4, 2009, leading to the Lakers' 108–107 victory over the
Miami Heat
.
[
182
]
[
unreliable NBA source
]
Bryant considered the shot "one of the luckiest he has made."
[
183
]
A week later, Bryant suffered an avulsion fracture in his right index finger in a game against the
Minnesota Timberwolves
.
[
184
]
Despite this, Bryant continued playing, rather than take any time off.
[
184
]
Five days after his injury, Bryant made another game-winning shot, after missing on an opportunity in regulation, this time against the
Milwaukee Bucks
in an overtime game.
[
185
]
Bryant became the youngest player (31 years, 151 days) to reach 25,000 points in his career during the season, surpassing Chamberlain.
[
186
]
Bryant continued his dominant clutch plays making another game-winning three-pointer against the
Sacramento Kings
,
[
187
]
and what would be the game-winning field goal against the
Boston Celtics
.
[
188
]
The following day, Bryant surpassed West to become the all-time leading scorer in Lakers history.
[
189
]
After being sidelined for five games by an ankle injury, which also forced him to miss the
2010 NBA All-Star Game
despite being the Western Conference's leading vote-getter, Bryant made his return and made another clutch three-pointer to give the Lakers a one-point lead with four seconds remaining against the
Memphis Grizzlies
.
[
190
]
Two weeks later, he made his sixth game-winning shot of the season, against the Toronto Raptors.
[
191
]
On April 2, 2010, Bryant signed a three-year contract extension worth $87 million.
[
192
]
He finished the regular season missing four of the final five games, due to injuries to his knee and finger. Bryant suffered injuries throughout the season and missed nine games as a result. The Lakers began the
playoffs
as the No. 1-seed in the Western Conference against the
Oklahoma City Thunder
,
[
193
]
eventually defeating them in six games.
[
194
]
The Lakers swept the
Utah Jazz
in the second round
[
195
]
and advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where they faced the
Phoenix Suns
. In Game 2, Bryant finished the game with 13 assists, setting a new playoff career-high; it was the most assists by a Laker in the playoffs since
Magic Johnson
had 13 in
1996
.
[
196
]
The Lakers went on to win the series in six games capturing the Western Conference Championship and advancing to the NBA Finals for a third straight season.
[
197
]
In a rematch against the 2008 Champion
Boston Celtics
, Bryant, despite shooting 6-for-24 from the field, led the Lakers back from a 13-point third-quarter deficit in Game 7 to win
the championship
; he scored 10 of his game-high 23 points in the fourth quarter and finished the game with 15 rebounds, tying an NBA Finals record shared by
Sam Jones
and
Tom Gola
for rebounds by a shooting guard. Bryant won his fifth championship and earned his second consecutive
NBA Finals MVP
award.
[
198
]
This marked the first time the Lakers won a Game 7 against the Celtics in the NBA Finals.
[
199
]
Bryant said this was the most satisfying of all his five championships.
[
200
]
Chasing a sixth championship (2010–2013)
Bryant and the Lakers meet with President
Barack Obama
in honor of the 2010 championship
Bryant wanted a sixth championship to match Jordan's total.
[
201
]
The Lakers started the
2010–11 season
by winning their first eight games.
[
202
]
On January 30, 2011, against the Celtics, Bryant became the youngest player to score 27,000 points.
[
203
]
Two days later, Bryant became one of seven players with at least 25,000 points, 5,000 rebounds, and 5,000 assists.
[
204
]
In Boston on February 10, Bryant scored 20 of his 23 points in the second half as the Lakers rallied from a 15-point deficit for a 92–86 victory.
[
205
]
It was the Lakers' first victory of the season against one of the league's top four teams.
[
206
]
Bryant, selected to his 13th straight All-Star game after becoming the leading vote-getter, had 37 points, 14 rebounds, 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.
[
207
]
[
208
]
During the season, Bryant moved from 12th to sixth place on the
NBA all-time career scoring list
.
[
209
]
Bryant finished the season averaging less than 20 shots a game, his fewest since 2003–04.
[
210
]
On April 13, 2011, the NBA fined Bryant $100,000 for directing a gay slur at referee
Bennie Adams
in frustration at the previous day's game.
[
211
]
[
212
]
[
213
]
The
Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
praised the decision to fine Bryant, and the
Human Rights Campaign
said Bryant's language was a "disgrace". Bryant stated he was open to discussing the matter with gay rights groups and wanted to appeal his fine.
[
214
]
[
215
]
[
216
]
Bryant apologized,
[
217
]
[
218
]
and he with other Lakers appeared in a
public service announcement
denouncing his behavior.
[
219
]
The team's quest for another three-peat was ended when they were swept by the
Dallas Mavericks
in the second round of the playoffs.
[
220
]
Bryant wearing a mask in 2012 after suffering a broken nose
Bryant received experimental
platelet-rich plasma
therapy called
Orthokine
in Germany to treat the pain on his left knee and ankle,
[
221
]
[
222
]
and
Mike Brown
replaced Jackson as coach in the off-season. Bryant began the season playing with an injured wrist.
[
223
]
On January 10, 2012, he scored 48 points against the Suns. "Not bad for the seventh-best player in the league," said Bryant, referring to a preseason ESPN ranking of the top players.
[
224
]
He scored 40, 42, and 42 in his next three games.
[
225
]
It was the sixth time Bryant scored 40 or more in four straight games, a feat exceeded only by Chamberlain (19 times).
[
226
]
At the
2012 NBA All-Star Game
, Bryant scored 27 to pass Jordan as the career scoring leader in the All-Star Game.
[
227
]
He suffered a broken nose and concussion in the All-Star Game after a hard foul from
Dwyane Wade
.
[
228
]
In April, Bryant missed seven games with a bruised shin.
[
229
]
He returned three games before the end of the regular season. Bryant sat out the season finale against Sacramento, foregoing the chase for a third scoring title, having needed 38 points to surpass
Kevin Durant
.
[
230
]
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 postseason appearance.
[
231
]
In
2012–13
, the Lakers acquired center
Dwight Howard
and point guard
Steve Nash
. On November 2, 2012, Bryant scored 40 points with two steals, and he passed
Magic Johnson
(1,724) as the Lakers career leader in steals. However, the Lakers lost to the Clippers and started the season 0–3 for the first time in 34 years.
[
232
]
After starting the season 1–4, coach Brown was fired.
[
233
]
He was replaced by
Mike D'Antoni
, whom Bryant knew as a child when Bryant's father played in Italy and D'Antoni was a star player there. Bryant had grown close with D'Antoni during their time with Team USA.
[
234
]
[
235
]
On December 5 against New Orleans, Bryant became the youngest player (34 years and 104 days) in league history to score 30,000 points, joining Hall of Famers Chamberlain, Jordan,
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
, and
Karl Malone
to reach that milestone.
[
236
]
On December 18, in a 101–100 victory over the
Charlotte Bobcats
, Bryant scored 30+ points in his seventh consecutive game, the longest streak by an NBA player after turning 34.
[
237
]
Bryant's streak was snapped at 10 on December 28 in a 104–87 victory over the
Portland Trail Blazers
, when he scored 27 points, sitting out the fourth quarter.
[
238
]
In a move to improve the defense, D'Antoni began having Bryant guard the opponent's best perimeter player; he was the primary defender on the Cavaliers'
Kyrie Irving
, who was held to 15 points.
[
239
]
[
240
]
Bryant acknowledged he was a more focused defender with a challenging defensive assignment, as opposed to when he played off the ball against weaker players.
[
240
]
[
241
]
His defense disrupted opponents and freed Nash from unfavorable matchups.
[
242
]
Bryant driving against the
Dallas Mavericks
on February 24, 2013. Bryant tallied 38 points in a performance that would be later dubbed "the amnesty game"
Bryant was leading the league in scoring through much of the first 42 games.
[
243
]
With a disappointing 17–25 start to the season,
[
244
]
D'Antoni had Bryant become the primary facilitator on offense and Nash was moved off the ball and became a spot-up shooter.
[
245
]
[
246
]
[
247
]
In the next three games, Bryant had at least 10 assists in three wins with a three-game total of 39 assists, the most in his career. Bryant missed a triple-double in each game with nine rebounds twice and eight in the other.
[
248
]
[
249
]
In two crucial wins in March, he scored at least 40 points and had at least 10 assists in back-to-back games, becoming the first Laker to accomplish this since West in 1970.
[
250
]
[
251
]
On February 22, 2013,
Dallas Mavericks
owner
Mark Cuban
suggested in an interview on
ESPN Dallas 103.3
that the Lakers should waive Bryant via the
amnesty clause
of the then-current collective bargaining agreement to save on luxury taxes. The Lakers called the comment 'inappropriate', and Bryant himself responded two days later by scoring 38 points in the Lakers 103-99 road victory at Dallas on February 24, famously tweeting "Amnesty THAT" after the game.
[
252
]
Bryant surpassed Chamberlain to become the fourth-leading scorer in league history in a March 30, 2013, victory over Sacramento.
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.
[
253
]
On April 10, 2013, he became the first player in NBA history to get 47 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and three steals in a game. Two days later, Bryant suffered a
torn Achilles tendon
against the
Golden State Warriors
, ending his season. Bryant's injury came while he was playing seven consecutive quarters and at least 40 minutes for seven consecutive games. The 34-year-old Bryant was averaging his most minutes (38.6) in six years, and only Portland rookie
Damian Lillard
was averaging more. Lakers general manager
Mitch Kupchak
had spoken to Bryant about his playing time, but Bryant insisted it needed to continue given the Lakers' playoff push.
[
254
]
He had surgery on April 13 to repair the tear, and it was estimated he would miss 6-9 months.
[
255
]
Bryant ended the season with customary averages of 27.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6 assists per game on 46.3% shooting. However,
The New York Times
called his leading of the Lakers back into playoff contention "perhaps some of the finest work of his career."
[
256
]
He reached 40 points eight times during the season, and had 10 or more assists in his role as distributor 11 times. Bryant was dubbed "Magic Mamba" after the passing skills of
Magic Johnson
. Bryant's assists were the second-highest of his career and his field goal percentage was its highest since 2008–09.
[
251
]
The Lakers finished the season at 45–37, good for seventh in the West. Playing without Bryant, the Lakers were swept in four games by the
San Antonio Spurs
in the first round of the playoffs.
[
257
]
Injury-plagued years (2013–2015)
Bryant shooting against
Marcin Gortat
of the
Washington Wizards
in 2014
Bryant resumed practicing in November 2013, after the
2013–14 season
had already begun. On November 25, he signed a two-year contract extension with the Lakers at an estimated value of $48.5 million.
[
258
]
Bryant remained the
league's highest-paid player
, although he accepted a discounted deal; Bryant had been eligible to receive an extension starting at $32 million per year.
[
259
]
His contract became a polarizing topic, with detractors arguing that stars should take less money to allow their team more financial freedom, while supporters countered that the NBA's biggest stars were being paid less than their true value.
[
260
]
[
261
]
[
262
]
Bryant resumed playing on December 8 after missing the season's first 19 games, being limited to nine points, although tying a team-high in assists and rebounds, with eight and four respectively, in 106–94 home loss to the
Toronto Raptors
. Nine days later, he matched his season high of 21 points in a 96–92 win over Memphis, but suffered a
lateral tibial plateau fracture
in his left knee that was expected to sideline him for six weeks.
[
263
]
Bryant had played six games since returning from his Achilles injury, which included time at point guard after injuries to Nash,
Steve Blake
, and
Jordan Farmar
.
[
264
]
Bryant was averaging 13.8 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds.
[
265
]
Despite being sidelined, he was voted by fans to start in
his 16th All-Star game
. Bryant did not feel he was deserving of the selection, and some likened it to a career achievement award for his past performance.
[
266
]
However, Bryant missed playing in the game, still hampered by his knee.
[
267
]
On March 12, 2014, the Lakers ruled Bryant out for the rest of the season, citing his need for more rehab and the limited time remaining in the season. At the time, the team was 22–42 and tied for the worst record in the Western Conference. The Lakers finished 27–55 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005.
[
265
]
Bryant returned for the
2014–15 season
, his 19th season with the Lakers,
[
268
]
who had replaced D'Antoni with Bryant's former Lakers teammate,
Byron Scott
.
[
269
]
On November 30, 2014, in a 129–122 overtime victory over the
Toronto Raptors
, Bryant recorded his 20th career triple-double with 31 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds.
[
270
]
At age 36, Bryant became the oldest NBA player to achieve 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game.
[
e
]
On December 14, he became the NBA's third
all-time leading scorer
, passing Jordan (32,292) in a 100–94 victory over Minnesota.
[
272
]
Bryant played in the first 27 games of the season,
[
273
]
averaging team-highs with 26.4 points and 35.4 minutes per game while leading the league with 22.4 shots per game.
[
274
]
[
275
]
However, Scott held him out for three straight games to rest after one of his worst performances of the season, when Bryant committed nine turnovers and scored 25 points on just 8-for-30 shooting in a 108–101 loss to Sacramento.
[
274
]
[
276
]
He was suffering from soreness in his knees, feet, back, and Achilles tendons, and Scott planned to reduce Bryant's workload going forward as a result.
[
277
]
[
278
]
Bryant had exceeded 40 minutes in a game thrice,
[
279
]
and the coach blamed himself for overloading Bryant after he started the season in such great shape.
[
280
]
For the season, Bryant had been shooting just 37 percent from the field, and the team's record was only 8–19.
[
273
]
[
275
]
In his second game back after resting, Bryant had 23 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds in a 111–103 victory over Denver, and became just the third player in league history to record multiple triple-doubles in a season at age 36 or older.
[
f
]
On January 21, 2015, Bryant suffered a
rotator cuff tear
in his right shoulder while driving baseline for a two-handed dunk against the
New Orleans Pelicans
.
[
282
]
Though he was right-handed, Bryant returned to play in the game and ran the offense while shooting, dribbling, and passing almost exclusively with his left hand.
[
283
]
Prior to the injury, Bryant had been rested in eight of 16 games.
[
279
]
He underwent season-ending surgery for the injury, finishing the season averaging 22.3 points but shooting a career-low 37.3 percent, well below his 45.4 percent career mark to start the season.
[
284
]
Bryant was expected to be sidelined for nine months with a return targeted toward the start of the 2015–16 season.
[
285
]
[
286
]
The Lakers finished the season with a record of 21–61, surpassing the franchise record for most losses in a season that they had set the previous year.
[
287
]
Final season (2015–2016)
Bryant playing against
Gary Neal
of the
Washington Wizards
after announcing his forthcoming retirement, 2015
After recovering to play in the
2015–16
preseason,
[
288
]
Bryant suffered a calf injury and missed the final two weeks of exhibition games.
[
289
]
However, he played in the season opener to begin his 20th season with the Lakers, surpassing
John Stockton
's league record of 19 for the
most seasons with the same team
.
[
290
]
On November 24, 2015, the Lakers fell to 2–12 after losing 111–77 to the Warriors. Bryant scored just four points in 25 minutes on 1-for-14 shooting, matching the worst-shooting game of his career in which he attempted at least five shots.
[
291
]
[
292
]
A week later, Bryant played his last game against his hometown team, the
Philadelphia 76ers
, scoring a team-high 20 points in a 103–91 Lakers loss.
[
293
]
On November 29, 2015, Bryant announced via
The Players' Tribune
that he would be retiring at the end of the season. In his poem titled "
Dear Basketball
", Bryant wrote that he fell in love with the game at age six.
[The 2015–16] season is all I have left to give.
My heart can take the pounding
My mind can handle the grind
But my body knows it's time to say goodbye.
And that's OK. I'm ready to let you go.
[
294
]
In a letter distributed to Lakers' fans before that evening's game against the
Indiana Pacers
, Bryant wrote: "What you've done for me is far greater than anything I've done for you. ... My love for this city, this team and for each of you will never fade. Thank you for this incredible journey."
[
294
]
At the time of his announcement, Bryant was second on the team in minutes (30.8) behind
Jordan Clarkson
and leading the team with 16.7 field goal attempts per game, while averaging just 15.7 points and shooting a career-low 31.5 percent.
[
292
]
[
295
]
Bryant's free throw attempts had dropped from his career average, and his game had become over-reliant on
pump fakes
and long-range shots, making a league-worst 19.5 percent from three-point range while attempting seven a game, almost double his career average.
[
295
]
[
296
]
In his press conference after the announcement, Bryant acknowledged his declining skills. He stated: "Even though I play like shit, I've worked really, really hard not to play like crap and I do everything I possibly can. And I feel good about that."
[
297
]
[
298
]
Bryant requested that opposing teams on the road not hold any on-court ceremonies in his honor or present him any gifts in public.
[
299
]
Prior to announcing his retirement, Bryant had been steadfast about not wanting the fuss of a staged farewell tour, preferring to hear boos instead of cheers.
[
300
]
[
301
]
However, Bryant was still honored around the league with video tributes and fan ovations,
[
299
]
including arenas that historically jeered him such as
TD Garden
in Boston,
Wells Fargo Center
in Philadelphia,
Moda Center
in Portland,
Sleep Train Arena
in Sacramento, and
Vivint Smart Home Arena
in Salt Lake City.
[
302
]
[
303
]
[
304
]
[
305
]
Previously, Bryant was respected but not beloved,
[
306
]
[
307
]
and he was astonished at the cheers he was now receiving.
[
307
]
Bryant, in his final game against Cleveland, defending
LeBron James
in February 2016
On February 3, Bryant made seven three-pointers and scored a then season-high 38 points, including 14 of the team's 18 points in the last 5:02 of the game, for a 119–115 victory over the
Minnesota Timberwolves
. The win ended a 10-game losing streak, and the Lakers averted establishing the longest losing streak in franchise history.
[
308
]
He became just the fourth NBA player over 37 years old to log at least 35 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a game.
[
g
]
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. Having moved to
small forward
that season, Bryant was selected as a frontcourt starter for the first time.
[
309
]
Playing in his first All-Star game since 2013, Bryant had 10 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.
[
310
]
West teammates offered to feed him the ball in an attempt to get him another All-Star MVP, but Bryant declined.
[
310
]
[
311
]
In his final game on April 13, in a 101–96 win against the against the
Utah Jazz
, Bryant scored an NBA season-high 60 points on 50 shots—the most in an NBA game in the past 30 seasons—while also outscoring the Jazz by himself 23–21 in the fourth quarter. He also set an NBA record for the most points by a player in his final regular season game.
[
312
]
Bryant became the oldest player to score 60 or more points in a game at 37 years and 234 days old.
[
313
]
The Lakers finished the season with a 17–65 record, their worst record in franchise history.
[
314
]
After the game, he gave a prolonged speech in front of the Staples Center crowd.
I can't believe how fast 20 years went by. [...] To be standing [on the] center court with you guys, my teammates behind me, appreciating the journey that we've been on — we've been through our ups [and] downs. I think the most important part is we all stayed together throughout. [...] Thank you guys for all the years of support. Thank you guys for all the motivation. Thank you for all the inspiration. What can I say? Mamba out.
[
312
]
National team career
Bryant avoiding a collision in a game against
China
at the
2008 Summer Olympics
Bryant declined to play in the
2000 Olympics
because he was getting married in the off-season.
[
315
]
Bryant also decided not to play in the
2002 FIBA World Championship
.
[
316
]
He was originally selected for the FIBA Americas Championship in 2003, but withdrew after undergoing arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgeries.
[
317
]
The following summer, Bryant had to withdraw from the Olympic team because of his sexual assault case.
[
318
]
Along with LeBron James, Bryant was one of the first two players to be publicly named to the 2006–2008 U.S. preliminary roster in 2006 by
Jerry Colangelo
.
[
319
]
However, he was once again sidelined after knee surgery and did not participate in the
2006 FIBA World Championship
.
[
320
]
Bryant's
United States national team
career finally began in 2007. He was a member of the 2007 USA Men's Senior National Team and USA FIBA Americas Championship Team that finished 10–0, won gold and qualified the United States men for the 2008 Olympics. Bryant started in all 10 of the USA's FIBA Americas Championship games. He averaged 15.3 points, 2.9 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game in the tournament.
[
321
]
Bryant with the
United States men's national basketball team
in the
2008 Beijing Olympics
On June 23, 2008, Bryant was named to the USA Men's Senior National Team for the
2008 Summer Olympics
.
[
322
]
This was his first time going to the Olympics. Bryant scored 20 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, along with six assists, as Team USA defeated Spain 118–107 in the
gold medal game
on August 24, 2008, for its first gold medal in a worldwide competition since the
2000 Olympics
.
[
323
]
He averaged 15.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting .462 from the field in eight Olympic contests.
[
324
]
Bryant rejoined the national team for the
2012 Summer Olympics
.
[
325
]
After winning another gold medal, he decided to retire from the team.
[
326
]
Bryant finished his national team career with a record of 26–0 across three tournaments, winning a gold medal each time.
[
327
]
Player profile
Bryant shoots a
fadeaway
over
Shane Battier
in 2009
Bryant primarily played as a
shooting guard
. He was listed at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) and 212 pounds (96 kg),
[
328
]
Bryant was often cited as one of the most dangerous scorers in the NBA.
[
329
]
[
330
]
He has drawn frequent comparisons to Michael Jordan, after whom Bryant modeled his playing style.
[
331
]
[
332
]
[
333
]
Like Jordan, Bryant became most known for shooting a
fall-away jump shot
.
[
334
]
Chris Ballard of
Sports Illustrated
described another of Bryant's most famous moves as the "jab step-and-pause" in which Bryant jabbed his non-
pivot foot
forward to let the defender relax but instead of bringing the jab foot back, Bryant pushed off of it and drove around his opponent to get to the basket.
[
335
]
Bryant also learned and practiced post moves through individual coaching sessions from
Hakeem Olajuwon
.
[
336
]
Bryant established a reputation for taking shots in the closing moments of tight games,
[
337
]
[
338
]
[
339
]
even when he was
double
or triple-teamed,
[
340
]
and was noted as one of the premier closers in the NBA.
[
340
]
[
341
]
In a 2012 annual survey of NBA general managers, Bryant was selected for the 10th consecutive season as the player general managers would want to take a clutch shot with a game on the line.
[
342
]
[
343
]
Bryant enjoyed being the villain, and reveled in being booed and then silencing the crowd with his play.
[
92
]
[
307
]
[
344
]
Bryant's ability to make difficult shots has also drawn criticism of his shot selection.
[
333
]
[
345
]
Throughout his career, Bryant was disparaged for being a selfish, high-volume shooter;
[
343
]
[
346
]
[
347
]
he missed more field goal attempts in his career than any other player in NBA history, until LeBron James broke that record in 2024.
[
h
]
Phil Jackson, who coached Bryant for many years, stated that Bryant "tends to force the action, especially when the game isn't going his way. When his shot is off, Kobe will pound away relentlessly until his luck turns."
[
349
]
According to Bryant, "I would go 0 for 30 before I would go 0 for 9; 0 for 9 means you beat yourself, you psyched yourself out of the game."
[
350
]
In addition to his abilities on offense, Bryant also established himself as a standout defensive player.
[
351
]
Bryant rarely drew
charges
when he played defense, which he believed spared his body and contributed to his longevity.
[
352
]
However, some critics have suggested that Bryant's defensive accolades in his later years were based more on his reputation than his actual play.
[
353
]
[
354
]
[
355
]
Bryant was also lauded for his relentless work ethic, dubbed the "Mamba mentality".
[
356
]
[
357
]
Throughout his first 17 seasons, Bryant's body was resilient,
[
285
]
and he exhibited a high
pain threshold
while often playing through injuries.
[
358
]
[
359
]
A fierce competitor, Bryant made opponents and teammates alike the objects of his scorn.
[
360
]
[
361
]
Many players have considered him difficult to play with because of his high level of commitment and performance.
[
362
]
[
363
]
[
364
]
According to sportswriter Mark Heisler of
Forbes
, "circa 2004–2007, Kobe was the most alienated superstar the NBA had ever seen."
[
365
]
After the departure of Shaquille O'Neal, he led the Lakers to two NBA championships; during this period, Bryant became more of a mentor to his teammates than he had been earlier in his career.
[
362
]
[
365
]
Bryant's longtime head coach
Phil Jackson
noted a big difference during his two Lakers coaching stints in Bryant's demeanor towards his teammates. In his earlier years, if Bryant talked to teammates it was usually "give me the damn ball." During the latter period, Bryant "embraced the team and his teammates, calling them up when we were on the road and inviting them out to dinner. It was as if the other players were now his partners, not his personal spear-carriers."
[
366
]
NBA career statistics
Legend
GP
Games played
GS
Games started
MPG
Minutes per game
FG%
Field goal
percentage
3P%
3-point field goal
percentage
FT%
Free throw
percentage
RPG
Rebounds
per game
APG
Assists
per game
SPG
Steals
per game
BPG
Blocks
per game
PPG
Points per game
Bold
Career high
†
Won an
NBA championship
*
Led the league
Regular season
Playoffs
Off the court
Personal life
Bryant at the premiere of
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
in 2007
Bryant was the youngest of three children. He grew up with two older sisters, Sharia and Shaya, and had close relationships with them his entire life.
[
49
]
[
367
]
Through Sharia, he was the uncle of football player
Jett Washington
.
[
368
]
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."
[
369
]
Bryant was in the building and working on his debut album. They began dating and became engaged six months later in May 2000,
[
369
]
while Laine was still a senior at
Marina High School
in
Huntington Beach, California
. To avoid media scrutiny, she finished high school through independent study.
[
369
]
According to Vanessa's cousin Laila Laine, there was no
prenuptial agreement
. Laila said Bryant "loved her too much for one."
[
370
]
They got married on April 18, 2001, at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in
Dana Point, California
.
[
371
]
[
372
]
The wedding was not attended by Bryant's parents, his two sisters, his longtime advisor and agent Arn Tellem, or his Laker teammates. Bryant's parents were opposed to the marriage for a number of reasons—including, reportedly, his marrying so young, especially to a woman who was not African-American.
[
i
]
[
369
]
This disagreement resulted in an estrangement period of over two years, which ended when the couple's first daughter was born.
[
374
]
The Bryants' first daughter, Natalia, was born in January 2003.
[
375
]
Due to an
ectopic pregnancy
, Vanessa suffered a
miscarriage
in the spring of 2005. Their second daughter,
Gianna Maria-Onore
(also referred to as "Gigi"), was born in May 2006.
[
376
]
On December 16, 2011, Vanessa Bryant filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, and the couple requested joint custody of their daughters.
[
377
]
[
378
]
On January 11, 2013, Bryant and his wife announced via social media that they had called off their divorce.
[
379
]
In early December 2016, Vanessa gave birth to their third daughter,
[
380
]
[
381
]
and in January 2019, the Bryants announced they were expecting a fourth daughter,
[
382
]
who was born in June 2019.
[
383
]
[
384
]
Bryant was a practicing Catholic. He said his faith and a priest helped him through difficult times, such as the period following his accusation of rape. A Catholic
cantor
said that she was inspired by Bryant's faith, and the respect that he showed her.
[
16
]
[
17
]
[
18
]
[
385
]
Bryant and his family were regular attendees at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Newport Beach. He and his daughter, Gianna, received the
Eucharist
together just hours before they died.
[
386
]
[
387
]
Bryant was multilingual. He was fluent in English, Italian, and Spanish.
[
16
]
[
388
]
[
389
]
[
390
]
[
391
]
Inspired by the codename for
Uma Thurman
's
character
in the
Kill Bill
films,
[
392
]
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."
[
393
]
[
394
]
During the 2012–13 season, Bryant began referring to himself as "vino" to describe how his play had been
aging like a fine wine
.
[
395
]
[
396
]
In January 2002, Bryant bought a
Mediterranean-style
house for $4 million, located on a cul-de-sac in
Newport Coast, Newport Beach
.
[
397
]
He sold the house in May 2015.
[
398
]
In 2013, Bryant had a legal disagreement with an auction house over memorabilia from his early years that his parents had put up for auction. Bryant's parents received $450,000 from the auction house for the items, and contended Bryant had given them the rights to the items he had remaining in their home. However, Bryant's lawyers asked the auction house to return the items.
[
399
]
Before the scheduled trial, a settlement was reached allowing the auction house the sale of less than 10% of the items. Bryant's parents apologized to him for the misunderstanding in a written statement, and appreciated the financial support he had given them over the years.
[
400
]
[
401
]
[
402
]
Bryant grew up a baseball fan and had been a long-time supporter of the
Los Angeles Dodgers
and
Los Angeles Angels
during his tenure with the Lakers.
[
403
]
However, during the
2009 National League Championship Series
when the Dodgers played his hometown
Philadelphia Phillies
, Bryant revealed to
Craig Sager
that he actually grew up a fan of their
National League East
archrivals, the
New York Mets
wanting to be like
Darryl Strawberry
and boasted that he still had a
Ron Darling
baseball card.
[
404
]
[
405
]
Bryant also was a lifelong fan of his hometown
NFL
team, the
Philadelphia Eagles
.
[
406
]
Bryant was also a fan of
soccer
teams
Barcelona
,
AC Milan
, and
Manchester City
.
[
407
]
[
408
]
According to
Forbes
, at the time of his retirement, Bryant's $680 million in career earnings was the most ever by a team athlete during their playing career.
[
57
]
Bryant was a second cousin of his former Lakers teammate
Cedric Ceballos
.
[
409
]
Sexual assault case
In the summer of 2003, the sheriff's office of
Eagle, Colorado
, arrested Bryant in connection with an investigation of a sexual assault complaint filed by a 19-year-old hotel employee. Bryant had checked into The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera in Eagle County in advance of undergoing knee surgery nearby. The accuser stated that Bryant raped her in his hotel room the night before he was to have the procedure. Bryant admitted to an
adulterous
sexual encounter with his accuser but denied her sexual assault allegation.
[
410
]
[
411
]
Bryant was charged on July 18, 2003.
[
412
]
[
413
]
The accusation had a negative impact on Bryant's reputation, and the public's perception of him plummeted; his endorsement contracts with
McDonald's
and
Nutella
were terminated. Sales for Bryant's replica jersey fell significantly.
[
414
]
In September 2004, the assault case was dropped by prosecutors after the accuser decided not to testify at the trial. Afterward, Bryant agreed to apologize to her for the incident, including his public
mea culpa
: "Although I truly believe this encounter between us was consensual, I recognize now that she did not and does not view this incident the same way I did. After months of reviewing discovery, listening to her attorney, and even her testimony in person, I now understand how she feels that she did not consent to this encounter."
[
415
]
[
416
]
The accuser filed a separate
lawsuit
against Bryant, which the two sides settled privately.
[
417
]
Bryant in
Manila
in 2009
Endorsements
Bryant at a Nike store launch ceremony in Taipei, 2007
Before starting the
1996–97 season
, Bryant signed a six-year contract with
Adidas
worth approximately $48 million.
[
418
]
[
419
]
His first signature shoe was the Equipment KB 8.
[
420
]
Bryant's other, earlier endorsements included deals with
The Coca-Cola Company
to endorse their
Sprite
soft drink, appearing in advertisements for McDonald's, promoting
Spalding
's new NBA Infusion Ball,
Upper Deck
, Italian chocolate company
Ferrero SpA
's brand
Nutella
,
Russell Corporation
,
[
421
]
and appearing on his own series of video games by
Nintendo
. Many companies like McDonald's and Ferrero SpA terminated Bryant's contracts when rape allegations against him became public.
[
422
]
A notable exception was
Nike, Inc.
, who had signed Bryant to a five-year, $40–45 million contract just before the incident.
[
423
]
[
424
]
They refused to use his image or market a new shoe of his for the year, but started promoting Bryant two years later, when his image had recovered.
[
424
]
Bryant also resumed endorsement deals with The Coca-Cola Company, through their subsidiary
Energy Brands
, to promote their Vitamin Water brand of drinks.
[
425
]
He was also the cover athlete for
NBA '07: Featuring the Life Vol. 2
and appeared in commercials for the video games
Guitar Hero World Tour
(with
Tony Hawk
,
Michael Phelps
, and
Alex Rodriguez
) in 2008 and
Call of Duty: Black Ops
(alongside
Jimmy Kimmel
) in 2010.
[
426
]
In a 2008 video promoting Nike's Hyperdunk shoes, Bryant appears to jump over a speeding
Aston Martin
. The stunt was considered fake, and the
Los Angeles Times
said a real stunt would probably be a violation of Bryant's Lakers contract.
[
427
]
After promoting Nike's Hyperdunk shoes, Bryant came out with the fourth edition of his signature line by Nike, the Zoom Kobe IV. In 2010, Nike launched another shoe, Nike Zoom Kobe V.
[
428
]
In 2009, Bryant signed a deal with Nubeo to market the Black Mamba Collection, a line of sports/luxury watches ranging from $25,000 to $285,000.
[
429
]
On February 9, 2009, he was featured on the cover of
ESPN The Magazine
—
not for anything basketball related, but about his being a big fan of
FC Barcelona
.
[
430
]
CNN
estimated Bryant's endorsement deals in 2007 to be worth $16 million a year.
[
431
]
In 2010, he was ranked third, behind
Tiger Woods
and
Michael Jordan
, in
Forbes
'
list of the world's highest-paid athletes
, with $48 million.
[
432
]
Bryant with U.S. President
George W. Bush
,
Jason Kidd
, and
Deron Williams
at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China
On December 13, 2010, Bryant signed a two-year endorsement deal with Turkey's
national
airline,
Turkish Airlines
; he appeared in a promotional film aired in over 80 countries, and appeared in digital, print and billboard advertising.
[
433
]
[
434
]
[
435
]
In September 2012, Bryant shot a commercial for
Turkish Airlines
with
FC Barcelona
star
Lionel Messi
. In the airline's latest commercial, the duo competes to win the attention of a young boy.
[
436
]
In 2013,
Forbes
listed Bryant the fifth-highest paid sports star in the world behind
Floyd Mayweather
,
Cristiano Ronaldo
,
LeBron James
, and
Lionel Messi
.
[
437
]
Bryant appeared as the cover athlete for the following video games:
Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside
[
438
]
NBA Courtside 2: Featuring Kobe Bryant
[
439
]
NBA Courtside 2002
[
440
]
NBA 3 on 3 Featuring Kobe Bryant
[
441
]
NBA '07: Featuring the Life Vol. 2
[
442
]
NBA 09: The Inside
[
443
]
NBA 2K10
[
444
]
NBA 2K17
(Legend Edition; Legend Edition Gold)
[
444
]
NBA 2K21
(Mamba Forever Edition)
NBA 2K24
(Kobe Bryant Edition and Black Mamba Edition)
Bryant was also one of the global ambassadors of the
2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup
in China.
[
445
]
Music
In high school, Bryant was a member of a
rap
group called CHEIZAW, named after the Chi Sah gang in the martial arts film
Kid with the Golden Arm
. The group was signed by
Sony Entertainment
, but the company's ultimate goal was to eliminate the group and have Bryant record on his own. The label wanted to capitalize on Bryant's youth and NBA fame. He performed at a 1997 concert by
Sway & King Tech
and recorded a verse for a remix of
Brian McKnight
's "Hold Me". Bryant even appeared on Lakers teammate O'Neal's
Respect
, starting the track "3 X's Dope", though Bryant's name was not listed on the credits.
[
22
]
Bryant's only credited appearance on the
Billboard Hot 100
was as a featured rapper on Brian McKnight and Tone's single "Hold Me", which was released in 1998 and peaked at number 35 in January 1999.
[
446
]
Sony pushed Bryant from his roots of
underground hip hop
into a more radio-friendly sound. His debut album,
Visions
, was scheduled to release in the spring of 2000. The first single, "K.O.B.E'", featured supermodel
Tyra Banks
singing the
hook
. The single debuted in January 2000, and was performed at NBA All-Star Weekend that month, but it was not well received.
[
22
]
Sony abandoned plans for the album, which was never released, and dropped Bryant later that year. The Sony president who originally signed Bryant had already left, and Bryant's other backers had mostly abandoned him. Afterward, Bryant co-founded an independent record label, Heads High Entertainment, but it folded within a year.
[
22
]
In 1999, he appeared on a remix of "
Say My Name
" by
Destiny's Child
on the
Maxi single
version of the song.
[
447
]
In 2011, Bryant was featured in Taiwanese singer
Jay Chou
's single "The Heaven and Earth Challenge" (天地一鬥, pronounced "Tian Di Yi Dou").
[
448
]
The proceeds for downloads of both the single and ringtones were donated to impoverished schools for basketball facilities and equipment.
[
449
]
The music video of the single also features Bryant. The song was also used by
Sprite
in its 2011 marketing campaign in China.
[
450
]
In 2009, American rapper
Lil Wayne
released a song called "Kobe Bryant".
[
451
]
Similarly, in 2010, American rapper
Sho Baraka
released a song called "Kobe Bryant On'em", which was featured on his album
Lions and Liars
.
[
452
]
In 2012, American rapper
Chief Keef
released "Kobe", a song paying tribute to Bryant.
[
453
]
[
454
]
[
455
]
It was featured on his debut studio album,
Finally Rich
, as a part of the deluxe edition.
[
456
]
For the
NBA 2K21
soundtrack,
Damian Lillard
, under his stage name Dame D.O.L.L.A., released a tribute track also titled "Kobe", featuring
Snoop Dogg
and Derrick Milano.
[
457
]
Film and television
Bryant made his acting debut in 1996, appearing in
an episode
of
Moesha
. Bryant met the show's star,
Brandy
, earlier in the year at a Nike All-Star basketball game; a couple of months later, in May 1996, he was Brandy's date to her Hollywood High School senior prom.
[
458
]
That year, Bryant
guest starred
as himself on an episode of
Arli$$
(episode: "What About the Fans?") and
Sister, Sister
(episode: "Kid-Napped"). In 1997, Bryant appeared on an episode of
Hang Time
, followed by a
guest appearance
on the
Nickelodeon
sketch comedy series
All That
(1998). He was also the first choice for the role of Jesus Shuttlesworth in
Spike Lee
's 1998 film
He Got Game
, but turned down the role, saying "this summer is too big for me."
[
459
]
[
unreliable NBA source
]
Bryant was the subject of
Spike Lee
's 2009 documentary film
Kobe Doin' Work
, which chronicled Bryant during the 2007–08 NBA season.
[
460
]
In 2018, Bryant became the first African-American to win the
Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film
, and the first former professional athlete to be nominated for and win an
Academy Award
in any category, for his film
Dear Basketball
.
[
4
]
Despite winning the Oscar, he was denied membership into the
Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences
due to his lack of a larger body of work in the film industry.
[
461
]
The film also won the
Annie Award for Best Animated Short Subject
and a
Sports Emmy Award
.
[
462
]
The film was produced by Bryant's production company,
Granity Studios
.
[
463
]
In addition to future animation projects, Bryant had been in talks with animator veteran Bruce Smith for the last six months before his death about starting his own animation studio.
[
464
]
Beginning in 2018, Bryant wrote, produced and hosted the television series
Detail
, which aired for multiple seasons on
ESPN
and
ESPN+
. It featured his insights into the game of basketball and in-depth analyzes of games and individual players.
[
465
]
[
466
]
Bryant also appeared on
MTV
's
Ridiculousness
in 2019.
[
467
]
Filmography
Year
Title
Role
Notes
1996
Moesha
Terry Hightower
[
468
]
1996
Arli$$
Himself
Episode: "What About the Fans?"
[
469
]
[
470
]
1996
Sister, Sister
Episode: "Kid-Napped"
[
468
]
1997
Hang Time
[
471
]
1998
All That
[
472
]
2000
Bette
[
470
]
2009
Kobe Doin' Work
[
473
]
2010
Modern Family
Season 1 - Episode 24 - 'Family Portrait'
[
474
]
2011
The Black Mamba
[
475
]
[
unreliable NBA source
]
2014
Nowitzki. The Perfect Shot
[
476
]
[
questionable NBA source
]
2015
Daddy's Home
[
477
]
2015
Kobe Bryant's Muse
Also executive producer
[
478
]
2017
Dear Basketball
Also writer and executive producer; winner of
Best Animated Short Film
at the
90th Academy Awards
.
[
479
]
2017
Musecage
[
480
]
Also creator and writer; produced by
Granity Studios
for
ESPN
and
ESPN+
2018
Detail
[
481
]
Also creator and writer; 18 episodes as a host, 16 episodes as a writer; produced by
Granity Studios
for
ESPN
and
ESPN+
2019
Quiet Storm: The Ron Artest Story
[
482
]
[
483
]
[
unreliable NBA source
]
Documentary about
Ron Artest
for
Showtime
2020
The Last Dance
Episode: "V"; Posthumous release
[
484
]
2022
The Redeem Team
[
485
]
Posthumous release
2022
Kobe: Una storia italiana
From September 15, 2022, on
Amazon Prime Video
Italy; Posthumous release
[
486
]
Philanthropy
Bryant was the official ambassador for
After-School All-Stars
(ASAS), an American non-profit organization that provides comprehensive
after-school programs
to children in 13 US cities.
[
487
]
Bryant also started the Kobe Bryant China Fund which partnered with the Soong Ching Ling Foundation, a charity backed by the Chinese government.
[
488
]
The Kobe Bryant China Fund raises money within China earmarked for education and health programs.
[
488
]
On November 4, 2010, Bryant appeared alongside
Zach Braff
at the
Call of Duty: Black Ops
launch event at the
Santa Monica Airport
, where they presented a $1 million check to the Call of Duty Endowment, an Activision-founded nonprofit organization that helps veterans transition to civilian careers after their military service has ended.
[
426
]
Bryant and his wife founded the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation (KVBFF). Its goals are "helping young people in need, encouraging the development of physical and social skills through sports and assisting the homeless." Bryant spoke of the injustice aimed at homeless people who are blamed for their situation, saying that homelessness should not be ignored or made a low priority. Bryant said he wanted more out of life than just a successful basketball career.
[
18
]
Bryant and his wife were also founding donors of the
National Museum of African American History and Culture
, with Bryant also donating his uniform that he wore in the
2008 NBA Finals
, the year Bryant was named the league MVP.
[
489
]
[
490
]
During his lifetime, Bryant granted over 200 requests for the
Make-A-Wish Foundation
.
[
489
]
[
491
]
Business ventures
Bryant established Kobe Inc. to own and grow brands in the sports industry. The initial investment was a 10% stake in the
Bodyarmor SuperDrink
company for $6 million in March 2014. The headquarters are in
Newport Beach, California
.
[
492
]
With
The Coca-Cola Company
purchasing a minority stake in the company in August 2018, the valuation of Bryant's stake rose to approximately $200 million.
[
493
]
In 2013, Bryant launched a production company called
Granity Studios
, which developed different media, ranging from films to television shows and novels.
[
463
]
On August 22, 2016, Bryant and his business partner
Jeff Stibel
launched Bryant-Stibel, a
venture capital
firm focused on different businesses including media, data, gaming, and technology, with $100 million in funding.
[
494
]
[
495
]
In 2018, Bryant and Sports Academy launched Mamba Sports Academy, a joint athletic-training business venture. The academy established locations in
Thousand Oaks
and
Redondo Beach, California
.
[
496
]
Books
On October 23, 2018, Bryant's book
The Mamba Mentality: How I Play
, with photographs and afterword by
Andrew D. Bernstein
, an introduction by
Phil Jackson
, and a foreword by
Pau Gasol
, was published by MCD /
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
. The book looks back on his career with photos and his reflections.
[
497
]
[
498
]
At the time of his death, Bryant was working with Brazilian author
Paulo Coelho
on a children's book aimed at inspiring underprivileged children. After Bryant's death, Coelho deleted the draft, saying in an interview that "it didn't make any sense to publish without him." He did not say how many pages had been written or whether the book had a title.
[
499
]
Bryant also co-wrote/produced several young adult novels through
Granity Studios
:
The Wizenard Series: Training Camp
,
Legacy and the Queen
, and
Epoca: The Tree of Ecrof
. A fourth novel,
The Wizenard Series: Season One
, was released posthumously in March 2020.
[
500
]
The Wizarenard Series: Season One
topped the
New York Times
middle-grade hardcover list.
[
501
]
Death
Fans gathered in front of Staples Center (later
Crypto.com Arena
) on the day of Bryant's death
Accident
At 9:06
a.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 including
John Altobelli
, and the pilot, Ara Zobayan.
[
502
]
[
503
]
[
504
]
[
505
]
The helicopter was registered to the
Fillmore
-based Island Express Holding Corp., according to the
California Secretary of State
business database.
[
505
]
The group was traveling to
Camarillo Airport
in
Ventura County
for a basketball game at Mamba Sports Academy in
Thousand Oaks
.
[
506
]
Due to light rain and fog that morning,
Los Angeles Police Department
helicopters and most other air traffic were grounded.
[
505
]
[
507
]
The flight tracker showed that the helicopter circled above
Glendale, California
, due to heavy air traffic in the area. At 9:30 a.m., Zobayan contacted the control tower at
Hollywood Burbank Airport
, and was told he was flying too low to be tracked by radar.
[
507
]
[
508
]
Amidst very heavy fog, the helicopter turned south towards the mountains. At 9:40 a.m., the helicopter climbed rapidly from 1,200 to 2,000 feet (370 to 610 m), flying at 161 knots (298 km/h; 185 mph).
[
507
]
At 9:45 a.m., the helicopter crashed into the side of a mountain in
Calabasas
, about 30 miles (48 km) northwest of downtown Los Angeles, and began burning. Bryant, his daughter, and the other seven occupants were all killed on impact.
[
507
]
Initial reports indicated that the helicopter crashed in the hills above Calabasas in heavy fog.
[
509
]
[
510
]
Witnesses reported hearing a helicopter struggling before crashing.
[
502
]
Investigations
On January 28, Bryant's identity was officially confirmed using fingerprints.
[
511
]
The following day, the
Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner
stated that the official cause of death for him and the eight others on the helicopter was
blunt force trauma
.
[
512
]
The
Federal Aviation Administration
,
National Transportation Safety Board
, and the
FBI
[
505
]
launched investigations into the crash.
[
513
]
[
514
]
[
515
]
The cause of the crash was hard to investigate, as the helicopter was not equipped with a
black box
. 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. The five board members said Zobayan, who also died in the crash, ignored his training and violated federal regulations during the 40-minute flight.
[
516
]
On February 28, 2023, Vanessa Bryant was awarded a $28.85 million settlement from Los Angeles County to conclude legal proceedings over graphic photos of the aftermath of the helicopter crash that were shared without the permission of the family.
[
517
]
The figure includes the $15 million she was awarded from L.A. County in a 2022 civil trial, with "additional funds to settle potential claims from her daughters"—Natalia, 20, Bianka, 6, and Capri, 3. Chris Chester, a co-plaintiff who lost his 45-year-old wife and 13-year-old daughter in the crash, settled for $19.95 million.
[
518
]
Tributes and funeral services
Metro Bus in Los Angeles with "RIP Kobe" banner, January 2020
On February 7, Bryant and his daughter were buried in a private funeral in
Pacific View Memorial Park
in the
Corona del Mar
neighborhood of
Newport Beach, California
.
[
519
]
A public memorial service was held on February 24 (2/24, marking both Kobe's and Gianna's jersey numbers) at Staples Center (later Crypto.com Arena) with
Jimmy Kimmel
hosting. Speakers at the service included Vanessa, Jordan, and O'Neal, along with
Phoenix Mercury
guard
Diana Taurasi
and
Geno Auriemma
, Taurasi's coach at
Connecticut
, where Gianna had been aspiring to play.
[
520
]
[
521
]
[
522
]
"Kobe is a brother to me. From the time I was in high school watching him from afar, to getting in this league at 18 and watching him up close, all the battles that we had throughout my career, the one thing that we always shared was that determination to just want to win, to just want to be great. The fact that I'm here now means so much to me. I want to continue, along with my teammates, his legacy. Not only for this year, but for as long as we can play this game of basketball that we love, because that's what Kobe Bryant would want. So in the words of Kobe Bryant. Mamba out. But in the words of us, not forgotten. Live on, brother."
The NBA had postponed the Lakers' game against the Clippers just two days after the accident on January 28—the first time an NBA game was postponed for any reason since the
2013 Boston Marathon bombing
led to the postponement of a Celtics game.
[
524
]
On January 30, the first game at Staples Center after the crash was played between the Clippers and the
Sacramento Kings
; the Clippers honored Bryant before the game, with Southern California native
Paul George
narrating a video tribute to Bryant. The next day, the Lakers played their first game after the crash against the Trail Blazers. Ahead of the game, the Lakers paid tribute to Bryant and all who lost their lives in the crash with a ceremony held just before tip-off, with
Usher
singing "
Amazing Grace
" and
Boyz II Men
singing the
national anthem
, while
Wiz Khalifa
and
Charlie Puth
reunited to perform "
See You Again
"—originally their tribute to
Paul Walker
after his death while filming
Furious 7
—at halftime. 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.
[
525
]
The game was the second-most-watched in ESPN history, averaging 4.41 million viewers.
[
526
]
The first ever head-to-head meeting between
Shaquille O'Neal
and
Yao Ming
in 2003 was the only one with more viewers.
[
527
]
Also, beginning with the Spurs and the Raptors in their game in San Antonio on the day of the crash, teams paid tribute to Bryant at the start of their games with intentional on-court violations referring to his uniform numbers on their first possession—either a 24-second
shot clock
or an
8-second backcourt violation
.
[
528
]
On February 15, NBA commissioner
Adam Silver
announced that the All-Star Game MVP Award would be renamed to the
NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award
in Bryant's honor.
[
529
]
In May 2020, the Mamba Sports Academy was renamed to Sports Academy out of respect for Bryant.
[
496
]
The
62nd Annual Grammy Awards
went ahead as scheduled at Staples Center on the day of the crash, but included tributes by multiple artists and groups, including host
Alicia Keys
opening the show with a tribute speech in which she called Staples Center
[
j
]
"the house that Kobe Bryant built" and joining Boyz II Men to sing "
It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday
".
[
530
]
[
531
]
[
532
]
Bryant also appeared at the start of the In Memoriam segment of the
92nd Academy Awards
following his Oscar in 2018 for
Dear Basketball
, and
Spike Lee
wore a suit in tribute to him at the ceremony.
[
533
]
He was not included in the montages at the 2020
VMAs
and
Emmys
, held later in the year. Fans were upset at the omission, especially as actors
Naya Rivera
and
Chadwick Boseman
had been featured prominently in both;
[
534
]
[
535
]
[
536
]
[
537
]
after Rivera and Boseman's unexpected deaths in July and August 2020 respectively, the three young black celebrities were popularly compared.
[
k
]
The
2020 Pro Bowl
was also played at
Camping World Stadium
in Orlando on the day of the crash, and before kickoff,
NFC
players who learned of Bryant's death conducted a prayer led by
Seattle Seahawks
quarterback
Russell Wilson
, while various on-field and PA tributes were made during the game.
[
548
]
[
549
]
In the
2020 WNBA draft
, Gianna Bryant, Alyssa Altobelli, and Payton Chester were made honorary draft picks.
[
550
]
After the Lakers beat the
Miami Heat
in Game 6 of the
2020 NBA Finals
to clinch the franchise's 17th NBA championship, rapper, Lakers fan and Long Beach native
Snoop Dogg
paid homage to Bryant and the Lakers with a full forearm tattoo.
[
551
]
Bryant was posthumously inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021, with Vanessa delivering the acceptance speech on Bryant's behalf.
[
552
]
Legacy
Bryant holding
Los Angeles
Mayor
Eric Garcetti
's hand during a 2016 ceremony in which the city of Los Angeles declared August 24 as "
Kobe Bryant Day
"
Bryant was called "one of the greatest players in the history of our game" by NBA commissioner
Adam Silver
,
[
553
]
and
The New York Times
wrote that Bryant had "one of the most decorated careers in the history of the sport."
[
553
]
Reuters
called him "arguably the best player of his generation",
[
340
]
while both
Sporting News
and
TNT
named him their NBA player of the decade for the 2000s.
[
554
]
[
555
]
In 2008 and again in 2016, ESPN ranked Bryant the second-greatest
shooting guard
of all time after Jordan.
[
345
]
[
556
]
In 2022, to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary,
The Athletic
ranked their top 75 players of all time, and they named Bryant as the 10th-greatest player in NBA history and the second-highest shooting guard on the list, behind only Jordan.
[
557
]
Many peer players—including
Kevin Durant
,
[
558
]
Dirk Nowitzki
,
[
559
]
Dwyane Wade
,
[
306
]
and
Derrick Rose
—called Bryant their generation's version of Jordan.
[
560
]
[
561
]
The Press-Enterprise
described Bryant as "maybe the greatest Laker in the organization's history."
[
562
]
He was the Lakers' all-time leading scorer, and his five titles are tied for the most in franchise history.
[
563
]
Both numbers Bryant wore during his career, 8 and 24, were retired by the Lakers on December 18, 2017.
[
564
]
In his first year of eligibility, Bryant was named a finalist for the
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
, weeks after his death,
[
565
]
before being elected a couple of months later in April 2020.
[
566
]
His formal induction was delayed until 2021 due to the
COVID-19 pandemic
.
[
567
]
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
.
[
568
]
The team was honored during the
2022 NBA All-Star Game
in
Cleveland
, with Bryant receiving one of the loudest cheers of the night.
[
569
]
With career averages of 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game,
[
328
]
Bryant was considered one of the most complete players in NBA history.
[
570
]
He is the fourth-leading scorer in league history with 33,643 points.
[
571
]
[
l
]
Bryant was the first player in NBA history to have at least 30,000 career points and 6,000 career assists,
[
573
]
and was one of only four players with 25,000 points, 6,000 rebounds, and 6,000 assists.
[
574
]
He
led the NBA in scoring
during the
2005–06
and
2006–07
seasons.
[
14
]
Bryant's
81-point performance
against Toronto in 2006 is the second-highest in NBA history,
[
575
]
behind only Chamberlain's 100. Bryant scored at least 50 points 24 times in his career, which is third in league history behind Jordan (31) and Chamberlain (118);
[
295
]
six times Bryant scored at least 60.
[
576
]
He was just the third player in NBA history to average 40 points in a calendar month, which Bryant accomplished four times.
[
m
]
He was voted the league MVP in 2008 and led his team to the
2008 NBA Finals
as the first seed in the Western Conference.
[
577
]
In the
2008 Summer Olympics
, Bryant won a
gold medal
as a member of the
U.S. men's basketball team
, occasionally referred to as "The Redeem Team".
[
578
]
He won another gold medal at the
2012 Summer Olympics
. Bryant led the Lakers to two more championships in 2009 and 2010, winning the
Finals MVP award
on both occasions.
Bryant was an 18-time All-Star, which ranks second behind only
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
's and LeBron James' 19.
[
579
]
Bryant was chosen a then-record 18 straight times, each time as a starter.
[
283
]
[
576
]
[
579
]
On four occasions (2003, 2011, 2013, 2016), he was the leading vote-getter.
[
579
]
Bryant was named the
All-Star MVP
four times, a record he shares with
Bob Pettit
.
[
576
]
Bryant was selected to the
All-NBA Team
on 15 occasions, tied for the most with Abdul-Jabbar and
Tim Duncan
,
[
580
]
and his 11 first-team honors are tied for the second-most with
Karl Malone
.
[
581
]
Bryant was also a 12-time
All-Defensive Team
selection, trailing only Duncan's 15, and Bryant was named to the All-Defensive First Team nine times, tied with Jordan, Garnett, and
Gary Payton
for the most all time.
[
563
]
[
576
]
He was the first guard to
play 20 seasons in the NBA
.
[
563
]
Bryant also won the
NBA Slam Dunk Contest
in 1997 and was its youngest winner.
[
582
]
In his career, Bryant scored 40-plus points in 121 games, and he recorded a triple-double 21 times.
[
295
]
During the
2020 NBA playoffs
, the Lakers' players wore 'Black Mamba' jerseys in honor of Bryant. Designed by Bryant himself, the black jersey features a snakeskin pattern with yellow accents and 16 stars representing the team's 16 championships at the time. In a Game 2 victory over the
Denver Nuggets
in the Western Conference Finals,
Anthony Davis
made a buzzer-beating three-pointer and yelled Bryant's name, while the team was wearing the 'Black Mamba' jerseys.
[
583
]
Following a Game 2 victory in the
2020 NBA Finals
, LeBron James was asked about the jerseys and had this to say: "It's always special to represent someone that meant so much, not only to the game but also to the Lakers organization for 20-plus years. For us to honor him, being on the floor, this is what it's all about."
[
584
]
On January 26, 2022, coinciding with the second anniversary of his death, a statue of Bryant and his daughter Gianna was placed at the crash site in Calabasas.
[
585
]
Later in February, the NBA redesigned the
All-Star Game MVP trophy
as part of the major redesign of the All-Star Weekend trophies in celebration of the league's
75th anniversary season
.
[
586
]
On
Kobe Bryant Day
, August 24, in 2023, the Lakers stated that
Bryant's statue
outside of
Crypto.com Arena
would be unveiled on February 8, 2024, to honor his two numbers with the Lakers, 8 and 24, and 2 for the number of his daughter Gianna.
[
587
]
The inspiration for the statue, based on an image of Bryant after his 81-point game, pointing a finger toward the sky, was requested by Bryant himself before his death.
[
588
]
On August 2, 2024, the Lakers also unveiled a
statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant
outside of Crypto.com Arena.
[
589
]
[
590
]
[
591
]
See also
List of NBA annual statistical leaders
List of NBA annual scoring leaders
List of NBA career scoring leaders
List of NBA career assists leaders
List of NBA career steals leaders
List of NBA career turnovers leaders
List of NBA career 3-point scoring leaders
List of NBA career free throw scoring leaders
List of NBA seasons played leaders
List of NBA career games played leaders
List of NBA career minutes played leaders
List of NBA career triple-double leaders
List of NBA career playoff assists leaders
List of NBA career playoff steals leaders
List of NBA career playoff turnovers leaders
List of NBA career playoff 3-point scoring leaders
List of NBA career playoff free throw scoring leaders
List of NBA career playoff games played leaders
List of NBA career playoff minutes leaders
List of NBA franchise career scoring leaders
List of NBA players with most championships
List of NBA single-game scoring leaders
List of NBA single-game playoff scoring leaders
List of NBA single-game 3-point scoring leaders
List of NBA single-season scoring leaders
List of oldest and youngest NBA players
List of Olympic medalists in basketball
List of second-generation NBA players
Notes
^
In 2017, Vanessa Bryant said that Kobe was 6 feet
4
+
3
⁄
4
inches (1.95 m) without shoes and 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) with shoes. In 2006, Bryant said that he was 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m).
[
1
]
In 2008, he stated he was "probably" 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) in shoes.
[
2
]
^
co-MVP along with
Shaquille O'Neal
^
He joined Chamberlain (5 times), Baylor,
Rick Barry
and Jordan (2) in averaging over 35 points.
[
131
]
[
132
]
^
Chamberlain had 50 points 45 times in 1961–62 and 30 in 1962–63.
[
132
]
^
Larry Bird
held the previous record; he was 35 when he had 49 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists on March 15, 1992, against Portland.
[
271
]
^
The others were Chamberlain (2 in 1972–73) and Kidd (2 each in 2009–10 and 2010–11).
[
281
]
^
He joined Jordan (3 times), Karl Malone (3) and Abdul-Jabbar
[
308
]
^
In 2014, Bryant passed Havlicek's previous mark of 13,417 missed shots,
[
348
]
and he retired with 14,481.
^
Vanessa Bryant's father is of Mexican and Italian descent and her mother is of Mexican and Filipino descent.
[
373
]
^
Now called Crypto.com Arena
^
See multiple references:
[
538
]
[
539
]
[
540
]
[
541
]
[
542
]
[
543
]
[
544
]
[
545
]
[
546
]
[
547
]
^
At the time of his retirement, he was the third-leading scorer in NBA history until he was passed by
LeBron James
shortly before his death.
[
572
]
^
Chamberlain did it 15 times, and Baylor once.
[
132
]
References
^
Mallozzi, Vincent (December 24, 2006).
"
'Where's Kobe? I Want Kobe.'
"
.
The New York Times
.
Archived
from the original on December 23, 2021.
^
Ding, Kevin (January 8, 2008).
"Kobe Bryant's work with kids brings joy, though sometimes it's fleeting"
.
Orange County Register
.
Archived
from the original on November 25, 2012.
^
"Bird, Moore, Anthony, Donovan top '25 Basketball Hall of Fame class"
.
ESPN.com
. Associated Press (via ESPN). April 5, 2025
. Retrieved
April 5,
2025
.
^
a
b
Schwartz, Dana (March 4, 2018).
"Kobe Bryant is officially an Oscar winner"
.
Entertainment Weekly
. Retrieved
July 3,
2023
.
^
Russell, Calum (October 9, 2025).
"The first and only person to win an Olympic gold medal and an Oscar"
.
faroutmagazine.co.uk
. Retrieved
November 5,
2025
.
^
"Kobe Bryant helicopter crash post-mortem released"
.
BBC
. May 16, 2020.
Archived
from the original on July 5, 2023
. Retrieved
May 16,
2020
.
^
Golliver, Ben (February 15, 2020).
"NBA renames All-Star Game MVP award after Kobe Bryant"
.
Washington Post
.
ISSN
0190-8286
.
Archived
from the original on December 5, 2022
. Retrieved
October 12,
2021
.
^
a
b
Grez, Matias; Sung, Patrick; Church, Ben (January 27, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant: The making of a global superstar"
.
CNN
. Retrieved
January 23,
2025
.
^
"Kobe Bryant Fast Facts"
.
CNN
. April 5, 2020.
Archived
from the original on February 20, 2020
. Retrieved
July 25,
2021
.
^
Ortiz, Erik (January 26, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant, former NBA star and Los Angeles Lakers legend, dies at 41"
.
NBC News
.
Archived
from the original on February 24, 2020
. Retrieved
February 27,
2020
.
^
Mather, Victor (July 16, 2024).
"Joe Bryant, Former N.B.A. Player and Kobe's Father, Is Dead at 69"
.
The New York Times
. Retrieved
January 23,
2025
.
^
Henson, Steve (July 16, 2024).
"Joe 'Jellybean' Bryant, father of late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, dies at 69"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Retrieved
January 23,
2025
.
^
Beck, Howard (January 27, 2020).
"The Making of an NBA Icon"
.
Bleacher Report
. Retrieved
January 23,
2025
.
^
a
b
c
d
"Kobe Bryant Bio"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on March 6, 2010
. Retrieved
August 5,
2007
.
^
Capatides, Cristina (January 27, 2020).
"24 facts about amazing Kobe Bryant"
.
CBS News
. Retrieved
January 23,
2025
.
^
a
b
c
Klosterman, Chuck (February 18, 2015).
"Kobe Bryant Will Always Be an All-Star of Talking"
.
GQ
.
Archived
from the original on April 19, 2016
. Retrieved
January 26,
2020
.
^
a
b
"The Catholic faith of Kobe Bryant"
.
Catholic News Agency
. Retrieved
January 26,
2020
.
^
a
b
c
Kosloski, Philip (April 15, 2016).
"Remembering Kobe Bryant: Formed and saved by his Catholic faith"
. Retrieved
January 26,
2020
.
^
Moshtaghian, Artemis; Melas, Chloe; Simon, Darran (January 27, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, among 9 killed in a helicopter crash in California"
.
CNN
.
Archived
from the original on January 26, 2020
. Retrieved
February 2,
2020
.
^
Curwen, Thomas; Wharton, David (January 26, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant, from the start, was an athlete like no other"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on February 2, 2020
. Retrieved
February 2,
2020
.
^
Kington, Tom (January 27, 2020).
"
'You made us dream': Kobe Bryant is mourned in Italy, where he first learned to play"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on September 28, 2023
. Retrieved
February 2,
2020
.
^
a
b
c
d
Golianopoulos, Thomas (April 12, 2013).
"The Secret History of Kobe Bryant's Rap Career"
.
grantland.com
.
Archived
from the original on April 15, 2013.
^
a
b
Lavanga, Claudio (January 27, 2020).
"A view of Kobe Bryant from his childhood home in Italy"
.
NBC News
.
Archived
from the original on February 2, 2020
. Retrieved
February 2,
2020
.
^
Flynn, Meagan (January 28, 2020).
"
'My story began in this town': How Kobe Bryant learned to play basketball in Italy"
.
Stuff
.
Archived
from the original on July 5, 2023
. Retrieved
February 2,
2020
.
^
Arachi, Alessandra (January 28, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant, Reggio Emilia piange il suo figlio. Lui diceva: "Io qui mi sento in pace"
"
. corriere.it.
Archived
from the original on July 5, 2023
. Retrieved
January 28,
2020
.
^
"Kobe visits old childhood court in Italy"
.
ABS-CBN Sports
. July 25, 2016. Archived from
the original
on January 26, 2020.
^
"Farewell to the Mamba: Kobe Bryant"
.
BBC Sport
.
Archived
from the original on April 17, 2016
. Retrieved
November 30,
2019
.
^
MacMullan, Jackie
(June 4, 2010).
"Kobe Bryant: Imitating greatness"
.
ESPN.com
.
Archived
from the original on June 3, 2023
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
Watkins, Gwynne (February 13, 2018).
"From Ariel to Kobe Bryant: Disney legend Glen Keane takes us inside Oscar-nominated 'Dear Basketball'
"
.
www.yahoo.com
.
Archived
from the original on July 5, 2023
. Retrieved
July 30,
2021
.
^
Lazenby, Roland (October 25, 2016).
Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant
. Little, Brown.
ISBN
9780316387149
.
^
Faulconer, Matt (July 31, 2011).
"Kobe Bryant: NBA Star Shows off Skills at Manchester Utd vs. Barcelona Game"
.
Bleacher Report
.
Archived
from the original on July 5, 2023
. Retrieved
February 2,
2020
.
^
Gulino, Joey (January 28, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant honored by AC Milan, his favorite soccer club as a kid (video)"
.
Yahoo! Sports
.
Archived
from the original on July 5, 2023
. Retrieved
February 2,
2020
.
^
Levin, Jason (March 2001).
"I Wish People Would Let Me Just Be Kobe"
.
Basketball Digest
.
28
(5): 20. Archived from
the original
on December 2, 2013.
^
"Lot Detail – Kobe Bryant Incredible Signed 1992 Middle School Yearbook with Prophetic Lakers Inscription Reference! (Beckett/BAS & PSA/DNA LOAs)"
.
www.iconicauctions.com
.
Archived
from the original on May 8, 2021
. Retrieved
February 25,
2020
.
^
a
b
c
d
e
Verrier, Justin (June 1, 2010).
"Before they were stars: Kobe Bryant"
.
ESPN.com
.
Archived
from the original on July 5, 2023
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
Doherty, Bill (December 20, 1993).
"Dixon Happy He Stayed With Aces (4–0)"
.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
. Archived from
the original
on March 4, 2016
. Retrieved
January 14,
2013
.
^
"High School Boys Basketball All-USA Honorable Mentions".
USA Today
. April 21, 1995. p. 11C.
^
a
b
c
"Kobe Bryant Biography"
. JockBio.com.
Archived
from the original on March 11, 2017
. Retrieved
September 15,
2011
.
^
"1995 High School Basketball Awards"
.
RealGM
.
Archived
from the original on December 26, 2019
. Retrieved
December 26,
2019
.
^
"ABCD Camp"
. Reebok ABCD Camp. Archived from
the original
on March 30, 2010
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
Jenkins, Lee (March 23, 2009).
"Another Sunny Day In Lamar's L.a."
Sports Illustrated
.
Archived
from the original on March 22, 2009
. Retrieved
May 7,
2010
.
^
Lazenby, Roland (2016).
"Chapter 14: The Bad, Bad Boy"
.
Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant
. Little, Brown and Company.
ISBN
978-0-316-38727-9
.
Archived
from the original on February 10, 2024
. Retrieved
February 1,
2020
.
^
a
b
c
Moore, David Leon (May 7, 2002).
"Bryant continues to hold court"
.
USA Today
. Archived from
the original
on May 24, 2010
. Retrieved
May 7,
2010
.
^
"History"
. Aces Hoops. Archived from
the original
on May 7, 2011
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
"#24 Kobe Bryant"
.
NBA.com
. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from
the original
on March 8, 2009
. Retrieved
August 5,
2008
.
^
"1996 High School Basketball Awards"
.
RealGM
.
Archived
from the original on December 26, 2019
. Retrieved
December 26,
2019
.
^
a
b
Lee, Michael (November 30, 2015).
"As Kobe returns home, his old coach urges Philadelphia to give him proper sendoff"
.
Yahoo! Sports
. Archived from
the original
on December 6, 2015.
^
Pak, SuChin.
"Brandy On Growing Up: A Candid Chat"
.
MTV
. Archived from
the original
on December 14, 2012
. Retrieved
January 15,
2009
.
^
a
b
Archived at
Ghostarchive
and the
Wayback Machine
:
'My name is Kobe Bryant' – (1996) Kobe gives a class presentation on NBA vs. college
, February 2, 2020
, retrieved
February 24,
2020
^
Thomsen, Ian (February 1, 2010).
"Kobe may already be the greatest Laker ever – and he's not done yet"
.
SI.com
. Archived from
the original
on February 26, 2014.
^
"Wilkins Honored as One of 35 Greatest McDonald's All Americans"
.
NBA.com
. January 31, 2012.
Archived
from the original on February 8, 2012
. Retrieved
February 9,
2012
.
^
Holmes, Baxter (January 30, 2021).
"How Kobe Bryant almost became Boston Celtic"
.
ESPN
.
Archived
from the original on April 6, 2023
. Retrieved
April 21,
2021
.
^
"Deals Are What Made The Lakers".
Long Beach Press-Telegram
. February 25, 2000.
^
Delong, John (June 18, 2008).
"Lakers' trade for Bryant has been misconstrued"
.
Winston-Salem Journal
. Archived from
the original
on August 22, 2010
. Retrieved
October 30,
2010
.
^
Howard-Cooper, Scott (July 1, 1996).
"Divac's OK Has Lakers Buzzing"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on December 9, 2021
. Retrieved
December 9,
2021
.
^
a
b
Ecko, Marc.
"Kobe Bryant"
. Complex.com. Archived from
the original
on October 9, 2010
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
a
b
Badenhausen, Kurt (November 30, 2015).
"Kobe Bryant Will Retire With Record $680 Million In Career Earnings"
.
Forbes
.
Archived
from the original on July 13, 2023
. Retrieved
July 17,
2018
.
^
Whicker, Mark (November 29, 2015).
"Kobe Bryant's farewell season has been painful to watch"
.
Los Angeles Daily News
.
Archived
from the original on December 3, 2015.
^
Rafferty, Scott (July 7, 2015).
"How Kobe, LeBron and other NBA stars fared in Summer League debuts"
.
Sporting News
. Archived from
the original
on January 5, 2016
. Retrieved
December 5,
2015
.
^
Henderson, Ashyia, ed. (2008).
"Kobe Bryant"
.
Contemporary Black Biography
.
31
. Gale Group, 2001; Reproduced in Biography Resource Center. Farmington Hills, Mich.: Gale, 2008
. Retrieved
December 6,
2008
.
{{
cite journal
}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (
link
)
^
"The Youngest NBA Basketball Player Records"
.
Basketball Daily
. January 30, 2009. Archived from
the original
on January 24, 2010.
^
"Kobe Bryant 1996–97 Game Log"
. Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from
the original
on January 26, 2021
. Retrieved
February 18,
2013
.
^
Holmes, Baxter (February 11, 2016).
"Kobe Bryant: Perfect time for All-Star break as 'everything' aches"
.
ESPN
.
Archived
from the original on February 12, 2016
. Retrieved
February 27,
2020
.
^
"All-Rookie Teams"
.
NBA
.com. Archived from
the original
on July 25, 2008
. Retrieved
January 27,
2008
.
^
"1997 NBA Western Conference Semifinals - Lakers vs. Jazz"
.
Basketball-Reference.com
.
Archived
from the original on February 4, 2023
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
Medina, Mark (January 15, 2016).
"Kobe Bryant's 'airball game' in 1997 was as defining moment in his career"
.
Los Angeles Daily News
.
Archived
from the original on January 29, 2016.
^
Jackson, Scoop (May 11, 2009).
"Kobe Bryant's top ten moments"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on January 11, 2021
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
"Kobe Bryant Career Stats Page"
.
NBA.com
. August 23, 1978. Archived from
the original
on December 22, 2009
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
Howard-Cooper, Scott (May 4, 1998).
"NBA Playoffs; A Dilemma for Kobe; NBA playoffs: The Lakers can still go small with Bryant in the frontcourt, but it could come at a price against the bigger Schrempf"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Archived from
the original
on July 22, 2013
. Retrieved
December 5,
2009
.
^
"1997-98 NBA Awards Voting"
.
Basketball-Reference.com
. Archived from
the original
on January 11, 2021
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
"All-Star Player Profile : Kobe Bryant"
.
NBA
. Archived from
the original
on June 28, 2011
. Retrieved
December 7,
2008
.
^
a
b
"Basketball: N.B.A. Roundup - Los Angeles; Lakers' Bryant Signs for $71 million"
.
The New York Times
. January 30, 1999.
Archived
from the original on January 11, 2021
. Retrieved
May 7,
2010
.
^
"1998-99 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats"
.
Basketball-Reference.com
.
Archived
from the original on October 9, 2021
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
Smith, Sam (January 27, 2009).
"Kobe Bryant: The Air Apparent?"
. basketball-reference.com. Archived from
the original
on July 24, 2013
. Retrieved
January 27,
2009
.
^
Thomsen, Ian (January 27, 2009).
"Showtime!"
.
Sports Illustrated
. Archived from
the original
on July 9, 2008
. Retrieved
January 27,
2009
.
^
"1998–99 Los Angeles Lakers Statistics"
. basketball-reference.com. Archived from
the original
on October 9, 2021
. Retrieved
June 23,
2008
.
^
"1999-00 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats"
.
Basketball-Reference.com
. Archived from
the original
on October 9, 2021
. Retrieved
July 20,
2021
.
^
"Bryant, McGrady Highlight All-NBA Selections"
.
NBA
. May 1, 2002. Archived from
the original
on May 11, 2010
. Retrieved
December 7,
2008
.
^
"Garnett, Bryant top NBA All-Defensive selections"
.
The Raw Story
. Agence France-Presse. May 12, 2008. Archived from
the original
on September 5, 2008.
^
"LAKERS: Los Angeles Lakers History"
.
NBA.com
.
Archived
from the original on February 17, 2012
. Retrieved
June 23,
2008
.
^
Martin, Susan (October 15, 1999).
"Lakers lose bryant at least six weeks to broken hand"
.
The Buffalo News
.
Archived
from the original on May 9, 2020
. Retrieved
February 27,
2020
.
^
"LAKERS: Los Angeles Lakers History"
. NBA.
Archived
from the original on February 17, 2012
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
"Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, June 4, 2000"
. Basketball-Reference.com. June 4, 2000.
Archived
from the original on January 11, 2021
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
Bresnahan, Mike (March 14, 2013).
"Kobe Bryant sprains left ankle in Lakers loss, out indefinitely"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on March 14, 2013.
^
Ryan, Chris (March 14, 2013).
"Jalen Rose on That Time He Intentionally Tried to Injure Kobe Bryant"
.
grantland.com
.
Archived
from the original on March 17, 2013.
^
"NBA Finals: Pacers vs. Lakers"
.
Indianapolis Star
. June 20, 2000. Archived from
the original
on March 6, 2010
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
Plaschke, Bill
(June 15, 2000).
"That Was No Dream, That Was Kobe -"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on December 9, 2021
. Retrieved
November 28,
2023
.
^
"Article: No doubt: It's Bryant's team"
.
Chicago Tribune
. May 22, 2002. Archived from
the original
on May 7, 2011
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
– via AccessMyLibrary.
^
"Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings Box Score, May 13, 2001"
. Basketball-Reference.
Archived
from the original on January 11, 2021
. Retrieved
October 28,
2019
.
^
"Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, January 14, 2002"
. Basketball-Reference. Archived from
the original
on January 11, 2021
. Retrieved
October 28,
2019
.
^
"Lou Williams-led 76ers spoil Kobe Bryant's milestone night"
.
ESPN.com
. Associated Press. February 6, 2012. Archived from
the original
on December 8, 2015.
^
a
b
Smallwood, John (February 6, 2012).
"Love him or not, Kobe Bryant a Philly player"
.
Philly.com
.
Archived
from the original on December 8, 2015.
^
Springer, Steve (March 3, 2002).
"Bryant Fight Remains a No Decision"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on January 11, 2021
. Retrieved
April 24,
2011
.
^
Beck, Howard (March 2, 2002).
"Punch-uation Mark"
.
Los Angeles Daily News
. Archived from
the original
on April 12, 2019
. Retrieved
April 24,
2011
.
^
a
b
c
"Bryant's heroics, deference pay off for Lakers"
.
USA Today
. June 14, 2002.
Archived
from the original on August 27, 2012
. Retrieved
May 7,
2010
.
^
"Los Angeles Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs May 12, 2002 Game Summary"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on August 9, 2010
. Retrieved
December 26,
2021
.
^
"San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, October 29, 2002"
. Basketball-Reference.
Archived
from the original on October 28, 2019
. Retrieved
October 28,
2019
.
^
"Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers Box Score, November 1, 2002"
. Basketball-Reference.
Archived
from the original on October 28, 2019
. Retrieved
October 28,
2019
.
^
"NBA Single Game Leaders and Records for 3-Pt Field Goals"
. basketball-reference.com.
Archived
from the original on June 26, 2019
. Retrieved
June 8,
2019
.
^
"NBA Playoffs 2003 – Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs"
.
ESPN
.
Archived
from the original on December 10, 2017
. Retrieved
June 23,
2008
.
^
"Lakers Sign Free Agents Gary Payton and Karl Malone"
. NBA. July 16, 2003.
Archived
from the original on July 6, 2010
. Retrieved
June 19,
2010
.
^
"Kobe Bryant Arrested For Alleged Sexual Assault"
.
KMGH-TV
. Associated Press. July 6, 2003. Archived from
the original
on April 30, 2008
. Retrieved
June 19,
2010
.
^
Saraceno, Jon (April 21, 2004).
"Bryant's, Lakers' survival go hand in hand"
.
USA Today
.
Archived
from the original on May 24, 2010
. Retrieved
June 19,
2010
.
^
a
b
"Kobe sends game to OT, wins it in 2OT"
.
ESPN.com
. Associated Press. April 15, 2004. Archived from
the original
on August 10, 2017.
^
"Minnesota Timberwolves (1) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (2)"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on June 20, 2007
. Retrieved
June 23,
2008
.
^
Boucher, Ric (June 15, 2004).
"Lakers' wrongs making things right"
.
ESPN.com
.
Archived
from the original on December 10, 2017.
^
"Finals 2004"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on February 9, 2012
. Retrieved
June 23,
2008
.
^
"Rudy Tomjanovich Coach Info"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on June 29, 2016
. Retrieved
June 23,
2008
.
^
DuPree, David (July 14, 2004).
"It's Official: Shaq traded to Heat for three players, draft pick"
.
USAToday
.
Archived
from the original on June 3, 2008
. Retrieved
June 23,
2008
.
^
"Kobe remains with Lakers"
.
ESPN.com
. Associated Press. July 15, 2004.
Archived
from the original on March 10, 2020.
^
Kent, Milton (July 16, 2004).
"Bryant decides to remain a Laker"
.
The Baltimore Sun
.
Archived
from the original on July 11, 2021
. Retrieved
October 26,
2021
.
^
Beck, Howard (May 6, 2006).
"Coach and Star Savor Success in Collaboration"
.
The New York Times
.
Archived
from the original on September 17, 2006
. Retrieved
August 5,
2008
.
^
Associated Press.
Decision was made Monday
Archived
April 5, 2020, at the
Wayback Machine
, ESPN, February 3, 2005. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
^
"Lakers Announce Coaching Change"
. NBA. February 2, 2005.
Archived
from the original on June 20, 2008
. Retrieved
August 5,
2008
.
^
Hoffman, Benjamin (January 12, 2013).
"Off the Dribble: Bryant Now Deals with Mediocrity"
.
The New York Times
.
Archived
from the original on January 15, 2013
. Retrieved
January 14,
2013
.
^
a
b
c
d
"Kobe Bryant"
.
basketball-reference.com
.
Archived
from the original on February 10, 2024
. Retrieved
February 10,
2024
.
^
Hughes, Frank.
Allen primed for Kobe showdown
Archived
March 6, 2020, at the
Wayback Machine
, ESPN, December 14, 2004. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
^
Associated Press.
Kobe 'upset' about Malone's comments to wife
Archived
January 26, 2020, at the
Wayback Machine
, ESPN, December 15, 2004. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
^
"Phil Jackson"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on December 1, 2010
. Retrieved
June 25,
2008
.
^
"Basketball: Kobe Bryant Profile and Information"
. authenticbasketball.com.
Archived
from the original on June 7, 2008
. Retrieved
June 25,
2008
.
^
"How the Shaq-Kobe feud began"
.
NewsComAu
. March 30, 2016.
Archived
from the original on May 13, 2018
. Retrieved
January 31,
2020
.
^
"O'Neal Squashes Feud With Bryant"
.
The Washington Post
. January 18, 2006.
Archived
from the original on June 29, 2011
. Retrieved
January 17,
2009
.
^
Wurst, Matthew D. (February 19, 2006).
"55 Things About the 55th All-Star Game"
.
Nba.com
. Archived from
the original
on April 11, 2010
. Retrieved
July 28,
2010
.
What happened after Shaq and Kobe got entangled in the lane during the first quarter? Nothing but laughter all around.
^
basketball-reference.com,
2005–06 NBA Season Summary
Archived
September 3, 2011, at the
Wayback Machine
, accessed, December 8, 2007.
^
"Eighty-One! Bryant Erupts as Lakers Roll"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on January 25, 2012
. Retrieved
December 26,
2021
.
^
"Bam Adebayo points tonight: Heat star scores second-most points in NBA history"
. March 10, 2026
. Retrieved
March 10,
2026
.
{{
cite news
}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (
link
)
^
NBA.com (February 1, 2006).
Billups, Bryant Named Players of the Month
Archived
June 28, 2011, at the
Wayback Machine
. Retrieved May 25, 2007
^
"Kobe's big month sets high expectations"
. MSNBC. Archived from
the original
on June 9, 2008
. Retrieved
June 25,
2008
.
^
"Basketball: Kobe Bryant Profile and Information"
. Authenticbasketball.com.
Archived
from the original on June 7, 2008
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
"LAKERS: #24 Kobe Bryant"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on March 8, 2009
. Retrieved
June 25,
2008
.
^
Povtak, Tim (April 9, 2006).
"Billups brushes off MVP chatter"
.
Orlando Sentinel
.
Archived
from the original on July 9, 2010.
^
a
b
c
"Bryant passes Jordan, has shot to be No. 1"
. ESPN. December 14, 2014.
Archived
from the original on December 15, 2014.
^
"Suns' Steve Nash Wins Second Consecutive MVP Award"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on March 16, 2017
. Retrieved
June 25,
2008
.
^
"From 8 to 24"
. Los Angeles Lakers. November 16, 2006.
Archived
from the original on August 17, 2016
. Retrieved
January 5,
2016
.
^
a
b
Rovell, Darren (April 26, 2006).
"Bryant will hang up his No. 8 jersey, sources say"
.
Archived
from the original on August 19, 2017
. Retrieved
May 25,
2007
.
^
a
b
"Phoenix Suns (2) vs. Los Angeles lakers (7)"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on July 24, 2008
. Retrieved
June 25,
2008
.
^
McMenamin, Dave (May 17, 2010).
"Unfounded stigma still following Bryant"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on January 6, 2018
. Retrieved
July 19,
2010
.
^
Kang, Jay Capian (January 23, 2012).
"Person of Interest: Kobe Bryant"
.
Grantland
.
Archived
from the original on February 15, 2016.
^
"NBA All-Star Game"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on October 16, 2015
. Retrieved
June 25,
2008
.
^
a
b
c
"Bryant assessed flagrant foul for elbow in Philly"
.
ESPN
. March 12, 2007.
Archived
from the original on April 19, 2021
. Retrieved
February 27,
2020
.
^
Sheridan, Chris
(January 30, 2007).
"Kobe serves suspension against Knicks"
.
ESPN.com
.
Archived
from the original on April 19, 2021
. Retrieved
June 25,
2008
.
^
Sheridan, Chris
(March 8, 2007).
"Kobe serves one-game suspension against Bucks"
.
ESPN.com
.
Archived
from the original on April 19, 2021
. Retrieved
June 25,
2008
.
^
"Bryant Scores NBA Season-Best 65 in Lakers Win"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on May 11, 2008
. Retrieved
December 26,
2021
.
^
"Kobe Scores 50 to Lead Lakers Past Wolves"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on June 25, 2008
. Retrieved
December 26,
2021
.
^
a
b
"Bryant Scores 60 as Lakers Defeat Grizzlies"
.
NBA.com
. Associated Press. March 23, 2007. Archived from
the original
on June 23, 2008
. Retrieved
December 26,
2021
.
^
Thomsen, Ian (March 24, 2007).
"Kobe's 50-point run more important because of wins"
.
Sports Illustrated
. Archived from
the original
on November 4, 2012
. Retrieved
July 1,
2011
.
^
"Statistics"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on April 9, 2008
. Retrieved
June 25,
2008
.
^
NBA.com.
Kobe Bryant has Top-Selling Jersey in China
Archived
August 9, 2010, at the
Wayback Machine
, nba.com, March 20, 2007, Retrieved May 25, 2007.
^
Oller, Rob (February 12, 2007).
"A star is reborn: Bryant's stats, dunks have made him marketable again"
.
The Columbus Dispatch
. Archived from
the original
on September 21, 2014.
^
Denver Post (March 15, 2007).
For Kobe, turnaround is flair play
Archived
January 13, 2009, at the
Wayback Machine
.
The Bonham Group
. Retrieved May 25, 2007.
^
"Suns Top Lakers, Move On to Second Round"
.
NBA.com
. May 3, 2007. Archived from
the original
on June 25, 2008
. Retrieved
June 25,
2008
.
^
"Kobe says he's just suggesting West return"
.
ESPN.com
. May 28, 2007.
Archived
from the original on June 18, 2021
. Retrieved
August 2,
2021
.
^
"Bryant asks for trade, then backtracks slightly"
.
ESPN.com
. Associated Press. July 31, 2007.
Archived
from the original on March 6, 2020
. Retrieved
February 27,
2020
.
...as a Lakers insider notes, it was Bryant's insistence on getting away from Shaquille O'Neal that got them in this mess.
^
"NBA: Kobe retracts his trade request"
.
Gazette.com
. Associated Press. May 31, 2007. Archived from
the original
on September 28, 2007
. Retrieved
October 16,
2007
.
^
Markazi, Arash
(July 19, 2007).
"Playing the video game: Underground Kobe film ain't all it's cracked up to be"
.
SI.com
. CNN. Archived from
the original
on September 20, 2007
. Retrieved
July 18,
2010
.
Are you kidding me? Andrew Bynum? F—ing ship his ass out.
^
Witz, Billy (May 17, 2010).
"Suns Can Still Bring Out Snarl in Bryant and Lakers"
.
The New York Times
.
Archived
from the original on May 20, 2010
. Retrieved
August 1,
2010
.
There was the infamous video by the self-described Kobe Video Guys when Bryant profanely vented to a couple of men at a Newport Beach shopping mall, who happened to be recording it, about the Lakers holding on to Andrew Bynum when they could have dealt him for Jason Kidd.
^
"Kobe Bryant youngest to hit 20,000 points"
. CBC Sports. December 23, 2007.
Archived
from the original on July 24, 2013
. Retrieved
February 20,
2012
.
^
"Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks Box Score, December 23, 2007"
. Basketball Reference. December 23, 2007.
Archived
from the original on June 27, 2019
. Retrieved
January 17,
2020
.
^
"Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, March 28, 2008"
. Basketball Reference. March 28, 2008.
Archived
from the original on May 29, 2020
. Retrieved
January 17,
2020
.
^
"Kobe Byrant Injury Update"
.
NBA.com
. February 14, 2008.
Archived
from the original on April 21, 2008
. Retrieved
May 9,
2008
.
^
NBA Staff.
Kobe Bryant Wins Most Valuable Player Award
Archived
September 1, 2010, at the
Wayback Machine
, nba.com, May 7, 2008. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
^
Bresnahan, Mike (May 7, 2008).
"Finally, Lakers' Bryant is an MVP"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Archived from
the original
on May 10, 2008
. Retrieved
November 19,
2023
.
^
Krikorian, Doug (May 8, 2008).
"Kobe's MVP award not a surprise to West"
.
Press-Telegram
. Archived from
the original
on July 30, 2013.
^
Bryant, Garnett, Paul, Howard, James voted to first team
Archived
March 6, 2020, at the
Wayback Machine
, ESPN, Retrieved February 27, 2020
^
Kobe, Garnett Headline All-Defensive Team
Archived
July 26, 2010, at the
Wayback Machine
,
NBA
. Retrieved January 17, 2009.
^
"Bryant Scores 38 as Lakers Beat Jazz in Game 1"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on June 24, 2008
. Retrieved
June 18,
2008
.
^
a
b
"NBA.com: Bryant Lifts Lakers Into Conference Finals"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on June 12, 2008
. Retrieved
June 18,
2008
.
^
"San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Lakers May 29, 2008 Game Summary"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on June 17, 2008
. Retrieved
December 26,
2021
.
^
"Celtics Capture 17th NBA Title With Record Win Over Lakers"
. NBA.com Kobe Bryant now holds four NBA titles. Archived from
the original
on January 22, 2012
. Retrieved
December 26,
2021
.
^
"Bryant: No surgery on pinkie finger"
. Associated Press. September 9, 2008.
Archived
from the original on January 26, 2020
. Retrieved
February 27,
2020
.
^
"Los Angeles Lakers – Schedule – NBA – Yahoo! Sports"
. Sports.yahoo.com.
Archived
from the original on June 29, 2011
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
"Lakers equal best 19-game start in franchise history"
.
CBSSports.com
. December 8, 2008. Archived from
the original
on October 2, 2011
. Retrieved
January 25,
2009
.
^
Kobe's steady pace lands him top spot in rankings
Archived
March 2, 2009, at the
Wayback Machine
By Rob Peterson, NBA.com – March 2, 2009
^
"Lakers' Bryant, Magic's Howard named Players of the Week"
.
NBA.com
. January 12, 2009. Archived from
the original
on June 28, 2011
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
Mahoney, Brian.
Garden party: Kobe's 61 sets MSG record
Archived
December 14, 2013, at the
Wayback Machine
, sports.yahoo.com, February 2, 2009. Retrieved September 9, 2009.
^
"Shaq, Kobe lead freestyling West All-Stars past East"
.
NBA.com
. February 16, 2009. Archived from
the original
on May 1, 2010
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
Official Release.
James outdistances Bryant in winning Kia MVP award
Archived
May 7, 2009, at the
Wayback Machine
, nba.com, May 4, 2009. Retrieved July 14, 2010.
^
Adande, J. A.
(June 15, 2009).
"Daily Dime: Kobe named MVP as Lakers win NBA title"
.
ESPN.com
. Retrieved
February 24,
2025
.
^
"Kobe Bryant 2008–09 Game Log"
. Basketball-Reference.com.
Archived
from the original on May 28, 2011
. Retrieved
May 28,
2011
.
^
Zillgitt, Jeff (June 14, 2009).
"Man on a mission: Bryant revels in victory, Finals MVP"
.
USA Today
.
Archived
from the original on June 17, 2009
. Retrieved
June 15,
2009
.
^
"Kobe Bryant Bio – NBA Finals"
. Espndb.go.com. Archived from
the original
on April 24, 2011
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
"Watch: Kobe Bryant hits game-winner over Dwyane Wade as the Staples Centre erupts in this iconic video from 12 years ago By Christopher Eluemuno"
.
Sportskeeda
. December 5, 2021.
Archived
from the original on December 5, 2021
. Retrieved
November 28,
2023
.
^
Adande, J. A.
(December 5, 2009).
"Kobe Bryant, making the best of bad situations"
.
ESPN
.
Archived
from the original on September 1, 2017
. Retrieved
December 9,
2009
.
^
a
b
Beacham, Greg.
Lakers win 11th straight, Bryant injures finger
Archived
August 12, 2014, at the
Wayback Machine
, sports.yahoo.com, December 12, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
^
Fly, Colin.
Kobe's jumper at OT buzzer lifts Lakers over Bucks
Archived
March 19, 2015, at the
Wayback Machine
, sports.yahoo.com, December 17, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
^
Associated Press.
Bryant joins 14 others with 25,000 points
Archived
March 6, 2020, at the
Wayback Machine
, ESPN, January 22, 2010. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
^
"Kobe's 3-pointer at buzzer gives Lakers win – NBA – Yahoo! Sports"
. Sports.yahoo.com. January 2, 2010. Archived from
the original
on March 19, 2015
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
Golen, Jimmy.
Beat LA? Not this time for Celtics
Archived
March 19, 2015, at the
Wayback Machine
, sports.yahoo.com, December 17, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
^
Associated Press,
Kobe passes West as Lakers' scoring leader in loss to Grizzlies
Archived
January 26, 2020, at the
Wayback Machine
, ESPN, February 1, 2010. Retrieved July 15, 2010.
^
Medina, Mark.
Kobe Bryant's game winner in 99–98 victory over Memphis Grizzlies shows clutchness can't be duplicated
Archived
February 27, 2010, at the
Wayback Machine
, sports.yahoo.com, February 23, 2010. Retrieved June 21, 2010.
^
Beacham, Greg.
Lakers snap 3-game skid on Bryant's late jumper
Archived
March 19, 2015, at the
Wayback Machine
, sports.yahoo.com, March 10, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
^
Markazi, Arash.
Bryant signs for 3 years, nearly $90M
Archived
March 6, 2020, at the
Wayback Machine
, ESPN, April 3, 2010. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
^
Helin, Kurt.
Lakers to Face Thunder in the First Round
Archived
July 14, 2011, at the
Wayback Machine
,
NBC Los Angeles
, April 13, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
^
Bresnahan, Mike.
Follow Classic
Archived
June 11, 2010, at the
Wayback Machine
,
Los Angeles Times
, May 1, 2010. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
^
Hughes, Frank.
Fast Breaks: Lakers-Jazz, Game 4
Archived
May 15, 2010, at the
Wayback Machine
, Sports Illustrated, May 11, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
^
McMenamin, Dave.
Gasol plays closer with monster finish
Archived
January 26, 2020, at the
Wayback Machine
, ESPN, May 20, 2010. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
^
Associated Press.
Lakers beat Suns to set up rematch with Boston
,
Sporting News
, May 11, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
Archived
June 2, 2010, at the
Wayback Machine
^
Smith, Sekou.
No Doubt About The MVP
Archived
May 30, 2012, at the
Wayback Machine
, nba.com, June 18, 2010. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
^
Adande, J.A.
1. Lakers Capture Franchise Title No. 16
, ESPN, June 18, 2010. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
^
McMenamin, Dave (October 27, 2010).
"Lakers' rings feature leather from Game 7 ball"
.
ESPN.com
.
Archived
from the original on March 6, 2020
. Retrieved
February 27,
2020
.
^
Wojnarowski, Adrian (November 30, 2015).
"Why Kobe Bryant decided it was time to retire"
.
Yahoo! Sports
.
Archived
from the original on December 6, 2015.
^
Beacham, Greg.
Lakers hold off Timberwolves, improve to 8–0
, San Diego Union-Tribune, November 10, 2010, Retrieved February 27, 2020.
Archived
November 10, 2010, at the
Wayback Machine
^
"Celtics win Finals rematch despite Kobe Bryant's 41 points"
. ESPN. Associated Press. January 30, 2011. Archived from
the original
on February 2, 2011
. Retrieved
January 30,
2011
.
Bryant became the youngest player to reach 27,000 points on a 3-pointer late in the third quarter, but he frequently was a one-man show on offense.
^
"Kobe in the giving mood on Tuesday"
.
ESPN.com
. February 2, 2011.
Archived
from the original on January 26, 2020.
^
"Kobe Bryant has big second half to help Lakers rally by Celtics"
. ESPN. February 10, 2011. Archived from
the original
on February 13, 2011.
^
Plaschke, Bill
(February 11, 2011).
"Lakers win is something to yell about"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on February 17, 2011
. Retrieved
February 27,
2020
.
^
"NBA.com: Kobe is top vote-getter in 2011 All-Star balloting"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on February 10, 2011
. Retrieved
February 7,
2011
.
^
Bresnahan, Mike (February 20, 2011).
"Bryant feeds off energy as West beats East in All-Star game, 148–143"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Archived from
the original
on February 24, 2011.
^
Kamenetzky, Andy (March 9, 2011).
"Kobe Bryant passes Moses Malone for 6th on the NBA all-time scoring list"
.
ESPN.com
.
Archived
from the original on November 19, 2023
. Retrieved
November 19,
2023
.
^
"How long can Kobe Bryant stay on top?"
. ESPN. April 14, 2011.
Archived
from the original on March 6, 2020
. Retrieved
February 27,
2020
.
^
Beacham, Greg (April 14, 2011).
"Kobe Bryant fined $100,000 for gay slur"
.
yahoo.com
.
Associated Press
. Archived from
the original
on April 16, 2011.
^
Wojnarowski, Adrian
(April 14, 2011).
"Kobe's fury: blessing and curse"
.
yahoo.com
. Archived from
the original
on April 18, 2011.
^
Plaschke, Bill
(April 13, 2011).
"Kobe Bryant needs to say more after slur"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Archived from
the original
on April 16, 2011.
^
Bresnahan, Mike (April 13, 2011).
"Lakers' Kobe Bryant is fined $100,000 by NBA for anti-gay slur to referee"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on July 24, 2013
. Retrieved
April 24,
2011
.
^
Litke, Jim (April 18, 2011).
"Kobe's $100K fine didn't buy Lakers' best effort"
.
Yahoo! Sports
.
Associated Press
. Archived from
the original
on January 20, 2012.
^
Amaechi, John
(April 15, 2011).
"A Gay Former N.B.A. Player Responds to Kobe Bryant"
.
The New York Times
. Archived from
the original
on March 8, 2019
. Retrieved
March 9,
2019
.
^
"Kobe Bryant sorry; Lakers make plan"
.
ESPN
. April 15, 2011.
Archived
from the original on April 19, 2011.
^
Falgoust, J. Michael (April 14, 2011).
"Bryant to appeal $100K fine for slur, but takes responsibility"
.
USA Today
.
Archived
from the original on April 18, 2011
. Retrieved
April 24,
2011
.
^
"Kobe Bryant, Lakers teammates appear in PSA touting diversity"
.
SportingNews.com
. April 21, 2011. Archived from
the original
on April 24, 2011
. Retrieved
April 23,
2011
.
^
"Dallas Mavericks sweep Lakers from NBA playoffs"
.
CBS News
. Associated Press. May 8, 2011.
Archived
from the original on January 27, 2020
. Retrieved
January 27,
2020
.
^
"Report: Kobe Bryant saw German doc"
. ESPN. December 25, 2011.
Archived
from the original on January 8, 2012.
^
Hale, Mark (December 29, 2011).
"Yankees say A-Rod had shoulder treatment, too"
.
New York Post
.
Archived
from the original on January 10, 2012.
^
Gordon, Jeremy (January 12, 2011).
"Kobe to the World: 'I'm Still Kobe'
"
.
The Wall Street Journal
. Archived from
the original
on January 12, 2012.
^
Arthur, Bruce (January 12, 2012).
"Lakers' Kobe Bryant won't give in to age"
.
National Post
.
{{
cite news
}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (
link
)
^
"Chris Paul-led Clips win L.A. clash despite Kobe Bryant's 42"
. ESPN. Associated Press. January 14, 2012. Archived from
the original
on January 26, 2020
. Retrieved
February 27,
2020
.
^
Haberstroh, Tom (January 16, 2012).
"Can Kobe catch Kareem?"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on January 26, 2020
. Retrieved
February 27,
2020
.
(subscription required)
^
McCann, Zach (February 27, 2012).
"Kobe Bryant sets ASG points mark"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on January 26, 2020
. Retrieved
February 27,
2020
.
^
McMenamin, Dave (February 29, 2012).
"Kobe Bryant also has concussion"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on September 17, 2017
. Retrieved
February 29,
2012
.
^
CBSSports.com wire reports.
"NBA Recap – Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs – Apr 20, 2012"
. CBSSports.com.
Archived
from the original on April 6, 2013
. Retrieved
January 14,
2013
.
^
Bolch, Ben (April 27, 2012).
"Kobe Bryant chooses not to go for NBA scoring title"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on May 12, 2012
. Retrieved
April 17,
2020
.
^
Beck, Howard (May 22, 2012).
"Bryant Raises Bar, but Thunder Clear It Easily"
.
The New York City
.
Archived
from the original on May 25, 2012
. Retrieved
January 27,
2020
.
^
"Chris Paul, Clippers deal Lakers third straight loss to open season"
. ESPN. Associated Press. November 2, 2012.
Archived
from the original on November 4, 2012.
^
Bresnahan, Mike (November 9, 2012).
"Lakers fire Mike Brown as coach"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on November 20, 2012
. Retrieved
January 14,
2013
.
^
Beck, Howard (November 12, 2012).
"The Lakers Change Direction and Hire D'Antoni as Coach"
.
The New York Times
.
Archived
from the original on November 14, 2012.
^
Bresnahan, Mike (November 12, 2012).
"Mike D'Antoni to be next coach of the Lakers"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on November 12, 2012.
^
Trudell, Mike (December 5, 2012).
"Kobe Bryant 30,000 Points"
.
NBA.com
.
Archived
from the original on December 8, 2012.
^
"Kobe Bryant (30 pts.), Lakers need comeback to top woeful Bobcats"
. ESPN. Associated Press. December 18, 2012.
Archived
from the original on August 19, 2017
. Retrieved
December 19,
2012
.
^
"Dwight Howard powers surging Lakers past Blazers"
. ESPN. Associated Press. December 28, 2012.
Archived
from the original on August 19, 2017
. Retrieved
January 3,
2013
.
^
McMenamin, Dave (January 15, 2013).
"Bigger defensive role for Kobe Bryant"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on January 21, 2013.
^
a
b
Pincus, Eric (January 16, 2013).
"Kobe Bryant recognizes he's better defending on the ball"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Archived from
the original
on January 20, 2013.
^
Mahoney, Rob (January 14, 2013).
"Mike D'Antoni minces words when describing Kobe Bryant's defense"
.
SI.com
. Archived from
the original
on January 21, 2013.
^
McMenamin, Dave (January 26, 2013).
"Lakers found formula, can they repeat it?"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on January 30, 2013.
^
McMenamin, Dave (February 2, 2013).
"Bryant chasing triple-doubles?"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on February 6, 2013.
^
Schuhmann, John (January 24, 2013).
"L.A. Recovery Wouldn't Be Unprecedented"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on January 26, 2013
. Retrieved
January 24,
2013
.
^
Verrier, Justin (January 30, 2013).
"1. Lakers Just Trying To Keep It Simple"
. ESPN. Archived from
the original
on October 7, 2013.
^
McMenamin, Dave (January 27, 2013).
"Lakers rise as D'Antoni's offense ditched"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on February 2, 2013.
^
Shelburne, Ramona (January 28, 2013).
"Have the Lakers found their groove?"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on January 31, 2013.
^
"Lakers hold on despite late surge from Hornets"
. ESPN. Associated Press. January 29, 2013.
Archived
from the original on February 16, 2013.
^
"Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash help Lakers hold on for 2nd straight win"
. ESPN. Associated Press. January 27, 2013.
Archived
from the original on February 4, 2013.
^
"Kobe Bryant's heroics help Lakers rally, edge Raptors in OT"
. ESPN. Associated Press. March 8, 2013.
Archived
from the original on March 12, 2013.
^
a
b
McMenamin, Dave (May 6, 2013).
"2012–13 Lakers Report Card: Starting five"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on May 8, 2013.
^
"Mark Cuban: I used Kobe as example"
.
ESPN
. February 24, 2013
. Retrieved
March 22,
2026
.
^
McMenamin, Dave (April 9, 2013).
"Metta World Peace details his recovery"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on April 12, 2013.
^
Plaschke, Bill (April 13, 2013).
"Lakers weren't strong enough to protect Kobe Bryant from himself"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on October 17, 2015.
^
Martin, Jillian; Moon, Jason (April 13, 2013).
"Kobe Bryant tears Achilles, sidelined for months"
.
CNN.com
.
Archived
from the original on April 13, 2013.
^
Cacciola, Scott (April 14, 2013).
"Bryant Goes Away, but Not Quietly"
.
The New York Times
.
Archived
from the original on October 26, 2020.
^
Pincus, Eric (April 28, 2013).
"Spurs sweep Lakers out of the playoffs"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on January 27, 2020
. Retrieved
January 27,
2020
.
^
Helin, Kurt (November 25, 2013).
"Lakers sign Kobe Bryant to two-year, $48.5 million contract extension"
.
NBC Sports
.
Archived
from the original on November 26, 2013
. Retrieved
November 27,
2013
.
^
Pincus, Eric (November 25, 2013).
"Lakers sign Kobe Bryant to a two-year contract extension"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on November 26, 2013.
^
Berger, Ken (October 14, 2014).
"Kobe Bryant does not want to hear that he is overpaid"
.
CBS Sports
.
Archived
from the original on November 28, 2014.
^
Dwyer, Kelly (November 13, 2014).
"Kobe Bryant on the difference between Tim Duncan's contract and his: 'It's a different market, man'
"
.
Yahoo! Sports
.
Archived
from the original on November 16, 2014.
^
Amick, Sam (November 13, 2014).
"As Kobe faces Duncan for 78th time, comparison unavoidable"
.
USA Today
.
Archived
from the original on November 15, 2014.
^
Shelburne, Ramona (December 20, 2013).
"Lakers lose Kobe Bryant again"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on December 23, 2013.
^
Joseph, Adi (December 20, 2013).
"Lakers' Kobe Bryant breaks bone in knee, out 6 weeks"
.
USA Today
.
Archived
from the original on December 24, 2013.
^
a
b
McMenamin, Dave; Rovell, Darren (March 12, 2014).
"Lakers: Kobe injury not healed"
.
ESPN.com
.
Archived
from the original on March 12, 2014.
^
McMenamin, Dave (January 23, 2014).
"Kobe: Won't play All-Star Game"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on January 28, 2014.
^
Helin, Kurt (February 7, 2014).
"Anthony Davis selected to fill Kobe Bryant's All-Star slot in West"
.
NBCSports.com
.
Archived
from the original on February 17, 2014
. Retrieved
February 17,
2014
.
^
"Rockets rout Lakers 108–90 in Kobe's return"
.
USA Today
. Associated Press. October 29, 2014.
Archived
from the original on October 30, 2014.
^
Bresnahan, Mike (December 26, 2014).
"Byron Scott assured Kobe Bryant he had his best interests at heart"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on December 27, 2014.
^
Resnick, Joe (December 26, 2021).
"Bryant leads Lakers over Toronto 129–122 in OT"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on December 2, 2014
. Retrieved
December 1,
2014
.
^
"ELIAS: TOP 5 QUESTIONS FROM SUNDAY, NOV. 30"
.
NBA.com
. November 30, 2014.
Archived
from the original on December 14, 2014.
^
Pincus, Eric (December 14, 2014).
"Kobe Bryant becomes NBA's No. 3 all-time scorer in Lakers' win"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on December 15, 2014
. Retrieved
December 14,
2014
.
^
a
b
Freeman, Eric (December 23, 2014).
"Kobe Bryant misses Lakers vs. Warriors for rest"
.
Yahoo.com
.
Archived
from the original on December 24, 2014.
^
a
b
Holmes, Baxter (December 23, 2014).
"Kobe Bryant to rest vs. Warriors"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on December 24, 2014.
^
a
b
Dwyer, Kelly (December 22, 2014).
"Kobe Bryant has to stop"
.
Yahoo.com
.
Archived
from the original on December 24, 2014.
^
"Suns win 6th straight by spoiling Kobe Bryant's return to Lakers lineup"
. ESPN. Associated Press. December 28, 2014.
Archived
from the original on December 29, 2014.
^
Oram, Bill (December 26, 2014).
"Bryant's ailments likely reflect new reality for Lakers"
.
Orange County Register
.
Archived
from the original on December 27, 2014
. Retrieved
December 8,
2021
.
^
Medina, Mark (December 23, 2014).
"Lakers' Byron Scott to handle Kobe Bryant's playing time on game-by-game basis"
.
Los Angeles Daily News
.
Archived
from the original on December 27, 2014
. Retrieved
December 8,
2021
.
^
a
b
Medina, Mark (October 27, 2015).
"How will Kobe Bryant fare in his 20th NBA season?"
.
Los Angeles Daily News
.
Archived
from the original on December 3, 2015.
^
Bresnahan, Mike (January 11, 2015).
"Kobe Bryant rests again, Lakers fall to Trail Blazers, 106–94"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on January 24, 2015.
^
"Kobe Bryant notches triple-double as Lakers hold off Nuggets"
. ESPN. December 30, 2014.
Archived
from the original on January 1, 2015.
^
"Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has torn rotator cuff in right shoulder"
.
Sports Illustrated
. January 22, 2015.
Archived
from the original on January 23, 2015
. Retrieved
January 23,
2015
.
^
a
b
Bresnahan, Mike (January 22, 2015).
"Lakers' Kobe Bryant has torn rotator cuff; severity to be determined"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on January 23, 2015.
^
Bresnahan, Mike (January 26, 2015).
"Kobe Bryant to undergo season-ending surgery for torn rotator cuff"
.
Deseret News
.
Archived
from the original on December 8, 2015.
^
a
b
"Kobe Bryant to have shoulder surgery"
. ESPN. Associated Press. January 26, 2015.
Archived
from the original on January 28, 2015.
^
Medina, Mark (January 28, 2015).
"Lakers star Kobe Bryant out for season after shoulder surgery"
.
Los Angeles Daily News
.
Archived
from the original on January 30, 2015.
^
Holmes, Baxter (April 16, 2015).
"Lakers, Knicks close out worst seasons in franchise history"
.
ESPN
.
Archived
from the original on January 25, 2018
. Retrieved
January 24,
2018
.
^
Holmes, Baxter (October 14, 2015).
"Byron Scott says Kobe Bryant likely OK for next game"
.
ESPN
.
Archived
from the original on November 15, 2015.
^
Helin, Kurt (November 2, 2015).
"Kobe Bryant on his play so far: "I freaking suck"
"
.
NBCSports.com
.
Archived
from the original on November 5, 2015.
^
Beacham, Greg (October 29, 2015).
"Two decades in: Kobe Bryant clears another milestone with start of 20th Lakers season"
.
Star Tribune
. Associated Press. Archived from
the original
on November 17, 2015.
^
Holmes, Baxter (November 25, 2015).
"Kobe Bryant's possible farewell tour hits new low"
.
ESPN
.
Archived
from the original on November 26, 2015.
^
a
b
Holmes, Baxter (November 25, 2015).
"Kobe's shooting struggles not putting 'pretty defined' role in jeopardy"
.
ESPN
.
^
Seltzer, Brian (December 1, 2015).
"Game Recap: 76ers 103, Lakers 91"
.
Philadelphia 76ers
. Archived from
the original
on December 5, 2015
. Retrieved
December 11,
2015
.
^
a
b
Holmes, Baxter; Stein, Marc; Shelburne, Ramona (November 29, 2015).
"Kobe Bryant to retire after this season"
.
ESPN.com
. Associated Press.
Archived
from the original on July 8, 2016
. Retrieved
November 30,
2015
.
^
a
b
c
d
"Los Angeles Lakers (2-13) Vs. Indiana Pacers (10–5)"
(PDF)
.
Los Angeles Times
. November 29, 2015.
Archived
(PDF)
from the original on December 2, 2015.
^
Bresnahan, Mike; Turner, Broderick (November 26, 2015).
"Kobe Bryant's struggles cause some in NBA circles to say it's time he retires"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on November 27, 2015.
^
Ding, Kevin (November 30, 2015).
"With Flair for the Dramatic, Kobe Spins Frustrating End into Emotional Final Act"
.
Bleacher Report
.
Archived
from the original on December 8, 2015.
^
Helin, Kurt (November 30, 2015).
"Kobe Bryant: 'Do I want to play again or don't I... the reality is no, I don't.'
"
.
Pro Basketball Talk
.
Archived
from the original on December 8, 2015.
^
a
b
Cacciola, Scott (December 16, 2015).
"Kobe Bryant's Long Goodbye"
.
The New York Times
.
Archived
from the original on December 20, 2015.
^
Berger, Ken (January 8, 2016).
"Kobe Bryant's last night in Sacramento hit him right in the heart"
.
CBSSports.com
.
Archived
from the original on January 17, 2016.
^
Holmes, Baxter (December 4, 2015).
"Kobe requests no more gifts, on-court ceremonies during farewell tour"
.
ESPN
.
Archived
from the original on March 13, 2016.
^
Jones, Jason (January 7, 2016).
"Sacramento sends Kobe Bryant off with rousing ovation"
.
The Sacramento Bee
.
Archived
from the original on February 7, 2016.
^
Bontemps, Tim (December 1, 2015).
"In Philadelphia, Kobe Bryant finally gets love from his home town"
.
The Washington Post
.
Archived
from the original on October 7, 2019
. Retrieved
October 7,
2019
.
^
Richman, Mike (January 24, 2016).
"Kobe Bryant's final game in Portland marks end of an era for Trail Blazers fans' last true villain"
.
Oregonlive.com
. The Oregonian.
Archived
from the original on February 24, 2023
. Retrieved
February 23,
2023
.
^
Jones, Tony (March 28, 2016).
"Utah Jazz: Bryant feels the love from fans in final SLC appearance"
.
The Salt Lake Tribune
. Archived from the original on October 7, 2019
. Retrieved
October 7,
2019
.
{{
cite news
}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (
link
)
^
a
b
Jackson, Scoop (February 2, 2016).
"Dwyane Wade: 'I never thought I'd be Top 100 all time'
"
.
ESPN
.
Archived
from the original on February 4, 2016.
^
a
b
c
Brewer, Jerry (December 2, 2015).
"During strange farewell tour, Kobe Bryant rediscovers greatness for one night in D.C."
The Washington Post
.
Archived
from the original on February 13, 2016.
^
a
b
Holmes, Baxter (February 3, 2016).
"Kobe shrugs off 38-point effort: 'You've seen it for 20 years'
"
.
ESPN
.
Archived
from the original on February 4, 2016.
^
Bresnahan, Mike (January 21, 2016).
"Kobe Bryant is selected as an All-Star for the 18th time"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on January 25, 2016.
^
a
b
"Defense in record-setting short supply in West's rout of East"
.
ESPN
. Associated Press. February 15, 2016.
Archived
from the original on February 15, 2016.
^
Cacciola, Scott (February 14, 2016).
"Kobe Bryant, in His Final Lap, Is Happy to Surrender the Midseason Stage"
.
The New York Times
.
Archived
from the original on February 18, 2016.
^
a
b
"Kobe calls it a career: 'You can't write something better than this'
"
.
ESPN
. April 13, 2016
. Retrieved
January 14,
2025
.
^
Beacham, Greg (April 28, 2016).
"Kobe scores 60 points in unbelievable farewell victory"
.
NBA.com
. Archived from
the original
on August 31, 2017
. Retrieved
August 30,
2017
.
^
"Magic Johnson has great expectations for Los Angeles Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball"
.
News.com.au
. October 15, 2017
. Retrieved
January 24,
2018
.
^
Wise, Mike (June 19, 2000).
"Bryant Sets His Priorities"
.
New York Times
. Retrieved
November 19,
2023
.
^
"U.S. ends losing streak at World Championship"
.
The Seattle Times
. Associated Press. September 7, 2002
. Retrieved
November 19,
2023
.
^
"Vince Carter on Olympic Qualifying Team"
.
InsideHoops.com
. July 29, 2003
. Retrieved
November 19,
2023
.
^
Brown, Tim (May 2, 2004).
"Bryant Not Discussing Olympics"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Retrieved
November 19,
2023
.
^
"Kobe will play for U.S. at worlds, '08 Olympics"
.
ESPN.com
. Associated Press. January 21, 2006
. Retrieved
February 27,
2020
.
^
"Kobe won't play for Team USA after knee surgery"
.
ESPN.com
. Associated Press. July 15, 2006
. Retrieved
February 27,
2020
.
^
"USA Basketball"
. USABasketball.com. Archived from
the original
on July 2, 2008
. Retrieved
June 18,
2008
.
^
"James, Bryant to lead US team"
.
ESPN.com
. Associated Press. June 23, 2008
. Retrieved
June 25,
2008
.
^
Mahoney, Brian (August 24, 2008).
"US hoops back on top, beats Spain for gold medal"
.
USA Today
.
^
"2008 Stats - United States"
.
Basketball-Reference.com
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
"Kobe commits to Team USA"
.
Fox Sports
. Associated Press. November 2, 2010. Archived from
the original
on July 24, 2013
. Retrieved
November 5,
2010
.
^
"USA Basketball Wins Gold Over Spain, Rio Next in 2016"
.
Fox News
. August 13, 2012
. Retrieved
November 19,
2023
.
^
Whitfield, Nick (October 31, 2018).
"Kobe Bryant and USA Basketball – Whatever It Takes"
.
Sporting News
. Archived from
the original
on February 7, 2020
. Retrieved
February 6,
2020
.
^
a
b
"Kobe Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more"
.
Basketball-Reference.com
. Archived from
the original
on May 1, 2012
. Retrieved
November 19,
2023
.
^
DuPree, David (January 24, 2006).
"Anyone up for 100?"
.
USA Today
. Retrieved
May 7,
2010
.
^
Pelton, Kevin (September 26, 2013).
"Los Angeles Lakers: 2013–14 roster (Subscription Required)"
. ESPN Insider
. Retrieved
October 12,
2013
.
^
"Michael Jordan eases off talk"
.
ESPN.com
. Associated Press. October 3, 2013
. Retrieved
October 12,
2013
.
^
Stein, Marc
(October 29, 2001).
"Kobe, Hill deal with being the next Michael"
.
ESPN.com
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
a
b
Hoffman, Benjamin (December 13, 2014).
"Kobe Bryant Is Nearly an Equal of Michael Jordan, Except in Fan Adoration"
.
The New York Times
.
Archived
from the original on March 24, 2015
. Retrieved
December 14,
2014
.
^
Holmes, Baxter (December 14, 2014).
"Kobe Bryant rises up before falling away"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on December 15, 2014.
^
Ballard, Chris (May 27, 2008).
"Kobe's Killer Instinct"
.
SI.com
. Archived from
the original
on February 17, 2010.
^
Joseph, Adi (April 4, 2016).
"Hakeem Olajuwon says Kobe Bryant was his greatest success as a coach"
.
The Sporting News
. Retrieved
December 26,
2024
.
^
Holmes, Baxter (December 20, 2014).
"Kobe Bryant delivers the final miss again"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on December 22, 2014.
^
Harper, Zach (December 20, 2014).
"Lakers' Jeremy Lin on game winners: 'I would love to shoot some'
"
.
CBSSports.com
.
Archived
from the original on December 23, 2014.
^
Jenkins, Bruce (December 20, 2014).
"Jenkins on NBA: Bryant becomes more gunner than top gun"
.
SFGate.com
.
Archived
from the original on December 22, 2014.
^
a
b
c
Pingue, Frank (November 30, 2015).
"Kobe Bryant to retire at end of season"
.
Reuters
.
Archived
from the original on December 1, 2015.
^
McMenamin, Dave (March 11, 2010).
"McMenamin: Kobe Bryant legend? Just the facts"
.
ESPN.com
. Retrieved
November 19,
2023
.
^
"2011–12 NBA.com GM Survey Results"
.
NBA.com
. January 17, 2012. Archived from
the original
on May 29, 2012.
^
a
b
Abbott, Henry (January 28, 2011).
"The truth about Kobe Bryant in crunch time"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on December 7, 2011
. Retrieved
October 12,
2013
.
^
Beck, Howard (November 9, 2015).
"Amid the Points and Applause, One Single Shot Ignited Love Story of Kobe, NYC"
.
Bleacher Report
.
Archived
from the original on December 2, 2015.
^
a
b
"All-Time #NBArank: Michael Jordan tops list of best shooting guards"
.
ESPN
. January 19, 2016.
Archived
from the original on February 15, 2016.
^
Lowe, Zach.
"Top 100 NBA Players — Nos. 1–10"
.
Sports Illustrated
. Archived from
the original
on October 5, 2013
. Retrieved
October 12,
2013
.
^
Moore, Tom (November 30, 2015).
"Kobe Bryant set to play final game in Philadelphia"
.
The Morning Call
.
Archived
from the original on December 8, 2015.
^
Holmes, Baxter (November 11, 2014).
"Misses add up to big part of Kobe's legacy"
.
ESPN
.
Archived
from the original on November 13, 2014.
^
Bresnahan, Mike (May 16, 2013).
"Phil Jackson throws the book at Kobe Bryant"
.
The Los Angeles Times
. Retrieved
February 27,
2020
.
^
Hoffman, Benjamin (November 30, 2015).
"In Most Areas, Good or Bad, Kobe Bryant Has Simply Done More"
.
The New York Times
.
Archived
from the original on December 4, 2015.
^
Pelton, Kevin (November 7, 2005).
"Every Play Counts: Kobe Bryant"
.
82games.com
.
Archived
from the original on November 26, 2014.
^
McMenamin, Dave (May 17, 2012).
"Kobe Bryant: Charges carry big risk"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on July 2, 2012.
^
Medina, Mark (May 9, 2011).
"Kobe Bryant named to NBA's all-defensive first team for ninth time"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on May 11, 2015.
^
Lowe, Zach (May 26, 2013).
"An Open Letter to Kobe Bryant About His Defense"
.
Grantland
.
Archived
from the original on December 23, 2014.
^
Paine, Neal (December 12, 2014).
"Once And For All: Michael Jordan Was Way Better Than Kobe Bryant"
.
FiveThirtyEight
.
Archived
from the original on December 23, 2014.
^
Woike, Dan (May 14, 2021).
"How Kobe Bryant influenced the next generation of NBA stars"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Retrieved
May 15,
2021
.
^
Shelburne, Ramona (April 13, 2013).
"Kobe and L.A. tradition will be tested"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on April 13, 2013.
^
Adande, J. A. (January 26, 2015).
"Kobe Bryant pays price for greatness"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on January 28, 2015.
^
Ballard, Chris (August 26, 2014).
"Examining Kobe Bryant's legendary pain tolerance and road to recovery"
.
Sports Illustrated
.
Archived
from the original on April 4, 2015.
^
Phillips, Brian (January 8, 2015).
"Wolf on the Rock: The Ludicrous, Glorious Doom of Kobe Bryant"
.
Grantland
.
Archived
from the original on February 15, 2016.
^
Ryan, Chris; Concepcion, Jason (February 17, 2015).
"Six Seconds to Perfection: The Best NBA Vines of the Season"
.
Grantland
.
Archived
from the original on February 15, 2016.
^
a
b
Ding, Kevin (October 22, 2014).
"Julius Randle's Development Poses Final Leadership Test for Kobe Bryant"
.
BleacherReport.com
.
Archived
from the original on October 25, 2014.
^
Markazi, Arash (October 12, 2014).
"Long a tough, chilly teammate, Kobe Bryant has mellowed and now is a mentor"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on October 22, 2014.
^
Abbott, Henry (October 20, 2014).
"Kobe"
.
ESPN The Magazine
.
Archived
from the original on October 24, 2014.
^
a
b
Heisler, Mark (October 22, 2014).
"Who Killed Lakers? ESPN Says It Was Someone on Inside With the Initials Kobe Bryant"
.
Forbes.com
.
Archived
from the original on October 23, 2014.
^
Bresnahan, Mike (May 16, 2013).
"Phil Jackson's new book focuses a lot on (who else?) Kobe Bryant"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Retrieved
December 8,
2021
.
^
Terrell, Ashley (February 1, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant's sisters issue statement after tragic death: 'Our lives are forever changed'
"
.
TheGrio
. Retrieved
February 24,
2020
.
^
Clarke, Ryan.
"With his choice of number, Oregon football freshman honors late NBA superstar uncle"
.
OregonLive.com
. Retrieved
March 12,
2026
.
^
a
b
c
d
"Everything You Need to Know About Kobe Bryant"
. Archived from
the original
on February 19, 2006
. Retrieved
October 16,
2007
.
– Wayback Machine cache from February 19, 2006
^
Hubler, Shawn.
"Kobe's costar Vanessa Laine was just another sheltered teenager in Orange County. Then she fell in love with a phenomenon"
. Archived from
the original
on April 6, 2007
. Retrieved
October 16,
2007
.
– Wayback Machine cache from April 6, 2007
^
Keown, Tim (September 1, 2003).
"Isolation Play"
. ESPN
. Retrieved
April 25,
2017
.
^
Hubler, Shawn (February 15, 2005).
"Kobe's costar"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Archived from
the original
on April 27, 2017
. Retrieved
April 25,
2017
.
^
Cupcake Magazine interview with Vanessa Bryant
Archived
July 1, 2013, at the
Wayback Machine
July 17, 2012
^
"Kobe Bryant Divorce: Kobe and Vanessa Through the Years [PHOTOS]"
.
International Business Times
. December 17, 2011
. Retrieved
August 22,
2019
.
^
Brown, Tim; Terry, Mike (January 20, 2003).
"Kobe's Wife Gives Birth to Daughter"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
^
"Shaq is a Dad Six Minutes After Kobe"
.
Contact Music
. May 2, 2006. Archived from
the original
on April 16, 2009
. Retrieved
May 25,
2007
.
^
Kim, Victoria (December 16, 2011).
"Kobe Bryant divorce: Vanessa cites 'irreconcilable differences'
"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Retrieved
December 16,
2011
.
^
"L.A. Now"
.
Los Angeles Times
. December 16, 2011.
^
"Kobe Bryant, wife Vanessa call off their divorce"
.
CBS News
. January 11, 2013
. Retrieved
January 12,
2013
.
^
Drysdale, Jennifer (December 8, 2016).
"Kobe Bryant and Wife Vanessa Welcome Third Child"
.
Yahoo!
. Archived from
the original
on April 22, 2017
. Retrieved
December 9,
2016
.
^
Harris, Sarah Jane (December 8, 2016).
"Kobe Bryant welcomes his third child"
.
sportingnews.com
. Archived from
the original
on June 26, 2018
. Retrieved
December 9,
2016
.
^
Chiu, Melody (January 1, 2019).
"
'Mambacita!' Kobe Bryant Announces Fourth Daughter on the Way with Wife Vanessa"
.
People
. Retrieved
February 2,
2019
.
^
Adams, Char (July 4, 2019).
"Meet Baby 'KoKo!' Kobe Bryant Officially Introduces His 'Little Princess' — Daughter Capri Kobe"
.
People
.
^
"Kobe Bryant's Wife Vanessa Gives Birth, Welcomes Fourth Daughter"
.
Us Weekly
. June 21, 2019.
^
"Remembering Kobe Bryant at the Church Where He Prayed Before Helicopter Crash"
.
NBC Los Angeles
. January 27, 2020
. Retrieved
January 28,
2020
.
^
"Before fatal flight, Kobe and daughter attended California church, took communion, priest says"
.
ABC7 San Francisco
. January 28, 2020
. Retrieved
January 28,
2020
.
^
"Kobe Bryant's private funeral service likely at same Catholic church he went before boarding chopper"
.
meaww.com
. February 7, 2020.
^
Archived at
Ghostarchive
and the
Wayback Machine
:
Una scuola di basket per futuri campioni: la promessa di Kobe Bryant nell'intervista a Reggio Emilia
, January 27, 2020
, retrieved
January 29,
2020
^
Archived at
Ghostarchive
and the
Wayback Machine
:
Kobe Bryant agradece a los latinos en español
, April 14, 2016
, retrieved
January 29,
2020
^
Aguirregomezcorta, Gonzalo (December 2014).
"Kobe: "No imaginé este nivel"
"
.
ESPN Mexico
. Retrieved
November 30,
2015
.
^
Aguirregomezcorta, Gonzalo (November 30, 2015).
"Kobe Bryant tras anunciar su retiro: "Ahora me siento relajado"
"
.
ESPN Mexico
. Retrieved
November 30,
2015
.
^
McGrath, Ben (March 24, 2014).
"The Fourth Quarter"
.
The New Yorker
. Retrieved
March 14,
2022
.
^
Crowe, Jerry (May 23, 2008).
"Text messages from press row ..."
Los Angeles Times
. Retrieved
August 2,
2010
.
^
Olivarez-Giles, Nathan (January 31, 2011).
"Kobe Bryant and, Robert Rodriguez talk about Black Mamba Nike ads, six-minute film"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Archived from
the original
on October 23, 2018.
^
McMenamin, Dave (April 11, 2013).
"Rapid Reaction: Lakers 113, Trail Blazers 106"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on April 14, 2013.
^
Bresnahan, Mike (March 3, 2013).
"Kobe Bryant and Lakers soar to new heights (or at least .500)"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on March 5, 2013.
^
"Kobe Bryant Buys Home For More Than $4 million"
. Retrieved
June 16,
2011
.
^
"Kobe Bryant sets price record with Newport Coast home sale"
.
Los Angeles Times
. May 29, 2015.
^
"Kobe Bryant, mom in court battle"
. ESPN. May 3, 2013.
Archived
from the original on May 5, 2013.
^
Stamm, Dan.
"Kobe Wins Battle to Prevent Mom From Auctioning His Stuff"
. NBC 10 Philadelphia. Associated Press
. Retrieved
June 10,
2013
.
^
Rovell, Darren (June 10, 2013).
"Deal reached in Kobe Bryant case"
. ESPN.
Archived
from the original on June 13, 2013.
^
"Kobe auction suit settled; parents apologize"
.
ESPN.com
. June 10, 2013
. Retrieved
January 28,
2020
.
^
Carr, Janis (August 30, 2010).
"Kobe and family cheer on Angels"
.
Orange County Register
.
Archived
from the original on July 21, 2019.
^
Diunte, Nick, ed. (January 27, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant Shared A Love Affair With MLB Throughout His Career"
.
Forbes
. Retrieved
October 13,
2024
.
^
Fischer, Mark, ed. (January 28, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant's death 'hits home' for his Mets idol Darryl Strawberry"
.
New York Post
. Retrieved
October 13,
2024
.
^
"Kobe: I'm staying an Eagles fan despite L.A. team | PhillyVoice"
. January 17, 2016.
^
Ahmed, Sahahan (January 9, 2016).
"Kobe Bryant credits soccer for his extraordinary basketball court vision"
.
sports.yahoo.com
.
Yahoo
.
^
"Mamba Mentality"
.
twitter.com
.
Manchester City
.
^
Gonzalez, A. J. (September 8, 2021).
"Laker News: Former Laker In ICU Fighting Covid-19"
.
All Lakers | News, Rumors, Videos, Schedule, Roster, Salaries And More
. Retrieved
October 17,
2021
.
^
SI Staff (December 23, 2003).
"Bryant distracted, scared amid sex assault case"
.
Sports Illustrated
. Associated Press. Archived from
the original
on September 6, 2004
. Retrieved
February 25,
2007
.
^
Moore, David Leon (February 12, 2004).
"Shaq, Kobe still main keys to Lakers' fortunes"
.
USA Today
. Retrieved
February 25,
2007
.
^
Draper, Kevin (January 27, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant and the Sexual Assault Case That Was Dropped but Not Forgotten"
.
The New York Times
.
ISSN
0362-4331
.
Archived
from the original on January 28, 2020
. Retrieved
February 14,
2020
.
^
Wise, Mike; Markels, Alex (July 18, 2003).
"Kobe Bryant Charged With Felony Sexual Assault"
.
The New York Times
. Retrieved
September 20,
2023
.
^
"Fans Shunning Kobe Bryant's Jersey – Celebrity Gossip | Entertainment News"
. Fox News. January 7, 2005. Archived from
the original
on May 23, 2010
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
Reid, T.R. (September 2, 2004).
"Bryant rape case ends in dismissal"
.
San Francisco Chronicle
. Archived from
the original
on September 29, 2004
. Retrieved
October 16,
2007
.
^
Johnson, Kirk (September 2, 2004).
"Prosecutors Drop Kobe Bryant Rape Case"
.
The New York Times
.
Archived
from the original on April 22, 2005
. Retrieved
July 2,
2011
.
^
"Suit Settlement Ends Bryant Saga"
. Associated Press via
NBC Sports
. March 3, 2005. Archived from
the original
on January 26, 2012
. Retrieved
December 19,
2011
.
^
Jensen, Mike (June 16, 2000).
"Article: Basketball Star Leaps into Global Ventures"
. AccessMyLibrary
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
"Information and results for 'Adidas, Basketball Star Kobe Bryant Part Ways.'
"
. AccessMyLibrary
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
"Adidas Airs Out New Kobe Bryant Shoe, Ad Campaign"
. Sportsbusinessdaily.com. Archived from
the original
on March 6, 2010
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
Badenhausen, Kurt (March 9, 2004).
"Kobe Bryant's Sponsorship Will Rebound"
.
Forbes
. Retrieved
December 6,
2008
.
^
Johnson, Greg (June 22, 2008).
"Bryant will lose out again to Big Three"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Retrieved
May 7,
2010
.
^
"Kobe Bryant's Endorsement Deals"
. Advertising.about.com. April 15, 2010. Archived from
the original
on December 3, 2010
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
a
b
"Kobe Bryant resumes endorsement career"
.
USA Today
. July 10, 2005
. Retrieved
July 2,
2011
.
^
Salazar-Moreno, Quibian (May 12, 2008).
"Endorsements Coming Back to Kobe Bryant"
. Blackvoices. Archived from
the original
on July 27, 2013
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
a
b
Devine, Dan (November 5, 2010).
"Kobe Bryant shoots 'em up in new 'Call of Duty' ad"
.
Sports.Yahoo.com
. Retrieved
July 2,
2011
.
^
"No, Kobe Bryant Did Not Jump Over a Car"
.
U.S. News & World Report
. rankingsandreviews.com. April 15, 2008. Archived from
the original
on July 24, 2011.
^
"Nike launches Nike Zoom Kobe V with Kobe Bryant"
. TradingMarkets.com. December 9, 2009. Archived from
the original
on December 18, 2010
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
"Kobe Bryant Wearing Nubeo Black Mamba MVP Watch "UpscaleHype"
. Upscalehype.com. October 19, 2009. Archived from
the original
on June 23, 2010
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
"Kobe Bryant ESPN The Magazine Fan Issue"
.
ESPN The Magazine
. Archived from
the original
on May 31, 2009
. Retrieved
May 15,
2009
.
^
"Top 10 endorsement superstars"
. CNN. December 31, 2008
. Retrieved
May 7,
2010
.
^
Kritchever, Patrick.
The Forbes Celebrity 100
,
Forbes
, June 28, 2010, Retrieved July 13, 2010.
^
Rovell, Darren (December 13, 2010).
"Kobe Bryant To Endorse Turkish Airlines"
.
CNBC
.
Archived
from the original on October 15, 2012
. Retrieved
February 23,
2011
.
It's a two-year deal that will involve Bryant starring in a promotional film that will be aired on international television channels and in movie theatres in more than 80 countries next year.
^
Li, Shan (December 16, 2010).
"Kobe Bryant's Turkish Airlines deal outrages Armenian Americans"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Retrieved
December 8,
2011
.
^
"The first Kobe Bryant Turkish Airlines commercial has landed"
.
NBC Sports
. February 28, 2011. Archived from
the original
on March 3, 2011
. Retrieved
February 23,
2011
.
^
"Kobe vs Messi: Legends on Board – Turkish Airlines"
. Turkish Airlines. December 6, 2012. Archived from
the original
on December 6, 2012
. Retrieved
December 6,
2012
.
^
"LeBron James announces Cavaliers return"
.
BBC Sport
. July 12, 2014
. Retrieved
November 19,
2023
.
^
"Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside for Nintendo 64"
.
MobyGames
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
"NBA Courtside 2 Featuring Kobe Bryant"
. CNN. Archived from
the original
on July 26, 2010
. Retrieved
May 7,
2010
.
^
"NBA Courtside 2002 (cube) reviews at"
. Metacritic.com. January 14, 2002. Archived from
the original
on November 1, 2009
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
"NBA 3 on 3 Featuring Kobe Bryant for GBC"
. Gamespot.Com. December 7, 1999. Archived from
the original
on February 19, 2005
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
Surette, Tim (August 21, 2006).
"Kobe covers Sony's NBA 07"
.
GameSpot
. Archived from
the original
on July 24, 2013
. Retrieved
February 20,
2012
.
^
"Sony Debuts SIX Cover Athletes for NBA 09: The Inside"
. DailyGame. August 18, 2008. Archived from the original on November 17, 2008.
^
a
b
S. Good, Owen (April 13, 2016).
"NBA 2K17 honors Kobe Bryant with 'Legend Edition' this fall"
. Polygon
. Retrieved
January 27,
2020
.
^
Gay, Carlan (May 16, 2019).
"FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019: Dirk Nowitzki named as third global ambassador joining Kobe Bryant and Yao Ming"
.
NBA.com
. Retrieved
May 24,
2019
.
^
"Brian McKnight chart history"
.
billboard.com
. May 9, 2025.
^
Platon, Adelle (April 13, 2016).
"Revisiting Kobe Bryant's (Super Brief) Rap Career, Including That Time He Remixed Destiny's Child"
.
Billboard
. Retrieved
November 18,
2023
.
^
"CRI.com: Kobe Bryant Works with Jay Chou in New Song"
.
CRI.cn
. February 23, 2011. Archived from
the original
on February 26, 2011
. Retrieved
June 16,
2011
.
^
"Jay Chou releases MV with Kobe Bryant"
. PopAsia. Archived from
the original
on March 24, 2012
. Retrieved
June 16,
2011
.
^
Gilroy, Daniel (February 23, 2011).
"ChinaSmack: Sprite China – Kobe Bryant and Jay Chou music video " 天地一鬥 " ("Tian Di Yi Dou") with Jay Chou feat. Kobe Bryant"
. Advertising.chinasmack.com. Archived from
the original
on April 23, 2011
. Retrieved
June 16,
2011
.
^
P, Anthony (June 5, 2009).
"Lil Wayne Releases New Song Titled 'Kobe Bryant'
"
. TotalProSports.com. Archived from
the original
on February 17, 2013
. Retrieved
June 23,
2012
.
Just in time for the championship matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic, Lil' Wayne has released a song titled "Kobe Bryant."
^
"Kobe Bryant On'em- Sho Baraka"
.
Lecrae
. July 16, 2010
. Retrieved
June 23,
2012
.
^
Fu, Eddie (January 30, 2020).
"Chief Keef's "Kobe" Saw A 13,000 Percent Increase In Genius Pageviews After Kobe Bryant's Death"
.
Genius
. Retrieved
March 4,
2021
.
^
Zaru, Deena (January 28, 2020).
"Hip-hop mourns Kobe Bryant — an icon in rap lyrics for decades"
.
ABC News
. Retrieved
March 4,
2021
.
^
Martins, Chris (November 12, 2012).
"Chief Keef Thinks He's 'Kobe' in New Video"
.
Spin
. Retrieved
March 4,
2021
.
^
"Chief Keef – Finally Rich (2012, Best Buy Deluxe Edition, CD)"
.
Discogs.com
. December 18, 2012
. Retrieved
March 4,
2021
.
^
Price, Joe (September 11, 2020).
"Damian Lillard Shares Kobe Bryant Tribute Track Featuring Snoop Dogg"
.
Complex
. Retrieved
August 24,
2023
.
^
Heller, Corinne (January 31, 2020).
"Brandy Mourns Death of Kobe Bryant, Her Prom Date"
.
E! Online
. Retrieved
July 3,
2023
.
^
Fromal, Adam (October 17, 2013).
"Kobe Bryant Declined Jesus Shuttlesworth Role Before It Was Given to Ray Allen"
.
Bleacher Report
. Retrieved
July 3,
2023
.
^
Breznican, Anthony (January 26, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant Was Building an Entertainment Empire"
.
Vanity Fair
. Retrieved
February 24,
2020
.
^
Rottenberg, Josh (June 21, 2018).
"Kobe Bryant is denied membership into the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Retrieved
August 13,
2022
.
^
FitzPatrick, Hayley (February 9, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant honored at 2020 Oscars"
.
Good Morning America
. Retrieved
February 25,
2020
.
^
a
b
Littleton, Cynthia (January 28, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant's Death Cuts Short a Promising Second Act in Entertainment"
.
Variety
. Retrieved
July 3,
2023
.
^
Wit, Alex Dudok de (February 18, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant Was Planning To Launch An Animation Studio; Sergio Pablos And Bruce Smith Involved"
.
Cartoon Brew
.
^
"Jazz's Mitchell taking analysis of Kobe to heart"
.
ESPN.com
. May 2, 2018
. Retrieved
February 25,
2020
.
^
"Kobe Bryant explains his 'Detail' show on ESPN"
.
247Sports.com
. June 14, 2018
. Retrieved
February 25,
2020
.
^
Bryant, Kobe [@Kobebryant] (March 13, 2019).
"Catch me on a NEW episode of #Ridiculousness tonight at 8/7c on @mtv! You don't want to miss it!"
(
Tweet
) – via
Twitter
.
^
a
b
Simon, Jordan (February 4, 2020).
"Remember When Kobe Bryant Was On 'Moesha' And 'Sister, Sister'?"
.
Blavity News & Politics
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
"What About the Fans – Arli$ (Season 1, Episode 5) - Apple TV (CA)"
.
Apple TV
. September 4, 1996
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
a
b
Guglielmi, Jodi (January 27, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant: Looking Back at the Late L.A. Lakers Legend's Most Memorable TV Appearances"
.
People.com
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
Augustine, Bernie (April 13, 2016).
"That time Kobe Bryant was a guest star on a very special episode of NBC's 'Hang Time'
"
.
New York Daily News
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
"Remember When: Kobe Bryant Attended a Philadelphia Area Prom with Brandy?"
.
94.5 PST
. January 27, 2020
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
Elchlepp, Kimberly (January 29, 2020).
"Honoring a Legend: ESPN Films and Spike Lee's Kobe Doin' Work to Air on ESPN, Thursday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. ET, on ESPN"
.
ESPN Press Room U.S
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
Daley, Kaitee.
"Kobe Bryant to appear on ABC's "Modern Family"
"
.
ESPN.com
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
Herrera, Joseph Carlo (February 26, 2011).
"Nike Basketball's Kobe Bryant: 'The Black Mamba' Movie Recap"
.
Bleacher Report
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
"A review of the Dirk documentary"
.
Mavs Moneyball
. SB Nation. October 3, 2014
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
Nemiroff, Perri (December 21, 2015).
"Daddy's Home Interview: How They Shot the Lakers Game Scene"
.
Collider
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
Ross, Terrance F. (February 28, 2015).
"Kobe Bryant's 'Muse': A Honest Look at an NBA Legend"
.
The Atlantic
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
"Remembering Kobe Bryant and His Oscar-Winning Short Film 'Dear Basketball'
"
.
Oscars.com
. August 24, 2022
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
Langmann, Brady (January 27, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant's 'Musecage' Is the Most Unique View of the Mamba Mentality We Have Left"
.
Esquire
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
Bontemps, Tim (June 11, 2018).
"Kobe Bryant on his ESPN show 'Detail': It's 'not for simple-minded people'
"
.
Washington Post
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
Wells, Adam (May 31, 2019).
"Kobe Bryant on Motivating Metta World Peace in Quiet Storm: The Ron Artest Story"
.
Bleacher Report
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
John, Caroline (August 4, 2023).
"
"Master of the Mind": Kobe Bryant's "War" Antics to Rattle Teammates Leaves Fan's Jaw Dropped"
.
EssentiallySports
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
Golliver, Michael (May 3, 2020).
"
'The Last Dance' Episode 5 recap: Michael Jordan was Kobe Bryant's 'big brother'
"
.
Washington Post
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
"Here's Everything You Need to Know About 'The Redeem Team'
"
.
Netflix Tudum
. September 27, 2022
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
"
"KOBE - UNA STORIA ITALIANA", IL DOCUMENTARIO SUL LEGAME TRA BRYANT E L'ITALIA ESCE IL 15 SETTEMBRE"
.
eurosport.it
(in Italian). September 13, 2022
. Retrieved
September 25,
2022
.
^
"Kobe Bryant's Charity Work, Events and Causes"
. looktothestars.org
. Retrieved
April 1,
2010
.
^
a
b
Paul, Alan (July 16, 2009).
"Kobe Bryant Conquers China"
.
The Wall Street Journal
. Retrieved
October 21,
2009
.
^
a
b
Lee, Lauren (February 21, 2020).
"Honor Kobe Bryant's legacy through the charities he supported"
.
CNN
. Retrieved
February 24,
2020
.
^
"Statement on the Death of Basketball Icon and Museum Founding Donor Kobe Bryant"
.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
. January 28, 2020
. Retrieved
July 3,
2023
.
^
Hahn, Jason (January 29, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant Granted Over 200 Make-A-Wish Requests During Career: It Was the 'Highlight of My Life'
"
.
PEOPLE.com
. Retrieved
February 24,
2020
.
^
Nicolai, Megan (January 9, 2015).
"We're excited to be your neighbors"
.
The Orange County Register
. sec. Local, pp. 1, 6.
Archived
from the original on January 11, 2015.
^
Rovell, Darren (August 15, 2018).
"Kobe's $6M drink investment has $200M return"
.
ESPN.com
. Retrieved
July 3,
2023
.
^
Berman, Dennis K. (August 22, 2016).
"Kobe Bryant and Jeff Stibel Unveil $100 Million Venture Capital Fund"
.
The Wall Street Journal
. Retrieved
July 3,
2023
.
^
Williams, Janice (August 22, 2016).
"What Is Bryant Stibel, Venture Capitalist Fund? Kobe Unveils Investment Fund With Business Partner Jeff"
.
International Business Times
. Retrieved
July 3,
2023
.
^
a
b
Spears, Marc J. (May 12, 2020).
"Sports Academy retires 'Mamba' name out of respect to Kobe Bryant"
.
ESPN.com
. Retrieved
May 13,
2020
.
^
Bryant, Kobe (October 24, 2018).
"Inside the Mamba Mentality"
.
Sports Illustrated
. Retrieved
November 7,
2018
.
^
Ward, Ryan (October 29, 2018).
"Legendary photographer Andrew Bernstein talks collaboration with Kobe Bryant on Mamba Mentality"
. Clutch Points
. Retrieved
November 7,
2018
.
^
Savarese, Mauricio (January 27, 2020).
"Author deletes children's book co-written with Kobe Bryant"
.
Associated Press
. Retrieved
January 28,
2020
.
^
Pinho, Faith E. (January 29, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant brought sports to page, podcast and film through Costa Mesa production company Granity Studios"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
Haring, Bruce (April 9, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant Book For Children And Young Adults Hits No. 1 On NY Times Bestseller List"
.
Deadline
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
a
b
Winton, Richard; Woike, Dan; Kohli, Sonali; Ganguli, Tania; Poston, Ben (January 26, 2020).
"Federal investigators look for answers in Kobe Bryant helicopter crash"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Retrieved
January 26,
2020
.
^
Winton, Richard (January 26, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna among nine dead in helicopter crash in Calabasas"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Retrieved
January 26,
2020
.
^
Newburger, Emma; Young, Jabari (January 26, 2020).
"NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna killed in LA-area helicopter crash"
.
CNBC
. Retrieved
January 26,
2020
.
^
a
b
c
d
Alfonso, Fernando; Vera, Amir (January 26, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant was one of five people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California"
.
CNN
. Retrieved
January 26,
2020
.
^
Martin, Will (January 27, 2020).
"This map shows the exact path of Kobe Bryant's helicopter before it crashed, killing all 9 people on board"
.
Business Insider
. Retrieved
February 2,
2020
.
^
a
b
c
d
"Kobe Bryant & Daughter Die in Helicopter Crash, Photos from Her Last Game"
.
TMZ
. January 27, 2020
. Retrieved
January 27,
2020
.
^
"Kobe Bryant: Pilot warned 'you're too low' seconds before helicopter crashed in fog"
.
Sky Sports
. January 28, 2020
. Retrieved
July 3,
2023
.
^
Winton, Richard; Woike, Dan (January 26, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant is killed in helicopter crash in Calabasas"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Retrieved
January 26,
2020
.
^
Wojnarowski, Adrian; McMenamin, Dave (January 26, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna die in helicopter crash"
.
ESPN.com
. Associated Press
. Retrieved
July 3,
2023
.
^
"Autopsies show Kobe, all in crash died instantly"
.
ESPN.com
. Associated Press. May 15, 2020
. Retrieved
November 29,
2023
.
^
"Coroner officials confirm IDs of five more people killed in crash of Kobe Bryant's helicopter"
.
DailyNews.com
. January 30, 2020
. Retrieved
July 3,
2023
.
^
Gaydos, Ryan (January 26, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant among those killed in California helicopter crash"
.
Fox News
. Retrieved
January 26,
2020
.
^
Bacon, John (January 26, 2020).
"Investigation underway to determine cause of helicopter Calabasas, California, crash that killed Kobe Bryant"
.
USA Today
. Retrieved
January 26,
2020
.
^
"Kobe Bryant: Basketball legend dies in helicopter crash"
.
BBC News
. January 26, 2020
. Retrieved
January 26,
2020
.
^
Dazio, Stefanie; Melley, Brian (February 9, 2021).
"Investigators report Kobe Bryant's pilot got disoriented in clouds"
.
NBA.com
. Associated Press
. Retrieved
February 10,
2021
.
^
Dionne, Zach (February 28, 2023).
"Vanessa Bryant Settles Lawsuit Against L.A. County for Almost $29 Million"
.
Complex.com
. Retrieved
March 1,
2023
.
^
Abrams, Jonathan (February 28, 2023).
"Vanessa Bryant Settles Helicopter Crash Photos Lawsuit for $28.85 Million"
.
The New York Times
. Retrieved
March 1,
2023
.
^
Boren, Cindy (February 12, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were buried near their home in a private service last week"
.
The Washington Post
. Washington, D.C.: WP Company LLC
. Retrieved
February 13,
2020
.
^
Turner, Broderick (February 7, 2020).
"Vanessa Bryant announces 'A Celebration of Life' for Kobe and Gianna"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Retrieved
February 9,
2020
.
^
Bieler, Desmond (February 7, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant public memorial service set for Feb. 24 at Staples Center"
.
Washington Post
. Retrieved
February 9,
2020
.
^
Almasy, Steve; Melas, Chloe (February 7, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant memorial service will be held February 24 at Staples Center"
. CNN
. Retrieved
February 9,
2020
.
^
"NBA reschedules postponed Lakers, Clippers game for April 9 at Staples Center"
.
CBS Sports
. February 21, 2020
. Retrieved
December 6,
2024
.
^
Youngmisuk, Ohm (January 28, 2020).
"NBA postpones Clippers-Lakers game after Kobe Bryant's death"
.
ESPN.com
.
Archived
from the original on January 29, 2020
. Retrieved
January 28,
2020
.
^
"Kobe Bryant Memorial:Lakers Nation Sinks in an Emotional Arena"
.
Mirror Herald
. Archived from
the original
on February 19, 2020
. Retrieved
February 1,
2020
.
^
"Kobe Bryant Tribute Game 2nd Most Watched in ESPN NBA History"
.
NBCLosAngeles.com
. Associated Press. February 3, 2020
. Retrieved
April 24,
2020
.
^
Lewis, Jon (February 3, 2020).
"Large audience for Lakers' first game since Kobe tragedy"
.
Sports Media Watch
. Retrieved
February 18,
2026
.
^
Blackburn, Pete (January 26, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant death: NBA teams honor Lakers legend with 24-second, 8-second violations to start games"
.
CBSSports.com
. Retrieved
January 26,
2020
.
^
Bontemps, Tim (February 16, 2020).
"NBA All-Star Game MVP award named in honor of Kobe Bryant"
.
ESPN.com
. Retrieved
July 21,
2021
.
^
Whitten, Sarah (January 27, 2020).
"
'Heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built': Lakers legend remembered at Grammys"
. CNBC
. Retrieved
January 27,
2020
.
^
Vanderhoof, Erin (January 26, 2020).
"Grammys 2020: Lil Nas X, DJ Khaled, the Jonas Brothers, and More Pay Tribute to Kobe Bryant"
.
Vanity Fair
. Retrieved
January 27,
2020
.
^
"Grammys 2020: Billie Eilish's triumph overshadowed but well-deserved"
.
The Guardian
. January 27, 2020
. Retrieved
January 27,
2020
.
^
"Kobe Bryant remembered at Oscars ceremony"
.
The Guardian
. February 10, 2020
. Retrieved
October 16,
2020
.
^
Lavin, Will (August 31, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant fans upset he wasn't included in 2020 MTV VMAs 'in memoriam' segment"
.
NME
. Retrieved
October 16,
2020
.
^
Tailor, Leena (August 30, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant Fans Outraged at His Absence From 2020 MTV VMAs Tribute"
.
Entertainment Tonight
. Retrieved
October 16,
2020
.
^
Nugent, Annabel (September 21, 2020).
"Fans shocked as Kobe Bryant and Nick Cordero excluded from Emmys 'In Memoriam' tribute"
.
The Independent
. Retrieved
October 16,
2020
.
^
Shewfelt, Raechal (September 21, 2020).
"Chadwick Boseman and Naya Rivera among those honoured during Emmys 'in memoriam' segment"
.
Yahoo! News
. Retrieved
October 16,
2020
.
^
Newby, John (August 29, 2020).
"Chadwick Boseman's Passing Has Fans Mourning His and Kobe Bryant's Deaths"
.
Pop Culture
.
Archived
from the original on August 31, 2020
. Retrieved
August 29,
2020
.
^
"Famosos lamentam morte de Chadwick Boseman, o 'Pantera Negra', aos 42 anos"
.
Terra
(in Brazilian Portuguese). August 29, 2020.
Archived
from the original on August 31, 2020
. Retrieved
August 29,
2020
.
^
Mendoza Daza, Javier (August 30, 2020).
"Adiós a Chadwick Boseman, Wakanda se viste de luto"
.
EL HERALDO
(in Spanish).
Archived
from the original on August 31, 2020
. Retrieved
August 30,
2020
.
^
Egedegbe, Gracious (August 31, 2020).
"Chadwick Boseman Married His Longtime Love before His Death, His Family Reveals"
.
Amo Mama
.
Archived
from the original on September 6, 2020
. Retrieved
September 2,
2020
.
^
Sung, Morgan (September 19, 2020).
"Honestly, I'm just tired"
.
Mashable
.
Archived
from the original on November 20, 2020
. Retrieved
October 7,
2020
.
^
"Chadwick Boseman, Naya Rivera, Alex Trebek and more celebs we lost in 2020"
.
Yahoo
. December 15, 2020
. Retrieved
February 7,
2021
.
^
Gibson, Kelsie (December 23, 2020).
"All the Celebrities We've Said Farewell to in 2020"
.
POPSUGAR Celebrity UK
.
Archived
from the original on October 23, 2020
. Retrieved
February 7,
2021
.
^
"Celebrity Deaths in 2020: Stars We've Lost"
.
Us Weekly
. January 1, 2021.
Archived
from the original on December 11, 2020
. Retrieved
February 7,
2021
.
^
"Famosos que fallecieron en 2020 dejando al mundo de luto"
.
TELEMUNDO
(in Spanish). December 3, 2020.
Archived
from the original on December 5, 2020
. Retrieved
February 7,
2021
.
^
Spangler, Todd (December 9, 2020).
"Google Top Trending Searches 2020: Kobe Bryant, Naya Rivera, Chadwick Boseman Among Most Popular Queries"
.
Variety
.
Archived
from the original on December 9, 2020
. Retrieved
February 7,
2021
.
^
DiRocco, Michael (January 26, 2020).
"Pro Bowl becomes tribute to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant"
.
ESPN.com
. Retrieved
January 26,
2020
.
^
Archived at
Ghostarchive
and the
Wayback Machine
:
"The NFL Pays Respects to Fallen Legend Kobe Bryant"
.
YouTube.com
. NFL. January 26, 2020
. Retrieved
August 3,
2021
.
^
Hays, Graham (April 17, 2020).
"Gianna among 3 named honorary WNBA picks"
.
ESPN.com
. Retrieved
July 11,
2023
.
^
Amatulli, Jenna (October 13, 2020).
"Snoop Dogg Honors Kobe Bryant, Lakers With Massive Arm Tattoo"
.
Huffington Post
.
Archived
from the original on April 12, 2023
. Retrieved
October 13,
2020
.
^
Aschburner, Steve (May 15, 2021).
"Long-delayed Hall of Fame Class of 2020 ceremony finally arrives"
.
NBA.com
. Retrieved
July 12,
2021
.
^
a
b
Keh, Andrew (November 29, 2015).
"Kobe Bryant Announces Retirement"
.
The New York Times
.
Archived
from the original on March 8, 2021.
^
Kar, Meena (February 15, 2010).
"Kobe Bryant Elected As The NBA Player Of The Decade"
. Thaindian.com. Archived from
the original
on June 9, 2010
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
"Sporting News' NBA Athlete of the Decade: Kobe Bryant, SG, Lakers"
.
Sporting News
. Archived from
the original
on April 12, 2010
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
"Special Dime: Greatest shooting guards of all time"
. ESPN. March 11, 2008
. Retrieved
June 8,
2010
.
^
Amick, Sam (February 7, 2022).
"NBA 75: At No. 10, Kobe Bryant let his work ethic and devotion to the game define his iconic career with Lakers"
.
The New York Times
. Retrieved
June 2,
2024
.
^
Young, Royce (December 1, 2015).
"Kevin Durant frustrated by media's handling of Kobe Bryant"
.
ESPN
.
Archived
from the original on February 1, 2016.
^
Holmes, Baxter (January 27, 2016).
"Kobe will miss talking trash with Dirk Nowitzki"
.
ESPN
.
Archived
from the original on January 29, 2016.
^
Friedell, Nick (January 28, 2016).
"Rose: Kobe is the Jordan of our generation"
.
ESPN
.
Archived
from the original on January 30, 2016.
^
Hoffman, Benjamin (November 15, 2014).
"To the End, Kobe Bryant Is a Shooting Guard, Hot or Cold"
.
The New York Times
.
Archived
from the original on November 21, 2014.
^
Woike, Dan (November 29, 2015).
"Kobe Bryant announces plans to retire following this season"
.
The Press-Enterprise
.
Archived
from the original on December 1, 2015.
^
a
b
c
"Top stats to know: Kobe Bryant's statistical legacy"
.
ESPN
. November 29, 2015.
Archived
from the original on December 1, 2015.
^
Arnovitz, Kevin (December 19, 2017).
"Kobe Bryant has numbers 8 and 24 retired by the Lakers"
.
ESPN
. Retrieved
December 19,
2017
.
^
Ganguli, Tania (February 14, 2020).
"Kobe Bryant leads Hall of Fame finalists during somber day"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Retrieved
May 15,
2021
.
^
Woike, Dan (April 4, 2020).
"Lakers legend Kobe Bryant to be inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Retrieved
May 15,
2021
.
^
"Kobe Bryant inducted posthumously into Basketball Hall of Fame"
.
France24.com
. AFP. May 16, 2021
. Retrieved
May 16,
2021
.
^
"NBA 75th Anniversary Team announced"
.
NBA.com
. October 21, 2021.
^
"NBA Honors 75th Anniversary Team With Touching Ceremony at 2022 All-Star Game"
.
Sports Illustrated
.
^
HoopsHype.com.
NBA Players – Kobe Bryant
. Accessed May 8, 2007
^
Turner, Broderick (May 15, 2021).
"Magic Johnson: Young Kobe Bryant showed maturity during failure"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Retrieved
May 15,
2021
.
^
"LeBron James Surpasses Kobe Bryant in NBA's All-Time Scoring List"
. BBC. January 26, 2020.
Archived
from the original on January 26, 2020
. Retrieved
January 26,
2020
.
^
Holmes, Baxter (November 30, 2014).
"Kobe gets milestone on 6,000th assist"
. ESPN
. Retrieved
December 1,
2014
.
^
Holmes, Baxter (November 30, 2015).
"Kobe Bryant says he knew from onset that 2015–16 would be final season"
.
ESPN
.
Archived
from the original on December 4, 2015.
^
"Kobe's 81-point game second only to Wilt"
.
ESPN.com
. Associated Press. January 12, 2006. Archived from
the original
on April 18, 2017
. Retrieved
September 20,
2008
.
^
a
b
c
d
Martin, Brian (November 29, 2015).
"KOBE BY THE NUMBERS"
.
NBA.com
.
Archived
from the original on December 3, 2015.
^
"Kobe Bryant Wins Most Valuable Player Award"
.
NBA.com
. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. May 6, 2008. Archived from
the original
on September 1, 2010
. Retrieved
May 6,
2008
.
^
Sheridan, Chris (August 25, 2008).
"Redeem Team proves worthy of Dream Team comparison"
. ESPN
. Retrieved
December 6,
2008
.
^
a
b
c
Holmes, Baxter; Coon, Larry (January 21, 2016).
"Kobe Bryant top vote-getter for 18th and final All-Star Game"
. ESPN. Associated Press.
Archived
from the original on January 22, 2016.
^
"All-Time #NBArank: Players 11–15"
.
ESPN
. February 10, 2016.
Archived
from the original on February 11, 2016.
^
Trudell, Mike (May 23, 2013).
"Kobe Named All-NBA First Team ... Again"
.
Lakers.com
.
Archived
from the original on June 7, 2013.
^
"Kobe Bryant"
.
basketball-reference.com
. Archived from
the original
on May 1, 2012
. Retrieved
September 19,
2008
.
^
Helin, Kurt (September 21, 2020).
"Anthony Davis yelled 'Kobe' after he sank game winner"
.
Yahoo! Sports
. Archived from
the original
on September 24, 2020
. Retrieved
September 21,
2020
.
^
Baer, Jack (October 7, 2020).
"Lakers switch to Kobe Bryant-designed 'Black Mamba' jerseys for potential NBA Finals finisher"
.
Yahoo! Sports
. Retrieved
October 2,
2024
.
^
"Statue of Kobe, daughter placed at site of crash"
.
ESPN.com
. Associated Press. January 27, 2022
. Retrieved
October 1,
2024
.
^
"NBA unveils reimagined Kobe Bryant Trophy for Kia All-Star Game MVP"
.
NBA.com
. February 3, 2022
. Retrieved
February 20,
2022
.
^
"Lakers to unveil Kobe Bryant statue in 2024"
.
NBA.com
. August 25, 2023
. Retrieved
March 29,
2024
.
^
Plaschke, Bill
(February 9, 2024).
"Plaschke: Kobe Bryant statue a perfect portrayal of Lakers legend's inclusiveness and defiance"
.
Los Angeles Times
. Retrieved
February 26,
2024
.
^
Haring, Bruce (August 2, 2024).
"Kobe And Gianna Bryant Statue Joins Pantheon Of Lakers Greats Outside Crypto.com Arena"
.
Deadline
. Retrieved
February 18,
2026
.
^
Nettuno, Tyler (August 2, 2024).
"See the beautiful Kobe and Gigi Bryant statue the Lakers unveiled outside their arena"
.
For The Win
. USA Today
. Retrieved
February 18,
2026
.
^
McMenamin, Dave (August 2, 2024).
"Statue of Kobe with Gigi unveiled in Los Angeles"
.
ESPN.com
. Retrieved
August 25,
2025
.
Further reading
McGrath, Ben (March 31, 2014).
"The fourth quarter : Kobe Bryant confronts a long—and possibly painful—goodbye"
. The Sporting Scene.
The New Yorker
. Vol. 90, no. 6. pp.
38–
49
. Retrieved
May 16,
2018
.
External links
Career statistics from
NBA.com
·
Basketball Reference
Official website
Kobe Bryant
at
IMDb |
| Markdown | [Jump to content](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#bodyContent)
Main menu
Main menu
move to sidebar
hide
Navigation
- [Main page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page "Visit the main page [z]")
- [Contents](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contents "Guides to browsing Wikipedia")
- [Current events](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Current_events "Articles related to current events")
- [Random article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random "Visit a randomly selected article [x]")
- [About Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:About "Learn about Wikipedia and how it works")
- [Contact us](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contact_us "How to contact Wikipedia")
Contribute
- [Help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents "Guidance on how to use and edit Wikipedia")
- [Learn to edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Introduction "Learn how to edit Wikipedia")
- [Community portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Community_portal "The hub for editors")
- [Recent changes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:RecentChanges "A list of recent changes to Wikipedia [r]")
- [Upload file](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:File_upload_wizard "Add images or other media for use on Wikipedia")
- [Special pages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:SpecialPages "A list of all special pages [q]")
[  ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page)
[Search](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search "Search Wikipedia [f]")
Appearance
- [Donate](https://donate.wikimedia.org/?wmf_source=donate&wmf_medium=sidebar&wmf_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&uselang=en)
- [Create account](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=Kobe+Bryant "You are encouraged to create an account and log in; however, it is not mandatory")
- [Log in](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=Kobe+Bryant "You're encouraged to log in; however, it's not mandatory. [o]")
Personal tools
- [Donate](https://donate.wikimedia.org/?wmf_source=donate&wmf_medium=sidebar&wmf_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&uselang=en)
- [Create account](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=Kobe+Bryant "You are encouraged to create an account and log in; however, it is not mandatory")
- [Log in](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=Kobe+Bryant "You're encouraged to log in; however, it's not mandatory. [o]")
## Contents
move to sidebar
hide
- [(Top)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant)
- [1 Early life](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Early_life)
Toggle Early life subsection
- [1\.1 High school (1992–1996)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#High_school_\(1992%E2%80%931996\))
- [2 Professional career](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Professional_career)
Toggle Professional career subsection
- [2\.1 1996 NBA draft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#1996_NBA_draft)
- [2\.2 Los Angeles Lakers (1996–2016)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Los_Angeles_Lakers_\(1996%E2%80%932016\))
- [2\.2.1 Adjusting to the NBA (1996–1999)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Adjusting_to_the_NBA_\(1996%E2%80%931999\))
- [2\.2.2 Three-peat (1999–2002)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Three-peat_\(1999%E2%80%932002\))
- [2\.2.3 Coming up short (2002–2004)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Coming_up_short_\(2002%E2%80%932004\))
- [2\.2.4 Scoring records and playoff upsets (2004–2007)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Scoring_records_and_playoff_upsets_\(2004%E2%80%932007\))
- [2\.2.5 Back on top (2007–2010)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Back_on_top_\(2007%E2%80%932010\))
- [2\.2.6 Chasing a sixth championship (2010–2013)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Chasing_a_sixth_championship_\(2010%E2%80%932013\))
- [2\.2.7 Injury-plagued years (2013–2015)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Injury-plagued_years_\(2013%E2%80%932015\))
- [2\.2.8 Final season (2015–2016)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Final_season_\(2015%E2%80%932016\))
- [3 National team career](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#National_team_career)
- [4 Player profile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Player_profile)
- [5 NBA career statistics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#NBA_career_statistics)
Toggle NBA career statistics subsection
- [5\.1 Regular season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Regular_season)
- [5\.2 Playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Playoffs)
- [6 Off the court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Off_the_court)
Toggle Off the court subsection
- [6\.1 Personal life](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Personal_life)
- [6\.1.1 Sexual assault case](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Sexual_assault_case)
- [6\.2 Endorsements](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Endorsements)
- [6\.3 Music](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Music)
- [6\.4 Film and television](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Film_and_television)
- [6\.4.1 Filmography](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Filmography)
- [6\.5 Philanthropy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Philanthropy)
- [6\.6 Business ventures](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Business_ventures)
- [6\.7 Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Books)
- [7 Death](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Death)
Toggle Death subsection
- [7\.1 Accident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Accident)
- [7\.2 Investigations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Investigations)
- [7\.3 Tributes and funeral services](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Tributes_and_funeral_services)
- [8 Legacy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Legacy)
- [9 See also](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#See_also)
- [10 Notes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Notes)
- [11 References](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#References)
- [12 Further reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Further_reading)
- [13 External links](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#External_links)
Toggle the table of contents
# Kobe Bryant
104 languages
- [Alemannisch](https://als.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Alemannic")
- [Aragonés](https://an.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Aragonese")
- [العربية](https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%83%D9%88%D8%A8%D9%8A_%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%AA "كوبي براينت – Arabic")
- [مصرى](https://arz.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%83%D9%88%D8%A8%D9%89_%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%AA "كوبى براينت – Egyptian Arabic")
- [Asturianu](https://ast.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Asturian")
- [Azərbaycanca](https://az.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobi_Brayant "Kobi Brayant – Azerbaijani")
- [تۆرکجه](https://azb.wikipedia.org/wiki/%DA%A9%D9%88%D8%A8%DB%8C_%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA "کوبی برایانت – South Azerbaijani")
- [Basa Bali](https://ban.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Balinese")
- [Žemaitėška](https://bat-smg.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuob%C4%97_Brajants "Kuobė Brajants – Samogitian")
- [Bikol Central](https://bcl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Central Bikol")
- [Беларуская (тарашкевіца)](https://be-tarask.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%96_%D0%91%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%8F%D0%BD%D1%82 "Кобі Браянт – Belarusian (Taraškievica orthography)")
- [Беларуская](https://be.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%96_%D0%91%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%8F%D0%BD%D1%82 "Кобі Браянт – Belarusian")
- [Български](https://bg.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%B8_%D0%91%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B9%D1%8A%D0%BD%D1%82 "Коби Брайънт – Bulgarian")
- [বাংলা](https://bn.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF_%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F "কোবি ব্রায়ান্ট – Bangla")
- [Bosanski](https://bs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Bosnian")
- [Català](https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Catalan")
- [閩東語 / Mìng-dĕ̤ng-ngṳ̄](https://cdo.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Mindong")
- [Cebuano](https://ceb.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Cebuano")
- [کوردی](https://ckb.wikipedia.org/wiki/%DA%A9%DB%86%D9%88%D8%A8%DB%8C_%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%95%D9%86%D8%AA "کۆوبی برایەنت – Central Kurdish")
- [Čeština](https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Czech")
- [Cymraeg](https://cy.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Welsh")
- [Dansk](https://da.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Danish")
- [Deutsch](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – German")
- [Zazaki](https://diq.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Dimli")
- [Ελληνικά](https://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%9A%CF%8C%CE%BC%CF%80%CE%B9_%CE%9C%CF%80%CF%81%CE%AC%CE%B9%CE%B1%CE%BD%CF%84 "Κόμπι Μπράιαντ – Greek")
- [Emiliàn e rumagnòl](https://eml.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Emiliano-Romagnolo")
- [Esperanto](https://eo.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Esperanto")
- [Español](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Spanish")
- [Eesti](https://et.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Estonian")
- [Euskara](https://eu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Basque")
- [فارسی](https://fa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%DA%A9%D9%88%D8%A8%DB%8C_%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA "کوبی برایانت – Persian")
- [Suomi](https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Finnish")
- [Français](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – French")
- [Frysk](https://fy.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Western Frisian")
- [Gaeilge](https://ga.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Irish")
- [Galego](https://gl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Galician")
- [客家語 / Hak-kâ-ngî](https://hak.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Hakka Chinese")
- [עברית](https://he.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%91%D7%99_%D7%91%D7%A8%D7%90%D7%99%D7%99%D7%A0%D7%98 "קובי בראיינט – Hebrew")
- [हिन्दी](https://hi.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%80_%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%9F "कोबी ब्रायंट – Hindi")
- [Fiji Hindi](https://hif.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Fiji Hindi")
- [Hrvatski](https://hr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Croatian")
- [Kreyòl ayisyen](https://ht.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Haitian Creole")
- [Magyar](https://hu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Hungarian")
- [Հայերեն](https://hy.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D4%BF%D5%B8%D5%A2%D5%AB_%D4%B2%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%BF "Կոբի Բրայանտ – Armenian")
- [Bahasa Indonesia](https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Indonesian")
- [Ido](https://io.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Ido")
- [Íslenska](https://is.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Icelandic")
- [Italiano](https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Italian")
- [日本語](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%B3%E3%83%BC%E3%83%93%E3%83%BC%E3%83%BB%E3%83%96%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%82%A2%E3%83%B3%E3%83%88 "コービー・ブライアント – Japanese")
- [Jawa](https://jv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Javanese")
- [ქართული](https://ka.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E1%83%99%E1%83%9D%E1%83%91%E1%83%98_%E1%83%91%E1%83%A0%E1%83%90%E1%83%98%E1%83%90%E1%83%9C%E1%83%A2%E1%83%98 "კობი ბრაიანტი – Georgian")
- [Қазақша](https://kk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%B8_%D0%91%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%82 "Коби Брайант – Kazakh")
- [ಕನ್ನಡ](https://kn.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B2%95%E0%B3%8B%E0%B2%AC%E0%B2%BF_%E0%B2%AC%E0%B3%8D%E0%B2%B0%E0%B2%BE%E0%B2%AF%E0%B2%82%E0%B2%9F%E0%B3%8D "ಕೋಬಿ ಬ್ರಾಯಂಟ್ – Kannada")
- [한국어](https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EC%BD%94%EB%B9%84_%EB%B8%8C%EB%9D%BC%EC%9D%B4%EC%96%B8%ED%8A%B8 "코비 브라이언트 – Korean")
- [Kurdî](https://ku.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Kurdish")
- [Кыргызча](https://ky.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%B8_%D0%91%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%82 "Коби Брайант – Kyrgyz")
- [Lietuvių](https://lt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Lithuanian")
- [Latviešu](https://lv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Braiants "Kobe Braiants – Latvian")
- [Malagasy](https://mg.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Malagasy")
- [Minangkabau](https://min.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Minangkabau")
- [Македонски](https://mk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%B8_%D0%91%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%98%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%82 "Коби Брајант – Macedonian")
- [മലയാളം](https://ml.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8B%E0%B4%AC%E0%B4%BF_%E0%B4%AC%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%B0%E0%B4%AF%E0%B4%A8%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%B1%E0%B5%8D "കോബി ബ്രയന്റ് – Malayalam")
- [Монгол](https://mn.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%B8_%D0%91%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%82 "Коби Брайант – Mongolian")
- [मराठी](https://mr.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%87_%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%9F "कोबे ब्रायंट – Marathi")
- [Bahasa Melayu](https://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Malay")
- [Nederlands](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Dutch")
- [Norsk nynorsk](https://nn.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Norwegian Nynorsk")
- [Norsk bokmål](https://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Norwegian Bokmål")
- [ਪੰਜਾਬੀ](https://pa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A8%95%E0%A9%8B%E0%A8%AC%E0%A9%80_%E0%A8%AC%E0%A9%8D%E0%A8%B0%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%87%E0%A9%B0%E0%A8%9F "ਕੋਬੀ ਬ੍ਰਾਇੰਟ – Punjabi")
- [Kapampangan](https://pam.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Pampanga")
- [Polski](https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Polish")
- [Português](https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Portuguese")
- [Runa Simi](https://qu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Quechua")
- [Română](https://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Romanian")
- [Русский](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%82,_%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%B8 "Брайант, Коби – Russian")
- [Scots](https://sco.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Scots")
- [Srpskohrvatski / српскохрватски](https://sh.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Serbo-Croatian")
- [Simple English](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Simple English")
- [Slovenčina](https://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Slovak")
- [Slovenščina](https://sl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Slovenian")
- [Soomaaliga](https://so.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Somali")
- [Shqip](https://sq.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Albanian")
- [Српски / srpski](https://sr.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%B8_%D0%91%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%98%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%82 "Коби Брајант – Serbian")
- [Svenska](https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Swedish")
- [Kiswahili](https://sw.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Swahili")
- [தமிழ்](https://ta.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8B%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BF_%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%8D "கோபி பிரயன்ட் – Tamil")
- [ไทย](https://th.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B9%82%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B5_%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%95%E0%B9%8C "โคบี ไบรอันต์ – Thai")
- [Tagalog](https://tl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Tagalog")
- [Türkçe](https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Turkish")
- [ئۇيغۇرچە / Uyghurche](https://ug.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%83%D9%88%D8%A8%D9%89_%D8%A8%D9%89%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%8A%DB%90%D9%86%D8%AA "كوبى بىرايېنت – Uyghur")
- [Українська](https://uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%96_%D0%91%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%8F%D0%BD%D1%82 "Кобі Браянт – Ukrainian")
- [اردو](https://ur.wikipedia.org/wiki/%DA%A9%D9%88%D8%A8%DB%8C_%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%86%D9%B9 "کوبی برائنٹ – Urdu")
- [Oʻzbekcha / ўзбекча](https://uz.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Uzbek")
- [Vèneto](https://vec.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Venetian")
- [Tiếng Việt](https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Vietnamese")
- [Volapük](https://vo.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Volapük")
- [Winaray](https://war.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Waray")
- [吴语](https://wuu.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%A7%91%E6%AF%94%C2%B7%E6%8B%9C%E6%81%A9%E6%89%98 "科比·拜恩托 – Wu")
- [მარგალური](https://xmf.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E1%83%99%E1%83%9D%E1%83%91%E1%83%98_%E1%83%91%E1%83%A0%E1%83%90%E1%83%98%E1%83%90%E1%83%9C%E1%83%A2%E1%83%98 "კობი ბრაიანტი – Mingrelian")
- [Yorùbá](https://yo.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Yoruba")
- [文言](https://zh-classical.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%AB%98%E6%AF%94%E6%8B%9C%E4%BB%81 "高比拜仁 – Literary Chinese")
- [閩南語 / Bân-lâm-gí](https://zh-min-nan.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "Kobe Bryant – Minnan")
- [粵語](https://zh-yue.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%AB%98%E6%AF%94%E6%8B%9C%E4%BB%81 "高比拜仁 – Cantonese")
- [中文](https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%A7%91%E6%AF%94%C2%B7%E5%B8%83%E8%8E%B1%E6%81%A9%E7%89%B9 "科比·布莱恩特 – Chinese")
[Edit links](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Special:EntityPage/Q25369#sitelinks-wikipedia "Edit interlanguage links")
- [Article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "View the content page [c]")
- [Talk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Kobe_Bryant "Discuss improvements to the content page [t]")
English
- [Read](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant)
- [View source](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kobe_Bryant&action=edit "This page is protected.
You can view its source [e]")
- [View history](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kobe_Bryant&action=history "Past revisions of this page [h]")
Tools
Tools
move to sidebar
hide
Actions
- [Read](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant)
- [View source](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kobe_Bryant&action=edit)
- [View history](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kobe_Bryant&action=history)
General
- [What links here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:WhatLinksHere/Kobe_Bryant "List of all English Wikipedia pages containing links to this page [j]")
- [Related changes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:RecentChangesLinked/Kobe_Bryant "Recent changes in pages linked from this page [k]")
- [Upload file](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:File_Upload_Wizard "Upload files [u]")
- [Permanent link](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kobe_Bryant&oldid=1345344055 "Permanent link to this revision of this page")
- [Page information](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kobe_Bryant&action=info "More information about this page")
- [Cite this page](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:CiteThisPage&page=Kobe_Bryant&id=1345344055&wpFormIdentifier=titleform "Information on how to cite this page")
- [Get shortened URL](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:UrlShortener&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FKobe_Bryant)
Print/export
- [Download as PDF](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:DownloadAsPdf&page=Kobe_Bryant&action=show-download-screen "Download this page as a PDF file")
- [Printable version](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kobe_Bryant&printable=yes "Printable version of this page [p]")
In other projects
- [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant)
- [Wikiquote](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant)
- [Wikidata item](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Special:EntityPage/Q25369 "Structured data on this page hosted by Wikidata [g]")
Appearance
move to sidebar
hide
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Protection_policy#semi "This article is semi-protected.")
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
American basketball player (1978–2020)
For the American football safety, see [Coby Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coby_Bryant "Coby Bryant"). For the American football cornerback, see [Cobee Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobee_Bryant "Cobee Bryant").
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_Dec_2014.jpg)Bryant with the [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") in 2014 | | |
| Personal information | | |
| Born | (1978-08-23)August 23, 1978 [Philadelphia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia "Philadelphia"), Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| Died | January 26, 2020(2020-01-26) (aged 41) [Calabasas, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calabasas,_California "Calabasas, California"), U.S. | |
| Listed height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)[\[a\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-height_note-3) | |
| Listed weight | 212 lb (96 kg) | |
| Career information | | |
| High school | [Lower Merion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Merion_High_School "Lower Merion High School") ([Ardmore, Pennsylvania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardmore,_Pennsylvania "Ardmore, Pennsylvania")) | |
| [NBA draft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_draft "NBA draft") | [1996](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_NBA_draft "1996 NBA draft"): 1st round, 13th overall pick | |
| Drafted by | [Charlotte Hornets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Hornets "Charlotte Hornets") | |
| Playing career | 1996–2016 | |
| Position | [Shooting guard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_guard "Shooting guard") | |
| Number | 8, 24 | |
| Career history | | |
| [1996](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996%E2%80%9397_NBA_season "1996–97 NBA season")–[2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_NBA_season "2015–16 NBA season") | [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") | |
| Career highlights | | |
| 5× [NBA champion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_champions "List of NBA champions") ([2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_Finals "2000 NBA Finals")–[2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_Finals "2002 NBA Finals"), [2009](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_Finals "2009 NBA Finals"), [2010](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_Finals "2010 NBA Finals")) 2× [NBA Finals MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award") ([2009](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_Finals "2009 NBA Finals"), [2010](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_Finals "2010 NBA Finals")) [NBA Most Valuable Player](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA Most Valuable Player Award") ([2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_NBA_season "2007–08 NBA season")) 18× [NBA All-Star](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_All-Stars "List of NBA All-Stars") ([1998](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_NBA_All-Star_Game "1998 NBA All-Star Game"), [2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_All-Star_Game "2000 NBA All-Star Game")–[2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NBA_All-Star_Game "2016 NBA All-Star Game")) 4× [NBA All-Star Game MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game_Kobe_Bryant_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award") ([2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_All-Star_Game "2002 NBA All-Star Game"), [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_NBA_All-Star_Game "2007 NBA All-Star Game"), [2009](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_All-Star_Game "2009 NBA All-Star Game"),[\[b\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-4) [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_NBA_All-Star_Game "2011 NBA All-Star Game")) 11× [All-NBA First Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-NBA_Team "All-NBA Team") ([2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_NBA_season "2001–02 NBA season")–[2004](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003%E2%80%9304_NBA_season "2003–04 NBA season"), [2006](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_NBA_season "2005–06 NBA season")–[2013](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012%E2%80%9313_NBA_season "2012–13 NBA season")) 2× [All-NBA Second Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-NBA_Team "All-NBA Team") ([2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999%E2%80%932000_NBA_season "1999–2000 NBA season"), [2001](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_NBA_season "2000–01 NBA season")) 2× [All-NBA Third Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-NBA_Team "All-NBA Team") ([1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998%E2%80%9399_NBA_season "1998–99 NBA season"), [2005](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004%E2%80%9305_NBA_season "2004–05 NBA season")) 9× [NBA All-Defensive First Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-NBA_Defensive_Team "All-NBA Defensive Team") ([2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999%E2%80%932000_NBA_season "1999–2000 NBA season"), [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002%E2%80%9303_NBA_season "2002–03 NBA season"), [2004](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003%E2%80%9304_NBA_season "2003–04 NBA season"), [2006](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_NBA_season "2005–06 NBA season")–[2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%9311_NBA_season "2010–11 NBA season")) 3× [NBA All-Defensive Second Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-NBA_Defensive_Team "All-NBA Defensive Team") ([2001](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_NBA_season "2000–01 NBA season"), [2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_NBA_season "2001–02 NBA season"), [2012](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011%E2%80%9312_NBA_season "2011–12 NBA season")) 2× [NBA scoring champion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_annual_scoring_leaders "List of National Basketball Association annual scoring leaders") ([2006](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_NBA_season "2005–06 NBA season"), [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_NBA_season "2006–07 NBA season")) [NBA Slam Dunk Contest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slam_Dunk_Contest "Slam Dunk Contest") champion ([1997](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997_NBA_All-Star_Game "1997 NBA All-Star Game")) [NBA All-Rookie Second Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-NBA_Rookie_Team "All-NBA Rookie Team") ([1997](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996%E2%80%9397_NBA_season "1996–97 NBA season")) [NBA 75th Anniversary Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_75th_Anniversary_Team "NBA 75th Anniversary Team") Nos. 8 & 24 [retired by Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers#Retired_numbers "Los Angeles Lakers") [Naismith Prep Player of the Year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naismith_Prep_Player_of_the_Year_Award "Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award") (1996) [Gatorade National Player of the Year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gatorade_Player_of_the_Year_awards "Gatorade Player of the Year awards") (1996) [McDonald's All-American](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonald%27s_All-American_Game "McDonald's All-American Game") ([1996](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_McDonald%27s_All-American_Boys_Game "1996 McDonald's All-American Boys Game")) First-team [*Parade* All-American](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parade_All-America_Boys_Basketball_Team "Parade All-America Boys Basketball Team") (1996) Fourth-team *Parade* All-American (1995) | | |
| Career statistics | | |
| [Points](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)") | 33,643 (25.0 ppg) | |
| [Rebounds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)") | 7,047 (5.2 rpg) | |
| [Assists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)") | 6,306 (4.7 apg) | |
| **[Stats](https://www.nba.com/player/977) at NBA.com** [](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25369#P3647 "Edit this at Wikidata") | | |
| **[Stats](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html) at [Basketball Reference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_Reference "Basketball Reference")** | | |
| [Basketball Hall of Fame](http://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/kobe-bryant) | | |
| [Men's basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men%27s_basketball "Men's basketball") | | |
| Representing the  [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_men%27s_national_basketball_team "United States men's national basketball team") | | |
| [Olympic Games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_at_the_Summer_Olympics "Basketball at the Summer Olympics") | | |
|  | [2008 Beijing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_at_the_2008_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Men%27s_tournament "Basketball at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament") | [Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "2008 United States men's Olympic basketball team") |
|  | [2012 London](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_at_the_2012_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Men%27s_tournament "Basketball at the 2012 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament") | [Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "2012 United States men's Olympic basketball team") |
| [FIBA Americas Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIBA_Americas_Championship "FIBA Americas Championship") | | |
|  | [2007 Las Vegas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_FIBA_Americas_Championship "2007 FIBA Americas Championship") | [Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_FIBA_Americas_Championship "2007 FIBA Americas Championship") |
**Kobe Bean Bryant** ([/ˈkoʊbi/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English "Help:IPA/English") [*KOH\-bee*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Pronunciation_respelling_key "Help:Pronunciation respelling key"); August 23, 1978 – January 26, 2020) was an American professional [basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball "Basketball") player. A [shooting guard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_guard "Shooting guard"), he [spent his entire 20-year career](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_players_who_have_spent_their_entire_career_with_one_franchise "List of NBA players who have spent their entire career with one franchise") with the [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") in the [National Basketball Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association "National Basketball Association") (NBA). Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential players in the sport's history, Bryant won five [NBA championships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals "NBA Finals") and was an 18-time [All-Star](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star "NBA All-Star"), four-time [All-Star MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game_Kobe_Bryant_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player"), 15-time member of the [All-NBA Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-NBA_Team "All-NBA Team"), 12-time member of the [All-Defensive Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Defensive_Team "NBA All-Defensive Team"), the 2008 [NBA Most Valuable Player](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA Most Valuable Player") (MVP), two-time [NBA Finals MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals_MVP "NBA Finals MVP"), and two-time [scoring champion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_annual_scoring_leaders "List of NBA annual scoring leaders"). He ranks fourth in [league all-time regular season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_scoring_leaders "List of NBA career scoring leaders") and [postseason scoring](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_playoff_scoring_leaders "List of NBA career playoff scoring leaders"). Bryant was posthumously named to the [NBA 75th Anniversary Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_75th_Anniversary_Team "NBA 75th Anniversary Team") in 2021 and was a two-time inductee to the [Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naismith_Memorial_Basketball_Hall_of_Fame "Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame"), for his playing career in 2020 and as a member of the [2008 U.S. Olympic team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "2008 United States men's Olympic basketball team") in 2025.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-RedeemHOF-5)
The son of NBA player [Joe Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Bryant "Joe Bryant"), Bryant was born in [Philadelphia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia "Philadelphia") and partly raised in Italy. Recognized as the top American high school basketball player while at [Lower Merion High School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Merion_High_School "Lower Merion High School") in the Philadelphia suburb of [Ardmore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardmore,_Pennsylvania "Ardmore, Pennsylvania"), Bryant declared for the [1996 NBA draft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_NBA_draft "1996 NBA draft") and was selected by the [Charlotte Hornets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996%E2%80%9397_Charlotte_Hornets_season "1996–97 Charlotte Hornets season") with the 13th pick; he was then traded to the Lakers. As a rookie, Bryant earned a reputation as a high-flyer by winning the 1997 [Slam Dunk Contest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slam_Dunk_Contest "Slam Dunk Contest") and was named an All-Star by his second season. Despite his [contentious relationship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaq%E2%80%93Kobe_feud "Shaq–Kobe feud") with teammate [Shaquille O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal"), the pair led the Lakers to [three consecutive](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-peat "Three-peat") NBA championships from [2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_Finals "2000 NBA Finals") to [2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_Finals "2002 NBA Finals"). In 2003, Bryant was [charged with sexual assault](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant_sexual_assault_case "Kobe Bryant sexual assault case"). Charges were dropped after the accuser refused to testify, and a lawsuit was settled out of court, with Bryant issuing an apology and admitting to a sexual encounter he maintained was consensual.
After the Lakers lost the [2004 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_NBA_Finals "2004 NBA Finals"), O'Neal was traded and Bryant became the franchise's cornerstone. He led the NBA in scoring in the [2005–06](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_NBA_season "2005–06 NBA season") and [2006–07](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_NBA_season "2006–07 NBA season") seasons. On January 22, 2006, Bryant scored a career-high [81 points](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant%27s_81-point_game "Kobe Bryant's 81-point game"), the third [most scored in a single NBA game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_single-game_scoring_leaders "List of NBA single-game scoring leaders") behind [Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain%27s_100-point_game "Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game") and [Bam Adebayo's 83-point game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bam_Adebayo%27s_83-point_game "Bam Adebayo's 83-point game"). Bryant led the team to championships in [2009](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_Finals "2009 NBA Finals") and [2010](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_Finals "2010 NBA Finals"), and was named NBA Finals MVP both times. He continued to be among the league's premier players through the [2012–13 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012%E2%80%9313_NBA_season "2012–13 NBA season") when he suffered a [torn achilles tendon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torn_achilles_tendon "Torn achilles tendon"). The last years of his playing career were hampered by injuries and limited playing time. Bryant retired after the [2015–16 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_NBA_season "2015–16 NBA season"). In 2017, the Lakers retired both his Nos. 8 and 24, making Bryant the only player in NBA history to have multiple [numbers retired](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retired_number "Retired number") by the same franchise.
The all-time leading scorer in Lakers history, Bryant was the first [guard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guard_\(basketball\) "Guard (basketball)") in NBA history to [play 20 seasons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_seasons_played_leaders "List of National Basketball Association seasons played leaders"). His 18 All-Star designations are the [third most](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_All-Stars "List of NBA All-Stars") ever, and his four [NBA All-Star Game MVP Awards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game_Kobe_Bryant_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award") are tied with [Bob Pettit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Pettit "Bob Pettit") for the most in history. Bryant gave himself the nickname **Black Mamba** in the mid-2000s, and the [epithet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epithet "Epithet") became widely adopted by the public. He won [gold medals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_medal "Gold medal") on the 2008 and [2012 U.S. Olympic teams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "2012 United States men's Olympic basketball team"). In 2018, Bryant won the [Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Award_for_Best_Animated_Short_Film "Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film") for *[Dear Basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dear_Basketball "Dear Basketball")* (2017),[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Oscar-6) becoming the only person to win both an Olympic gold medal and an Oscar.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-7)
In January 2020, Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter [Gianna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianna_Bryant "Gianna Bryant") were among nine people who died in [a helicopter crash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Calabasas_helicopter_crash "2020 Calabasas helicopter crash") in [Calabasas, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calabasas,_California "Calabasas, California").[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-8) A number of tributes and memorials followed, and the [NBA All-Star Game MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game_MVP "NBA All-Star Game MVP") was renamed in Bryant's honor.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-9)
## Early life
Kobe Bean Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-KB_Superstar-10)[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-11) His mother, Pam Bryant ([née](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birth_name#Maiden_and_married_names "Birth name") Cox), is the sister of basketball player [Chubby Cox](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chubby_Cox "Chubby Cox"), and his father, [Joe Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Bryant "Joe Bryant"), played eight seasons in the [National Basketball Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association "National Basketball Association") (NBA).[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-12)[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-13) He has two older sisters: Sharia and Shaya.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-14)[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-15) His father named him after the [Kobe beef](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_beef "Kobe beef") from Japan, which he saw on a restaurant menu,[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-bio-16)[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-17) whereas his middle name, Bean, was derived from his father's nickname "Jellybean".[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-KB_Superstar-10) Bryant's family was [Catholic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Archdiocese_of_Philadelphia "Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia") and he was brought up with this faith.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Klosterman,_Chuck2015-18)[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-cna-19)[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Kosloski2016-20)
Bryant started playing basketball at the age of three,[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-21) and the Lakers were his favorite team when he was growing up.[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-22) When Bryant was six, his father retired from the NBA and moved his family to [Rieti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rieti "Rieti") in Italy to continue playing professional basketball.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-23)[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-rap_career-24) After two years, they moved first to [Reggio Calabria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggio_Calabria "Reggio Calabria"), then to [Pistoia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pistoia "Pistoia") and [Reggio Emilia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggio_Emilia "Reggio Emilia"). Kobe became accustomed to his new lifestyle and learned to speak fluent Italian.[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Lavanga2020-25) He was especially fond of Reggio Emilia, which Kobe considered a loving place and where some of his best childhood memories were made.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-26)[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-27) Kobe began to play basketball seriously while living in Reggio Emilia.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-28)[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-29) His grandfather mailed him videos of NBA games for him to study.[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Greatness-30) Another source of inspiration was animated European films about sports, from which Kobe learned more about basketball.[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-31) From 1987 to 1989, his father played for [Olimpia Basket Pistoia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olimpia_Basket_Pistoia "Olimpia Basket Pistoia") where he paired with former [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons") player [Leon Douglas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Douglas "Leon Douglas"). Kobe worked at the games as a ball and mop boy and practiced shooting at halftime. Douglas said, "At every one of our games at halftime, it was the Kobe show. He'd get out there and get his shot up. We'd come out of the locker room at halftime and have to chase him off the court".[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-32)
Bryant also learned to play [soccer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Association_football "Association football"), and his favorite soccer team was [A.C. Milan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A.C._Milan "A.C. Milan").[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-33)[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-34) During summers, Bryant returned to the United States to play in a basketball summer league.[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-35) When he was 13, Bryant and his family moved back to Philadelphia, where he enrolled in the eighth grade at [Bala Cynwyd Middle School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bala_Cynwyd_Junior_High_School_Complex "Bala Cynwyd Junior High School Complex").[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Lavanga2020-25)[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-36)
### High school (1992–1996)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_retired_HS2.jpg)
Bryant's retired
No.
33 jersey and banner at the [Lower Merion High School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Merion_High_School "Lower Merion High School") gym in [Ardmore, Pennsylvania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardmore,_Pennsylvania "Ardmore, Pennsylvania")
Bryant earned national recognition during a spectacular high-school career at [Lower Merion High School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Merion_High_School "Lower Merion High School") in [Ardmore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardmore,_Pennsylvania "Ardmore, Pennsylvania"), located in the Philadelphia suburb of [Lower Merion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Merion_Township,_Pennsylvania "Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania"). He played on the varsity basketball team as a freshman.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Merion-37) Bryant became the first freshman in decades to start for Lower Merion's varsity team, but the team finished with a 4–20 record.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Merion-37)[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-38) The following three years, the Aces compiled a 77–13 record, with Bryant playing all five positions.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Merion-37) During his junior year, Bryant averaged 31.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 3.8 blocks and 2.3 steals[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-39) and was named Pennsylvania Player of the Year while also earning a [fourth-team *Parade* All-American](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parade_All-America_Boys_Basketball_Team "Parade All-America Boys Basketball Team") nomination,[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-JockBioKobe-40)[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-41) attracting attention from college recruiters in the process.[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-JockBioKobe-40) [Duke](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_Blue_Devils_men%27s_basketball "Duke Blue Devils men's basketball"), [Michigan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_Wolverines_men%27s_basketball "Michigan Wolverines men's basketball"), [North Carolina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Carolina_Tar_Heels_men%27s_basketball "North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball") and [Villanova](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villanova_Wildcats_men%27s_basketball "Villanova Wildcats men's basketball") were at the top of his list. However, after high schooler [Kevin Garnett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Garnett "Kevin Garnett") went in the first round of the [1995 NBA draft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_NBA_draft "1995 NBA draft"), Bryant also began contemplating [going directly to the pros](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_high_school_draftees "NBA high school draftees").[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-JockBioKobe-40)
At [Adidas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adidas "Adidas") [ABCD Camp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABCD_Camp "ABCD Camp"), Bryant earned the 1995 senior MVP award[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-42) while playing alongside future NBA teammate [Lamar Odom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamar_Odom "Lamar Odom").[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-43) While in high school, then 76ers coach [John Lucas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lucas_II "John Lucas II") invited Bryant to work out and scrimmage with the team, where he played one-on-one with [Jerry Stackhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Stackhouse "Jerry Stackhouse").[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-44) As a senior, Bryant led the Aces to their first state championship in 53 years. 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 31–3 record.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-HighSchool-45) Bryant finished his high-school career as [Southeastern Pennsylvania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeastern_Pennsylvania "Southeastern Pennsylvania")'s all-time leading scorer at 2,883 points, surpassing both [Wilt Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") and [Lionel Simmons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Simmons "Lionel Simmons").[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-46)
Bryant received several awards for his outstanding performance during his senior year at Lower Merion. These included being named [Naismith High School Player of the Year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naismith_Prep_Player_of_the_Year_Award "Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award"), [Gatorade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gatorade "Gatorade") Men's National Basketball Player of the Year, a [McDonald's All-American](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonald%27s_All-American_Team "McDonald's All-American Team"), a first-team *Parade* All-American and a *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")* All-USA First Team player.[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-47)[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-48) Bryant's varsity coach, Greg Downer, commented that he was "a complete player who dominates" and praised his work ethic, even as the team's top player.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-HighSchool-45)[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-lee_11302015-49) In 1996, Bryant took [R\&B](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contemporary_R%26B "Contemporary R&B") singer [Brandy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandy_Norwood "Brandy Norwood") to her Hollywood High senior prom.[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-50) Ultimately, the 17-year-old Bryant decided to go directly into the NBA, becoming only the sixth player in NBA history to do so.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Merion-37) His news was met with a significant publicity at a time when prep-to-pro NBA players were not very common ([Kevin Garnett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Garnett "Kevin Garnett") being the only exception in 20 years).[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Merion-37) His basketball skills and [SAT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAT "SAT") score of 1080 would have ensured admission to any college Bryant chose,[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Archived_at_Ghostarchive_and_the_Wayback_Machine2020-51)[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-52) but he did not officially visit any campuses.[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-lee_11302015-49) In 2012, Bryant was honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans for his high school play as well as his later accomplishments.[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-53)
## Professional career
### 1996 NBA draft
> If you closed your eyes and thought a little bit, you might have thought you were watching [Michael Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan"). He did everything well – beyond well. He was exceptional in everything that he did. And then we commented, as I recall, on how reminiscent he was of Michael.
— [Jan Volk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Volk "Jan Volk"), the Celtics' general manager, on Kobe Bryant during a pre-draft workout in 1996[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-54)
Before the [1996 NBA draft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_NBA_draft "1996 NBA draft"), Bryant had worked out in Los Angeles, where he scrimmaged against former Lakers players [Larry Drew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Drew "Larry Drew") and [Michael Cooper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Cooper "Michael Cooper") and, according to then-Laker general manager [Jerry West](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_West "Jerry West"), "marched over these people."[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-55)
The Lakers were looking to trade their starting [center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_\(basketball\) "Center (basketball)") [Vlade Divac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vlade_Divac "Vlade Divac") for a player's draft rights to free up [salary cap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_salary_cap "NBA salary cap") space to make an offer to free-agent center [Shaquille O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal"). Bill Branch, the [Charlotte Hornets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Hornets "Charlotte Hornets")' head scout at the time, said the Hornets agreed to trade their No. 13 pick to the Lakers the day before the draft. Before agreement, the Hornets never considered drafting Bryant. During the draft, the Lakers told the Hornets whom to select minutes before the pick was made.[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-56) Bryant was the first guard drafted directly out of high school. After the draft, the trade was put in jeopardy when Divac threatened to retire rather than be traded from LA. However, on June 30, Divac relented and the trade was finalised on July 9, when the league's off-season [moratorium](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/moratorium "wikt:moratorium") ended.[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-57) Since Bryant was 17, his parents had to co-sign his contract until Bryant was able to sign his own when he turned 18 before the season began.[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-complex.com-58) Bryant signed a three-year rookie contract totaling \$3.5 million.[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Career_Earnings-59)
### Los Angeles Lakers (1996–2016)
#### Adjusting to the NBA (1996–1999)
Bryant debuted in the [Summer Pro League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_Pro_League "Summer Pro League") in [Long Beach, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Beach,_California "Long Beach, California"), scoring 25 points in front of a standing-room-only crowd. Defenders struggled to get in front of him, and his performance excited West and Lakers coach [Del Harris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Del_Harris "Del Harris").[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-60) Bryant scored 36 points in the finale and finished with averages of 24.5 points and 5.3 rebounds.[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-61) As a rookie in [1996–97](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996%E2%80%9397_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1996–97 Los Angeles Lakers season"), Bryant mostly came off the bench behind guards [Eddie Jones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Jones_\(basketball\) "Eddie Jones (basketball)") and [Nick Van Exel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Van_Exel "Nick Van Exel").[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Contemporary_Black_Biography-62) At the time, he was the [second-youngest player ever to play in an NBA game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_youngest_National_Basketball_Association_players "List of youngest National Basketball Association players") (18 years, 72 days) and became the youngest NBA starter (18 years, 158 days).[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-63)[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-64) Bryant played limited minutes, but as the season continued, he saw more playing time.
By the end of the season, Bryant averaged 15.5 minutes. During the [All-Star weekend](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Weekend "NBA All-Star Weekend"), he participated in the [Rookie Challenge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rookie_Challenge "Rookie Challenge") and won the 1997 [Slam Dunk Contest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slam_Dunk_Contest "Slam Dunk Contest"), becoming the youngest dunk champion aged 18.[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-65) Bryant's performance throughout the year earned him a spot on the [NBA All-Rookie Second Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Rookie_Second_Team "NBA All-Rookie Second Team").[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-66)
The Lakers advanced to the [Western Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Conference_\(NBA\) "Western Conference (NBA)") semifinals in the [playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997_NBA_Playoffs "1997 NBA Playoffs") against the [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996%E2%80%9397_Utah_Jazz_season "1996–97 Utah Jazz season"), when Bryant was pressed into a lead role at the end of Game 5. [Byron Scott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byron_Scott "Byron Scott") missed the game with a sprained wrist, [Robert Horry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Horry "Robert Horry") was ejected for fighting with [Jeff Hornacek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Hornacek "Jeff Hornacek"), and [Shaquille O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") fouled out with 1:46 remaining. Bryant shot four [air balls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_ball "Air ball"); the Jazz won 98–93 in overtime to eliminate the Lakers 4–1.[\[65\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-67) He first missed a game-winning two-point [jump shot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jump_shot_\(basketball\) "Jump shot (basketball)") in the fourth quarter, then misfired three [three-point field goals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-point_field_goal "Three-point field goal") in overtime, including two tying shots in the final minute.[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-68) O'Neal commented that "\[Bryant\] was the only guy who had the guts at the time to take shots like that."[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-69)
In [Bryant's second season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997%E2%80%9398_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1997–98 Los Angeles Lakers season"), he received more playing time and showed more of his abilities as a guard. As a result, Bryant's point averages more than doubled, from 7.6 to 15.4.[\[68\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-70) He saw an increase in minutes when the Lakers "played small", which would feature Bryant playing [small forward](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_forward "Small forward") alongside the guards he would usually back up.[\[69\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-71) Bryant was the runner-up for the [NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Sixth_Man_of_the_Year_Award "NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award"),[\[70\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-6thManVoting1998-72) and through fan voting, became the youngest [NBA All-Star](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association_All-Star_Game "National Basketball Association All-Star Game") starter in history.[\[71\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-AllStarProfile-73) Bryant was joined by teammates O'Neal, Van Exel, and Jones, making it the first time since 1983 that four players on the same team were selected to play in the same All-Star Game. Bryant's 15.4 points per game was the highest of any non-starter in the season.[\[72\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Contract-74)
The [1998–99 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998%E2%80%9399_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1998–99 Los Angeles Lakers season") marked Bryant's emergence as a premier guard in the league. Bryant started every game for the lockout-shortened 50-game season.[\[73\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-75) He signed a six-year \$70 million contract extension,[\[72\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Contract-74) keeping him a Laker till the end of 2003–04. Sportswriters compared his skills to [Michael Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") and [Magic Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson").[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-complex.com-58)[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-76)[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-77) However, the playoff results were no better as the Lakers were [swept](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_NBA_Playoffs "1999 NBA Playoffs") by the [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998%E2%80%9399_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "1998–99 San Antonio Spurs season") in the Western Conference Semifinals.[\[76\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-78)
#### Three-peat (1999–2002)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lipofsky_Kobe.jpg)
Bryant in December 1999
Bryant's fortunes improved when [Phil Jackson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Jackson "Phil Jackson") was appointed Lakers coach in 1999.[\[77\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-79) After years of steady improvement, Bryant became one of the premier [shooting guards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_guard "Shooting guard") in the league, earning appearances in the league's All-NBA,[\[78\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-BryantAllNBA-80) All-Star, and All-Defensive teams.[\[79\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-BryantAllDefensive-81) The Lakers became championship contenders behind the center-guard combination of Bryant and O'Neal. Jackson utilized the [triangle offense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triangle_offense "Triangle offense") that he implemented to win championships with the [Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Bulls "Chicago Bulls"); this offense would help Bryant and O'Neal rise to the elite. Three championships were won consecutively in [2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_Finals "2000 NBA Finals"), [2001](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_NBA_Finals "2001 NBA Finals"), and [2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_Finals "2002 NBA Finals"), further cementing this.[\[80\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-82)
Bryant was sidelined for six weeks prior to the start of the [1999–2000 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999%E2%80%932000_NBA_season "1999–2000 NBA season") due to a hand injury from a preseason game.[\[81\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-83) When Bryant was back and playing over 38 minutes a game, he had an increase in all statistical categories during the 1999–2000 season. This included leading the team in assists and steals per game. The duo of O'Neal and Bryant backed with a strong bench led to the Lakers winning 67 games, tied for fifth-most in NBA history. This followed with Bryant being named to the [All-NBA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-NBA_Team "All-NBA Team") Second Team and All-NBA Defensive Team for the first time in his career (the youngest player to receive All-Defensive honors).[\[82\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-84) While playing second fiddle to O'Neal in the [playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_Playoffs "2000 NBA Playoffs"), Bryant had some clutch performances, including a 25-point, 11-rebound, seven-assist, four-block game in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the [Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999%E2%80%932000_Portland_Trail_Blazers_season "1999–2000 Portland Trail Blazers season").[\[83\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-85) He threw an alley-oop pass to O'Neal to clinch the game and series. In the [2000 Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_Finals "2000 NBA Finals"), against the [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999%E2%80%932000_Indiana_Pacers_season "1999–2000 Indiana Pacers season"), Bryant injured his ankle in the second quarter of Game 2 after landing on the Pacers' [Jalen Rose](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Rose "Jalen Rose")'s foot. Rose admitted he placed his foot under Bryant intentionally.[\[84\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-86)[\[85\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-87) Bryant did not return to the game, and missed Game 3. In Game 4, Bryant scored 22 points in the second half and led the team to victory as O'Neal fouled out. Bryant scored the winner to put the Lakers ahead 120–118.[\[86\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-88) With a 116–111 victory in Game 6, the Lakers won their first championship since [1988](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_NBA_Finals "1988 NBA Finals").[\[87\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-89)
Statistically, the [2000–01 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_NBA_season "2000–01 NBA season") saw Bryant perform similarly to the previous year, but he averaged six more points per game (28.5). It was the year when disagreements between Bryant and O'Neal surfaced.[\[88\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-90) Bryant led the team in assists, with five per game. However, the Lakers only won 56 games, an 11-game drop from the previous year. The team responded by going 15–1 in the [playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_NBA_Playoffs "2001 NBA Playoffs"). They swept the [Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_Portland_Trail_Blazers_season "2000–01 Portland Trail Blazers season") in the first round, and the [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_Sacramento_Kings_season "2000–01 Sacramento Kings season") in the semifinals. In Game 4 against the Kings, Bryant recorded 48 points, 16 rebounds, and three assists in a 119–113 series-clinching victory.[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-91) They swept the [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2000–01 San Antonio Spurs season") in the Conference Finals to advance to the [Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_NBA_Finals "2001 NBA Finals"), before losing their first game against the [Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_Philadelphia_76ers_season "2000–01 Philadelphia 76ers season"). The Lakers won the next four games and their second championship in as many seasons. During the playoffs, Bryant played heavy minutes which brought his stats up to 29.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. In the playoffs, O'Neal declared Bryant the best player in the league.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-HighSchool-45) Bryant ended up making the All-NBA Second Team and All-NBA Defensive Team for the second year in a row. He was voted to start in the NBA All-Star Game for the third year in a row (no game in 1999).
In the [2001–02 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_NBA_season "2001–02 NBA season"), Bryant played 80 games for the first time in his career. On January 14, 2002, Bryant recorded a then career-high 56 points, with five rebounds, in a 120–81 victory over the visiting [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2001–02 Memphis Grizzlies season").[\[90\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-92) He continued his all-round play by averaging 25.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. Bryant had a career-high 46.9% shooting and once again led his team in assists. Bryant claimed his first [All-Star MVP trophy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award") after a 31-point performance in Philadelphia, when he was booed by fans throughout the game, stemming from his comment to a 76ers heckler during the Finals that the Lakers were "going to cut your hearts out."[\[91\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-93)[\[92\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-smallwood_02062012-94) While making the All-NBA Defensive Team again, Bryant was named to the All-NBA First Team for the first time. The Lakers won 58 games that year and finished second in the [Pacific Division](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Division_\(NBA\) "Pacific Division (NBA)") behind in-state rival [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_Sacramento_Kings_season "2001–02 Sacramento Kings season"). Bryant was suspended for one game after he punched [Reggie Miller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggie_Miller "Reggie Miller") of the [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_Indiana_Pacers_season "2001–02 Indiana Pacers season") after the Lakers' March 1, 2002, victory over the Pacers.[\[93\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-95)[\[94\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-96)
The road to the Finals would prove much tougher than the record run the Lakers enjoyed the previous year. While they swept the [Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_Portland_Trail_Blazers_season "2001–02 Portland Trail Blazers season") and defeated the [Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2001–02 San Antonio Spurs season") 4–1 in the first two rounds of the [playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_Playoffs "2002 NBA Playoffs"), the Lakers did not have home-court advantage against the [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_Sacramento_Kings_season "2001–02 Sacramento Kings season"). The series would stretch to seven games, the first time this had happened to the Lakers since the 2000 Western Conference Finals. However, the Lakers beat their division rivals and made their third consecutive NBA Finals. In the [2002 Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_Finals "2002 NBA Finals") against the [New Jersey Nets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_New_Jersey_Nets_season "2001–02 New Jersey Nets season"), Bryant averaged 26.8 points, 51.4% shooting, 5.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists per game, which included scoring a quarter of the team's points.[\[95\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Finals-97) Aged 23, he became the youngest player to win three championships.[\[95\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Finals-97) Bryant was praised for his performance in the fourth quarters, specifically the last two rounds of the playoffs.[\[95\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Finals-97)[\[96\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-98) This cemented Bryant's reputation as a "clutch player".
#### Coming up short (2002–2004)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_7144_adjusted.jpg)
Bryant during the 2005 preseason
In the first game of the [2002–03 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002%E2%80%9303_NBA_season "2002–03 NBA season"), Bryant recorded 27 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and four steals in an 87–82 loss to the visiting Spurs.[\[97\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-99) On November 1, he recorded a triple-double of 33 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 108–93 victory over the Clippers.[\[98\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-100) Bryant also set an NBA record for three-pointers in a game on January 7, 2003, when he made 12 against the [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_SuperSonics "Seattle SuperSonics").[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-101) He 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. Bryant also averaged 6.9 [rebounds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"), 5.9 [assists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"), and 2.2 [steals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steal_\(basketball\) "Steal (basketball)") per game, all career-highs to that point.[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-bio-16) He was once again voted to both the All-NBA and All-Defensive First Teams,[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-bio-16) and came in third place in voting for the MVP award. After finishing 50–32 in the regular season, the Lakers floundered [in the playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_NBA_Playoffs "2003 NBA Playoffs") and lost in the Western Conference semifinals in six games to the eventual NBA champions [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002%E2%80%9303_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2002–03 San Antonio Spurs season").[\[100\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-102)
The following [season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003%E2%80%9304_NBA_season "2003–04 NBA season"), the Lakers were able to acquire NBA All-Stars [Karl Malone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Malone "Karl Malone") and [Gary Payton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Payton "Gary Payton") to make another push at the NBA championship.[\[101\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-103) Bryant was arrested for [sexual assault](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_assault "Sexual assault") before the season began.[\[102\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-104) This caused him to miss some games due to court appearances or attend court earlier in the day and travel to play games later on the same day.[\[103\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-105) In the final game of the regular season, the Lakers played the [Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003%E2%80%9304_Portland_Trail_Blazers_season "2003–04 Portland Trail Blazers season"). Bryant made two buzzer-beaters to win the game and the [Pacific Division](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Division_\(NBA\) "Pacific Division (NBA)") title. At the end of the fourth quarter, Bryant made a three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left to send it into overtime.[\[104\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Portland-106) The game eventually went to a second overtime, in which Bryant made another three-pointer as time expired to narrowly lift the Lakers past the Blazers, 105–104.[\[104\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Portland-106)
With a starting lineup of O'Neal, Malone, Payton, and Bryant, the Lakers were able to reach the [2004 Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_NBA_Finals "2004 NBA Finals").[\[105\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-107) However, they were upset in five games by the [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003%E2%80%9304_Detroit_Pistons_season "2003–04 Detroit Pistons season"), who won their first championship since [1990](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_NBA_Finals "1990 NBA Finals").[\[106\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-108) In that series, Bryant averaged 22.6 points per game and 4.4 assists while shooting 35.1% from the field.[\[107\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-109) Jackson's contract as coach was not renewed, and [Rudy Tomjanovich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Tomjanovich "Rudy Tomjanovich") took over.[\[108\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-110) O'Neal was traded to the [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004%E2%80%9305_Miami_Heat_season "2004–05 Miami Heat season") for [Lamar Odom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamar_Odom "Lamar Odom"), [Caron Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caron_Butler "Caron Butler"), and [Brian Grant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Grant "Brian Grant").[\[109\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-111) The following day, Bryant declined a six-year, \$100 million offer to sign with the [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004%E2%80%9305_Los_Angeles_Clippers_season "2004–05 Los Angeles Clippers season") and re-signed with the Lakers on a seven-year, \$136.4 million contract.[\[110\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-112)[\[111\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-113)
#### Scoring records and playoff upsets (2004–2007)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_81.jpg)
Bryant attempting a shot during his [81-point game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant%27s_81-point_game "Kobe Bryant's 81-point game") on January 22, 2006
Bryant was closely scrutinized and criticized during the [2004–05 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004%E2%80%9305_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2004–05 Los Angeles Lakers season") with his reputation damaged from all that had happened the previous year. A particularly damaging salvo came when Jackson wrote *[The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Season:_A_Team_in_Search_of_Its_Soul "The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul")*. The book detailed the Lakers' tumultuous [2003–04 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003%E2%80%9304_NBA_season "2003–04 NBA season") and has criticisms of Bryant. Jackson called Bryant "un-coachable".[\[112\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-114) Midway through the season, Tomjanovich resigned as Lakers coach, citing the recurrence of health problems and exhaustion.[\[113\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-115) Stewardship of the remainder of the Lakers' season fell to assistant coach [Frank Hamblen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Hamblen "Frank Hamblen").[\[114\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-116) Bryant was the league's second-leading scorer at 27.6 points per game, but he was surrounded by a subpar cast, and the Lakers went 34–48 and missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade.[\[115\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-117) The year signified a drop in his status in the NBA, as Bryant did not make the NBA All-Defensive Team and was demoted to the All-NBA Third Team.[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-KobeBryantStatistics-118) Bryant engaged in public feuds with Malone and [Ray Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Allen "Ray Allen").[\[117\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-119)[\[118\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-120)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_dunk.jpg)
Bryant dunking against the [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") during a preseason game in [Honolulu, Hawaii](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honolulu,_Hawaii "Honolulu, Hawaii"), in October 2005
The [2005–06 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_NBA_season "2005–06 NBA season") marked a crossroads in Bryant's career. Despite past differences with Bryant, Jackson returned to coach the Lakers.[\[119\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-121) Bryant endorsed the move, and by all appearances, they worked well together the second time around, leading the Lakers [back into the playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_NBA_Playoffs "2006 NBA Playoffs"). Bryant's scoring accomplishments resulted in the finest statistical season of his career. On December 20, 2005, Bryant scored 62 points in three quarters against the [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2005–06 Dallas Mavericks season"). Entering the fourth quarter, he had outscored the Mavericks team 62–61, the only time a player has done this through three quarters since introduction of the [shot clock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shot_clock "Shot clock").[\[120\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-122) When the Lakers faced the [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_Miami_Heat_season "2005–06 Miami Heat season") on January 16, 2006, Bryant and O'Neal made headlines by engaging in handshakes and hugs before the game, signifying a change in [the feud](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaq%E2%80%93Kobe_feud "Shaq–Kobe feud") that had festered between them.[\[121\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-123)[\[122\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-124) A month later, at the [2006 NBA All-Star Game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_NBA_All-Star_Game "2006 NBA All-Star Game"), the two were seen laughing together.[\[123\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-125)
On January 22, 2006, Bryant scored a career-high [81 points](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant%27s_81-point_game "Kobe Bryant's 81-point game") in a 122–104 victory over the [Toronto Raptors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_Toronto_Raptors_season "2005–06 Toronto Raptors season").[\[124\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-126) In addition to breaking the previous franchise record of 71 set by [Elgin Baylor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elgin_Baylor "Elgin Baylor"), Bryant's 81-point game was, at the time, the second-highest point total in NBA history, only behind [Chamberlain's 100-point game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain%27s_100-point_game "Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game") in [1962](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1961%E2%80%9362_NBA_season "1961–62 NBA season").[\[125\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-127) As of 2026, Bryant's 81-point performace is the third highest-scoring single-game scoring total by a player in NBA history behind Chamberlain's 100 points and [Bam Adebayo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bam_Adebayo "Bam Adebayo")'s [83 points](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bam_Adebayo%27s_83-point_game "Bam Adebayo's 83-point game") in March 2026.[\[126\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-128) That same month, he became the first player since [1964](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1963%E2%80%9364_NBA_season "1963–64 NBA season") to score 45 points or more in four consecutive games, joining Chamberlain and Baylor as the only players to do so.[\[127\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-129) For January, Bryant averaged 43.4 points per game,[\[128\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-130) the eighth highest single month scoring average in NBA history and highest for any player other than Chamberlain.[\[129\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-131) By the end of 2005–06, Bryant set Lakers single-season franchise records for most 40-point games (27) and most points scored (2,832).[\[130\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-132) He won the [league's scoring title](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_annual_scoring_leaders "List of National Basketball Association annual scoring leaders") for the first time by averaging 35.4 points per game, becoming just the fifth player in league history to [average at least 35 in a season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_single-season_scoring_leaders "List of National Basketball Association single-season scoring leaders").[\[c\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-135) Bryant finished in fourth place in the voting for the 2006 [NBA Most Valuable Player Award](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA Most Valuable Player Award") but received 22 first place votes—second only to winner [Steve Nash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Nash "Steve Nash").[\[133\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-136)
Later in the season, it was reported that Bryant would change his jersey number from 8 to 24 at the start of the [2006–07 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_NBA_season "2006–07 NBA season"). Bryant's first high-school number was 24 before he switched to 33.[\[134\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-137)[\[135\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-HangUpOldJersey-138) After the Lakers' season ended, Bryant said he wanted 24 as a rookie, but it was unavailable as it was worn by [George McCloud](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_McCloud "George McCloud"), as was 33, retired with [Kareem Abdul-Jabbar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar"). Bryant wore 143 at the [Adidas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adidas "Adidas") ABCD camp and chose 8 by adding those numbers.[\[135\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-HangUpOldJersey-138) In the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers played well enough to reach a 3–1 lead over the [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_Phoenix_Suns_season "2005–06 Phoenix Suns season"), culminating with Bryant's overtime-forcing and game-winning shots in Game 4. They came within six seconds of eliminating the second-seeded Suns in Game 6, but the Lakers lost 126–118 in overtime.[\[136\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-phxlal-139) Despite Bryant's 27.9 points per game, the Lakers fell to the Suns in seven games.[\[136\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-phxlal-139) After scoring 50 points on 20 of 35 shooting in the Game 6 loss, Bryant was criticized for only taking three shots in the second half of the 121–90 Game 7 loss to Phoenix.[\[137\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-140)[\[138\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-141)
During the [2006–07 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_NBA_season "2006–07 NBA season"), Bryant was selected to his ninth All-Star Game appearance, and on February 18, he recorded 31 points, six assists, and six steals, earning his second career All-Star Game MVP trophy.[\[139\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-142) Over the course of the season, Bryant became involved in several on-court incidents. On January 28, while attempting to draw contact on a potential game-winning jump shot, he flailed his arm, striking [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2006–07 San Antonio Spurs season") guard [Manu Ginóbili](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manu_Gin%C3%B3bili "Manu Ginóbili") in the face with his elbow.[\[140\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-flailed-143) Bryant was suspended for the subsequent game at [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden") against the [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_New_York_Knicks_season "2006–07 New York Knicks season"). The reason given was that Bryant had performed an "unnatural motion" in swinging his arm backward.[\[141\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-144) On March 6, he seemed to repeat the motion, this time striking [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_Minnesota_Timberwolves_season "2006–07 Minnesota Timberwolves season") guard [Marko Jarić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marko_Jari%C4%87 "Marko Jarić").[\[140\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-flailed-143) NBA handed Bryant his second suspension.[\[142\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-145) In his first game back on March 9, Bryant elbowed [Kyle Korver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyle_Korver "Kyle Korver") in the face, which was retroactively re-classified as a Type 1 [flagrant foul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagrant_foul "Flagrant foul").[\[140\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-flailed-143)
On March 16, Bryant scored a season-high 65 points against the [Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_Portland_Trail_Blazers_season "2006–07 Portland Trail Blazers season"), which helped end the Lakers seven-game losing streak. This was the second-best scoring performance of his 11-year career.[\[143\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-146) The following game, Bryant recorded 50 points against the Timberwolves,[\[144\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-147) after which he scored 60 points in a road win against the [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies")—becoming the second Laker to score three straight 50-plus point games, a feat not seen since Jordan did it in 1987.[\[145\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Scoring-148) The only other Laker to do so was Baylor, who scored 50+ in three consecutive contests in December 1962.[\[145\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Scoring-148) The next day, in a game against the [New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_New_Orleans/Oklahoma_City_Hornets_season "2006–07 New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets season"), Bryant scored 50 points, making him the second player in NBA history to have four straight 50-point games behind Chamberlain, who achieved it twice with streaks of five and seven.[\[146\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-149) Bryant finished the year with a total of 10 50-plus point games, surpassed only by Chamberlain.[\[d\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-150) Bryant won his second straight scoring title that season.[\[147\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-151) Throughout 2006–07, Bryant's became the top selling NBA jersey in the US and China.[\[148\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-top-sellchina-152) Journalists attributed improved sales to Bryant's new number, as well as his All-Star performance.[\[149\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-153)[\[150\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-154) In the [2007 NBA playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_NBA_playoffs "2007 NBA playoffs"), the Lakers were again eliminated in the first round by the [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_Phoenix_Suns_season "2006–07 Phoenix Suns season"), 4–1.[\[151\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-155)
#### Back on top (2007–2010)
In May 2007 Bryant stated his desire for [Jerry West](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_West "Jerry West")'s return, but denied stating he wanted to be traded if that did not happen.[\[152\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_kobe_west_2-156) However, three days later, on [Stephen A. Smith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_A._Smith "Stephen A. Smith")'s radio program, Bryant expressed anger over a Lakers "insider" who claimed Bryant was responsible for [Shaquille O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal")'s departure from the team, and stated, "I want to be traded."[\[153\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-157) Three hours afterwards, Bryant stated in another interview that after talking with coach Jackson, he had backed off his trade request.[\[154\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-gazette_retracts_trade-158) Bryant was shown in an amateur video saying that center [Andrew Bynum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Bynum "Andrew Bynum") should have been traded for All-Star [Jason Kidd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Kidd "Jason Kidd").[\[155\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-159)[\[156\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-160)
On December 23, 2007, Bryant became the youngest player (29 years, 122 days) to reach 20,000 points, in a game against the [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_New_York_Knicks_season "2007–08 New York Knicks season"), after scoring 39 points to go along with 11 rebounds and eight assists.[\[157\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-161)[\[158\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-162) This record was broken by [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James"). On March 28, Bryant scored a season-high 53 points to go along with 10 rebounds in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.[\[159\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-163)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lakers_Finals_08.jpg)
Bryant's Lakers lost to the [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_Boston_Celtics_season "2007–08 Boston Celtics season") in six games during the [2008 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_Finals "2008 NBA Finals")
Despite an injury to his shooting hand's small finger, described as "a complete tear of the [radial collateral ligament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radial_collateral_ligament_\(thumb\) "Radial collateral ligament (thumb)"), an [avulsion fracture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avulsion_fracture "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. Regarding his injury, Bryant stated, "I would prefer to delay any surgical procedure until after our Lakers season, and this summer's Olympic Games. But, this is an injury that myself \[*[sic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sic "Sic")*\] and the Lakers' medical staff will just have to continue to monitor on a day-to-day basis."[\[160\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-injuryupdate-164)
Aided by the trade for All-Star [Pau Gasol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pau_Gasol "Pau Gasol"), Bryant led his team to a West-leading 57–25 record. The Lakers swept the [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_Denver_Nuggets_season "2007–08 Denver Nuggets season") in the first round and on May 6, 2008, Bryant was announced as the league MVP.[\[161\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-KobeWinsMVPbyNBA-165) He said, "It's been a long ride. I'm very proud to represent this organization, to represent this city."[\[162\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-166) West, who was responsible for bringing Bryant to the Lakers, was at the press conference to observe Bryant receive his MVP trophy from NBA commissioner [David Stern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Stern "David Stern"). Stern stated, "Kobe deserved it. He's had just another great season. Doesn't surprise me one bit."[\[163\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Krikorian1-167) Bryant was the only unanimous selection to the All-NBA team on May 8, for the third straight season and sixth time in his career.[\[164\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-168) Bryant headlined the NBA All-Defensive First Team with [Kevin Garnett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Garnett "Kevin Garnett"), receiving 52 points, including 24 first-place nods, earning his eighth selection.[\[165\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-169)
In the first game of the next round, against the [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_Utah_Jazz_season "2007–08 Utah Jazz season"), Bryant scored 38 points as the Lakers beat the Jazz in Game 1.[\[166\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-170) The Lakers won the next game, but dropped Games 3 and 4, even with Bryant putting up 33.5 points per game.[\[167\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-LALUTA-171) The Lakers then won the next two to win the semifinals.[\[167\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-LALUTA-171) This set up a [Western Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Conference_Finals#Conference "NBA Conference Finals") berth against the Spurs. The Lakers won the series in five games, sending themselves to the NBA Finals against the [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_Boston_Celtics_season "2007–08 Boston Celtics season"). This marked the fifth time in Bryant's career, and the first time without O'Neal, that he made the Finals.[\[168\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-172) The Lakers lost to the Celtics in [six games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_Finals "2008 NBA Finals").[\[169\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-173)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lakers_White_House.jpg)
[Derek Fisher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Fisher "Derek Fisher") and Bryant with President [Barack Obama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama "Barack Obama") during the White House visit honoring the Lakers' 2009 championship
In early September 2008, Bryant decided not to have surgery to repair his right pinkie.[\[170\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-174) In the [2008–09 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_NBA_season "2008–09 NBA season"), the Lakers opened the campaign by winning their first seven games.[\[171\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-175) Bryant led the team to tie the franchise record for most wins to start the season going 17–2,[\[172\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-176) and by the middle of December they compiled a 21–3 record. He was selected to his 11th consecutive [All-Star Game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game "NBA All-Star Game") as a starter,[\[173\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-177) and was named the Western Conference [Player of the Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Player_of_the_Month_and_Week "NBA Player of the Month and Week") for December and January in addition to being named Western Conference Player of the week three times.[\[174\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-178) In a game against the [Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_New_York_Knicks_season "2008–09 New York Knicks season") on February 2, 2009, Bryant scored 61 points, setting a record for the most points scored at [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden").[\[175\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-179) During the [2009 NBA All-Star Game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_All-Star_Game "2009 NBA All-Star Game"), Bryant tallied 27 points, four assists, four rebounds, and four steals and was awarded All-Star Game co-MVP with former teammate O'Neal.[\[176\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-180) The Lakers finished the regular season with the best record in the West (65–17). Bryant was runner-up in the MVP voting behind James,[\[177\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-181) and was selected to the All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team for the seventh time in his career.
In [the playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_Playoffs "2009 NBA Playoffs"), the Lakers defeated the [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_Utah_Jazz_season "2008–09 Utah Jazz season") in five games and the [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_Houston_Rockets_season "2008–09 Houston Rockets season") in seven games in the opening two rounds. By finishing off the [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_Denver_Nuggets_season "2008–09 Denver Nuggets season") in the Conference Finals in six games, the Lakers earned their second straight trip to the [NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_Finals "2009 NBA Finals"). The Lakers defeated the [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_Orlando_Magic_season "2008–09 Orlando Magic season") in five games. Bryant was awarded his first [NBA Finals MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA Finals Most Valuable Player") upon winning his fourth championship,[\[178\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-c156-182) achieving series averages of 32.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks.[\[179\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-183) Bryant became the first player since West in the [1969 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1969_NBA_Finals "1969 NBA Finals") to average at least 32.4 points and 7.4 assists for a Finals series[\[180\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-184) and the first since Jordan to average 30 points, five rebounds, and five assists for a title-winning team in the Finals.[\[181\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-185) Bryant was the league's leading scorer throughout the 2000s decade, accumulating 21,065 points in regular season play between the 1999-00 and 2008–09 seasons.
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_left_floater.jpg)
Bryant shoots a left-handed floater over future teammate [Dwight Howard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwight_Howard "Dwight Howard") of the [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Orlando_Magic_season "2009–10 Orlando Magic season") in 2010
During the [2009–10 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_NBA_season "2009–10 NBA season"), Bryant made six game-winning shots including a [buzzer-beating](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buzzer_beater "Buzzer beater"), one-legged three-pointer over [Dwyane Wade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwyane_Wade "Dwyane Wade") on December 4, 2009, leading to the Lakers' 108–107 victory over the [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Miami_Heat_season "2009–10 Miami Heat season").[\[182\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-186)\[*[unreliable NBA source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NBARSU "Wikipedia:NBARSU")*\] Bryant considered the shot "one of the luckiest he has made."[\[183\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-187) A week later, Bryant suffered an avulsion fracture in his right index finger in a game against the [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Minnesota_Timberwolves_season "2009–10 Minnesota Timberwolves season").[\[184\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-sports.yahoo.com-188) Despite this, Bryant continued playing, rather than take any time off.[\[184\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-sports.yahoo.com-188) Five days after his injury, Bryant made another game-winning shot, after missing on an opportunity in regulation, this time against the [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Milwaukee_Bucks_season "2009–10 Milwaukee Bucks season") in an overtime game.[\[185\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-189) Bryant became the youngest player (31 years, 151 days) to reach 25,000 points in his career during the season, surpassing Chamberlain.[\[186\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-190) Bryant continued his dominant clutch plays making another game-winning three-pointer against the [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Sacramento_Kings_season "2009–10 Sacramento Kings season"),[\[187\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-191) and what would be the game-winning field goal against the [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Boston_Celtics_season "2009–10 Boston Celtics season").[\[188\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-192) The following day, Bryant surpassed West to become the all-time leading scorer in Lakers history.[\[189\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-193) After being sidelined for five games by an ankle injury, which also forced him to miss the [2010 NBA All-Star Game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_All-Star_Game "2010 NBA All-Star Game") despite being the Western Conference's leading vote-getter, Bryant made his return and made another clutch three-pointer to give the Lakers a one-point lead with four seconds remaining against the [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2009–10 Memphis Grizzlies season").[\[190\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-194) Two weeks later, he made his sixth game-winning shot of the season, against the Toronto Raptors.[\[191\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-195)
On April 2, 2010, Bryant signed a three-year contract extension worth \$87 million.[\[192\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-196) He finished the regular season missing four of the final five games, due to injuries to his knee and finger. Bryant suffered injuries throughout the season and missed nine games as a result. The Lakers began the [playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_Playoffs "2010 NBA Playoffs") as the No. 1-seed in the Western Conference against the [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_season "2009–10 Oklahoma City Thunder season"),[\[193\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-197) eventually defeating them in six games.[\[194\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-198) The Lakers swept the [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Utah_Jazz_season "2009–10 Utah Jazz season") in the second round[\[195\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-199) and advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where they faced the [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Phoenix_Suns_season "2009–10 Phoenix Suns season"). In Game 2, Bryant finished the game with 13 assists, setting a new playoff career-high; it was the most assists by a Laker in the playoffs since [Magic Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson") had 13 in [1996](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_NBA_Playoffs "1996 NBA Playoffs").[\[196\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-200) The Lakers went on to win the series in six games capturing the Western Conference Championship and advancing to the NBA Finals for a third straight season.[\[197\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-201) In a rematch against the 2008 Champion [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Boston_Celtics_season "2009–10 Boston Celtics season"), Bryant, despite shooting 6-for-24 from the field, led the Lakers back from a 13-point third-quarter deficit in Game 7 to win [the championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_Finals "2010 NBA Finals"); he scored 10 of his game-high 23 points in the fourth quarter and finished the game with 15 rebounds, tying an NBA Finals record shared by [Sam Jones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Jones_\(basketball,_born_1933\) "Sam Jones (basketball, born 1933)") and [Tom Gola](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Gola "Tom Gola") for rebounds by a shooting guard. Bryant won his fifth championship and earned his second consecutive [NBA Finals MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Russell_NBA_Finals_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award") award.[\[198\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-202) This marked the first time the Lakers won a Game 7 against the Celtics in the NBA Finals.[\[199\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-203) Bryant said this was the most satisfying of all his five championships.[\[200\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-204)
#### Chasing a sixth championship (2010–2013)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2010_NBA_Champion_Los_Angeles_Lakers_with_President_Obama.jpg)
Bryant and the Lakers meet with President [Barack Obama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama "Barack Obama") in honor of the 2010 championship
Bryant wanted a sixth championship to match Jordan's total.[\[201\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-205) The Lakers started the [2010–11 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%9311_NBA_season "2010–11 NBA season") by winning their first eight games.[\[202\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-206) On January 30, 2011, against the Celtics, Bryant became the youngest player to score 27,000 points.[\[203\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-207) Two days later, Bryant became one of seven players with at least 25,000 points, 5,000 rebounds, and 5,000 assists.[\[204\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Mood-208) In Boston on February 10, Bryant scored 20 of his 23 points in the second half as the Lakers rallied from a 15-point deficit for a 92–86 victory.[\[205\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-209) It was the Lakers' first victory of the season against one of the league's top four teams.[\[206\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-210) Bryant, selected to his 13th straight All-Star game after becoming the leading vote-getter, had 37 points, 14 rebounds, and three steals in the [2011 All-Star Game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_NBA_All-Star_Game "2011 NBA All-Star Game") and won his fourth All-Star MVP, tying Hall of Famer [Bob Pettit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Pettit "Bob Pettit") for the most All-Star MVP awards.[\[207\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-211)[\[208\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-212) During the season, Bryant moved from 12th to sixth place on the [NBA all-time career scoring list](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_career_scoring_leaders "List of National Basketball Association career scoring leaders").[\[209\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-213) Bryant finished the season averaging less than 20 shots a game, his fewest since 2003–04.[\[210\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-214)
On April 13, 2011, the NBA fined Bryant \$100,000 for directing a gay slur at referee [Bennie Adams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennie_Adams "Bennie Adams") in frustration at the previous day's game.[\[211\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-215)[\[212\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-216)[\[213\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-217) The [Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_%26_Lesbian_Alliance_Against_Defamation "Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation") praised the decision to fine Bryant, and the [Human Rights Campaign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Rights_Campaign "Human Rights Campaign") said Bryant's language was a "disgrace". Bryant stated he was open to discussing the matter with gay rights groups and wanted to appeal his fine.[\[214\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-218)[\[215\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-219)[\[216\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-220) Bryant apologized,[\[217\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-221)[\[218\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-222) and he with other Lakers appeared in a [public service announcement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_service_announcement "Public service announcement") denouncing his behavior.[\[219\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-223) The team's quest for another three-peat was ended when they were swept by the [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%9311_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2010–11 Dallas Mavericks season") in the second round of the playoffs.[\[220\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-224)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Masked_mamba.jpg)
Bryant wearing a mask in 2012 after suffering a broken nose
Bryant received experimental [platelet-rich plasma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platelet-rich_plasma "Platelet-rich plasma") therapy called [Orthokine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthokine "Orthokine") in Germany to treat the pain on his left knee and ankle,[\[221\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-225)[\[222\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-226) and [Mike Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Brown_\(basketball,_born_1970\) "Mike Brown (basketball, born 1970)") replaced Jackson as coach in the off-season. Bryant began the season playing with an injured wrist.[\[223\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-227) On January 10, 2012, he scored 48 points against the Suns. "Not bad for the seventh-best player in the league," said Bryant, referring to a preseason ESPN ranking of the top players.[\[224\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-228) He scored 40, 42, and 42 in his next three games.[\[225\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-229) It was the sixth time Bryant scored 40 or more in four straight games, a feat exceeded only by Chamberlain (19 times).[\[226\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-230) At the [2012 NBA All-Star Game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_NBA_All-Star_Game "2012 NBA All-Star Game"), Bryant scored 27 to pass Jordan as the career scoring leader in the All-Star Game.[\[227\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-231) He suffered a broken nose and concussion in the All-Star Game after a hard foul from [Dwyane Wade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwyane_Wade "Dwyane Wade").[\[228\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-232) In April, Bryant missed seven games with a bruised shin.[\[229\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-233) He returned three games before the end of the regular season. Bryant sat out the season finale against Sacramento, foregoing the chase for a third scoring title, having needed 38 points to surpass [Kevin Durant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Durant "Kevin Durant").[\[230\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-234) 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 postseason appearance.[\[231\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-235)
In [2012–13](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012%E2%80%9313_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2012–13 Los Angeles Lakers season"), the Lakers acquired center [Dwight Howard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwight_Howard "Dwight Howard") and point guard [Steve Nash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Nash "Steve Nash"). On November 2, 2012, Bryant scored 40 points with two steals, and he passed [Magic Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson") (1,724) as the Lakers career leader in steals. However, the Lakers lost to the Clippers and started the season 0–3 for the first time in 34 years.[\[232\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-236) After starting the season 1–4, coach Brown was fired.[\[233\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-237) He was replaced by [Mike D'Antoni](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_D%27Antoni "Mike D'Antoni"), whom Bryant knew as a child when Bryant's father played in Italy and D'Antoni was a star player there. Bryant had grown close with D'Antoni during their time with Team USA.[\[234\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-238)[\[235\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-breshnahan_11122012-239) On December 5 against New Orleans, Bryant became the youngest player (34 years and 104 days) in league history to score 30,000 points, joining Hall of Famers Chamberlain, Jordan, [Kareem Abdul-Jabbar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar"), and [Karl Malone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Malone "Karl Malone") to reach that milestone.[\[236\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-240) On December 18, in a 101–100 victory over the [Charlotte Bobcats](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Bobcats "Charlotte Bobcats"), Bryant scored 30+ points in his seventh consecutive game, the longest streak by an NBA player after turning 34.[\[237\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-241) Bryant's streak was snapped at 10 on December 28 in a 104–87 victory over the [Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_Trail_Blazers "Portland Trail Blazers"), when he scored 27 points, sitting out the fourth quarter.[\[238\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-242) In a move to improve the defense, D'Antoni began having Bryant guard the opponent's best perimeter player; he was the primary defender on the Cavaliers' [Kyrie Irving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrie_Irving "Kyrie Irving"), who was held to 15 points.[\[239\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-243)[\[240\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-pincus_01162013-244) Bryant acknowledged he was a more focused defender with a challenging defensive assignment, as opposed to when he played off the ball against weaker players.[\[240\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-pincus_01162013-244)[\[241\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-245) His defense disrupted opponents and freed Nash from unfavorable matchups.[\[242\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-246)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant,_Los_Angeles_Lakers_vs_Dallas_Mavericks.jpg)
Bryant driving against the [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Mavericks "Dallas Mavericks") on February 24, 2013. Bryant tallied 38 points in a performance that would be later dubbed "the amnesty game"
Bryant was leading the league in scoring through much of the first 42 games.[\[243\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-247) With a disappointing 17–25 start to the season,[\[244\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-248) D'Antoni had Bryant become the primary facilitator on offense and Nash was moved off the ball and became a spot-up shooter.[\[245\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-verrier_01302013-249)[\[246\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-mcmenamin_01272013-250)[\[247\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-shelburne_01282013-251) In the next three games, Bryant had at least 10 assists in three wins with a three-game total of 39 assists, the most in his career. Bryant missed a triple-double in each game with nine rebounds twice and eight in the other.[\[248\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-252)[\[249\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-253) In two crucial wins in March, he scored at least 40 points and had at least 10 assists in back-to-back games, becoming the first Laker to accomplish this since West in 1970.[\[250\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-254)[\[251\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-mcmenamin_05062013-255) On February 22, 2013, [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Mavericks "Dallas Mavericks") owner [Mark Cuban](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Cuban "Mark Cuban") suggested in an interview on [ESPN Dallas 103.3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KVDT "KVDT") that the Lakers should waive Bryant via the [amnesty clause](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_salary_cap#Amnesty_clause "NBA salary cap") of the then-current collective bargaining agreement to save on luxury taxes. The Lakers called the comment 'inappropriate', and Bryant himself responded two days later by scoring 38 points in the Lakers 103-99 road victory at Dallas on February 24, famously tweeting "Amnesty THAT" after the game.[\[252\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-256) Bryant surpassed Chamberlain to become the fourth-leading scorer in league history in a March 30, 2013, victory over Sacramento.
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.[\[253\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-257) On April 10, 2013, he became the first player in NBA history to get 47 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and three steals in a game. Two days later, Bryant suffered a [torn Achilles tendon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torn_Achilles_tendon "Torn Achilles tendon") against the [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012%E2%80%9313_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2012–13 Golden State Warriors season"), ending his season. Bryant's injury came while he was playing seven consecutive quarters and at least 40 minutes for seven consecutive games. The 34-year-old Bryant was averaging his most minutes (38.6) in six years, and only Portland rookie [Damian Lillard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damian_Lillard "Damian Lillard") was averaging more. Lakers general manager [Mitch Kupchak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Kupchak "Mitch Kupchak") had spoken to Bryant about his playing time, but Bryant insisted it needed to continue given the Lakers' playoff push.[\[254\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-258) He had surgery on April 13 to repair the tear, and it was estimated he would miss 6-9 months.[\[255\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-259) Bryant ended the season with customary averages of 27.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6 assists per game on 46.3% shooting. However, *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")* called his leading of the Lakers back into playoff contention "perhaps some of the finest work of his career."[\[256\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-260) He reached 40 points eight times during the season, and had 10 or more assists in his role as distributor 11 times. Bryant was dubbed "Magic Mamba" after the passing skills of [Magic Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson"). Bryant's assists were the second-highest of his career and his field goal percentage was its highest since 2008–09.[\[251\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-mcmenamin_05062013-255) The Lakers finished the season at 45–37, good for seventh in the West. Playing without Bryant, the Lakers were swept in four games by the [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Spurs "San Antonio Spurs") in the first round of the playoffs.[\[257\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-261)
#### Injury-plagued years (2013–2015)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_vs_Marcin_Gortat.jpg)
Bryant shooting against [Marcin Gortat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcin_Gortat "Marcin Gortat") of the [Washington Wizards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Wizards "Washington Wizards") in 2014
Bryant resumed practicing in November 2013, after the [2013–14 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013%E2%80%9314_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2013–14 Los Angeles Lakers season") had already begun. On November 25, he signed a two-year contract extension with the Lakers at an estimated value of \$48.5 million.[\[258\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-262) Bryant remained the [league's highest-paid player](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest-paid_NBA_players_by_season "List of highest-paid NBA players by season"), although he accepted a discounted deal; Bryant had been eligible to receive an extension starting at \$32 million per year.[\[259\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-263) His contract became a polarizing topic, with detractors arguing that stars should take less money to allow their team more financial freedom, while supporters countered that the NBA's biggest stars were being paid less than their true value.[\[260\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-264)[\[261\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-265)[\[262\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-266) Bryant resumed playing on December 8 after missing the season's first 19 games, being limited to nine points, although tying a team-high in assists and rebounds, with eight and four respectively, in 106–94 home loss to the [Toronto Raptors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Raptors "Toronto Raptors"). Nine days later, he matched his season high of 21 points in a 96–92 win over Memphis, but suffered a [lateral tibial plateau fracture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lateral_tibial_plateau_fracture "Lateral tibial plateau fracture") in his left knee that was expected to sideline him for six weeks.[\[263\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-267) Bryant had played six games since returning from his Achilles injury, which included time at point guard after injuries to Nash, [Steve Blake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Blake "Steve Blake"), and [Jordan Farmar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Farmar "Jordan Farmar").[\[264\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-268) Bryant was averaging 13.8 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds.[\[265\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_03122014-269) Despite being sidelined, he was voted by fans to start in [his 16th All-Star game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_NBA_All-Star_Game "2014 NBA All-Star Game"). Bryant did not feel he was deserving of the selection, and some likened it to a career achievement award for his past performance.[\[266\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-270) However, Bryant missed playing in the game, still hampered by his knee.[\[267\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-271) On March 12, 2014, the Lakers ruled Bryant out for the rest of the season, citing his need for more rehab and the limited time remaining in the season. At the time, the team was 22–42 and tied for the worst record in the Western Conference. The Lakers finished 27–55 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005.[\[265\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_03122014-269)
Bryant returned for the [2014–15 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014%E2%80%9315_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2014–15 Los Angeles Lakers season"), his 19th season with the Lakers,[\[268\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-272) who had replaced D'Antoni with Bryant's former Lakers teammate, [Byron Scott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byron_Scott "Byron Scott").[\[269\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-273) On November 30, 2014, in a 129–122 overtime victory over the [Toronto Raptors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014%E2%80%9315_Toronto_Raptors_season "2014–15 Toronto Raptors season"), Bryant recorded his 20th career triple-double with 31 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds.[\[270\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-274) At age 36, Bryant became the oldest NBA player to achieve 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game.[\[e\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-276) On December 14, he became the NBA's third [all-time leading scorer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_career_scoring_leaders "List of National Basketball Association career scoring leaders"), passing Jordan (32,292) in a 100–94 victory over Minnesota.[\[272\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-277) Bryant played in the first 27 games of the season,[\[273\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-freeman_12232014-278) averaging team-highs with 26.4 points and 35.4 minutes per game while leading the league with 22.4 shots per game.[\[274\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-holmes_12232014-279)[\[275\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-dwyer_12232014-280) However, Scott held him out for three straight games to rest after one of his worst performances of the season, when Bryant committed nine turnovers and scored 25 points on just 8-for-30 shooting in a 108–101 loss to Sacramento.[\[274\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-holmes_12232014-279)[\[276\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-281) He was suffering from soreness in his knees, feet, back, and Achilles tendons, and Scott planned to reduce Bryant's workload going forward as a result.[\[277\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-282)[\[278\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-283) Bryant had exceeded 40 minutes in a game thrice,[\[279\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-medina_10272015-284) and the coach blamed himself for overloading Bryant after he started the season in such great shape.[\[280\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-285) For the season, Bryant had been shooting just 37 percent from the field, and the team's record was only 8–19.[\[273\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-freeman_12232014-278)[\[275\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-dwyer_12232014-280) In his second game back after resting, Bryant had 23 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds in a 111–103 victory over Denver, and became just the third player in league history to record multiple triple-doubles in a season at age 36 or older.[\[f\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-287) On January 21, 2015, Bryant suffered a [rotator cuff tear](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotator_cuff_tear "Rotator cuff tear") in his right shoulder while driving baseline for a two-handed dunk against the [New Orleans Pelicans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014%E2%80%9315_New_Orleans_Pelicans_season "2014–15 New Orleans Pelicans season").[\[282\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-288) Though he was right-handed, Bryant returned to play in the game and ran the offense while shooting, dribbling, and passing almost exclusively with his left hand.[\[283\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-bresnahan_01222015-289) Prior to the injury, Bryant had been rested in eight of 16 games.[\[279\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-medina_10272015-284) He underwent season-ending surgery for the injury, finishing the season averaging 22.3 points but shooting a career-low 37.3 percent, well below his 45.4 percent career mark to start the season.[\[284\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-290) Bryant was expected to be sidelined for nine months with a return targeted toward the start of the 2015–16 season.[\[285\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-ap_01262015-291)[\[286\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-292) The Lakers finished the season with a record of 21–61, surpassing the franchise record for most losses in a season that they had set the previous year.[\[287\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-293)
#### Final season (2015–2016)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_vs_Gary_Neal.jpg)
Bryant playing against [Gary Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Neal "Gary Neal") of the [Washington Wizards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Wizards "Washington Wizards") after announcing his forthcoming retirement, 2015
After recovering to play in the [2015–16](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2015–16 Los Angeles Lakers season") preseason,[\[288\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-294) Bryant suffered a calf injury and missed the final two weeks of exhibition games.[\[289\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-295) However, he played in the season opener to begin his 20th season with the Lakers, surpassing [John Stockton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Stockton "John Stockton")'s league record of 19 for the [most seasons with the same team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_players_who_have_spent_their_entire_career_with_one_franchise "List of NBA players who have spent their entire career with one franchise").[\[290\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-296) On November 24, 2015, the Lakers fell to 2–12 after losing 111–77 to the Warriors. Bryant scored just four points in 25 minutes on 1-for-14 shooting, matching the worst-shooting game of his career in which he attempted at least five shots.[\[291\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-297)[\[292\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-holmes_11252015_defined-298) A week later, Bryant played his last game against his hometown team, the [Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_Philadelphia_76ers_season "2015–16 Philadelphia 76ers season"), scoring a team-high 20 points in a 103–91 Lakers loss.[\[293\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-299)
On November 29, 2015, Bryant announced via *[The Players' Tribune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Players%27_Tribune "The Players' Tribune")* that he would be retiring at the end of the season. In his poem titled "[Dear Basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dear_Basketball "Dear Basketball")", Bryant wrote that he fell in love with the game at age six.
> \[The 2015–16\] season is all I have left to give.
> My heart can take the pounding
> My mind can handle the grind
> But my body knows it's time to say goodbye.
> And that's OK. I'm ready to let you go.[\[294\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Retire-300)
In a letter distributed to Lakers' fans before that evening's game against the [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_Indiana_Pacers_season "2015–16 Indiana Pacers season"), Bryant wrote: "What you've done for me is far greater than anything I've done for you. ... My love for this city, this team and for each of you will never fade. Thank you for this incredible journey."[\[294\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Retire-300)
At the time of his announcement, Bryant was second on the team in minutes (30.8) behind [Jordan Clarkson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Clarkson "Jordan Clarkson") and leading the team with 16.7 field goal attempts per game, while averaging just 15.7 points and shooting a career-low 31.5 percent.[\[292\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-holmes_11252015_defined-298)[\[295\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-lakers_11292015-301) Bryant's free throw attempts had dropped from his career average, and his game had become over-reliant on [pump fakes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pump_fake "Pump fake") and long-range shots, making a league-worst 19.5 percent from three-point range while attempting seven a game, almost double his career average.[\[295\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-lakers_11292015-301)[\[296\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-302) In his press conference after the announcement, Bryant acknowledged his declining skills. He stated: "Even though I play like shit, I've worked really, really hard not to play like crap and I do everything I possibly can. And I feel good about that."[\[297\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-303)[\[298\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-304)
Bryant requested that opposing teams on the road not hold any on-court ceremonies in his honor or present him any gifts in public.[\[299\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-cacciola_12162015-305) Prior to announcing his retirement, Bryant had been steadfast about not wanting the fuss of a staged farewell tour, preferring to hear boos instead of cheers.[\[300\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-306)[\[301\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-307) However, Bryant was still honored around the league with video tributes and fan ovations,[\[299\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-cacciola_12162015-305) including arenas that historically jeered him such as [TD Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TD_Garden "TD Garden") in Boston, [Wells Fargo Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wells_Fargo_Center_\(Philadelphia\) "Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia)") in Philadelphia, [Moda Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moda_Center "Moda Center") in Portland, [Sleep Train Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_Train_Arena "Sleep Train Arena") in Sacramento, and [Vivint Smart Home Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivint_Smart_Home_Arena "Vivint Smart Home Arena") in Salt Lake City.[\[302\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-308)[\[303\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-309)[\[304\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-310)[\[305\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-311) Previously, Bryant was respected but not beloved,[\[306\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-jackson_02022016-312)[\[307\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-brewer_12022015-313) and he was astonished at the cheers he was now receiving.[\[307\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-brewer_12022015-313)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:LeBron_James_vs._Kobe_Bryant_\(24848589252\).jpg)
Bryant, in his final game against Cleveland, defending [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") in February 2016
On February 3, Bryant made seven three-pointers and scored a then season-high 38 points, including 14 of the team's 18 points in the last 5:02 of the game, for a 119–115 victory over the [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_Minnesota_Timberwolves_season "2015–16 Minnesota Timberwolves season"). The win ended a 10-game losing streak, and the Lakers averted establishing the longest losing streak in franchise history.[\[308\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Shrug38-314) He became just the fourth NBA player over 37 years old to log at least 35 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a game.[\[g\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-315) Bryant was the leading overall vote-getter for the [2016 All-Star Game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NBA_All-Star_Game "2016 NBA All-Star Game") with 1.9 million votes, ahead of [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry")'s 1.6 million. Having moved to [small forward](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_forward "Small forward") that season, Bryant was selected as a frontcourt starter for the first time.[\[309\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-316) Playing in his first All-Star game since 2013, Bryant had 10 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.[\[310\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-ap_02152016-317) West teammates offered to feed him the ball in an attempt to get him another All-Star MVP, but Bryant declined.[\[310\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-ap_02152016-317)[\[311\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-318)
In his final game on April 13, in a 101–96 win against the against the [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_Utah_Jazz_season "2015–16 Utah Jazz season"), Bryant scored an NBA season-high 60 points on 50 shots—the most in an NBA game in the past 30 seasons—while also outscoring the Jazz by himself 23–21 in the fourth quarter. He also set an NBA record for the most points by a player in his final regular season game.[\[312\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-ESPNFinalGame-319) Bryant became the oldest player to score 60 or more points in a game at 37 years and 234 days old.[\[313\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-320) The Lakers finished the season with a 17–65 record, their worst record in franchise history.[\[314\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-321) After the game, he gave a prolonged speech in front of the Staples Center crowd.
> I can't believe how fast 20 years went by. \[...\] To be standing \[on the\] center court with you guys, my teammates behind me, appreciating the journey that we've been on — we've been through our ups \[and\] downs. I think the most important part is we all stayed together throughout. \[...\] Thank you guys for all the years of support. Thank you guys for all the motivation. Thank you for all the inspiration. What can I say? Mamba out.[\[312\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-ESPNFinalGame-319)
## National team career
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_Beijing_Olympics_20080810_d-1024-627v.jpg)
Bryant avoiding a collision in a game against [China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_men%27s_national_basketball_team "China men's national basketball team") at the [2008 Summer Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Summer_Olympics "2008 Summer Olympics")
Bryant declined to play in the [2000 Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "2000 United States men's Olympic basketball team") because he was getting married in the off-season.[\[315\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-322) Bryant also decided not to play in the [2002 FIBA World Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_FIBA_World_Championship "2002 FIBA World Championship").[\[316\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-323) He was originally selected for the FIBA Americas Championship in 2003, but withdrew after undergoing arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgeries.[\[317\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-324) The following summer, Bryant had to withdraw from the Olympic team because of his sexual assault case.[\[318\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-325) Along with LeBron James, Bryant was one of the first two players to be publicly named to the 2006–2008 U.S. preliminary roster in 2006 by [Jerry Colangelo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Colangelo "Jerry Colangelo").[\[319\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-326) However, he was once again sidelined after knee surgery and did not participate in the [2006 FIBA World Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_FIBA_World_Championship "2006 FIBA World Championship").[\[320\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-327)
Bryant's [United States national team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_men%27s_national_basketball_team "United States men's national basketball team") career finally began in 2007. He was a member of the 2007 USA Men's Senior National Team and USA FIBA Americas Championship Team that finished 10–0, won gold and qualified the United States men for the 2008 Olympics. Bryant started in all 10 of the USA's FIBA Americas Championship games. He averaged 15.3 points, 2.9 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game in the tournament.[\[321\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-328)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_Beijing_Olympics_1.jpg)
Bryant with the [United States men's national basketball team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_men%27s_national_basketball_team "United States men's national basketball team") in the [2008 Beijing Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Summer_Olympics "2008 Summer Olympics")
On June 23, 2008, Bryant was named to the USA Men's Senior National Team for the [2008 Summer Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "2008 United States men's Olympic basketball team").[\[322\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-329) This was his first time going to the Olympics. Bryant scored 20 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, along with six assists, as Team USA defeated Spain 118–107 in the [gold medal game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_at_the_2008_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Men#Finals "Basketball at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men") on August 24, 2008, for its first gold medal in a worldwide competition since the [2000 Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "2000 United States men's Olympic basketball team").[\[323\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-330) He averaged 15.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting .462 from the field in eight Olympic contests.[\[324\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-331)
Bryant rejoined the national team for the [2012 Summer Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "2012 United States men's Olympic basketball team").[\[325\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-332) After winning another gold medal, he decided to retire from the team.[\[326\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-333) Bryant finished his national team career with a record of 26–0 across three tournaments, winning a gold medal each time.[\[327\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-334)
## Player profile
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_Shane_Battier.jpg)
Bryant shoots a [fadeaway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fadeaway "Fadeaway") over [Shane Battier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shane_Battier "Shane Battier") in 2009
Bryant primarily played as a [shooting guard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_guard "Shooting guard"). He was listed at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) and 212 pounds (96 kg),[\[328\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Reference-335) Bryant was often cited as one of the most dangerous scorers in the NBA.[\[329\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-336)[\[330\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-337) He has drawn frequent comparisons to Michael Jordan, after whom Bryant modeled his playing style.[\[331\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-338)[\[332\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-339)[\[333\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-hoffman_12132014-340) Like Jordan, Bryant became most known for shooting a [fall-away jump shot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall-away_\(basketball\) "Fall-away (basketball)").[\[334\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-341) Chris Ballard of *Sports Illustrated* described another of Bryant's most famous moves as the "jab step-and-pause" in which Bryant jabbed his non-[pivot foot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pivot_foot "Pivot foot") forward to let the defender relax but instead of bringing the jab foot back, Bryant pushed off of it and drove around his opponent to get to the basket.[\[335\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-342) Bryant also learned and practiced post moves through individual coaching sessions from [Hakeem Olajuwon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakeem_Olajuwon "Hakeem Olajuwon").[\[336\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-343)
Bryant established a reputation for taking shots in the closing moments of tight games,[\[337\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-344)[\[338\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-345)[\[339\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-346) even when he was [double](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_team "Double team") or triple-teamed,[\[340\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-pingue_11302015-347) and was noted as one of the premier closers in the NBA.[\[340\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-pingue_11302015-347)[\[341\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-348) In a 2012 annual survey of NBA general managers, Bryant was selected for the 10th consecutive season as the player general managers would want to take a clutch shot with a game on the line.[\[342\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-349)[\[343\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Crunch-350) Bryant enjoyed being the villain, and reveled in being booed and then silencing the crowd with his play.[\[92\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-smallwood_02062012-94)[\[307\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-brewer_12022015-313)[\[344\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-351) Bryant's ability to make difficult shots has also drawn criticism of his shot selection.[\[333\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-hoffman_12132014-340)[\[345\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_sg_rank_2016-352) Throughout his career, Bryant was disparaged for being a selfish, high-volume shooter;[\[343\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Crunch-350)[\[346\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-lowe_top100-353)[\[347\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-354) he missed more field goal attempts in his career than any other player in NBA history, until LeBron James broke that record in 2024.[\[h\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-356) Phil Jackson, who coached Bryant for many years, stated that Bryant "tends to force the action, especially when the game isn't going his way. When his shot is off, Kobe will pound away relentlessly until his luck turns."[\[349\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-357) According to Bryant, "I would go 0 for 30 before I would go 0 for 9; 0 for 9 means you beat yourself, you psyched yourself out of the game."[\[350\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-hoffman_11302015-358)
In addition to his abilities on offense, Bryant also established himself as a standout defensive player.[\[351\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-359) Bryant rarely drew [charges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charge_\(basketball\) "Charge (basketball)") when he played defense, which he believed spared his body and contributed to his longevity.[\[352\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-360) However, some critics have suggested that Bryant's defensive accolades in his later years were based more on his reputation than his actual play.[\[353\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-medina_05092011-361)[\[354\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-lowe_05262013-362)[\[355\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-363)
Bryant was also lauded for his relentless work ethic, dubbed the "Mamba mentality".[\[356\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-364)[\[357\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-365) Throughout his first 17 seasons, Bryant's body was resilient,[\[285\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-ap_01262015-291) and he exhibited a high [pain threshold](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pain_threshold "Pain threshold") while often playing through injuries.[\[358\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-366)[\[359\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-367) A fierce competitor, Bryant made opponents and teammates alike the objects of his scorn.[\[360\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-368)[\[361\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-369) Many players have considered him difficult to play with because of his high level of commitment and performance.[\[362\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-ding_102202014-370)[\[363\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-371)[\[364\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-372) According to sportswriter Mark Heisler of *[Forbes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes "Forbes")*, "circa 2004–2007, Kobe was the most alienated superstar the NBA had ever seen."[\[365\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-heisler_10222014-373) After the departure of Shaquille O'Neal, he led the Lakers to two NBA championships; during this period, Bryant became more of a mentor to his teammates than he had been earlier in his career.[\[362\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-ding_102202014-370)[\[365\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-heisler_10222014-373) Bryant's longtime head coach [Phil Jackson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Jackson "Phil Jackson") noted a big difference during his two Lakers coaching stints in Bryant's demeanor towards his teammates. In his earlier years, if Bryant talked to teammates it was usually "give me the damn ball." During the latter period, Bryant "embraced the team and his teammates, calling them up when we were on the road and inviting them out to dinner. It was as if the other players were now his partners, not his personal spear-carriers."[\[366\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-374)
## NBA career statistics
| | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | [Field goal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_goal_\(basketball\) "Field goal (basketball)") percentage | 3P% | [3-point field goal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-point_field_goal "Three-point field goal") percentage | FT% | [Free throw](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_throw "Free throw") percentage |
| RPG | [Rebounds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)") per game | APG | [Assists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)") per game | SPG | [Steals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steal_\(basketball\) "Steal (basketball)") per game |
| BPG | [Blocks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Block_\(basketball\) "Block (basketball)") per game | PPG | Points per game | **Bold** | Career high |
| † | Won an [NBA championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_champions "List of NBA champions") | \* | Led the league | | |
### Regular season
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [1996–97](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996%E2%80%9397_NBA_season "1996–97 NBA season") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996%E2%80%9397_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1996–97 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 71 | 6 | 15\.5 | .417 | .375 | .819 | 1\.9 | 1\.3 | .7 | .3 | 7\.6 |
| [1997–98](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997%E2%80%9398_NBA_season "1997–98 NBA season") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997%E2%80%9398_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1997–98 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 79 | 1 | 26\.0 | .428 | .341 | .794 | 3\.1 | 2\.5 | .9 | .5 | 15\.4 |
| [1998–99](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998%E2%80%9399_NBA_season "1998–99 NBA season") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998%E2%80%9399_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1998–99 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 50\* | 50\* | 37\.9 | .465 | .267 | .839 | 5\.3 | 3\.8 | 1\.4 | **1\.0** | 19\.9 |
| [1999–00](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999%E2%80%932000_NBA_season "1999–2000 NBA season")† | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999%E2%80%932000_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1999–2000 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 66 | 62 | 38\.2 | .468 | .319 | .821 | 6\.3 | 4\.9 | 1\.6 | .9 | 22\.5 |
| [2000–01](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_NBA_season "2000–01 NBA season")† | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2000–01 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 68 | 68 | 40\.9 | .464 | .305 | .853 | 5\.9 | 5\.0 | 1\.7 | .6 | 28\.5 |
| [2001–02](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_NBA_season "2001–02 NBA season")† | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 80 | 80 | 38\.3 | **.469** | .250 | .829 | 5\.5 | 5\.5 | 1\.5 | .4 | 25\.2 |
| [2002–03](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002%E2%80%9303_NBA_season "2002–03 NBA season") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002%E2%80%9303_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2002–03 Los Angeles Lakers season") | **82** | **82**\* | **41\.5** | .451 | **.383** | .843 | **6\.9** | 5\.9 | **2\.2** | .8 | 30\.0 |
| [2003–04](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003%E2%80%9304_NBA_season "2003–04 NBA season") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003%E2%80%9304_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2003–04 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 65 | 64 | 37\.6 | .438 | .327 | .852 | 5\.5 | 5\.1 | 1\.7 | .4 | 24\.0 |
| [2004–05](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004%E2%80%9305_NBA_season "2004–05 NBA season") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004%E2%80%9305_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2004–05 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 66 | 66 | 40\.7 | .433 | .339 | .816 | 5\.9 | 6\.0 | 1\.3 | .8 | 27\.6 |
| [2005–06](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_NBA_season "2005–06 NBA season") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2005–06 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 80 | 80 | 41\.0 | .450 | .347 | .850 | 5\.3 | 4\.5 | 1\.8 | .4 | **35\.4**\* |
| [2006–07](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_NBA_season "2006–07 NBA season") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2006–07 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 77 | 77 | 40\.8 | .463 | .344 | **.868** | 5\.7 | 5\.4 | 1\.4 | .5 | 31\.6\* |
| [2007–08](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_NBA_season "2007–08 NBA season") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2007–08 Los Angeles Lakers season") | **82**\* | **82**\* | 38\.9 | .459 | .361 | .840 | 6\.3 | 5\.4 | 1\.8 | .5 | 28\.3 |
| [2008–09](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_NBA_season "2008–09 NBA season")† | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2008–09 Los Angeles Lakers season") | **82**\* | **82**\* | 36\.1 | .467 | .351 | .856 | 5\.2 | 4\.9 | 1\.5 | .5 | 26\.8 |
| [2009–10](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_NBA_season "2009–10 NBA season")† | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2009–10 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 73 | 73 | 38\.8 | .456 | .329 | .811 | 5\.4 | 5\.0 | 1\.5 | .3 | 27\.0 |
| [2010–11](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%9311_NBA_season "2010–11 NBA season") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%9311_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2010–11 Los Angeles Lakers season") | **82** | **82**\* | 33\.9 | .451 | .323 | .828 | 5\.1 | 4\.7 | 1\.2 | .1 | 25\.3 |
| [2011–12](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011%E2%80%9312_NBA_season "2011–12 NBA season") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011%E2%80%9312_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2011–12 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 58 | 58 | 38\.5 | .430 | .303 | .845 | 5\.4 | 4\.6 | 1\.2 | .3 | 27\.9 |
| [2012–13](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012%E2%80%9313_NBA_season "2012–13 NBA season") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012%E2%80%9313_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2012–13 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 78 | 78 | 38\.6 | .463 | .324 | .839 | 5\.6 | 6\.0 | 1\.4 | .3 | 27\.3 |
| [2013–14](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013%E2%80%9314_NBA_season "2013–14 NBA season") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013%E2%80%9314_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2013–14 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 6 | 6 | 29\.5 | .425 | .188 | .857 | 4\.3 | **6\.3** | 1\.2 | .2 | 13\.8 |
| [2014–15](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014%E2%80%9315_NBA_season "2014–15 NBA season") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014%E2%80%9315_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2014–15 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 35 | 35 | 34\.5 | .373 | .293 | .813 | 5\.7 | 5\.6 | 1\.3 | .2 | 22\.3 |
| [2015–16](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_NBA_season "2015–16 NBA season") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2015–16 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 66 | 66 | 28\.2 | .358 | .285 | .826 | 3\.7 | 2\.8 | .9 | .2 | 17\.6 |
| Career[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-KobeBryantStatistics-118) | 1,346 | 1,198 | 36\.1 | .447 | .329 | .837 | 5\.2 | 4\.7 | 1\.4 | .5 | 25\.0 | |
| All-Star[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-KobeBryantStatistics-118) | 15 | 15 | 27\.6 | .500 | .324 | .789 | 5\.0 | 4\.7 | 2\.5 | .4 | 19\.3 | |
### Playoffs
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [1997](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997_NBA_playoffs "1997 NBA playoffs") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996%E2%80%9397_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1996–97 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 9 | 0 | 14\.8 | .382 | .261 | .867 | 1\.2 | 1\.2 | .3 | .2 | 8\.2 |
| [1998](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_NBA_playoffs "1998 NBA playoffs") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997%E2%80%9398_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1997–98 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 11 | 0 | 20\.0 | .408 | .214 | .689 | 1\.9 | 1\.5 | .3 | .7 | 8\.7 |
| [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_NBA_playoffs "1999 NBA playoffs") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998%E2%80%9399_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1998–99 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 8 | 8 | 39\.4 | .430 | .348 | .800 | 6\.9 | 4\.6 | **1\.9** | 1\.3 | 19\.8 |
| [2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_playoffs "2000 NBA playoffs")† | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999%E2%80%932000_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1999–2000 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 22 | 22 | 39\.0 | .442 | .344 | .754 | 4\.5 | 4\.4 | 1\.5 | **1\.5** | 21\.1 |
| [2001](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_NBA_playoffs "2001 NBA playoffs")† | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2000–01 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 16 | 16 | 43\.4 | .469 | .324 | .821 | **7\.3** | **6\.1** | 1\.6 | .8 | 29\.4 |
| [2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_playoffs "2002 NBA playoffs")† | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 19 | 19 | 43\.8 | .434 | .379 | .759 | 5\.8 | 4\.6 | 1\.4 | .9 | 26\.6 |
| [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_NBA_playoffs "2003 NBA playoffs") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002%E2%80%9303_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2002–03 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 12 | 12 | 44\.3 | .432 | **.403** | .827 | 5\.1 | 5\.2 | 1\.2 | .1 | 32\.1 |
| [2004](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_NBA_playoffs "2004 NBA playoffs") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003%E2%80%9304_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2003–04 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 22 | 22 | 44\.2 | .413 | .247 | .813 | 4\.7 | 5\.5 | **1\.9** | .3 | 24\.5 |
| [2006](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_NBA_playoffs "2006 NBA playoffs") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2005–06 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 7 | 7 | **44\.9** | **.497** | .400 | .771 | 6\.3 | 5\.1 | 1\.1 | .4 | 27\.9 |
| [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_NBA_playoffs "2007 NBA playoffs") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2006–07 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 5 | 5 | 43\.0 | .462 | .357 | **.919** | 5\.2 | 4\.4 | 1\.0 | .4 | **32\.8** |
| [2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_playoffs "2008 NBA playoffs") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2007–08 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 21 | 21 | 41\.1 | .479 | .302 | .809 | 5\.7 | 5\.6 | 1\.7 | .4 | 30\.1 |
| [2009](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_playoffs "2009 NBA playoffs")† | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2008–09 Los Angeles Lakers season") | **23** | **23** | 40\.8 | .457 | .349 | .883 | 5\.3 | 5\.5 | 1\.7 | .9 | 30\.2 |
| [2010](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_playoffs "2010 NBA playoffs")† | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2009–10 Los Angeles Lakers season") | **23** | **23** | 40\.1 | .458 | .374 | .842 | 6\.0 | 5\.5 | 1\.3 | .7 | 29\.2 |
| [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_NBA_playoffs "2011 NBA playoffs") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%9311_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2010–11 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 10 | 10 | 35\.4 | .446 | .293 | .820 | 3\.4 | 3\.3 | 1\.6 | .3 | 22\.8 |
| [2012](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_NBA_playoffs "2012 NBA playoffs") | [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011%E2%80%9312_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2011–12 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 12 | 12 | 39\.7 | .439 | .283 | .832 | 4\.8 | 4\.3 | 1\.3 | .2 | 30\.0 |
| Career[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-KobeBryantStatistics-118) | 220 | 200 | 39\.3 | .448 | .331 | .816 | 5\.1 | 4\.7 | 1\.4 | .6 | 25\.6 | |
## Off the court
### Personal life
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_at_Pirates_3_premiere.jpg)
Bryant at the premiere of *[Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirates_of_the_Caribbean:_At_World%27s_End "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End")* in 2007
Bryant was the youngest of three children. He grew up with two older sisters, Sharia and Shaya, and had close relationships with them his entire life.[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Archived_at_Ghostarchive_and_the_Wayback_Machine2020-51)[\[367\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-375) Through Sharia, he was the uncle of football player [Jett Washington](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jett_Washington "Jett Washington").[\[368\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-376)
In November 1999, 21-year-old Bryant met 17-year-old [Vanessa Laine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanessa_Bryant "Vanessa Bryant") while she was working as a background dancer on the [Tha Eastsidaz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tha_Eastsidaz "Tha Eastsidaz") music video "G'd Up."[\[369\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-rap-377) Bryant was in the building and working on his debut album. They began dating and became engaged six months later in May 2000,[\[369\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-rap-377) while Laine was still a senior at [Marina High School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marina_High_School_\(Huntington_Beach,_California\) "Marina High School (Huntington Beach, California)") in [Huntington Beach, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huntington_Beach,_California "Huntington Beach, California"). To avoid media scrutiny, she finished high school through independent study.[\[369\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-rap-377) According to Vanessa's cousin Laila Laine, there was no [prenuptial agreement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prenuptial_agreement "Prenuptial agreement"). Laila said Bryant "loved her too much for one."[\[370\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-378) They got married on April 18, 2001, at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in [Dana Point, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dana_Point,_California "Dana Point, California").[\[371\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-379)[\[372\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-380) The wedding was not attended by Bryant's parents, his two sisters, his longtime advisor and agent Arn Tellem, or his Laker teammates. Bryant's parents were opposed to the marriage for a number of reasons—including, reportedly, his marrying so young, especially to a woman who was not African-American.[\[i\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-382)[\[369\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-rap-377) This disagreement resulted in an estrangement period of over two years, which ended when the couple's first daughter was born.[\[374\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-383)
The Bryants' first daughter, Natalia, was born in January 2003.[\[375\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-384) Due to an [ectopic pregnancy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ectopic_pregnancy "Ectopic pregnancy"), Vanessa suffered a [miscarriage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miscarriage "Miscarriage") in the spring of 2005. Their second daughter, [Gianna Maria-Onore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianna_Bryant "Gianna Bryant") (also referred to as "Gigi"), was born in May 2006.[\[376\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-385) On December 16, 2011, Vanessa Bryant filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, and the couple requested joint custody of their daughters.[\[377\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-386)[\[378\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-387) On January 11, 2013, Bryant and his wife announced via social media that they had called off their divorce.[\[379\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-388) In early December 2016, Vanessa gave birth to their third daughter,[\[380\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-389)[\[381\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-390) and in January 2019, the Bryants announced they were expecting a fourth daughter,[\[382\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-391) who was born in June 2019.[\[383\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-392)[\[384\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-393)
Bryant was a practicing Catholic. He said his faith and a priest helped him through difficult times, such as the period following his accusation of rape. A Catholic [cantor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantor "Cantor") said that she was inspired by Bryant's faith, and the respect that he showed her.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Klosterman,_Chuck2015-18)[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-cna-19)[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Kosloski2016-20)[\[385\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-394) Bryant and his family were regular attendees at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Newport Beach. He and his daughter, Gianna, received the [Eucharist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharist "Eucharist") together just hours before they died.[\[386\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-395)[\[387\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-396)
Bryant was multilingual. He was fluent in English, Italian, and Spanish.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Klosterman,_Chuck2015-18)[\[388\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-397)[\[389\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-398)[\[390\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-399)[\[391\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-400) Inspired by the codename for [Uma Thurman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uma_Thurman "Uma Thurman")'s [character](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bride_\(Kill_Bill\) "The Bride (Kill Bill)") in the *[Kill Bill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kill_Bill "Kill Bill")* films,[\[392\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-401) Bryant assigned himself the nickname of "Black Mamba", citing a desire for his basketball skills to mimic the [eponymous snake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_mamba "Black mamba")'s ability to "strike with 99% accuracy at maximum speed, in rapid succession."[\[393\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-LATimes2008-402)[\[394\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-403) During the 2012–13 season, Bryant began referring to himself as "vino" to describe how his play had been [aging like a fine wine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aging_of_wine "Aging of wine").[\[395\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-404)[\[396\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-405)
In January 2002, Bryant bought a [Mediterranean-style](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_Revival_architecture "Mediterranean Revival architecture") house for \$4 million, located on a cul-de-sac in [Newport Coast, Newport Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newport_Coast,_Newport_Beach "Newport Coast, Newport Beach").[\[397\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-406) He sold the house in May 2015.[\[398\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-407)
In 2013, Bryant had a legal disagreement with an auction house over memorabilia from his early years that his parents had put up for auction. Bryant's parents received \$450,000 from the auction house for the items, and contended Bryant had given them the rights to the items he had remaining in their home. However, Bryant's lawyers asked the auction house to return the items.[\[399\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-408) Before the scheduled trial, a settlement was reached allowing the auction house the sale of less than 10% of the items. Bryant's parents apologized to him for the misunderstanding in a written statement, and appreciated the financial support he had given them over the years.[\[400\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-409)[\[401\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-410)[\[402\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-411)
Bryant grew up a baseball fan and had been a long-time supporter of the [Los Angeles Dodgers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Dodgers "Los Angeles Dodgers") and [Los Angeles Angels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Angels "Los Angeles Angels") during his tenure with the Lakers.[\[403\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-412) However, during the [2009 National League Championship Series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_National_League_Championship_Series "2009 National League Championship Series") when the Dodgers played his hometown [Philadelphia Phillies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Phillies "Philadelphia Phillies"), Bryant revealed to [Craig Sager](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Sager "Craig Sager") that he actually grew up a fan of their [National League East](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_League_East "National League East") archrivals, the [New York Mets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Mets "New York Mets") wanting to be like [Darryl Strawberry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darryl_Strawberry "Darryl Strawberry") and boasted that he still had a [Ron Darling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Darling "Ron Darling") baseball card.[\[404\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-413)[\[405\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-414)
Bryant also was a lifelong fan of his hometown [NFL](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_League "National Football League") team, the [Philadelphia Eagles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Eagles "Philadelphia Eagles").[\[406\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-415) Bryant was also a fan of [soccer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Association_football "Association football") teams [Barcelona](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FC_Barcelona "FC Barcelona"), [AC Milan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_Milan "AC Milan"), and [Manchester City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchester_City_F.C. "Manchester City F.C.").[\[407\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-416)[\[408\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-417)
According to *[Forbes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes "Forbes")*, at the time of his retirement, Bryant's \$680 million in career earnings was the most ever by a team athlete during their playing career.[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Career_Earnings-59)
Bryant was a second cousin of his former Lakers teammate [Cedric Ceballos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedric_Ceballos "Cedric Ceballos").[\[409\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-418)
#### Sexual assault case
Main article: [Kobe Bryant sexual assault case](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant_sexual_assault_case "Kobe Bryant sexual assault case")
In the summer of 2003, the sheriff's office of [Eagle, Colorado](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagle,_Colorado "Eagle, Colorado"), arrested Bryant in connection with an investigation of a sexual assault complaint filed by a 19-year-old hotel employee. Bryant had checked into The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera in Eagle County in advance of undergoing knee surgery nearby. The accuser stated that Bryant raped her in his hotel room the night before he was to have the procedure. Bryant admitted to an [adulterous](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adulterous "Adulterous") sexual encounter with his accuser but denied her sexual assault allegation.[\[410\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-419)[\[411\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-420) Bryant was charged on July 18, 2003.[\[412\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-421)[\[413\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-422)
The accusation had a negative impact on Bryant's reputation, and the public's perception of him plummeted; his endorsement contracts with [McDonald's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonald%27s "McDonald's") and [Nutella](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutella "Nutella") were terminated. Sales for Bryant's replica jersey fell significantly.[\[414\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-423) In September 2004, the assault case was dropped by prosecutors after the accuser decided not to testify at the trial. Afterward, Bryant agreed to apologize to her for the incident, including his public *[mea culpa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mea_culpa "Mea culpa")*: "Although I truly believe this encounter between us was consensual, I recognize now that she did not and does not view this incident the same way I did. After months of reviewing discovery, listening to her attorney, and even her testimony in person, I now understand how she feels that she did not consent to this encounter."[\[415\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-sfgate_dismissal-424)[\[416\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-425) The accuser filed a separate [lawsuit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawsuit "Lawsuit") against Bryant, which the two sides settled privately.[\[417\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-426)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Asia_09.jpg)
Bryant in [Manila](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manila "Manila") in 2009
### Endorsements
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NikeTaipeiFlagshipStoreLaunch_Main.jpg)
Bryant at a Nike store launch ceremony in Taipei, 2007
Before starting the [1996–97 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996%E2%80%9397_NBA_season "1996–97 NBA season"), Bryant signed a six-year contract with [Adidas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adidas "Adidas") worth approximately \$48 million.[\[418\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-427)[\[419\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-428) His first signature shoe was the Equipment KB 8.[\[420\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-429) Bryant's other, earlier endorsements included deals with [The Coca-Cola Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Coca-Cola_Company "The Coca-Cola Company") to endorse their [Sprite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprite_\(soft_drink\) "Sprite (soft drink)") soft drink, appearing in advertisements for McDonald's, promoting [Spalding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spalding_\(company\) "Spalding (company)")'s new NBA Infusion Ball, [Upper Deck](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upper_Deck_Company "Upper Deck Company"), Italian chocolate company [Ferrero SpA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrero_SpA "Ferrero SpA")'s brand [Nutella](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutella "Nutella"), [Russell Corporation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Corporation "Russell Corporation"),[\[421\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-430) and appearing on his own series of video games by [Nintendo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo "Nintendo"). Many companies like McDonald's and Ferrero SpA terminated Bryant's contracts when rape allegations against him became public.[\[422\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-431) A notable exception was [Nike, Inc.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nike,_Inc. "Nike, Inc."), who had signed Bryant to a five-year, \$40–45 million contract just before the incident.[\[423\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-432)[\[424\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Nike-433) They refused to use his image or market a new shoe of his for the year, but started promoting Bryant two years later, when his image had recovered.[\[424\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Nike-433) Bryant also resumed endorsement deals with The Coca-Cola Company, through their subsidiary [Energy Brands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_Brands "Energy Brands"), to promote their Vitamin Water brand of drinks.[\[425\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-434) He was also the cover athlete for *[NBA '07: Featuring the Life Vol. 2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_07 "NBA 07")* and appeared in commercials for the video games *[Guitar Hero World Tour](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar_Hero_World_Tour "Guitar Hero World Tour")* (with [Tony Hawk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Hawk "Tony Hawk"), [Michael Phelps](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Phelps "Michael Phelps"), and [Alex Rodriguez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Rodriguez "Alex Rodriguez")) in 2008 and *[Call of Duty: Black Ops](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_of_Duty:_Black_Ops "Call of Duty: Black Ops")* (alongside [Jimmy Kimmel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Kimmel "Jimmy Kimmel")) in 2010.[\[426\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-COD-435)
In a 2008 video promoting Nike's Hyperdunk shoes, Bryant appears to jump over a speeding [Aston Martin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aston_Martin "Aston Martin"). The stunt was considered fake, and the *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")* said a real stunt would probably be a violation of Bryant's Lakers contract.[\[427\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-436) After promoting Nike's Hyperdunk shoes, Bryant came out with the fourth edition of his signature line by Nike, the Zoom Kobe IV. In 2010, Nike launched another shoe, Nike Zoom Kobe V.[\[428\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-437) In 2009, Bryant signed a deal with Nubeo to market the Black Mamba Collection, a line of sports/luxury watches ranging from \$25,000 to \$285,000.[\[429\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-438) On February 9, 2009, he was featured on the cover of *[ESPN The Magazine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN_The_Magazine "ESPN The Magazine")—*not for anything basketball related, but about his being a big fan of [FC Barcelona](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FC_Barcelona "FC Barcelona").[\[430\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-439) [CNN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNN "CNN") estimated Bryant's endorsement deals in 2007 to be worth \$16 million a year.[\[431\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-440) In 2010, he was ranked third, behind [Tiger Woods](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_Woods "Tiger Woods") and [Michael Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan"), in [*Forbes*' list of the world's highest-paid athletes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes_list_of_the_world%27s_highest-paid_athletes "Forbes list of the world's highest-paid athletes"), with \$48 million.[\[432\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-441)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_in_2008.jpg)
Bryant with U.S. President [George W. Bush](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Bush "George W. Bush"), [Jason Kidd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Kidd "Jason Kidd"), and [Deron Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deron_Williams "Deron Williams") at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China
On December 13, 2010, Bryant signed a two-year endorsement deal with Turkey's [national](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_carrier "Flag carrier") airline, [Turkish Airlines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_Airlines "Turkish Airlines"); he appeared in a promotional film aired in over 80 countries, and appeared in digital, print and billboard advertising.[\[433\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-442)[\[434\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-443)[\[435\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-444)
In September 2012, Bryant shot a commercial for [Turkish Airlines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_Airlines "Turkish Airlines") with [FC Barcelona](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FC_Barcelona "FC Barcelona") star [Lionel Messi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Messi "Lionel Messi"). In the airline's latest commercial, the duo competes to win the attention of a young boy.[\[436\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-445) In 2013, *[Forbes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes "Forbes")* listed Bryant the fifth-highest paid sports star in the world behind [Floyd Mayweather](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floyd_Mayweather "Floyd Mayweather"), [Cristiano Ronaldo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristiano_Ronaldo "Cristiano Ronaldo"), [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James"), and [Lionel Messi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Messi "Lionel Messi").[\[437\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-446)
Bryant appeared as the cover athlete for the following video games:
- *[Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant_in_NBA_Courtside "Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside")*[\[438\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-447)
- *[NBA Courtside 2: Featuring Kobe Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Courtside_2:_Featuring_Kobe_Bryant "NBA Courtside 2: Featuring Kobe Bryant")*[\[439\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-448)
- *[NBA Courtside 2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Courtside_2002 "NBA Courtside 2002")*[\[440\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-449)
- *NBA 3 on 3 Featuring Kobe Bryant*[\[441\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-450)
- *[NBA '07: Featuring the Life Vol. 2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_07 "NBA 07")*[\[442\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-451)
- *[NBA 09: The Inside](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_09:_The_Inside "NBA 09: The Inside")*[\[443\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-452)
- *[NBA 2K10](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_2K10 "NBA 2K10")*[\[444\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-2K1017-453)
- *[NBA 2K17](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_2K17 "NBA 2K17")* (Legend Edition; Legend Edition Gold)[\[444\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-2K1017-453)
- *[NBA 2K21](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_2K21 "NBA 2K21")* (Mamba Forever Edition)
- *[NBA 2K24](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_2K24 "NBA 2K24")* (Kobe Bryant Edition and Black Mamba Edition)
Bryant was also one of the global ambassadors of the [2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_FIBA_Basketball_World_Cup "2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup") in China.[\[445\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-454)
### Music
In high school, Bryant was a member of a [rap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapping "Rapping") group called CHEIZAW, named after the Chi Sah gang in the martial arts film *[Kid with the Golden Arm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kid_with_the_Golden_Arm "Kid with the Golden Arm")*. The group was signed by [Sony Entertainment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_Entertainment "Sony Entertainment"), but the company's ultimate goal was to eliminate the group and have Bryant record on his own. The label wanted to capitalize on Bryant's youth and NBA fame. He performed at a 1997 concert by [Sway & King Tech](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sway_%26_King_Tech "Sway & King Tech") and recorded a verse for a remix of [Brian McKnight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_McKnight "Brian McKnight")'s "Hold Me". Bryant even appeared on Lakers teammate O'Neal's *[Respect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respect_\(Shaquille_O%27Neal_album\) "Respect (Shaquille O'Neal album)")*, starting the track "3 X's Dope", though Bryant's name was not listed on the credits.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-rap_career-24) Bryant's only credited appearance on the [Billboard Hot 100](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_Hot_100 "Billboard Hot 100") was as a featured rapper on Brian McKnight and Tone's single "Hold Me", which was released in 1998 and peaked at number 35 in January 1999.[\[446\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-455)
Sony pushed Bryant from his roots of [underground hip hop](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underground_hip_hop "Underground hip hop") into a more radio-friendly sound. His debut album, *Visions*, was scheduled to release in the spring of 2000. The first single, "K.O.B.E'", featured supermodel [Tyra Banks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyra_Banks "Tyra Banks") singing the [hook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hook_\(music\) "Hook (music)"). The single debuted in January 2000, and was performed at NBA All-Star Weekend that month, but it was not well received.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-rap_career-24) Sony abandoned plans for the album, which was never released, and dropped Bryant later that year. The Sony president who originally signed Bryant had already left, and Bryant's other backers had mostly abandoned him. Afterward, Bryant co-founded an independent record label, Heads High Entertainment, but it folded within a year.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-rap_career-24) In 1999, he appeared on a remix of "[Say My Name](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Say_My_Name "Say My Name")" by [Destiny's Child](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destiny%27s_Child "Destiny's Child") on the [Maxi single](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxi_single "Maxi single") version of the song.[\[447\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-456)
In 2011, Bryant was featured in Taiwanese singer [Jay Chou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Chou "Jay Chou")'s single "The Heaven and Earth Challenge" (天地一鬥, pronounced "Tian Di Yi Dou").[\[448\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-457) The proceeds for downloads of both the single and ringtones were donated to impoverished schools for basketball facilities and equipment.[\[449\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-458) The music video of the single also features Bryant. The song was also used by [Sprite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprite_\(soft_drink\) "Sprite (soft drink)") in its 2011 marketing campaign in China.[\[450\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-459)
In 2009, American rapper [Lil Wayne](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lil_Wayne "Lil Wayne") released a song called "Kobe Bryant".[\[451\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-460) Similarly, in 2010, American rapper [Sho Baraka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sho_Baraka "Sho Baraka") released a song called "Kobe Bryant On'em", which was featured on his album *[Lions and Liars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lions_and_Liars "Lions and Liars")*.[\[452\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-461) In 2012, American rapper [Chief Keef](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_Keef "Chief Keef") released "Kobe", a song paying tribute to Bryant.[\[453\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-462)[\[454\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-463)[\[455\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-464) It was featured on his debut studio album, *[Finally Rich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finally_Rich "Finally Rich")*, as a part of the deluxe edition.[\[456\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-465) For the *NBA 2K21* soundtrack, [Damian Lillard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damian_Lillard "Damian Lillard"), under his stage name Dame D.O.L.L.A., released a tribute track also titled "Kobe", featuring [Snoop Dogg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snoop_Dogg "Snoop Dogg") and Derrick Milano.[\[457\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-466)
### Film and television
Bryant made his acting debut in 1996, appearing in [an episode](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moesha_\(season_2\) "Moesha (season 2)") of *[Moesha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moesha "Moesha")*. Bryant met the show's star, [Brandy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandy_Norwood "Brandy Norwood"), earlier in the year at a Nike All-Star basketball game; a couple of months later, in May 1996, he was Brandy's date to her Hollywood High School senior prom.[\[458\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-467) That year, Bryant [guest starred](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guest_appearance "Guest appearance") as himself on an episode of *[Arli\$\$](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arli$$ "Arli$$")* (episode: "What About the Fans?") and *[Sister, Sister](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister,_Sister_\(TV_series\) "Sister, Sister (TV series)")* (episode: "Kid-Napped"). In 1997, Bryant appeared on an episode of *[Hang Time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hang_Time_\(TV_series\) "Hang Time (TV series)")*, followed by a [guest appearance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_All_That_episodes#Season_4_\(1997%E2%80%9398\) "List of All That episodes") on the [Nickelodeon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickelodeon "Nickelodeon") sketch comedy series *[All That](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_That "All That")* (1998). He was also the first choice for the role of Jesus Shuttlesworth in [Spike Lee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spike_Lee "Spike Lee")'s 1998 film *[He Got Game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/He_Got_Game "He Got Game")*, but turned down the role, saying "this summer is too big for me."[\[459\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-468)\[*[unreliable NBA source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NBARSU "Wikipedia:NBARSU")*\]
Bryant was the subject of [Spike Lee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spike_Lee "Spike Lee")'s 2009 documentary film *[Kobe Doin' Work](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Doin%27_Work "Kobe Doin' Work")*, which chronicled Bryant during the 2007–08 NBA season.[\[460\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-469)
In 2018, Bryant became the first African-American to win the [Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Award_for_Best_Animated_Short_Film "Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film"), and the first former professional athlete to be nominated for and win an [Academy Award](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Awards "Academy Awards") in any category, for his film *[Dear Basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dear_Basketball "Dear Basketball")*.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Oscar-6) Despite winning the Oscar, he was denied membership into the [Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_of_Motion_Pictures_Arts_and_Sciences "Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences") due to his lack of a larger body of work in the film industry.[\[461\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-470) The film also won the [Annie Award for Best Animated Short Subject](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annie_Award_for_Best_Animated_Short_Subject "Annie Award for Best Animated Short Subject") and a [Sports Emmy Award](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_Emmy_Award "Sports Emmy Award").[\[462\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-471) The film was produced by Bryant's production company, [Granity Studios](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granity_Studios "Granity Studios").[\[463\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-variety-472) In addition to future animation projects, Bryant had been in talks with animator veteran Bruce Smith for the last six months before his death about starting his own animation studio.[\[464\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-473)
Beginning in 2018, Bryant wrote, produced and hosted the television series *Detail*, which aired for multiple seasons on [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN") and [ESPN+](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN%2B "ESPN+"). It featured his insights into the game of basketball and in-depth analyzes of games and individual players.[\[465\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-474)[\[466\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-475) Bryant also appeared on [MTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTV "MTV")'s *[Ridiculousness](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ridiculousness_\(TV_series\) "Ridiculousness (TV series)")* in 2019.[\[467\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-476)
#### Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | *[Moesha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moesha "Moesha")* | Terry Hightower[\[468\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-tv-477) | |
| 1996 | *[Arli\$\$](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arli$$ "Arli$$")* | Himself | Episode: "What About the Fans?"[\[469\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-478)[\[470\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Guglielmi-479) |
| 1996 | *[Sister, Sister](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister,_Sister_\(TV_series\) "Sister, Sister (TV series)")* | Episode: "Kid-Napped"[\[468\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-tv-477) | |
| 1997 | *[Hang Time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hang_Time_\(TV_series\) "Hang Time (TV series)")*[\[471\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-480) | | |
| 1998 | *[All That](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_That "All That")*[\[472\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-481) | | |
| 2000 | *[Bette](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bette_\(TV_series\) "Bette (TV series)")*[\[470\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Guglielmi-479) | | |
| 2009 | *[Kobe Doin' Work](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Doin%27_Work "Kobe Doin' Work")*[\[473\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-482) | | |
| 2010 | *[Modern Family](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Family "Modern Family")* | [Season 1 - Episode 24 - 'Family Portrait'](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Family_\(season_1\)#Episodes "Modern Family (season 1)")[\[474\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-483) | |
| 2011 | *[The Black Mamba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Black_Mamba_\(film\) "The Black Mamba (film)")*[\[475\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-484)\[*[unreliable NBA source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NBARSU "Wikipedia:NBARSU")*\] | | |
| 2014 | *[Nowitzki. The Perfect Shot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nowitzki._The_Perfect_Shot "Nowitzki. The Perfect Shot")*[\[476\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-485)\[*[questionable NBA source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NBARSNC "Wikipedia:NBARSNC")*\] | | |
| 2015 | *[Daddy's Home](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daddy%27s_Home_\(film\) "Daddy's Home (film)")*[\[477\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-486) | | |
| 2015 | *Kobe Bryant's Muse* | Also executive producer[\[478\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-487) | |
| 2017 | *[Dear Basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dear_Basketball "Dear Basketball")* | Also writer and executive producer; winner of [Best Animated Short Film](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Award_for_Best_Animated_Short_Film "Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film") at the [90th Academy Awards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/90th_Academy_Awards "90th Academy Awards").[\[479\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-488) | |
| 2017 | *Musecage*[\[480\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-489) | Also creator and writer; produced by [Granity Studios](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granity_Studios "Granity Studios") for [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN") and [ESPN+](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN%2B "ESPN+") | |
| 2018 | *Detail*[\[481\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-490) | Also creator and writer; 18 episodes as a host, 16 episodes as a writer; produced by [Granity Studios](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granity_Studios "Granity Studios") for [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN") and [ESPN+](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN%2B "ESPN+") | |
| 2019 | *Quiet Storm: The Ron Artest Story*[\[482\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-491)[\[483\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-492)\[*[unreliable NBA source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NBARSU "Wikipedia:NBARSU")*\] | Documentary about [Ron Artest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metta_Sandiford-Artest "Metta Sandiford-Artest") for [Showtime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Showtime_\(TV_network\) "Showtime (TV network)") | |
| 2020 | *[The Last Dance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Dance_\(miniseries\) "The Last Dance (miniseries)")* | Episode: "V"; Posthumous release[\[484\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-493) | |
| 2022 | *The Redeem Team*[\[485\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-494) | Posthumous release | |
| 2022 | *Kobe: Una storia italiana* | From September 15, 2022, on [Amazon Prime Video](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_Prime_Video "Amazon Prime Video") Italy; Posthumous release[\[486\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-495) | |
### Philanthropy
Bryant was the official ambassador for [After-School All-Stars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/After-School_All-Stars "After-School All-Stars") (ASAS), an American non-profit organization that provides comprehensive [after-school programs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/After-school_activity "After-school activity") to children in 13 US cities.[\[487\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-496) Bryant also started the Kobe Bryant China Fund which partnered with the Soong Ching Ling Foundation, a charity backed by the Chinese government.[\[488\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-nextconquest-497) The Kobe Bryant China Fund raises money within China earmarked for education and health programs.[\[488\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-nextconquest-497) On November 4, 2010, Bryant appeared alongside [Zach Braff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Braff "Zach Braff") at the *[Call of Duty: Black Ops](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_of_Duty:_Black_Ops "Call of Duty: Black Ops")* launch event at the [Santa Monica Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Monica_Airport "Santa Monica Airport"), where they presented a \$1 million check to the Call of Duty Endowment, an Activision-founded nonprofit organization that helps veterans transition to civilian careers after their military service has ended.[\[426\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-COD-435)
Bryant and his wife founded the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation (KVBFF). Its goals are "helping young people in need, encouraging the development of physical and social skills through sports and assisting the homeless." Bryant spoke of the injustice aimed at homeless people who are blamed for their situation, saying that homelessness should not be ignored or made a low priority. Bryant said he wanted more out of life than just a successful basketball career.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Kosloski2016-20)
Bryant and his wife were also founding donors of the [National Museum of African American History and Culture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Museum_of_African_American_History_and_Culture "National Museum of African American History and Culture"), with Bryant also donating his uniform that he wore in the [2008 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_Finals "2008 NBA Finals"), the year Bryant was named the league MVP.[\[489\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Lee2020-498)[\[490\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-499) During his lifetime, Bryant granted over 200 requests for the [Make-A-Wish Foundation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Make-A-Wish_Foundation "Make-A-Wish Foundation").[\[489\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Lee2020-498)[\[491\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-500)
### Business ventures
Bryant established Kobe Inc. to own and grow brands in the sports industry. The initial investment was a 10% stake in the [Bodyarmor SuperDrink](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodyarmor_SuperDrink "Bodyarmor SuperDrink") company for \$6 million in March 2014. The headquarters are in [Newport Beach, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newport_Beach,_California "Newport Beach, California").[\[492\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-501) With [The Coca-Cola Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Coca-Cola_Company "The Coca-Cola Company") purchasing a minority stake in the company in August 2018, the valuation of Bryant's stake rose to approximately \$200 million.[\[493\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-502)
In 2013, Bryant launched a production company called [Granity Studios](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granity_Studios "Granity Studios"), which developed different media, ranging from films to television shows and novels.[\[463\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-variety-472)
On August 22, 2016, Bryant and his business partner [Jeff Stibel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Stibel "Jeff Stibel") launched Bryant-Stibel, a [venture capital](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venture_capital "Venture capital") firm focused on different businesses including media, data, gaming, and technology, with \$100 million in funding.[\[494\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-503)[\[495\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-504) In 2018, Bryant and Sports Academy launched Mamba Sports Academy, a joint athletic-training business venture. The academy established locations in [Thousand Oaks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thousand_Oaks,_California "Thousand Oaks, California") and [Redondo Beach, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redondo_Beach,_California "Redondo Beach, California").[\[496\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-spears_05122020-505)
### Books
On October 23, 2018, Bryant's book *[The Mamba Mentality: How I Play](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mamba_Mentality:_How_I_Play "The Mamba Mentality: How I Play")*, with photographs and afterword by [Andrew D. Bernstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_D._Bernstein "Andrew D. Bernstein"), an introduction by [Phil Jackson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Jackson "Phil Jackson"), and a foreword by [Pau Gasol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pau_Gasol "Pau Gasol"), was published by MCD / [Farrar, Straus and Giroux](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farrar,_Straus_and_Giroux "Farrar, Straus and Giroux"). The book looks back on his career with photos and his reflections.[\[497\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-506)[\[498\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-507)
At the time of his death, Bryant was working with Brazilian author [Paulo Coelho](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulo_Coelho "Paulo Coelho") on a children's book aimed at inspiring underprivileged children. After Bryant's death, Coelho deleted the draft, saying in an interview that "it didn't make any sense to publish without him." He did not say how many pages had been written or whether the book had a title.[\[499\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-508)
Bryant also co-wrote/produced several young adult novels through [Granity Studios](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granity_Studios "Granity Studios"): *The Wizenard Series: Training Camp*, *Legacy and the Queen*, and *Epoca: The Tree of Ecrof*. A fourth novel, *The Wizenard Series: Season One*, was released posthumously in March 2020.[\[500\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-509) *The Wizarenard Series: Season One* topped the *New York Times* middle-grade hardcover list.[\[501\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-510)
## Death
Main article: [2020 Calabasas helicopter crash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Calabasas_helicopter_crash "2020 Calabasas helicopter crash")
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_death.jpg)
Fans gathered in front of Staples Center (later [Crypto.com Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crypto.com_Arena "Crypto.com Arena")) on the day of Bryant's death
### Accident
At 9:06 a.m. [Pacific Standard Time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Standard_Time "Pacific Standard Time") on January 26, 2020, a [Sikorsky S-76](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_S-76 "Sikorsky S-76") helicopter departed from [John Wayne Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wayne_Airport "John Wayne Airport") in [Orange County, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_County,_California "Orange County, California"), with nine people aboard: Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter [Gianna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianna_Bryant "Gianna Bryant"), six family friends including [John Altobelli](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Altobelli "John Altobelli"), and the pilot, Ara Zobayan.[\[502\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Winton2020-511)[\[503\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-9_on_board-512)[\[504\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Death-CNBC-513)[\[505\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Alfonso2020-514) The helicopter was registered to the [Fillmore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fillmore,_California "Fillmore, California")\-based Island Express Holding Corp., according to the [California Secretary of State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secretary_of_State_of_California "Secretary of State of California") business database.[\[505\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Alfonso2020-514) The group was traveling to [Camarillo Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camarillo_Airport "Camarillo Airport") in [Ventura County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ventura_County "Ventura County") for a basketball game at Mamba Sports Academy in [Thousand Oaks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thousand_Oaks,_California "Thousand Oaks, California").[\[506\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-515)
Due to light rain and fog that morning, [Los Angeles Police Department](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Police_Department "Los Angeles Police Department") helicopters and most other air traffic were grounded.[\[505\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Alfonso2020-514)[\[507\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-TMZ2020-516) The flight tracker showed that the helicopter circled above [Glendale, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glendale,_California "Glendale, California"), due to heavy air traffic in the area. At 9:30 a.m., Zobayan contacted the control tower at [Hollywood Burbank Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollywood_Burbank_Airport "Hollywood Burbank Airport"), and was told he was flying too low to be tracked by radar.[\[507\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-TMZ2020-516)[\[508\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-517) Amidst very heavy fog, the helicopter turned south towards the mountains. At 9:40 a.m., the helicopter climbed rapidly from 1,200 to 2,000 feet (370 to 610 m), flying at 161 knots (298 km/h; 185 mph).[\[507\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-TMZ2020-516)
At 9:45 a.m., the helicopter crashed into the side of a mountain in [Calabasas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calabasas,_California "Calabasas, California"), about 30 miles (48 km) northwest of downtown Los Angeles, and began burning. Bryant, his daughter, and the other seven occupants were all killed on impact.[\[507\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-TMZ2020-516) Initial reports indicated that the helicopter crashed in the hills above Calabasas in heavy fog.[\[509\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-LATDeath-518)[\[510\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-519) Witnesses reported hearing a helicopter struggling before crashing.[\[502\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Winton2020-511)
### Investigations
On January 28, Bryant's identity was officially confirmed using fingerprints.[\[511\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-520) The following day, the [Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_County_Department_of_Medical_Examiner-Coroner "Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner") stated that the official cause of death for him and the eight others on the helicopter was [blunt force trauma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blunt_force_trauma "Blunt force trauma").[\[512\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-521)
The [Federal Aviation Administration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Aviation_Administration "Federal Aviation Administration"), [National Transportation Safety Board](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Transportation_Safety_Board "National Transportation Safety Board"), and the [FBI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Bureau_of_Investigation "Federal Bureau of Investigation")[\[505\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Alfonso2020-514) launched investigations into the crash.[\[513\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-522)[\[514\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-523)[\[515\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-BBC51256756-524) The cause of the crash was hard to investigate, as the helicopter was not equipped with a [black box](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_recorder "Flight recorder"). 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. The five board members said Zobayan, who also died in the crash, ignored his training and violated federal regulations during the 40-minute flight.[\[516\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-525)
On February 28, 2023, Vanessa Bryant was awarded a \$28.85 million settlement from Los Angeles County to conclude legal proceedings over graphic photos of the aftermath of the helicopter crash that were shared without the permission of the family.[\[517\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-526) The figure includes the \$15 million she was awarded from L.A. County in a 2022 civil trial, with "additional funds to settle potential claims from her daughters"—Natalia, 20, Bianka, 6, and Capri, 3. Chris Chester, a co-plaintiff who lost his 45-year-old wife and 13-year-old daughter in the crash, settled for \$19.95 million.[\[518\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-527)
### Tributes and funeral services
Further information: [2020 Calabasas helicopter crash § Memorials](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Calabasas_helicopter_crash#Memorials "2020 Calabasas helicopter crash"), [2019–20 NBA season § Death of Kobe Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_NBA_season#Death_of_Kobe_Bryant "2019–20 NBA season"), and [Murals of Kobe Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murals_of_Kobe_Bryant "Murals of Kobe Bryant")
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:RIP_Kobe_Bryant_bus_banner.png)
Metro Bus in Los Angeles with "RIP Kobe" banner, January 2020
On February 7, Bryant and his daughter were buried in a private funeral in [Pacific View Memorial Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_View_Memorial_Park "Pacific View Memorial Park") in the [Corona del Mar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corona_del_Mar,_Newport_Beach "Corona del Mar, Newport Beach") neighborhood of [Newport Beach, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newport_Beach,_California "Newport Beach, California").[\[519\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Boren-528) A public memorial service was held on February 24 (2/24, marking both Kobe's and Gianna's jersey numbers) at Staples Center (later Crypto.com Arena) with [Jimmy Kimmel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Kimmel "Jimmy Kimmel") hosting. Speakers at the service included Vanessa, Jordan, and O'Neal, along with [Phoenix Mercury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Mercury "Phoenix Mercury") guard [Diana Taurasi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana_Taurasi "Diana Taurasi") and [Geno Auriemma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geno_Auriemma "Geno Auriemma"), Taurasi's coach at [Connecticut](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connecticut_Huskies_women%27s_basketball "Connecticut Huskies women's basketball"), where Gianna had been aspiring to play.[\[520\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-529)[\[521\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-530)[\[522\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-531)
> "Kobe is a brother to me. From the time I was in high school watching him from afar, to getting in this league at 18 and watching him up close, all the battles that we had throughout my career, the one thing that we always shared was that determination to just want to win, to just want to be great. The fact that I'm here now means so much to me. I want to continue, along with my teammates, his legacy. Not only for this year, but for as long as we can play this game of basketball that we love, because that's what Kobe Bryant would want. So in the words of Kobe Bryant. Mamba out. But in the words of us, not forgotten. Live on, brother."
— [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James")' tribute to Bryant prior to the Laker's first game since the crash against the [Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_Trail_Blazers "Portland Trail Blazers"), five days after [his death](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Calabasas_helicopter_crash "2020 Calabasas helicopter crash") (January 31, 2020)[\[523\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-532)
The NBA had postponed the Lakers' game against the Clippers just two days after the accident on January 28—the first time an NBA game was postponed for any reason since the [2013 Boston Marathon bombing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_Boston_Marathon_attack "2013 Boston Marathon attack") led to the postponement of a Celtics game.[\[524\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-533) On January 30, the first game at Staples Center after the crash was played between the Clippers and the [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramento_Kings "Sacramento Kings"); the Clippers honored Bryant before the game, with Southern California native [Paul George](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_George "Paul George") narrating a video tribute to Bryant. The next day, the Lakers played their first game after the crash against the Trail Blazers. Ahead of the game, the Lakers paid tribute to Bryant and all who lost their lives in the crash with a ceremony held just before tip-off, with [Usher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usher_\(musician\) "Usher (musician)") singing "[Amazing Grace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazing_Grace "Amazing Grace")" and [Boyz II Men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boyz_II_Men "Boyz II Men") singing the [national anthem](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner "The Star-Spangled Banner"), while [Wiz Khalifa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiz_Khalifa "Wiz Khalifa") and [Charlie Puth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Puth "Charlie Puth") reunited to perform "[See You Again](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/See_You_Again "See You Again")"—originally their tribute to [Paul Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Walker "Paul Walker") after his death while filming *[Furious 7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furious_7 "Furious 7")*—at halftime. 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.[\[525\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-534) The game was the second-most-watched in ESPN history, averaging 4.41 million viewers.[\[526\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-535) The first ever head-to-head meeting between [Shaquille O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") and [Yao Ming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yao_Ming "Yao Ming") in 2003 was the only one with more viewers.[\[527\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-536)
Also, beginning with the Spurs and the Raptors in their game in San Antonio on the day of the crash, teams paid tribute to Bryant at the start of their games with intentional on-court violations referring to his uniform numbers on their first possession—either a 24-second [shot clock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shot_clock "Shot clock") or an [8-second backcourt violation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8-second_backcourt_violation "8-second backcourt violation").[\[528\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-537) On February 15, NBA commissioner [Adam Silver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Silver "Adam Silver") announced that the All-Star Game MVP Award would be renamed to the [NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game_Kobe_Bryant_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award") in Bryant's honor.[\[529\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-538) In May 2020, the Mamba Sports Academy was renamed to Sports Academy out of respect for Bryant.[\[496\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-spears_05122020-505)
The [62nd Annual Grammy Awards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/62nd_Annual_Grammy_Awards "62nd Annual Grammy Awards") went ahead as scheduled at Staples Center on the day of the crash, but included tributes by multiple artists and groups, including host [Alicia Keys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alicia_Keys "Alicia Keys") opening the show with a tribute speech in which she called Staples Center[\[j\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-539) "the house that Kobe Bryant built" and joining Boyz II Men to sing "[It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_So_Hard_to_Say_Goodbye_to_Yesterday "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday")".[\[530\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-540)[\[531\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-541)[\[532\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-542)
Bryant also appeared at the start of the In Memoriam segment of the [92nd Academy Awards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/92nd_Academy_Awards "92nd Academy Awards") following his Oscar in 2018 for *Dear Basketball*, and [Spike Lee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spike_Lee "Spike Lee") wore a suit in tribute to him at the ceremony.[\[533\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-543) He was not included in the montages at the 2020 [VMAs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_MTV_Video_Music_Awards "2020 MTV Video Music Awards") and [Emmys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/72nd_Primetime_Emmy_Awards "72nd Primetime Emmy Awards"), held later in the year. Fans were upset at the omission, especially as actors [Naya Rivera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naya_Rivera "Naya Rivera") and [Chadwick Boseman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chadwick_Boseman "Chadwick Boseman") had been featured prominently in both;[\[534\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-544)[\[535\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-545)[\[536\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-546)[\[537\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-547) after Rivera and Boseman's unexpected deaths in July and August 2020 respectively, the three young black celebrities were popularly compared.[\[k\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-558)
The [2020 Pro Bowl](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Pro_Bowl "2020 Pro Bowl") was also played at [Camping World Stadium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camping_World_Stadium "Camping World Stadium") in Orlando on the day of the crash, and before kickoff, [NFC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_Conference "National Football Conference") players who learned of Bryant's death conducted a prayer led by [Seattle Seahawks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_Seahawks "Seattle Seahawks") quarterback [Russell Wilson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Wilson "Russell Wilson"), while various on-field and PA tributes were made during the game.[\[548\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-559)[\[549\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-560)
In the [2020 WNBA draft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_WNBA_draft "2020 WNBA draft"), Gianna Bryant, Alyssa Altobelli, and Payton Chester were made honorary draft picks.[\[550\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-561)
After the Lakers beat the [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Heat "Miami Heat") in Game 6 of the [2020 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_Finals "2020 NBA Finals") to clinch the franchise's 17th NBA championship, rapper, Lakers fan and Long Beach native [Snoop Dogg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snoop_Dogg "Snoop Dogg") paid homage to Bryant and the Lakers with a full forearm tattoo.[\[551\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-562) Bryant was posthumously inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021, with Vanessa delivering the acceptance speech on Bryant's behalf.[\[552\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-563)
## Legacy
See also: [List of career achievements by Kobe Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_career_achievements_by_Kobe_Bryant "List of career achievements by Kobe Bryant")
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Eric_Garcetti_and_Kobe_Bryant,_2016.jpg)
Bryant holding [Los Angeles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles "Los Angeles") Mayor [Eric Garcetti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Garcetti "Eric Garcetti")'s hand during a 2016 ceremony in which the city of Los Angeles declared August 24 as "[Kobe Bryant Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant_Day "Kobe Bryant Day")"
Bryant was called "one of the greatest players in the history of our game" by NBA commissioner [Adam Silver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Silver "Adam Silver"),[\[553\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-keh_11292015-564) and *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")* wrote that Bryant had "one of the most decorated careers in the history of the sport."[\[553\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-keh_11292015-564) [Reuters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuters "Reuters") called him "arguably the best player of his generation",[\[340\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-pingue_11302015-347) while both *[Sporting News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sporting_News "Sporting News")* and [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TNT_\(American_TV_network\) "TNT (American TV network)") named him their NBA player of the decade for the 2000s.[\[554\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-565)[\[555\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-566) In 2008 and again in 2016, ESPN ranked Bryant the second-greatest [shooting guard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_guard "Shooting guard") of all time after Jordan.[\[345\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_sg_rank_2016-352)[\[556\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-ESPN-567) In 2022, to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary, *[The Athletic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Athletic "The Athletic")* ranked their top 75 players of all time, and they named Bryant as the 10th-greatest player in NBA history and the second-highest shooting guard on the list, behind only Jordan.[\[557\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-568) Many peer players—including [Kevin Durant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Durant "Kevin Durant"),[\[558\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-569) [Dirk Nowitzki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirk_Nowitzki "Dirk Nowitzki"),[\[559\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-570) [Dwyane Wade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwyane_Wade "Dwyane Wade"),[\[306\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-jackson_02022016-312) and [Derrick Rose](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_Rose "Derrick Rose")—called Bryant their generation's version of Jordan.[\[560\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-571)[\[561\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-572) *[The Press-Enterprise](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Press-Enterprise "The Press-Enterprise")* described Bryant as "maybe the greatest Laker in the organization's history."[\[562\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-573) He was the Lakers' all-time leading scorer, and his five titles are tied for the most in franchise history.[\[563\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_11292015-574) Both numbers Bryant wore during his career, 8 and 24, were retired by the Lakers on December 18, 2017.[\[564\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-575) In his first year of eligibility, Bryant was named a finalist for the [Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naismith_Memorial_Basketball_Hall_of_Fame "Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame"), weeks after his death,[\[565\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-576) before being elected a couple of months later in April 2020.[\[566\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-577) His formal induction was delayed until 2021 due to the [COVID-19 pandemic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_pandemic_in_the_United_States "COVID-19 pandemic in the United States").[\[567\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-578) 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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_75th_Anniversary_Team "NBA 75th Anniversary Team").[\[568\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-579) The team was honored during the [2022 NBA All-Star Game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_NBA_All-Star_Game "2022 NBA All-Star Game") in [Cleveland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland "Cleveland"), with Bryant receiving one of the loudest cheers of the night.[\[569\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-580)
With career averages of 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game,[\[328\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Reference-335) Bryant was considered one of the most complete players in NBA history.[\[570\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-hh-581) He is the fourth-leading scorer in league history with 33,643 points.[\[571\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-582)[\[l\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-584) Bryant was the first player in NBA history to have at least 30,000 career points and 6,000 career assists,[\[573\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-holmes_11302014-585) and was one of only four players with 25,000 points, 6,000 rebounds, and 6,000 assists.[\[574\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-586) He [led the NBA in scoring](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_annual_scoring_leaders "List of National Basketball Association annual scoring leaders") during the [2005–06](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_NBA_season "2005–06 NBA season") and [2006–07](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_NBA_season "2006–07 NBA season") seasons.[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-bio-16) Bryant's [81-point performance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant%27s_81-point_game "Kobe Bryant's 81-point game") against Toronto in 2006 is the second-highest in NBA history,[\[575\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-tor-587) behind only Chamberlain's 100. Bryant scored at least 50 points 24 times in his career, which is third in league history behind Jordan (31) and Chamberlain (118);[\[295\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-lakers_11292015-301) six times Bryant scored at least 60.[\[576\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-martin_11292015-588) He was just the third player in NBA history to average 40 points in a calendar month, which Bryant accomplished four times.[\[m\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-589) He was voted the league MVP in 2008 and led his team to the [2008 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_Finals "2008 NBA Finals") as the first seed in the Western Conference.[\[577\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Kobe_MVP-590) In the [2008 Summer Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Summer_Olympics "2008 Summer Olympics"), Bryant won a [gold medal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_medal "Gold medal") as a member of the [U.S. men's basketball team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_men%27s_national_basketball_team "United States men's national basketball team"), occasionally referred to as "The Redeem Team".[\[578\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-RedeemTeambySheridan-591) He won another gold medal at the [2012 Summer Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Summer_Olympics "2012 Summer Olympics"). Bryant led the Lakers to two more championships in 2009 and 2010, winning the [Finals MVP award](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Russell_NBA_Finals_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award") on both occasions.
Bryant was an 18-time All-Star, which ranks second behind only [Kareem Abdul-Jabbar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar")'s and LeBron James' 19.[\[579\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_01212016-592) Bryant was chosen a then-record 18 straight times, each time as a starter.[\[283\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-bresnahan_01222015-289)[\[576\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-martin_11292015-588)[\[579\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_01212016-592) On four occasions (2003, 2011, 2013, 2016), he was the leading vote-getter.[\[579\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_01212016-592) Bryant was named the [All-Star MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game_Kobe_Bryant_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award") four times, a record he shares with [Bob Pettit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Pettit "Bob Pettit").[\[576\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-martin_11292015-588) Bryant was selected to the [All-NBA Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-NBA_Team "All-NBA Team") on 15 occasions, tied for the most with Abdul-Jabbar and [Tim Duncan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Duncan "Tim Duncan"),[\[580\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-593) and his 11 first-team honors are tied for the second-most with [Karl Malone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Malone "Karl Malone").[\[581\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-594) Bryant was also a 12-time [All-Defensive Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Defensive_Team "NBA All-Defensive Team") selection, trailing only Duncan's 15, and Bryant was named to the All-Defensive First Team nine times, tied with Jordan, Garnett, and [Gary Payton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Payton "Gary Payton") for the most all time.[\[563\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_11292015-574)[\[576\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-martin_11292015-588) He was the first guard to [play 20 seasons in the NBA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_seasons_played_leaders "List of National Basketball Association seasons played leaders").[\[563\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_11292015-574) Bryant also won the [NBA Slam Dunk Contest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Slam_Dunk_Contest "NBA Slam Dunk Contest") in 1997 and was its youngest winner.[\[582\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-bryanko01-595) In his career, Bryant scored 40-plus points in 121 games, and he recorded a triple-double 21 times.[\[295\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-lakers_11292015-301)
During the [2020 NBA playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs"), the Lakers' players wore 'Black Mamba' jerseys in honor of Bryant. Designed by Bryant himself, the black jersey features a snakeskin pattern with yellow accents and 16 stars representing the team's 16 championships at the time. In a Game 2 victory over the [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") in the Western Conference Finals, [Anthony Davis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Davis "Anthony Davis") made a buzzer-beating three-pointer and yelled Bryant's name, while the team was wearing the 'Black Mamba' jerseys.[\[583\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-596) Following a Game 2 victory in the [2020 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_Finals "2020 NBA Finals"), LeBron James was asked about the jerseys and had this to say: "It's always special to represent someone that meant so much, not only to the game but also to the Lakers organization for 20-plus years. For us to honor him, being on the floor, this is what it's all about."[\[584\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-q916-597)
On January 26, 2022, coinciding with the second anniversary of his death, a statue of Bryant and his daughter Gianna was placed at the crash site in Calabasas.[\[585\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-598) Later in February, the NBA redesigned the [All-Star Game MVP trophy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game_Kobe_Bryant_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award") as part of the major redesign of the All-Star Weekend trophies in celebration of the league's [75th anniversary season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%E2%80%9322_NBA_season "2021–22 NBA season").[\[586\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-599)
On [Kobe Bryant Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant_Day "Kobe Bryant Day"), August 24, in 2023, the Lakers stated that [Bryant's statue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_Kobe_Bryant "Statue of Kobe Bryant") outside of [Crypto.com Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crypto.com_Arena "Crypto.com Arena") would be unveiled on February 8, 2024, to honor his two numbers with the Lakers, 8 and 24, and 2 for the number of his daughter Gianna.[\[587\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-600) The inspiration for the statue, based on an image of Bryant after his 81-point game, pointing a finger toward the sky, was requested by Bryant himself before his death.[\[588\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-601) On August 2, 2024, the Lakers also unveiled a [statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_Kobe_and_Gianna_Bryant "Statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant") outside of Crypto.com Arena.[\[589\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-602)[\[590\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-603)[\[591\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-604)
## See also
- [List of NBA annual statistical leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_annual_statistical_leaders "List of NBA annual statistical leaders")
- [List of NBA annual scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_annual_scoring_leaders "List of NBA annual scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA career scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_scoring_leaders "List of NBA career scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA career assists leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_assists_leaders "List of NBA career assists leaders")
- [List of NBA career steals leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_steals_leaders "List of NBA career steals leaders")
- [List of NBA career turnovers leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_turnovers_leaders "List of NBA career turnovers leaders")
- [List of NBA career 3-point scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_3-point_scoring_leaders "List of NBA career 3-point scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA career free throw scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_free_throw_scoring_leaders "List of NBA career free throw scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA seasons played leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_seasons_played_leaders "List of NBA seasons played leaders")
- [List of NBA career games played leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_games_played_leaders "List of NBA career games played leaders")
- [List of NBA career minutes played leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_minutes_played_leaders "List of NBA career minutes played leaders")
- [List of NBA career triple-double leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_triple-double_leaders "List of NBA career triple-double leaders")
- [List of NBA career playoff assists leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_playoff_assists_leaders "List of NBA career playoff assists leaders")
- [List of NBA career playoff steals leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_playoff_steals_leaders "List of NBA career playoff steals leaders")
- [List of NBA career playoff turnovers leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_playoff_turnovers_leaders "List of NBA career playoff turnovers leaders")
- [List of NBA career playoff 3-point scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_playoff_3-point_scoring_leaders "List of NBA career playoff 3-point scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA career playoff free throw scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_playoff_free_throw_scoring_leaders "List of NBA career playoff free throw scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA career playoff games played leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_playoff_games_played_leaders "List of NBA career playoff games played leaders")
- [List of NBA career playoff minutes leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_playoff_minutes_leaders "List of NBA career playoff minutes leaders")
- [List of NBA franchise career scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_franchise_career_scoring_leaders "List of NBA franchise career scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA players with most championships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_players_with_most_championships "List of NBA players with most championships")
- [List of NBA single-game scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_single-game_scoring_leaders "List of NBA single-game scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA single-game playoff scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_single-game_playoff_scoring_leaders "List of NBA single-game playoff scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA single-game 3-point scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_single-game_3-point_scoring_leaders "List of NBA single-game 3-point scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA single-season scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_single-season_scoring_leaders "List of NBA single-season scoring leaders")
- [List of oldest and youngest NBA players](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_oldest_and_youngest_NBA_players "List of oldest and youngest NBA players")
- [List of Olympic medalists in basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Olympic_medalists_in_basketball "List of Olympic medalists in basketball")
- [List of second-generation NBA players](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_second-generation_NBA_players "List of second-generation NBA players")
## Notes
1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-height_note_3-0)** In 2017, Vanessa Bryant said that Kobe was 6 feet 4\+3⁄4 inches (1.95 m) without shoes and 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) with shoes. In 2006, Bryant said that he was 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m).[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-1) In 2008, he stated he was "probably" 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) in shoes.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-2)
2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-4)** co-MVP along with [Shaquille O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal")
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-135)** He joined Chamberlain (5 times), Baylor, [Rick Barry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Barry "Rick Barry") and Jordan (2) in averaging over 35 points.[\[131\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-133)[\[132\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_12142014-134)
4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-150)** Chamberlain had 50 points 45 times in 1961–62 and 30 in 1962–63.[\[132\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_12142014-134)
5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-276)** [Larry Bird](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Bird "Larry Bird") held the previous record; he was 35 when he had 49 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists on March 15, 1992, against Portland.[\[271\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-275)
6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-287)** The others were Chamberlain (2 in 1972–73) and Kidd (2 each in 2009–10 and 2010–11).[\[281\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-286)
7. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-315)** He joined Jordan (3 times), Karl Malone (3) and Abdul-Jabbar[\[308\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Shrug38-314)
8. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-356)** In 2014, Bryant passed Havlicek's previous mark of 13,417 missed shots,[\[348\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-355) and he retired with 14,481.
9. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-382)** Vanessa Bryant's father is of Mexican and Italian descent and her mother is of Mexican and Filipino descent.[\[373\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-381)
10. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-539)** Now called Crypto.com Arena
11. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-558)** See multiple references:[\[538\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-548)[\[539\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-549)[\[540\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-550)[\[541\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-551)[\[542\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-552)[\[543\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-553)[\[544\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-554)[\[545\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-555)[\[546\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-556)[\[547\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-557)
12. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-584)** At the time of his retirement, he was the third-leading scorer in NBA history until he was passed by [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") shortly before his death.[\[572\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-LeBron_passes_Kobe-583)
13. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-589)** Chamberlain did it 15 times, and Baylor once.[\[132\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_12142014-134)
## References
1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-1)**
Mallozzi, Vincent (December 24, 2006). ["'Where's Kobe? I Want Kobe.'"](https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/24/sports/basketball/24cheer.html). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211223135007/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/24/sports/basketball/24cheer.html?_r=1&) from the original on December 23, 2021.
2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-2)**
Ding, Kevin (January 8, 2008). ["Kobe Bryant's work with kids brings joy, though sometimes it's fleeting"](http://www.ocregister.com/sports/kobebryant-88229-makeawishfoundation-lakers.html). *Orange County Register*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121125015644/http://www.ocregister.com/sports/kobebryant-88229-makeawishfoundation-lakers.html) from the original on November 25, 2012.
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-RedeemHOF_5-0)**
["Bird, Moore, Anthony, Donovan top '25 Basketball Hall of Fame class"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44546358/bird-moore-anthony-howard-top-25-naismith-hall-fame-class). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press (via ESPN). April 5, 2025. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
4. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Oscar_6-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Oscar_6-1)
Schwartz, Dana (March 4, 2018). ["Kobe Bryant is officially an Oscar winner"](https://ew.com/awards/2018/03/04/oscars-kobe-bryant-dear-basketball/). *[Entertainment Weekly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainment_Weekly "Entertainment Weekly")*. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-7)**
Russell, Calum (October 9, 2025). ["The first and only person to win an Olympic gold medal and an Oscar"](https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/person-to-win-an-olympic-gold-medal-and-an-oscar/). *faroutmagazine.co.uk*. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-8)**
["Kobe Bryant helicopter crash post-mortem released"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-52687408). *[BBC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC "BBC")*. May 16, 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230705203012/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-52687408) from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
7. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-9)**
Golliver, Ben (February 15, 2020). ["NBA renames All-Star Game MVP award after Kobe Bryant"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/02/15/nba-renames-all-star-game-mvp-award-after-kobe-bryant/). *Washington Post*. [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0190-8286](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0190-8286). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221205174628/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/02/15/nba-renames-all-star-game-mvp-award-after-kobe-bryant/) from the original on December 5, 2022. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
8. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-KB_Superstar_10-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-KB_Superstar_10-1)
Grez, Matias; Sung, Patrick; Church, Ben (January 27, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant: The making of a global superstar"](https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/01/sport/kobe-bryant-life-timeline-spt-intl/). [CNN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNN "CNN"). Retrieved January 23, 2025.
9. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-11)**
["Kobe Bryant Fast Facts"](https://www.cnn.com/2013/04/29/us/kobe-bryant-fast-facts/index.html). [CNN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNN "CNN"). April 5, 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200220015851/https://www.cnn.com/2013/04/29/us/kobe-bryant-fast-facts/index.html) from the original on February 20, 2020. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
10. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-12)**
Ortiz, Erik (January 26, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant, former NBA star and Los Angeles Lakers legend, dies at 41"](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/kobe-bryant-former-nba-star-los-angeles-lakers-legend-dies-n1123436). *NBC News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200224015712/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/kobe-bryant-former-nba-star-los-angeles-lakers-legend-dies-n1123436) from the original on February 24, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
11. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-13)**
Mather, Victor (July 16, 2024). ["Joe Bryant, Former N.B.A. Player and Kobe's Father, Is Dead at 69"](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/16/sports/joe-bryant-dead.html). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
12. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-14)**
Henson, Steve (July 16, 2024). ["Joe 'Jellybean' Bryant, father of late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, dies at 69"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2024-07-16/joe-bryant-dead-kobe). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
13. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-15)**
Beck, Howard (January 27, 2020). ["The Making of an NBA Icon"](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2873292-the-making-of-an-nba-icon). *[Bleacher Report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleacher_Report "Bleacher Report")*. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
14. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-bio_16-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-bio_16-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-bio_16-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-bio_16-3)
["Kobe Bryant Bio"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100306020711/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/bio.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/bio.html) on March 6, 2010. Retrieved August 5, 2007.
15. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-17)**
Capatides, Cristina (January 27, 2020). ["24 facts about amazing Kobe Bryant"](https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/24-facts-about-kobe-bryant/). [CBS News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CBS_News "CBS News"). Retrieved January 23, 2025.
16. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Klosterman,_Chuck2015_18-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Klosterman,_Chuck2015_18-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Klosterman,_Chuck2015_18-2)
Klosterman, Chuck (February 18, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant Will Always Be an All-Star of Talking"](https://www.gq.com/story/kobe-bryant-nba-allstar?currentPage=2). *[GQ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GQ "GQ")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160419200656/http://www.gq.com/story/kobe-bryant-nba-allstar?currentPage=2) from the original on April 19, 2016. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
17. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-cna_19-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-cna_19-1)
["The Catholic faith of Kobe Bryant"](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/43396/the-catholic-faith-of-kobe-bryant). *Catholic News Agency*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
18. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Kosloski2016_20-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Kosloski2016_20-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Kosloski2016_20-2)
Kosloski, Philip (April 15, 2016). ["Remembering Kobe Bryant: Formed and saved by his Catholic faith"](http://aleteia.org/2016/04/15/kobe-bryant-saved-by-his-catholic-faith/). Retrieved January 26, 2020.
19. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-21)**
Moshtaghian, Artemis; Melas, Chloe; Simon, Darran (January 27, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, among 9 killed in a helicopter crash in California"](https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/26/us/calabasas-helicopter-crash-trnd/index.html). *CNN*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126203644/https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/26/us/calabasas-helicopter-crash-trnd/index.html) from the original on January 26, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
20. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-22)**
Curwen, Thomas; Wharton, David (January 26, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant, from the start, was an athlete like no other"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2020-01-26/lakers-kobe-bryant-obit). *Los Angeles Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200202050250/https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2020-01-26/lakers-kobe-bryant-obit) from the original on February 2, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
21. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-23)**
Kington, Tom (January 27, 2020). ["'You made us dream': Kobe Bryant is mourned in Italy, where he first learned to play"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-01-27/kobe-bryant-italy-coach). *Los Angeles Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230928130412/https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-01-27/kobe-bryant-italy-coach) from the original on September 28, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
22. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-rap_career_24-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-rap_career_24-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-rap_career_24-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-rap_career_24-3)
Golianopoulos, Thomas (April 12, 2013). ["The Secret History of Kobe Bryant's Rap Career"](http://grantland.com/features/the-secret-history-kobe-bryant-failed-attempt-rap-career/). *grantland.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130415102945/http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9161188/the-secret-history-kobe-bryant-failed-attempt-rap-career) from the original on April 15, 2013.
23. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Lavanga2020_25-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Lavanga2020_25-1)
Lavanga, Claudio (January 27, 2020). ["A view of Kobe Bryant from his childhood home in Italy"](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/view-kobe-bryant-his-childhood-home-italy-n1123716). *NBC News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200202090029/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/view-kobe-bryant-his-childhood-home-italy-n1123716) from the original on February 2, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
24. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-26)**
Flynn, Meagan (January 28, 2020). ["'My story began in this town': How Kobe Bryant learned to play basketball in Italy"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/119081764/my-story-began-in-this-town-how-kobe-bryant-learned-to-play-basketball-in-italy). *Stuff*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230705205057/https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/119081764/my-story-began-in-this-town-how-kobe-bryant-learned-to-play-basketball-in-italy) from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
25. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-27)**
Arachi, Alessandra (January 28, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant, Reggio Emilia piange il suo figlio. Lui diceva: "Io qui mi sento in pace""](https://www.corriere.it/sport/20_gennaio_27/reggio-emiliapiange-suo-figliodiceva-io-qui-mi-sento-pace-03dcb786-4146-11ea-a133-84fd84fc9cfa.shtml). corriere.it. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230705205528/https://www.corriere.it/sport/20_gennaio_27/reggio-emiliapiange-suo-figliodiceva-io-qui-mi-sento-pace-03dcb786-4146-11ea-a133-84fd84fc9cfa.shtml) from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
26. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-28)**
["Kobe visits old childhood court in Italy"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225001/https://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/news/2016/07/25/kobe-visits-old-childhood-court-italy-13642). [ABS-CBN Sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABS-CBN_Sports "ABS-CBN Sports"). July 25, 2016. Archived from [the original](https://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/news/2016/07/25/kobe-visits-old-childhood-court-italy-13642) on January 26, 2020.
27. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-29)**
["Farewell to the Mamba: Kobe Bryant"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4fJLCDrfLd31YNbMtZqJnFm/farewell-to-the-mamba-kobe-bryant). [BBC Sport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_Sport "BBC Sport"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160417211418/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4fJLCDrfLd31YNbMtZqJnFm/farewell-to-the-mamba-kobe-bryant) from the original on April 17, 2016. Retrieved November 30, 2019.
28. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Greatness_30-0)**
[MacMullan, Jackie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_MacMullan "Jackie MacMullan") (June 4, 2010). ["Kobe Bryant: Imitating greatness"](https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2010/columns/story?columnist=macmullan_jackie&page=kobefilmstudy-100604). *ESPN.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230603112011/https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2010/columns/story?columnist=macmullan_jackie&page=kobefilmstudy-100604) from the original on June 3, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
29. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-31)**
Watkins, Gwynne (February 13, 2018). ["From Ariel to Kobe Bryant: Disney legend Glen Keane takes us inside Oscar-nominated 'Dear Basketball'"](https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/ariel-kobe-bryant-disney-legend-glen-keane-takes-us-inside-oscar-nominated-dear-basketball-230337917.html). *www.yahoo.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230705202650/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/ariel-kobe-bryant-disney-legend-glen-keane-takes-us-inside-oscar-nominated-dear-basketball-230337917.html) from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved July 30, 2021.
30. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-32)**
Lazenby, Roland (October 25, 2016). *Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant*. Little, Brown. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[9780316387149](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780316387149 "Special:BookSources/9780316387149")
.
31. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-33)**
Faulconer, Matt (July 31, 2011). ["Kobe Bryant: NBA Star Shows off Skills at Manchester Utd vs. Barcelona Game"](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/786122-kobe-bryant-video-nba-star-shows-off-skills-at-manchester-utd-vs-barcelona-game). *Bleacher Report*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230705205053/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/786122-kobe-bryant-video-nba-star-shows-off-skills-at-manchester-utd-vs-barcelona-game) from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
32. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-34)**
Gulino, Joey (January 28, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant honored by AC Milan, his favorite soccer club as a kid (video)"](https://sports.yahoo.com/kobe-bryant-honored-by-ac-milan-his-favorite-soccer-club-as-a-kid-video-220614754.html). *Yahoo! Sports*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230705202646/https://sports.yahoo.com/kobe-bryant-honored-by-ac-milan-his-favorite-soccer-club-as-a-kid-video-220614754.html) from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
33. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-35)**
Levin, Jason (March 2001). ["I Wish People Would Let Me Just Be Kobe"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131202234039/http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/interviews/4119458/wish-people-would-let-me-just-be-kobe). *Basketball Digest*. **28** (5): 20. Archived from [the original](http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/interviews/4119458/wish-people-would-let-me-just-be-kobe) on December 2, 2013.
34. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-36)**
["Lot Detail – Kobe Bryant Incredible Signed 1992 Middle School Yearbook with Prophetic Lakers Inscription Reference! (Beckett/BAS & PSA/DNA LOAs)"](https://www.iconicauctions.com/Kobe_Bryant_Incredible_Signed_1992_Middle_School_Y-LOT98758.aspx). *www.iconicauctions.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210508040651/https://www.iconicauctions.com/Kobe_Bryant_Incredible_Signed_1992_Middle_School_Y-LOT98758.aspx) from the original on May 8, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
35. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Merion_37-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Merion_37-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Merion_37-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Merion_37-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Merion_37-4)
Verrier, Justin (June 1, 2010). ["Before they were stars: Kobe Bryant"](https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2010/columns/story?page=beforetheywerestars-kobe-100601). *ESPN.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230705205530/https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2010/columns/story?page=beforetheywerestars-kobe-100601) from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
36. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-38)**
Doherty, Bill (December 20, 1993). ["Dixon Happy He Stayed With Aces (4–0)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052502/http://articles.philly.com/1993-12-20/news/25943289_1_merion-coach-gregg-downer-strath-haven-lower-merion). *The Philadelphia Inquirer*. Archived from [the original](http://articles.philly.com/1993-12-20/news/25943289_1_merion-coach-gregg-downer-strath-haven-lower-merion) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 14, 2013.
37. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-39)**
"High School Boys Basketball All-USA Honorable Mentions". *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. April 21, 1995. p. 11C.
38. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-JockBioKobe_40-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-JockBioKobe_40-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-JockBioKobe_40-2)
["Kobe Bryant Biography"](http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Bryant/Bryant_bio.html). JockBio.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170311191235/http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Bryant/Bryant_bio.html) from the original on March 11, 2017. Retrieved September 15, 2011.
39. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-41)**
["1995 High School Basketball Awards"](https://basketball.realgm.com/highschool/awards-by-season/1995). *RealGM*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191226123846/https://basketball.realgm.com/highschool/awards-by-season/1995) from the original on December 26, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
40. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-42)**
["ABCD Camp"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100330060705/http://www.reebokabcdcamp.com/mvps.html). Reebok ABCD Camp. Archived from [the original](http://www.reebokabcdcamp.com/mvps.html) on March 30, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
41. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-43)**
Jenkins, Lee (March 23, 2009). ["Another Sunny Day In Lamar's L.a."](https://vault.si.com/vault/2009/03/23/another-sunny-day-in-lamars-la/) *Sports Illustrated*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090322151209/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1153359/3/index.htm) from the original on March 22, 2009. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
42. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-44)**
Lazenby, Roland (2016). ["Chapter 14: The Bad, Bad Boy"](https://books.google.com/books?id=CH1zCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT173). *Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant*. Little, Brown and Company. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-316-38727-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-316-38727-9 "Special:BookSources/978-0-316-38727-9")
. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240210105951/https://books.google.com/books?id=CH1zCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT173#v=onepage&q&f=false) from the original on February 10, 2024. Retrieved February 1, 2020.
43. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-HighSchool_45-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-HighSchool_45-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-HighSchool_45-2)
Moore, David Leon (May 7, 2002). ["Bryant continues to hold court"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100524084340/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/preps/basketba/2002-05-08-bryant.htm). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. Archived from [the original](https://www.usatoday.com/sports/preps/basketba/2002-05-08-bryant.htm) on May 24, 2010. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
44. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-46)**
["History"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110507074734/http://www.aceshoops.com/?s=history). Aces Hoops. Archived from [the original](http://www.aceshoops.com/?s=history) on May 7, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
45. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-47)**
["\#24 Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090308150651/http://www.nba.com/lakers/roster/0607_24bryant.html). *NBA.com*. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/lakers/roster/0607_24bryant.html) on March 8, 2009. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
46. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-48)**
["1996 High School Basketball Awards"](https://basketball.realgm.com/highschool/awards-by-season/1996). *RealGM*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191226123844/https://basketball.realgm.com/highschool/awards-by-season/1996) from the original on December 26, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
47. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-lee_11302015_49-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-lee_11302015_49-1)
Lee, Michael (November 30, 2015). ["As Kobe returns home, his old coach urges Philadelphia to give him proper sendoff"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151206090134/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/as-kobe-returns-home--his-old-coach-urges-philadelphia-to-give-him-proper-sendoff-043209702.html). *Yahoo! Sports*. Archived from [the original](https://sports.yahoo.com/news/as-kobe-returns-home--his-old-coach-urges-philadelphia-to-give-him-proper-sendoff-043209702.html) on December 6, 2015.
48. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-50)**
Pak, SuChin. ["Brandy On Growing Up: A Candid Chat"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121214005153/http://www.mtv.com/bands/b/brandy/news_feature_061404/). *MTV*. Archived from [the original](http://www.mtv.com/bands/b/brandy/news_feature_061404/) on December 14, 2012. Retrieved January 15, 2009.
49. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Archived_at_Ghostarchive_and_the_Wayback_Machine2020_51-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Archived_at_Ghostarchive_and_the_Wayback_Machine2020_51-1)
Archived at [Ghostarchive](https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/5zr6Xm5IjPM) and the [Wayback Machine](https://web.archive.org/web/20200224033516/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zr6Xm5IjPM):
[*'My name is Kobe Bryant' – (1996) Kobe gives a class presentation on NBA vs. college*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zr6Xm5IjPM), February 2, 2020, retrieved February 24, 2020
50. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-52)**
Thomsen, Ian (February 1, 2010). ["Kobe may already be the greatest Laker ever – and he's not done yet"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140226145717/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/ian_thomsen/02/01/kobe.scoring.record/). *SI.com*. Archived from [the original](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/ian_thomsen/02/01/kobe.scoring.record/) on February 26, 2014.
51. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-53)**
["Wilkins Honored as One of 35 Greatest McDonald's All Americans"](http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/wilkins-honored-one-35-greatest-mcdonalds-all-americans). *NBA.com*. January 31, 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120208224933/http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/wilkins-honored-one-35-greatest-mcdonalds-all-americans) from the original on February 8, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2012.
52. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-54)**
Holmes, Baxter (January 30, 2021). ["How Kobe Bryant almost became Boston Celtic"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14449708/how-kobe-bryant-almost-became-boston-celtic). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230406205026/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14449708/how-kobe-bryant-almost-became-boston-celtic) from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
53. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-55)**
"Deals Are What Made The Lakers". *Long Beach Press-Telegram*. February 25, 2000.
54. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-56)**
Delong, John (June 18, 2008). ["Lakers' trade for Bryant has been misconstrued"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100822071950/http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2008/jun/18/lakers-trade-for-bryant-has-been-misconstrued/). *Winston-Salem Journal*. Archived from [the original](https://www2.journalnow.com/content/2008/jun/18/lakers-trade-for-bryant-has-been-misconstrued/) on August 22, 2010. Retrieved October 30, 2010.
55. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-57)**
Howard-Cooper, Scott (July 1, 1996). ["Divac's OK Has Lakers Buzzing"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-07-01-sp-20210-story.html). *Los Angeles Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211209012005/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-07-01-sp-20210-story.html) from the original on December 9, 2021. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
56. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-complex.com_58-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-complex.com_58-1)
Ecko, Marc. ["Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101009113352/http://www.complex.com/CELEBRITIES/Cover-Story/Kobe-Bryant). Complex.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.complex.com/CELEBRITIES/Cover-Story/Kobe-Bryant) on October 9, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
57. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Career_Earnings_59-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Career_Earnings_59-1)
Badenhausen, Kurt (November 30, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant Will Retire With Record \$680 Million In Career Earnings"](https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2015/11/30/kobe-bryant-will-retire-with-record-680-million-in-career-earnings). *Forbes*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230713070735/https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2015/11/30/kobe-bryant-will-retire-with-record-680-million-in-career-earnings/) from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 17, 2018.
58. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-60)**
Whicker, Mark (November 29, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant's farewell season has been painful to watch"](http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151129/whicker-kobe-bryants-farewell-season-has-been-painful-to-watch). *Los Angeles Daily News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151203072224/http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151129/whicker-kobe-bryants-farewell-season-has-been-painful-to-watch) from the original on December 3, 2015.
59. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-61)**
Rafferty, Scott (July 7, 2015). ["How Kobe, LeBron and other NBA stars fared in Summer League debuts"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160105102000/http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4649202-summer-league-kobe-duncan-lebron-carmelo-wade-harden-durant/slide/336932). *Sporting News*. Archived from [the original](http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4649202-summer-league-kobe-duncan-lebron-carmelo-wade-harden-durant/slide/336932) on January 5, 2016. Retrieved December 5, 2015.
60. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Contemporary_Black_Biography_62-0)**
Henderson, Ashyia, ed. (2008). ["Kobe Bryant"](http://0-galenet.galegroup.com.sapl.sat.lib.tx.us/servlet/BioRC?vrsn=149&OP=contains&locID=txshrpub100334&srchtp=name&ca=1&c=1&AI=U13015572&NA=Kobe+Bryant&ste=12&tbst=prp&tab=1&docNum=K1606001949&bConts=59). *Contemporary Black Biography*. **31**. Gale Group, 2001; Reproduced in Biography Resource Center. Farmington Hills, Mich.: Gale, 2008. Retrieved December 6, 2008.
`{{cite journal}}`: CS1 maint: url-status ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_url-status "Category:CS1 maint: url-status"))
61. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-63)**
["The Youngest NBA Basketball Player Records"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100124090925/http://basketballdaily.today.com/2009/01/30/the-youngest-nba-basketball-player-records/). *Basketball Daily*. January 30, 2009. Archived from [the original](http://basketballdaily.today.com/2009/01/30/the-youngest-nba-basketball-player-records/) on January 24, 2010.
62. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-64)**
["Kobe Bryant 1996–97 Game Log"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210126075025/https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01/gamelog/1997). Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from [the original](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01/gamelog/1997/) on January 26, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
63. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-65)**
Holmes, Baxter (February 11, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant: Perfect time for All-Star break as 'everything' aches"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14758418/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-relieved-all-star-break-amid-myriad-aches). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160212165217/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14758418/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-relieved-all-star-break-amid-myriad-aches) from the original on February 12, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
64. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-66)**
["All-Rookie Teams"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080725172621/http://www.nba.com/history/awards_allrookieteams.html). [NBA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association "National Basketball Association").com. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/history/awards_allrookieteams.html) on July 25, 2008. Retrieved January 27, 2008.
65. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-67)**
["1997 NBA Western Conference Semifinals - Lakers vs. Jazz"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-western-conference-semifinals-lakers-vs-jazz.html). *Basketball-Reference.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230204233549/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-western-conference-semifinals-lakers-vs-jazz.html) from the original on February 4, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
66. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-68)**
Medina, Mark (January 15, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant's 'airball game' in 1997 was as defining moment in his career"](https://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160115/kobe-bryants-airball-game-in-1997-was-as-defining-moment-in-his-career). *Los Angeles Daily News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160129140251/http://www.dailynews.com/article/20160115/SPORTS/160119637) from the original on January 29, 2016.
67. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-69)**
Jackson, Scoop (May 11, 2009). ["Kobe Bryant's top ten moments"](https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?id=4152884). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210111033424/https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?id=4152884) from the original on January 11, 2021. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
68. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-70)**
["Kobe Bryant Career Stats Page"](https://web.archive.org/web/20091222132730/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/career_stats.html). *NBA.com*. August 23, 1978. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/career_stats.html) on December 22, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
69. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-71)**
Howard-Cooper, Scott (May 4, 1998). ["NBA Playoffs; A Dilemma for Kobe; NBA playoffs: The Lakers can still go small with Bryant in the frontcourt, but it could come at a price against the bigger Schrempf"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130722111147/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/29194361.html?dids=29194361:29194361&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Archived from [the original](https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/29194361.html?dids=29194361:29194361&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS) on July 22, 2013. Retrieved December 5, 2009.
70. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-6thManVoting1998_72-0)**
["1997-98 NBA Awards Voting"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210111041507/https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1998.html#smoy). *Basketball-Reference.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1998.html) on January 11, 2021. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
71. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-AllStarProfile_73-0)**
["All-Star Player Profile : Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110628211313/http://www.nba.com/allstar2008/players/kobe_bryant.html). [NBA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association "National Basketball Association"). Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/allstar2008/players/kobe_bryant.html) on June 28, 2011. Retrieved December 7, 2008.
72. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Contract_74-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Contract_74-1)
["Basketball: N.B.A. Roundup - Los Angeles; Lakers' Bryant Signs for \$71 million"](https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/30/sports/basketball-nba-roundup-los-angeles-lakers-bryant-signs-for-71-million.html). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. January 30, 1999. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210111033454/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/30/sports/basketball-nba-roundup-los-angeles-lakers-bryant-signs-for-71-million.html) from the original on January 11, 2021. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
73. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-75)**
["1998-99 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1999.html). *Basketball-Reference.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211009042914/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1999.html) from the original on October 9, 2021. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
74. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-76)**
Smith, Sam (January 27, 2009). ["Kobe Bryant: The Air Apparent?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130724084140/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/23936063.html?dids=23936063:23936063&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS). basketball-reference.com. Archived from [the original](https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/23936063.html?dids=23936063:23936063&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS) on July 24, 2013. Retrieved January 27, 2009.
75. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-77)**
Thomsen, Ian (January 27, 2009). ["Showtime!"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080709011057/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1012689/index.htm). *Sports Illustrated*. Archived from [the original](http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1012689/index.htm) on July 9, 2008. Retrieved January 27, 2009.
76. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-78)**
["1998–99 Los Angeles Lakers Statistics"](https://web.archive.org/web/20211009042914/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1999.html). basketball-reference.com. Archived from [the original](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1999.html) on October 9, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2008.
77. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-79)**
["1999-00 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats"](https://web.archive.org/web/20211009074216/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/2000.html). *Basketball-Reference.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/2000.html) on October 9, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
78. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-BryantAllNBA_80-0)**
["Bryant, McGrady Highlight All-NBA Selections"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100511182141/http://www.nba.com/news/all_nba_team_020501.html). [NBA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association "National Basketball Association"). May 1, 2002. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/news/all_nba_team_020501.html) on May 11, 2010. Retrieved December 7, 2008.
79. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-BryantAllDefensive_81-0)**
["Garnett, Bryant top NBA All-Defensive selections"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080905214649/http://rawstory.com/news/afp/Garnett_Bryant_top_NBA_All_Defensiv_05122008.html). *The Raw Story*. Agence France-Presse. May 12, 2008. Archived from [the original](http://rawstory.com/news/afp/Garnett_Bryant_top_NBA_All_Defensiv_05122008.html) on September 5, 2008.
80. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-82)**
["LAKERS: Los Angeles Lakers History"](http://www.nba.com/lakers/history/lakers_history_new.html). *NBA.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120217202906/http://www.nba.com/lakers/history/lakers_history_new.html) from the original on February 17, 2012. Retrieved June 23, 2008.
81. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-83)**
Martin, Susan (October 15, 1999). ["Lakers lose bryant at least six weeks to broken hand"](https://buffalonews.com/1999/10/15/lakers-lose-bryant-at-least-six-weeks-to-broken-hand/). *[The Buffalo News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Buffalo_News "The Buffalo News")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200509045024/https://buffalonews.com/1999/10/15/lakers-lose-bryant-at-least-six-weeks-to-broken-hand/) from the original on May 9, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
82. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-84)**
["LAKERS: Los Angeles Lakers History"](http://www.nba.com/lakers/history/lakers_history_new.html#35). NBA. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120217202906/http://www.nba.com/lakers/history/lakers_history_new.html#35) from the original on February 17, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
83. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-85)**
["Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, June 4, 2000"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200006040LAL.html). Basketball-Reference.com. June 4, 2000. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210111033545/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200006040LAL.html) from the original on January 11, 2021. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
84. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-86)**
Bresnahan, Mike (March 14, 2013). ["Kobe Bryant sprains left ankle in Lakers loss, out indefinitely"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-xpm-2013-mar-13-la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-sprains-ankle-20130313-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130314210424/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-sprains-ankle-20130313,0,4756531.story) from the original on March 14, 2013.
85. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-87)**
Ryan, Chris (March 14, 2013). ["Jalen Rose on That Time He Intentionally Tried to Injure Kobe Bryant"](http://grantland.com/the-triangle/jalen-rose-on-that-time-he-intentionally-tried-to-injure-kobe-bryant/). *grantland.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130317102308/http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/54156/jalen-rose-on-that-time-he-intentionally-tried-to-injure-kobe-bryant) from the original on March 17, 2013.
86. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-88)**
["NBA Finals: Pacers vs. Lakers"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100306102508/http://www2.indystar.com/library/factfiles/sports/basketball/indiana_pacers/2000/pacers2000.html). *Indianapolis Star*. June 20, 2000. Archived from [the original](http://www2.indystar.com/library/factfiles/sports/basketball/indiana_pacers/2000/pacers2000.html) on March 6, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
87. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-89)**
[Plaschke, Bill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Plaschke "Bill Plaschke") (June 15, 2000). ["That Was No Dream, That Was Kobe -"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jun-15-sp-41173-story.html). *Los Angeles Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211209011952/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jun-15-sp-41173-story.html) from the original on December 9, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
88. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-90)**
["Article: No doubt: It's Bryant's team"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110507070844/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-6829909_ITM). *Chicago Tribune*. May 22, 2002. Archived from [the original](http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-8847419_ITM) on May 7, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2010 – via AccessMyLibrary.
89. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-91)**
["Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings Box Score, May 13, 2001"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200105130SAC.html). Basketball-Reference. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210111033623/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200105130SAC.html) from the original on January 11, 2021. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
90. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-92)**
["Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, January 14, 2002"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210111033711/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200201140LAL.html). Basketball-Reference. Archived from [the original](https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200201140LAL.html) on January 11, 2021. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
91. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-93)**
["Lou Williams-led 76ers spoil Kobe Bryant's milestone night"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151208130215/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320206020). *[ESPN.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN.com "ESPN.com")*. Associated Press. February 6, 2012. Archived from [the original](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320206020) on December 8, 2015.
92. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-smallwood_02062012_94-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-smallwood_02062012_94-1)
Smallwood, John (February 6, 2012). ["Love him or not, Kobe Bryant a Philly player"](https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/sixers/20120206_John_Smallwood_.html). *Philly.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151208062956/http://articles.philly.com/2012-02-06/sports/31030484_1_philadelphia-and-bryant-nba-mvp-gregg-downer) from the original on December 8, 2015.
93. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-95)**
Springer, Steve (March 3, 2002). ["Bryant Fight Remains a No Decision"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-mar-03-sp-lakers03-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210111033708/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-mar-03-sp-lakers03-story.html) from the original on January 11, 2021. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
94. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-96)**
Beck, Howard (March 2, 2002). ["Punch-uation Mark"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190412124830/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/PUNCH-UATION+MARK+KOBE%2C+REGGIE+MILLER+BRAWL+AFTER+LAKERS%27+VICTORY...-a083463621). *Los Angeles Daily News*. Archived from [the original](http://www.thefreelibrary.com/PUNCH-UATION+MARK+KOBE,+REGGIE+MILLER+BRAWL+AFTER+LAKERS%27+VICTORY...-a083463621) on April 12, 2019. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
95. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Finals_97-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Finals_97-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Finals_97-2)
["Bryant's heroics, deference pay off for Lakers"](https://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/02playoffs/2002-06-14-kobe.htm). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. June 14, 2002. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120827045118/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/02playoffs/2002-06-14-kobe.htm) from the original on August 27, 2012. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
96. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-98)**
["Los Angeles Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs May 12, 2002 Game Summary"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100809235342/http://www.nba.com/games/20020512/LALSAS/recap.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-sas-0040100234) on August 9, 2010. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
97. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-99)**
["San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, October 29, 2002"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200210290LAL.html). Basketball-Reference. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191028102502/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200210290LAL.html) from the original on October 28, 2019. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
98. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-100)**
["Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers Box Score, November 1, 2002"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200211010LAC.html). Basketball-Reference. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191028103016/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200211010LAC.html) from the original on October 28, 2019. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
99. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-101)**
["NBA Single Game Leaders and Records for 3-Pt Field Goals"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/fg3_game.html). basketball-reference.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190626193119/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/fg3_game.html) from the original on June 26, 2019. Retrieved June 8, 2019.
100. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-102)**
["NBA Playoffs 2003 – Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs"](https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2003/series?series=lalsas). [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171210072018/http://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2003/series?series=lalsas) from the original on December 10, 2017. Retrieved June 23, 2008.
101. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-103)**
["Lakers Sign Free Agents Gary Payton and Karl Malone"](https://www.nba.com/lakers/news/payton_malone_030716.html). NBA. July 16, 2003. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100706215415/http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/payton_malone_030716.html) from the original on July 6, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
102. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-104)**
["Kobe Bryant Arrested For Alleged Sexual Assault"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080430073753/http://www.thedenverchannel.com/sports/2314127/detail.html). [KMGH-TV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KMGH-TV "KMGH-TV"). Associated Press. July 6, 2003. Archived from [the original](http://www.thedenverchannel.com/sports/2314127/detail.html) on April 30, 2008. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
103. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-105)**
Saraceno, Jon (April 21, 2004). ["Bryant's, Lakers' survival go hand in hand"](https://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/saraceno/2004-04-21-saraceno-bryant_x.htm). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100524084132/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/saraceno/2004-04-21-saraceno-bryant_x.htm) from the original on May 24, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
104. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Portland_106-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Portland_106-1)
["Kobe sends game to OT, wins it in 2OT"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170810051514/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=240414022). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. April 15, 2004. Archived from [the original](http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=240414022) on August 10, 2017.
105. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-107)**
["Minnesota Timberwolves (1) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (2)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070620090447/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2004/series_minlal.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/playoffs2004/series_minlal.html) on June 20, 2007. Retrieved June 23, 2008.
106. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-108)**
Boucher, Ric (June 15, 2004). ["Lakers' wrongs making things right"](https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2004/columns/story?columnist=bucher_ric&id=1822275). *ESPN.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171210123648/http://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2004/columns/story?columnist=bucher_ric&id=1822275) from the original on December 10, 2017.
107. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-109)**
["Finals 2004"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120209133348/http://www.nba.com/finals2004/). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/finals2004/) on February 9, 2012. Retrieved June 23, 2008.
108. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-110)**
["Rudy Tomjanovich Coach Info"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160629040031/http://www.nba.com/coachfile/rudy_tomjanovich/). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/coachfile/rudy_tomjanovich/) on June 29, 2016. Retrieved June 23, 2008.
109. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-111)**
DuPree, David (July 14, 2004). ["It's Official: Shaq traded to Heat for three players, draft pick"](https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2004-07-14-shaq-trade_x.htm). [USAToday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USAToday "USAToday"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080603072740/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2004-07-14-shaq-trade_x.htm) from the original on June 3, 2008. Retrieved June 23, 2008.
110. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-112)**
["Kobe remains with Lakers"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1840336). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. July 15, 2004. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200310025512/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1840336) from the original on March 10, 2020.
111. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-113)**
Kent, Milton (July 16, 2004). ["Bryant decides to remain a Laker"](https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2004-07-16-0407160249-story.html). *[The Baltimore Sun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Baltimore_Sun "The Baltimore Sun")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210711195003/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2004-07-16-0407160249-story.html) from the original on July 11, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
112. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-114)**
Beck, Howard (May 6, 2006). ["Coach and Star Savor Success in Collaboration"](https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/06/sports/basketball/06lakers.html). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20060917144342/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/06/sports/basketball/06lakers.html) from the original on September 17, 2006. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
113. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-115)** Associated Press. [Decision was made Monday](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1982487) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200405233511/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1982487) April 5, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), ESPN, February 3, 2005. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
114. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-116)**
["Lakers Announce Coaching Change"](http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/coaching_change_050202.html). NBA. February 2, 2005. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080620004840/http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/coaching_change_050202.html) from the original on June 20, 2008. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
115. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-117)**
Hoffman, Benjamin (January 12, 2013). ["Off the Dribble: Bryant Now Deals with Mediocrity"](https://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/12/bryant-now-deals-with-mediocrity/). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130115031217/http://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/12/bryant-now-deals-with-mediocrity/) from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved January 14, 2013.
116. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-KobeBryantStatistics_118-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-KobeBryantStatistics_118-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-KobeBryantStatistics_118-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-KobeBryantStatistics_118-3)
["Kobe Bryant"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html). *basketball-reference.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240210184134/https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html) from the original on February 10, 2024. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
117. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-119)** Hughes, Frank. [Allen primed for Kobe showdown](https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hughes_frank&id=1945983) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200306163839/https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hughes_frank&id=1945983) March 6, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), ESPN, December 14, 2004. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
118. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-120)** Associated Press. [Kobe 'upset' about Malone's comments to wife](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1944994) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225039/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1944994) January 26, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), ESPN, December 15, 2004. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
119. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-121)**
["Phil Jackson"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101201035612/http://www.nba.com/coachfile/phil_jackson/). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/coachfile/phil_jackson/) on December 1, 2010. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
120. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-122)**
["Basketball: Kobe Bryant Profile and Information"](http://www.authenticbasketball.com/top_players/kobe_bryant.htm). authenticbasketball.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080607002420/http://www.authenticbasketball.com/top_players/kobe_bryant.htm) from the original on June 7, 2008. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
121. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-123)**
["How the Shaq-Kobe feud began"](https://www.news.com.au/sport/american-sports/how-the-shaquille-onealkobe-bryant-feud-began/news-story/d79d50f47dd2985078e4d8817d9000f8). *NewsComAu*. March 30, 2016. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180513195324/http://www.news.com.au/sport/american-sports/how-the-shaquille-onealkobe-bryant-feud-began/news-story/d79d50f47dd2985078e4d8817d9000f8) from the original on May 13, 2018. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
122. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-124)**
["O'Neal Squashes Feud With Bryant"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/17/AR2006011701377_pf.html). *The Washington Post*. January 18, 2006. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110629022413/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/17/AR2006011701377_pf.html) from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved January 17, 2009.
123. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-125)**
Wurst, Matthew D. (February 19, 2006). ["55 Things About the 55th All-Star Game"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100411001805/http://www.nba.com/allstar2006/allstar_game/55things_as06.html). *Nba.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/allstar2006/allstar_game/55things_as06.html) on April 11, 2010. Retrieved July 28, 2010. "What happened after Shaq and Kobe got entangled in the lane during the first quarter? Nothing but laughter all around."
124. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-126)** basketball-reference.com, [2005–06 NBA Season Summary](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2006.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110903002424/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2006.html) September 3, 2011, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), accessed, December 8, 2007.
125. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-127)**
["Eighty-One! Bryant Erupts as Lakers Roll"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120125091621/http://www.nba.com/games/20060122/TORLAL/recap.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.nba.com/game/tor-vs-lal-0020500591) on January 25, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
126. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-128)**
["Bam Adebayo points tonight: Heat star scores second-most points in NBA history"](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2026/03/10/bam-adebayo-miami-heat-record-points/89091864007/). March 10, 2026. Retrieved March 10, 2026.
`{{cite news}}`: CS1 maint: url-status ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_url-status "Category:CS1 maint: url-status"))
127. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-129)** NBA.com (February 1, 2006). [Billups, Bryant Named Players of the Month](http://www.nba.com/news/pom_060201.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110628211903/http://www.nba.com/news/pom_060201.html) June 28, 2011, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). Retrieved May 25, 2007
128. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-130)**
["Kobe's big month sets high expectations"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080609215020/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/11123899/site/21683474/). MSNBC. Archived from [the original](http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/11123899/site/21683474/) on June 9, 2008. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
129. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-131)**
["Basketball: Kobe Bryant Profile and Information"](http://www.authenticbasketball.com/top_players/kobe_bryant.htm). Authenticbasketball.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080607002420/http://www.authenticbasketball.com/top_players/kobe_bryant.htm) from the original on June 7, 2008. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
130. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-132)**
["LAKERS: \#24 Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090308150651/http://www.nba.com/lakers/roster/0607_24bryant.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/lakers/roster/0607_24bryant.html) on March 8, 2009. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
131. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-133)**
Povtak, Tim (April 9, 2006). ["Billups brushes off MVP chatter"](https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2006/04/09/billups-brushes-off-mvp-chatter/). *Orlando Sentinel*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100709003955/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2006-04-09/sports/NBAINSIDER09_1_chauncey-billups-kobe-bryant-player-in-league) from the original on July 9, 2010.
132. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_12142014_134-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_12142014_134-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_12142014_134-2)
["Bryant passes Jordan, has shot to be No. 1"](https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/100032/bryant-passes-jordan-has-shot-to-be-no-1). ESPN. December 14, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141215084246/http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/100032/bryant-passes-jordan-has-shot-to-be-no-1) from the original on December 15, 2014.
133. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-136)**
["Suns' Steve Nash Wins Second Consecutive MVP Award"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170316004727/http://www.nba.com/news/nash_mvp_05-06.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/news/nash_mvp_05-06.html) on March 16, 2017. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
134. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-137)**
["From 8 to 24"](http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/8_2_24.html). Los Angeles Lakers. November 16, 2006. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160817091959/http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/8_2_24.html) from the original on August 17, 2016. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
135. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-HangUpOldJersey_138-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-HangUpOldJersey_138-1)
Rovell, Darren (April 26, 2006). ["Bryant will hang up his No. 8 jersey, sources say"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2421874). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170819145105/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2421874) from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved May 25, 2007.
136. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-phxlal_139-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-phxlal_139-1)
["Phoenix Suns (2) vs. Los Angeles lakers (7)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080724154728/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2006/series_phxlal.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/playoffs2006/series_phxlal.html) on July 24, 2008. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
137. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-140)**
McMenamin, Dave (May 17, 2010). ["Unfounded stigma still following Bryant"](https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?id=5195953). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180106225029/http://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?id=5195953) from the original on January 6, 2018. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
138. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-141)**
Kang, Jay Capian (January 23, 2012). ["Person of Interest: Kobe Bryant"](http://grantland.com/features/person-interest/). *Grantland*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160215220955/http://grantland.com/features/person-interest/) from the original on February 15, 2016.
139. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-142)**
["NBA All-Star Game"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151016041541/http://www.nba.com/allstar2007/allstar_game/index.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/allstar2007/allstar_game/index.html) on October 16, 2015. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
140. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-flailed_143-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-flailed_143-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-flailed_143-2)
["Bryant assessed flagrant foul for elbow in Philly"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2795315). [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN"). March 12, 2007. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210419094549/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2795315) from the original on April 19, 2021. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
141. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-144)**
[Sheridan, Chris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Sheridan_\(sportswriter\) "Chris Sheridan (sportswriter)") (January 30, 2007). ["Kobe serves suspension against Knicks"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2748084). *[ESPN.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN.com "ESPN.com")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210419050948/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2748084) from the original on April 19, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
142. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-145)**
[Sheridan, Chris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Sheridan_\(sportswriter\) "Chris Sheridan (sportswriter)") (March 8, 2007). ["Kobe serves one-game suspension against Bucks"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2790534). *[ESPN.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN.com "ESPN.com")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210419084004/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2790534) from the original on April 19, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
143. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-146)**
["Bryant Scores NBA Season-Best 65 in Lakers Win"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080511215117/http://www.nba.com/games/20070316/PORLAL/recap.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.nba.com/game/por-vs-lal-0020600977) on May 11, 2008. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
144. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-147)**
["Kobe Scores 50 to Lead Lakers Past Wolves"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080625075756/http://www.nba.com/games/20070318/MINLAL/recap.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-lal-0020600994) on June 25, 2008. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
145. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Scoring_148-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Scoring_148-1)
["Bryant Scores 60 as Lakers Defeat Grizzlies"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080623190503/http://www.nba.com/games/20070322/LALMEM/recap.html). *NBA.com*. Associated Press. March 23, 2007. Archived from [the original](https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-mem-0020601016) on June 23, 2008. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
146. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-149)**
Thomsen, Ian (March 24, 2007). ["Kobe's 50-point run more important because of wins"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121104015518/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/ian_thomsen/03/24/kobe.50/index.html). *[Sports Illustrated](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_Illustrated "Sports Illustrated")*. Archived from [the original](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/ian_thomsen/03/24/kobe.50/index.html) on November 4, 2012. Retrieved July 1, 2011.
147. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-151)**
["Statistics"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080409144443/http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/Scoring.jsp?league=00&season=22006&conf=OVERALL&position=0&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=N&yearsExp=-1&splitDD=). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/Scoring.jsp?league=00&season=22006&conf=OVERALL&position=0&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=N&yearsExp=-1&splitDD=) on April 9, 2008. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
148. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-top-sellchina_152-0)** NBA.com. [Kobe Bryant has Top-Selling Jersey in China](http://www.nba.com/news/chinajerseys.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100809115238/http://www.nba.com/news/chinajerseys.html) August 9, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), nba.com, March 20, 2007, Retrieved May 25, 2007.
149. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-153)**
Oller, Rob (February 12, 2007). ["A star is reborn: Bryant's stats, dunks have made him marketable again"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140921121926/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-159203511.html). *The Columbus Dispatch*. Archived from [the original](http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-159203511.html) on September 21, 2014.
150. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-154)** Denver Post (March 15, 2007). [For Kobe, turnaround is flair play](http://www.bonham.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NID=279) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090113224818/http://www.bonham.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NID=279) January 13, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). *The Bonham Group*. Retrieved May 25, 2007.
151. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-155)**
["Suns Top Lakers, Move On to Second Round"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080625032754/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/series/series_w1s2.html). *NBA.com*. May 3, 2007. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/series/series_w1s2.html) on June 25, 2008. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
152. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_kobe_west_2_156-0)**
["Kobe says he's just suggesting West return"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2884792). *ESPN.com*. May 28, 2007. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210618055547/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2884792) from the original on June 18, 2021. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
153. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-157)**
["Bryant asks for trade, then backtracks slightly"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2886927). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. July 31, 2007. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200306153814/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2886927) from the original on March 6, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020. "...as a Lakers insider notes, it was Bryant's insistence on getting away from Shaquille O'Neal that got them in this mess."
154. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-gazette_retracts_trade_158-0)**
["NBA: Kobe retracts his trade request"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070928010446/http://www.gazette.com/sports/bryant_23036___article.html/don_phil.html). *Gazette.com*. Associated Press. May 31, 2007. Archived from [the original](http://www.gazette.com/sports/bryant_23036___article.html/don_phil.html) on September 28, 2007. Retrieved October 16, 2007.
155. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-159)**
[Markazi, Arash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arash_Markazi "Arash Markazi") (July 19, 2007). ["Playing the video game: Underground Kobe film ain't all it's cracked up to be"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070920152058/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/arash_markazi/06/19/kobe/). *SI.com*. CNN. Archived from [the original](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/arash_markazi/06/19/kobe/) on September 20, 2007. Retrieved July 18, 2010. "Are you kidding me? Andrew Bynum? F—ing ship his ass out."
156. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-160)**
Witz, Billy (May 17, 2010). ["Suns Can Still Bring Out Snarl in Bryant and Lakers"](https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/17/sports/basketball/17lakers.html). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100520020238/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/17/sports/basketball/17lakers.html) from the original on May 20, 2010. Retrieved August 1, 2010. "There was the infamous video by the self-described Kobe Video Guys when Bryant profanely vented to a couple of men at a Newport Beach shopping mall, who happened to be recording it, about the Lakers holding on to Andrew Bynum when they could have dealt him for Jason Kidd."
157. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-161)**
["Kobe Bryant youngest to hit 20,000 points"](https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-youngest-to-hit-20-000-points-1.655827). CBC Sports. December 23, 2007. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130724105509/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/story/2007/12/23/bryant-youngest-record.html) from the original on July 24, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
158. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-162)**
["Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks Box Score, December 23, 2007"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200712230NYK.html). Basketball Reference. December 23, 2007. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190627230615/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200712230NYK.html) from the original on June 27, 2019. Retrieved January 17, 2020.
159. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-163)**
["Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, March 28, 2008"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200803280LAL.html). Basketball Reference. March 28, 2008. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200529195405/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200803280LAL.html) from the original on May 29, 2020. Retrieved January 17, 2020.
160. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-injuryupdate_164-0)**
["Kobe Byrant Injury Update"](http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/080214kobeinjury.html). *[NBA.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA.com "NBA.com")*. February 14, 2008. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080421101012/http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/080214kobeinjury.html) from the original on April 21, 2008. Retrieved May 9, 2008.
161. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-KobeWinsMVPbyNBA_165-0)** NBA Staff. [Kobe Bryant Wins Most Valuable Player Award](http://www.nba.com//news/kobe_mvp_080506.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100901171948/http://www.nba.com/news/kobe_mvp_080506.html) September 1, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), nba.com, May 7, 2008. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
162. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-166)**
Bresnahan, Mike (May 7, 2008). ["Finally, Lakers' Bryant is an MVP"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080510093704/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers7-2008may07,0,4349778,full.story). *Los Angeles Times*. Archived from [the original](http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers7-2008may07,0,4349778,full.story) on May 10, 2008. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
163. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Krikorian1_167-0)**
Krikorian, Doug (May 8, 2008). ["Kobe's MVP award not a surprise to West"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130730202329/http://www.presstelegram.com/moresports/ci_9200340). *Press-Telegram*. Archived from [the original](http://www.presstelegram.com/moresports/ci_9200340) on July 30, 2013.
164. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-168)** [Bryant, Garnett, Paul, Howard, James voted to first team](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3387097) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200306160600/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3387097) March 6, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), ESPN, Retrieved February 27, 2020
165. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-169)** [Kobe, Garnett Headline All-Defensive Team](http://www.nba.com/news/defensive_team_080512.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100726070624/http://www.nba.com/news/defensive_team_080512.html) July 26, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), [NBA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association "National Basketball Association"). Retrieved January 17, 2009.
166. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-170)**
["Bryant Scores 38 as Lakers Beat Jazz in Game 1"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080624052059/http://www.nba.com/games/20080504/UTALAL/recap.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.nba.com/game/uta-vs-lal-0040700221) on June 24, 2008. Retrieved June 18, 2008.
167. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-LALUTA_171-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-LALUTA_171-1)
["NBA.com: Bryant Lifts Lakers Into Conference Finals"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080612180849/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2008/series/series_w2s1.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/playoffs2008/series/series_w2s1.html) on June 12, 2008. Retrieved June 18, 2008.
168. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-172)**
["San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Lakers May 29, 2008 Game Summary"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080617092020/http://www.nba.com/games/20080529/SASLAL/gameinfo.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.nba.com/game/sas-vs-lal-0040700315) on June 17, 2008. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
169. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-173)**
["Celtics Capture 17th NBA Title With Record Win Over Lakers"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120122065829/http://www.nba.com/games/20080617/LALBOS/recap.html). NBA.com Kobe Bryant now holds four NBA titles. Archived from [the original](https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-bos-0040700406) on January 22, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
170. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-174)**
["Bryant: No surgery on pinkie finger"](https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=3578292). Associated Press. September 9, 2008. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225338/https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=3578292) from the original on January 26, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
171. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-175)**
["Los Angeles Lakers – Schedule – NBA – Yahoo! Sports"](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/lal/schedule?v=cal&m=11&y=2008). Sports.yahoo.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110629063349/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/lal/schedule?v=cal&m=11&y=2008) from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
172. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-176)**
["Lakers equal best 19-game start in franchise history"](https://web.archive.org/web/20111002045326/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gamecenter/recap/NBA_20081207_MIL%40LAL). [CBSSports.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CBSSports.com "CBSSports.com"). December 8, 2008. Archived from [the original](http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gamecenter/recap/NBA_20081207_MIL@LAL) on October 2, 2011. Retrieved January 25, 2009.
173. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-177)** [Kobe's steady pace lands him top spot in rankings](http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/rob_peterson/02/27/kobe_tops.mvp.20090227/index.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090302061400/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/rob_peterson/02/27/kobe_tops.mvp.20090227/index.html) March 2, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") By Rob Peterson, NBA.com – March 2, 2009
174. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-178)**
["Lakers' Bryant, Magic's Howard named Players of the Week"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110628213122/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/01/12/players.week/). *NBA.com*. January 12, 2009. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/2009/news/01/12/players.week/) on June 28, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
175. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-179)** Mahoney, Brian. [Garden party: Kobe's 61 sets MSG record](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2009020218) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131214171804/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2009020218) December 14, 2013, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), sports.yahoo.com, February 2, 2009. Retrieved September 9, 2009.
176. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-180)**
["Shaq, Kobe lead freestyling West All-Stars past East"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100501125959/http://www.nba.com/2009/allstar2009/02/16/main.20090215/index.html). *NBA.com*. February 16, 2009. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/2009/allstar2009/02/16/main.20090215/index.html) on May 1, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
177. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-181)** Official Release. [James outdistances Bryant in winning Kia MVP award](http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/04/mvp.release.20090504/index.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090507190209/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/04/mvp.release.20090504/index.html) May 7, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), nba.com, May 4, 2009. Retrieved July 14, 2010.
178. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-c156_182-0)**
[Adande, J. A.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._A._Adande "J. A. Adande") (June 15, 2009). ["Daily Dime: Kobe named MVP as Lakers win NBA title"](https://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-090615). *ESPN.com*. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
179. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-183)**
["Kobe Bryant 2008–09 Game Log"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01/gamelog/2009/). Basketball-Reference.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110528101915/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01/gamelog/2009/) from the original on May 28, 2011. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
180. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-184)**
Zillgitt, Jeff (June 14, 2009). ["Man on a mission: Bryant revels in victory, Finals MVP"](https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2009-06-15-bryant-finals-mvp_N.htm). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090617203301/https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2009-06-15-bryant-finals-mvp_N.htm) from the original on June 17, 2009. Retrieved June 15, 2009.
181. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-185)**
["Kobe Bryant Bio – NBA Finals"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110424062800/http://espndb.go.com/nba/research/profile/_/id/110/type/player/kobe-bryant). Espndb.go.com. Archived from [the original](http://espndb.go.com/nba/research/profile/_/id/110/type/player/kobe-bryant) on April 24, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
182. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-186)**
["Watch: Kobe Bryant hits game-winner over Dwyane Wade as the Staples Centre erupts in this iconic video from 12 years ago By Christopher Eluemuno"](https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/watch-kobe-bryant-hits-game-winner-dwyane-wade-staples-centre-erupts-iconic-video-12-years-ago). *Sportskeeda*. December 5, 2021. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211205131725/https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/watch-kobe-bryant-hits-game-winner-dwyane-wade-staples-centre-erupts-iconic-video-12-years-ago) from the original on December 5, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
183. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-187)**
[Adande, J. A.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._A._Adande "J. A. Adande") (December 5, 2009). ["Kobe Bryant, making the best of bad situations"](https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/11256/kobe-bryant-making-the-best-of-bad-situations). [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170901064238/http://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/11256/kobe-bryant-making-the-best-of-bad-situations) from the original on September 1, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2009.
184. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-sports.yahoo.com_188-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-sports.yahoo.com_188-1) Beacham, Greg. [Lakers win 11th straight, Bryant injures finger](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2009121113) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140812012429/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2009121113) August 12, 2014, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), sports.yahoo.com, December 12, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
185. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-189)** Fly, Colin. [Kobe's jumper at OT buzzer lifts Lakers over Bucks](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=AgS.y6ONBr1GQesWKE3tvGy8vLYF?gid=2009121615) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150319090608/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=AgS.y6ONBr1GQesWKE3tvGy8vLYF?gid=2009121615) March 19, 2015, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), sports.yahoo.com, December 17, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
186. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-190)** Associated Press. [Bryant joins 14 others with 25,000 points](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4847254) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200306154830/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4847254) March 6, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), ESPN, January 22, 2010. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
187. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-191)**
["Kobe's 3-pointer at buzzer gives Lakers win – NBA – Yahoo! Sports"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150319085706/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap%3B_ylt%3DAlPw372uPqShjYE24OAV48G8vLYF?gid=2010010113). Sports.yahoo.com. January 2, 2010. Archived from [the original](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=AlPw372uPqShjYE24OAV48G8vLYF?gid=2010010113) on March 19, 2015. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
188. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-192)** Golen, Jimmy. [Beat LA? Not this time for Celtics](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=Aiz4y0_CZDBjwr0jykuwGeq8vLYF?gid=2010013102) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150319085207/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=Aiz4y0_CZDBjwr0jykuwGeq8vLYF?gid=2010013102) March 19, 2015, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), sports.yahoo.com, December 17, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
189. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-193)** Associated Press, [Kobe passes West as Lakers' scoring leader in loss to Grizzlies](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300201029) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225514/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300201029) January 26, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), ESPN, February 1, 2010. Retrieved July 15, 2010.
190. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-194)** Medina, Mark. [Kobe Bryant's game winner in 99–98 victory over Memphis Grizzlies shows clutchness can't be duplicated](http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2010/02/kobe-bryants-game-winner-in-9998-victory-over-memphis-grizzlies-shows-clutchness-cant-be-duplicated.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100227032427/http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2010/02/kobe-bryants-game-winner-in-9998-victory-over-memphis-grizzlies-shows-clutchness-cant-be-duplicated.html) February 27, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), sports.yahoo.com, February 23, 2010. Retrieved June 21, 2010.
191. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-195)** Beacham, Greg. [Lakers snap 3-game skid on Bryant's late jumper](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=AlE2BVZ0w4mrHxy_lzrfziy8vLYF?gid=2010030913) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150319090741/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=AlE2BVZ0w4mrHxy_lzrfziy8vLYF?gid=2010030913) March 19, 2015, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), sports.yahoo.com, March 10, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
192. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-196)** Markazi, Arash. [Bryant signs for 3 years, nearly \$90M](https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5050933) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200306151912/https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5050933) March 6, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), ESPN, April 3, 2010. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
193. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-197)** Helin, Kurt. [Lakers to Face Thunder in the First Round](http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/Lakers-will-face-Thunder-in-the-first-round-90767524.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110714161134/http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/Lakers-will-face-Thunder-in-the-first-round-90767524.html) July 14, 2011, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), *[NBC Los Angeles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBC_Los_Angeles "NBC Los Angeles")*, April 13, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
194. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-198)** Bresnahan, Mike. [Follow Classic](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-may-01-la-sp-lakers-thunder-20100501-story.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100611101249/http://articles.latimes.com/2010/may/01/sports/la-sp-lakers-thunder-20100501) June 11, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*, May 1, 2010. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
195. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-199)** Hughes, Frank. [Fast Breaks: Lakers-Jazz, Game 4](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/frank_hughes/05/11/lakers.jazz.game4/index.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100515121820/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/frank_hughes/05/11/lakers.jazz.game4/index.html) May 15, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), Sports Illustrated, May 11, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
196. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-200)** McMenamin, Dave. [Gasol plays closer with monster finish](https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5203784) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225301/https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5203784) January 26, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), ESPN, May 20, 2010. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
197. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-201)** Associated Press. [Lakers beat Suns to set up rematch with Boston](http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/article/2010-05-29/lakers-beat-suns-set-rematch-boston), *[Sporting News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sporting_News "Sporting News")*, May 11, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100602133918/http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/article/2010-05-29/lakers-beat-suns-set-rematch-boston) June 2, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")
198. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-202)** Smith, Sekou. [No Doubt About The MVP](http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2010/06/18/no-doubt-about-the-mvp/?ls=iref:nbahpt1) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120530133832/http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2010/06/18/no-doubt-about-the-mvp/?ls=iref%3Anbahpt1) May 30, 2012, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), nba.com, June 18, 2010. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
199. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-203)** Adande, J.A. [1\. Lakers Capture Franchise Title No. 16](https://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-100618/daily-dim), ESPN, June 18, 2010. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
200. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-204)**
McMenamin, Dave (October 27, 2010). ["Lakers' rings feature leather from Game 7 ball"](https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5731600). *ESPN.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200306163837/https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5731600) from the original on March 6, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
201. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-205)**
Wojnarowski, Adrian (November 30, 2015). ["Why Kobe Bryant decided it was time to retire"](https://sports.yahoo.com/news/why-kobe-bryant-decided-it-was-time-to-retire-070605697.html). *Yahoo! Sports*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151206083734/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/why-kobe-bryant-decided-it-was-time-to-retire-070605697.html) from the original on December 6, 2015.
202. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-206)** Beacham, Greg. [Lakers hold off Timberwolves, improve to 8–0](https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-lakers-hold-off-timberwolves-to-improve-to-8-0-2010nov09-story.html), San Diego Union-Tribune, November 10, 2010, Retrieved February 27, 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20101110203030/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/40102216/ns/sports-nba/) November 10, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")
203. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-207)**
["Celtics win Finals rematch despite Kobe Bryant's 41 points"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110202173944/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=310130013). ESPN. Associated Press. January 30, 2011. Archived from [the original](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=310130013) on February 2, 2011. Retrieved January 30, 2011. "Bryant became the youngest player to reach 27,000 points on a 3-pointer late in the third quarter, but he frequently was a one-man show on offense."
204. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Mood_208-0)**
["Kobe in the giving mood on Tuesday"](https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/24423/kobe-in-the-giving-mood-on-tuesday). *ESPN.com*. February 2, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225650/https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/24423/kobe-in-the-giving-mood-on-tuesday) from the original on January 26, 2020.
205. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-209)**
["Kobe Bryant has big second half to help Lakers rally by Celtics"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110213061149/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=310210002). ESPN. February 10, 2011. Archived from [the original](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=310210002) on February 13, 2011.
206. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-210)**
[Plaschke, Bill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Plaschke "Bill Plaschke") (February 11, 2011). ["Lakers win is something to yell about"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2011-feb-10-la-sp-plaschke-20110211-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110217100806/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-plaschke-20110211,0,2972210.column) from the original on February 17, 2011. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
207. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-211)**
["NBA.com: Kobe is top vote-getter in 2011 All-Star balloting"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110210162206/http://www.nba.com/2011/allstar/2011/01/27/starters-release/index.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/2011/allstar/2011/01/27/starters-release/index.html) on February 10, 2011. Retrieved February 7, 2011.
208. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-212)**
Bresnahan, Mike (February 20, 2011). ["Bryant feeds off energy as West beats East in All-Star game, 148–143"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110224061040/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-nba-all-stars-20110221,0,6056869.story). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Archived from [the original](https://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-nba-all-stars-20110221,0,6056869.story) on February 24, 2011.
209. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-213)**
Kamenetzky, Andy (March 9, 2011). ["Kobe Bryant passes Moses Malone for 6th on the NBA all-time scoring list"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/16818/kobe-bryant-passes-moses-malone-for-6th-on-the-nba-all-time-scoring-list). *ESPN.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231119220111/https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/16818/kobe-bryant-passes-moses-malone-for-6th-on-the-nba-all-time-scoring-list) from the original on November 19, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
210. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-214)**
["How long can Kobe Bryant stay on top?"](https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?id=6349178). ESPN. April 14, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200306154120/https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?id=6349178) from the original on March 6, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
211. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-215)**
Beacham, Greg (April 14, 2011). ["Kobe Bryant fined \$100,000 for gay slur"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110416111037/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-lakers-bryantslur). *yahoo.com*. [Associated Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Associated_Press "Associated Press"). Archived from [the original](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-lakers-bryantslur) on April 16, 2011.
212. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-216)**
[Wojnarowski, Adrian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrian_Wojnarowski "Adrian Wojnarowski") (April 14, 2011). ["Kobe's fury: blessing and curse"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110418015816/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-wojnarowski_kobe_bryant_temper_concerns_lakers_041411). *yahoo.com*. Archived from [the original](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-wojnarowski_kobe_bryant_temper_concerns_lakers_041411) on April 18, 2011.
213. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-217)**
[Plaschke, Bill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Plaschke "Bill Plaschke") (April 13, 2011). ["Kobe Bryant needs to say more after slur"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110416105948/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-plaschke-kobe-bryant-20110414,0,7666495.column). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Archived from [the original](https://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-plaschke-kobe-bryant-20110414,0,7666495.column) on April 16, 2011.
214. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-218)**
Bresnahan, Mike (April 13, 2011). ["Lakers' Kobe Bryant is fined \$100,000 by NBA for anti-gay slur to referee"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2011-apr-13-la-sp-kobe-bryant-lakers-20110414-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130724094143/http://articles.latimes.com/print/2011/apr/13/sports/la-sp-kobe-bryant-lakers-20110414) from the original on July 24, 2013. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
215. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-219)**
Litke, Jim (April 18, 2011). ["Kobe's \$100K fine didn't buy Lakers' best effort"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120120224103/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=txjimlitke041811). *Yahoo! Sports*. [Associated Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Associated_Press "Associated Press"). Archived from [the original](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=txjimlitke041811) on January 20, 2012.
216. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-220)**
[Amaechi, John](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Amaechi "John Amaechi") (April 15, 2011). ["A Gay Former N.B.A. Player Responds to Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190308081628/https://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/15/a-gay-former-player-responds-to-kobe-bryant/?scp=1&sq=john%20amaechi&st=cse/). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. Archived from [the original](https://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/15/a-gay-former-player-responds-to-kobe-bryant/?scp=1&sq=john%20amaechi&st=cse/) on March 8, 2019. Retrieved March 9, 2019.
217. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-221)**
["Kobe Bryant sorry; Lakers make plan"](https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=6361970). *ESPN*. April 15, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110419000207/http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=6361970&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines) from the original on April 19, 2011.
218. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-222)**
Falgoust, J. Michael (April 14, 2011). ["Bryant to appeal \$100K fine for slur, but takes responsibility"](https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/2011-04-13-BRYANTSLUR_N.htm). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110418215210/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/2011-04-13-bryantslur_n.htm) from the original on April 18, 2011. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
219. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-223)**
["Kobe Bryant, Lakers teammates appear in PSA touting diversity"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110424112318/http://aol.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2011-04-21/kobe-bryant-lakers-teammates-appear-in-psa-touting-diversity). *SportingNews.com*. April 21, 2011. Archived from [the original](http://aol.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2011-04-21/kobe-bryant-lakers-teammates-appear-in-psa-touting-diversity) on April 24, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
220. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-224)**
["Dallas Mavericks sweep Lakers from NBA playoffs"](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dallas-mavericks-sweep-lakers-from-nba-playoffs/). *CBS News*. Associated Press. May 8, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200127123729/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dallas-mavericks-sweep-lakers-from-nba-playoffs/) from the original on January 27, 2020. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
221. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-225)**
["Report: Kobe Bryant saw German doc"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7387602/report-los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-revisited-german-doctor-ankle). ESPN. December 25, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120108055831/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/7387602/report-los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-revisited-german-doctor-ankle) from the original on January 8, 2012.
222. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-226)**
Hale, Mark (December 29, 2011). ["Yankees say A-Rod had shoulder treatment, too"](http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/rod_shoulder_had_treatment_too_Xm56jA8eHibHuKvzdBhcxM). *New York Post*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120110111654/http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/rod_shoulder_had_treatment_too_Xm56jA8eHibHuKvzdBhcxM) from the original on January 10, 2012.
223. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-227)**
Gordon, Jeremy (January 12, 2011). ["Kobe to the World: 'I'm Still Kobe'"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120112194749/http://blogs.wsj.com/dailyfix/2012/01/12/nba-kobe-bryant-to-the-world-im-still-kobe/). *The Wall Street Journal*. Archived from [the original](https://blogs.wsj.com/dailyfix/2012/01/12/nba-kobe-bryant-to-the-world-im-still-kobe/) on January 12, 2012.
224. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-228)**
Arthur, Bruce (January 12, 2012). ["Lakers' Kobe Bryant won't give in to age"](https://nationalpost.com/sports/basketball/nba/kobe-bryant-wont-give-in-to-age). *National Post*.
`{{cite news}}`: CS1 maint: url-status ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_url-status "Category:CS1 maint: url-status"))
225. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-229)**
["Chris Paul-led Clips win L.A. clash despite Kobe Bryant's 42"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225158/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320114012). ESPN. Associated Press. January 14, 2012. Archived from [the original](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320114012) on January 26, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
226. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-230)**
Haberstroh, Tom (January 16, 2012). ["Can Kobe catch Kareem?"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7466514/can-kobe-bryant-catch-kareem-abdul-jabbar-all-time-scoring-title-nba). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225545/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7466514/can-kobe-bryant-catch-kareem-abdul-jabbar-all-time-scoring-title-nba) from the original on January 26, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
(subscription required)
227. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-231)**
McCann, Zach (February 27, 2012). ["Kobe Bryant sets ASG points mark"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7619144/los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-tops-michael-jordan-mark-career-asg-points). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225802/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7619144/los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-tops-michael-jordan-mark-career-asg-points) from the original on January 26, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
228. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-232)**
McMenamin, Dave (February 29, 2012). ["Kobe Bryant also has concussion"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7626903/los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-sent-mri-suffering-broken-nose). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170917032742/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7626903/los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-sent-mri-suffering-broken-nose) from the original on September 17, 2017. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
229. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-233)**
CBSSports.com wire reports. ["NBA Recap – Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs – Apr 20, 2012"](http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20120420_LAL@SA). CBSSports.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130406185111/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20120420_LAL@SA) from the original on April 6, 2013. Retrieved January 14, 2013.
230. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-234)**
Bolch, Ben (April 27, 2012). ["Kobe Bryant chooses not to go for NBA scoring title"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20120427,0,5357946.story). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120512202253/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20120427,0,5357946.story) from the original on May 12, 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
231. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-235)**
Beck, Howard (May 22, 2012). ["Bryant Raises Bar, but Thunder Clear It Easily"](https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/22/sports/basketball/thunder-race-past-lakers-and-into-conference-finals.html). *The New York City*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120525073233/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/22/sports/basketball/thunder-race-past-lakers-and-into-conference-finals.html) from the original on May 25, 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
232. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-236)**
["Chris Paul, Clippers deal Lakers third straight loss to open season"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277745). ESPN. Associated Press. November 2, 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121104115133/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277745) from the original on November 4, 2012.
233. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-237)**
Bresnahan, Mike (November 9, 2012). ["Lakers fire Mike Brown as coach"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-coach-mike-brown-fired-replaced-20121109,0,4845829.story). *Los Angeles Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121120175925/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-coach-mike-brown-fired-replaced-20121109,0,4845829.story) from the original on November 20, 2012. Retrieved January 14, 2013.
234. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-238)**
Beck, Howard (November 12, 2012). ["The Lakers Change Direction and Hire D'Antoni as Coach"](https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/13/sports/the-lakers-change-direction-and-hire-mike-dantoni-as-coach.html). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121114145157/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/13/sports/the-lakers-change-direction-and-hire-mike-dantoni-as-coach.html) from the original on November 14, 2012.
235. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-breshnahan_11122012_239-0)**
Bresnahan, Mike (November 12, 2012). ["Mike D'Antoni to be next coach of the Lakers"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-hire-mike-dantoni-20121112,0,7850509.story?track=rss). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121112131321/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-hire-mike-dantoni-20121112,0,7850509.story?track=rss) from the original on November 12, 2012.
236. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-240)**
Trudell, Mike (December 5, 2012). ["Kobe Bryant 30,000 Points"](http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/121205kobebryant30K). *NBA.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121208162123/http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/121205kobebryant30K) from the original on December 8, 2012.
237. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-241)**
["Kobe Bryant (30 pts.), Lakers need comeback to top woeful Bobcats"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278084). ESPN. Associated Press. December 18, 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170819145327/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278084) from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
238. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-242)**
["Dwight Howard powers surging Lakers past Blazers"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278155). ESPN. Associated Press. December 28, 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170819145504/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278155) from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
239. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-243)**
McMenamin, Dave (January 15, 2013). ["Bigger defensive role for Kobe Bryant"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8844744/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-take-more-important-defensive-role-mike-dantoni-says). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130121220347/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8844744/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-take-more-important-defensive-role-mike-dantoni-says) from the original on January 21, 2013.
240. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-pincus_01162013_244-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-pincus_01162013_244-1)
Pincus, Eric (January 16, 2013). ["Kobe Bryant recognizes he's better defending on the ball"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130120072012/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-better-defending-on-ball-20130116,0,33000.story). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Archived from [the original](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-better-defending-on-ball-20130116,0,33000.story) on January 20, 2013.
241. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-245)**
Mahoney, Rob (January 14, 2013). ["Mike D'Antoni minces words when describing Kobe Bryant's defense"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130121014040/http://nba.si.com/2013/01/14/mike-dantoni-minces-words-when-describing-kobe-bryants-defense/). *SI.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.si.com/nba/point-forward/2013/01/15/mike-dantoni-minces-words-when-describing-kobe-bryants-defense) on January 21, 2013.
242. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-246)**
McMenamin, Dave (January 26, 2013). ["Lakers found formula, can they repeat it?"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35592/lakers-found-the-formula-can-they-repeat-it). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130130054635/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35592/lakers-found-the-formula-can-they-repeat-it) from the original on January 30, 2013.
243. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-247)**
McMenamin, Dave (February 2, 2013). ["Bryant chasing triple-doubles?"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35655/bryant-chasing-triple-doubles). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130206152857/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35655/bryant-chasing-triple-doubles) from the original on February 6, 2013.
244. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-248)**
Schuhmann, John (January 24, 2013). ["L.A. Recovery Wouldn't Be Unprecedented"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130126092705/http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2013/01/24/l-a-recovery-wouldnt-be-unprecedented/). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2013/01/24/l-a-recovery-wouldnt-be-unprecedented/) on January 26, 2013. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
245. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-verrier_01302013_249-0)**
Verrier, Justin (January 30, 2013). ["1. Lakers Just Trying To Keep It Simple"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131007054239/http://espn.go.com/nba/notebook?w=1ckk4&i=TOP&id=8895996). ESPN. Archived from [the original](http://espn.go.com/nba/notebook?w=1ckk4&i=TOP&id=8895996) on October 7, 2013.
246. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-mcmenamin_01272013_250-0)**
McMenamin, Dave (January 27, 2013). ["Lakers rise as D'Antoni's offense ditched"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35614/lakers-rise-as-dantonis-offense-ditched). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130202210334/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35614/lakers-rise-as-dantonis-offense-ditched) from the original on February 2, 2013.
247. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-shelburne_01282013_251-0)**
Shelburne, Ramona (January 28, 2013). ["Have the Lakers found their groove?"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8889009/have-lakers-found-their-groove). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130131133929/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8889009/have-lakers-found-their-groove) from the original on January 31, 2013.
248. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-252)**
["Lakers hold on despite late surge from Hornets"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278389). ESPN. Associated Press. January 29, 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130216024408/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?id=400278389) from the original on February 16, 2013.
249. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-253)**
["Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash help Lakers hold on for 2nd straight win"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400278373). ESPN. Associated Press. January 27, 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130204000843/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?id=400278373) from the original on February 4, 2013.
250. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-254)**
["Kobe Bryant's heroics help Lakers rally, edge Raptors in OT"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278645). ESPN. Associated Press. March 8, 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130312222549/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278645) from the original on March 12, 2013.
251. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-mcmenamin_05062013_255-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-mcmenamin_05062013_255-1)
McMenamin, Dave (May 6, 2013). ["2012–13 Lakers Report Card: Starting five"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36646/2012-13-lakers-report-card-starting-five). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130508205753/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36646/2012-13-lakers-report-card-starting-five) from the original on May 8, 2013.
252. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-256)**
["Mark Cuban: I used Kobe as example"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8980568/mark-cuban-says-comments-kobe-bryant-amnesty-were-hypothetical). *ESPN*. February 24, 2013. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
253. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-257)**
McMenamin, Dave (April 9, 2013). ["Metta World Peace details his recovery"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36349/metta-world-peace-details-his-recovery). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130412120650/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36349/metta-world-peace-details-his-recovery) from the original on April 12, 2013.
254. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-258)**
Plaschke, Bill (April 13, 2013). ["Lakers weren't strong enough to protect Kobe Bryant from himself"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-apr-13-la-sp-plaschke-kobe-20130414-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151017154334/http://articles.latimes.com/print/2013/apr/13/sports/la-sp-plaschke-kobe-20130414) from the original on October 17, 2015.
255. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-259)**
Martin, Jillian; Moon, Jason (April 13, 2013). ["Kobe Bryant tears Achilles, sidelined for months"](http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/13/sport/kobe-bryant-injury/index.html). *CNN.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130413214822/http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/13/sport/kobe-bryant-injury/index.html) from the original on April 13, 2013.
256. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-260)**
Cacciola, Scott (April 14, 2013). ["Bryant Goes Away, but Not Quietly"](https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/15/sports/basketball/lakers-trudge-on-as-kobe-bryant-recovers-from-surgery.html?_r=0). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201026214239/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/15/sports/basketball/lakers-trudge-on-as-kobe-bryant-recovers-from-surgery.html?_r=0) from the original on October 26, 2020.
257. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-261)**
Pincus, Eric (April 28, 2013). ["Spurs sweep Lakers out of the playoffs"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-xpm-2013-apr-28-la-sp-sn-lakers-vs-spurs-game-4-updates-20130428-story.html). *Los Angeles Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200127120018/https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-xpm-2013-apr-28-la-sp-sn-lakers-vs-spurs-game-4-updates-20130428-story.html) from the original on January 27, 2020. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
258. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-262)**
Helin, Kurt (November 25, 2013). ["Lakers sign Kobe Bryant to two-year, \$48.5 million contract extension"](http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/11/25/lakers-sign-kobe-bryant-to-two-year-contract-extension/). [NBC Sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBC_Sports "NBC Sports"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131126190338/http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/11/25/lakers-sign-kobe-bryant-to-two-year-contract-extension/) from the original on November 26, 2013. Retrieved November 27, 2013.
259. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-263)**
Pincus, Eric (November 25, 2013). ["Lakers sign Kobe Bryant to a two-year contract extension"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-sign-kobe-bryant-2-year-extension-20131125,0,2809465.story#ixzz2lgvzE5No). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131126061128/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-sign-kobe-bryant-2-year-extension-20131125,0,2809465.story#ixzz2lgvzE5No) from the original on November 26, 2013.
260. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-264)**
Berger, Ken (October 14, 2014). ["Kobe Bryant does not want to hear that he is overpaid"](http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer/ken-berger/24752384/kobe-bryant-does-not-want-to-hear-that-he-is-overpaid). *CBS Sports*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141128151243/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer/ken-berger/24752384/kobe-bryant-does-not-want-to-hear-that-he-is-overpaid) from the original on November 28, 2014.
261. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-265)**
Dwyer, Kelly (November 13, 2014). ["Kobe Bryant on the difference between Tim Duncan's contract and his: 'It's a different market, man'"](https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-bryant-on-the-difference-between-tim-duncan-s-contract-and-his---it-s-a-different-market--man-205127573.html). *Yahoo! Sports*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141116144427/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-bryant-on-the-difference-between-tim-duncan-s-contract-and-his---it-s-a-different-market--man-205127573.html) from the original on November 16, 2014.
262. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-266)**
Amick, Sam (November 13, 2014). ["As Kobe faces Duncan for 78th time, comparison unavoidable"](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/11/12/kobe-bryant-tim-duncan-los-angeles-lakers-san-antonio-spurs-gregg-popovich/18932075/). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141115103543/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/11/12/kobe-bryant-tim-duncan-los-angeles-lakers-san-antonio-spurs-gregg-popovich/18932075/) from the original on November 15, 2014.
263. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-267)**
Shelburne, Ramona (December 20, 2013). ["Lakers lose Kobe Bryant again"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10167684/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-likely-six-weeks-injured-knee). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131223095348/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/10167684/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-likely-six-weeks-injured-knee) from the original on December 23, 2013.
264. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-268)**
Joseph, Adi (December 20, 2013). ["Lakers' Kobe Bryant breaks bone in knee, out 6 weeks"](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2013/12/19/kobe-bryant-injury-knee-lateral-tibial-plateau-los-angeles/4130603/). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131224200407/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2013/12/19/kobe-bryant-injury-knee-lateral-tibial-plateau-los-angeles/4130603/) from the original on December 24, 2013.
265. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_03122014_269-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_03122014_269-1)
McMenamin, Dave; Rovell, Darren (March 12, 2014). ["Lakers: Kobe injury not healed"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10594350/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-rest-season). *ESPN.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140312214921/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/10594350/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-rest-season) from the original on March 12, 2014.
266. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-270)**
McMenamin, Dave (January 23, 2014). ["Kobe: Won't play All-Star Game"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10341555/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-says-sitting-all-star-game-right-thing). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140128053838/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/10341555/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-says-sitting-all-star-game-right-thing) from the original on January 28, 2014.
267. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-271)**
Helin, Kurt (February 7, 2014). ["Anthony Davis selected to fill Kobe Bryant's All-Star slot in West"](http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/07/anthony-davis-selected-to-fill-kobe-bryants-all-star-slot-in-west/). *NBCSports.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140217080131/http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/07/anthony-davis-selected-to-fill-kobe-bryants-all-star-slot-in-west/) from the original on February 17, 2014. Retrieved February 17, 2014.
268. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-272)**
["Rockets rout Lakers 108–90 in Kobe's return"](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/10/29/rockets-rout-lakers-108-90-in-kobes-return/18101049/). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. Associated Press. October 29, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141030044031/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/10/29/rockets-rout-lakers-108-90-in-kobes-return/18101049/) from the original on October 30, 2014.
269. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-273)**
Bresnahan, Mike (December 26, 2014). ["Byron Scott assured Kobe Bryant he had his best interests at heart"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20141227-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141227185334/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20141227-story.html) from the original on December 27, 2014.
270. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-274)**
Resnick, Joe (December 26, 2021). ["Bryant leads Lakers over Toronto 129–122 in OT"](https://web.archive.org/web/20141202210704/http://www.nba.com/games/20141130/TORLAL/gameinfo.html?ls=slt). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.nba.com/game/tor-vs-lal-0021400248) on December 2, 2014. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
271. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-275)**
["ELIAS: TOP 5 QUESTIONS FROM SUNDAY, NOV. 30"](http://stats.nba.com/featured/elias_top_5_questions_2014_11_30.html). *NBA.com*. November 30, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141214074119/http://stats.nba.com/featured/elias_top_5_questions_2014_11_30.html) from the original on December 14, 2014.
272. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-277)**
Pincus, Eric (December 14, 2014). ["Kobe Bryant becomes NBA's No. 3 all-time scorer in Lakers' win"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-timberwolves-updates-20141214-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141215022702/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-timberwolves-updates-20141214-story.html) from the original on December 15, 2014. Retrieved December 14, 2014.
273. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-freeman_12232014_278-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-freeman_12232014_278-1)
Freeman, Eric (December 23, 2014). ["Kobe Bryant misses Lakers vs. Warriors for rest"](https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-bryant-misses-lakers-vs--warriors-for-rest-031440460.html). *Yahoo.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141224073013/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-bryant-misses-lakers-vs--warriors-for-rest-031440460.html) from the original on December 24, 2014.
274. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-holmes_12232014_279-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-holmes_12232014_279-1)
Holmes, Baxter (December 23, 2014). ["Kobe Bryant to rest vs. Warriors"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12074218/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-sit-vs-golden-state-warriors). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141224073115/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/12074218/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-sit-vs-golden-state-warriors) from the original on December 24, 2014.
275. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-dwyer_12232014_280-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-dwyer_12232014_280-1)
Dwyer, Kelly (December 22, 2014). ["Kobe Bryant has to stop"](https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-bryant-has-to-stop-172044604.html). *Yahoo.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141224073153/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-bryant-has-to-stop-172044604.html) from the original on December 24, 2014.
276. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-281)**
["Suns win 6th straight by spoiling Kobe Bryant's return to Lakers lineup"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578750). ESPN. Associated Press. December 28, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141229192418/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578750) from the original on December 29, 2014.
277. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-282)**
Oram, Bill (December 26, 2014). ["Bryant's ailments likely reflect new reality for Lakers"](https://www.ocregister.com/2014/12/27/bryants-ailments-likely-reflect-new-reality-for-lakers/). *Orange County Register*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141227110807/http://www.ocregister.com/articles/lakers-646413-mavericks-ocregister.html) from the original on December 27, 2014. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
278. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-283)**
Medina, Mark (December 23, 2014). ["Lakers' Byron Scott to handle Kobe Bryant's playing time on game-by-game basis"](https://www.dailynews.com/2014/12/24/lakers-byron-scott-to-handle-kobe-bryants-playing-time-on-game-by-game-basis/). *Los Angeles Daily News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141227112347/http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20141223/lakers-byron-scott-to-handle-kobe-bryants-playing-time-on-game-by-game-basis) from the original on December 27, 2014. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
279. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-medina_10272015_284-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-medina_10272015_284-1)
Medina, Mark (October 27, 2015). ["How will Kobe Bryant fare in his 20th NBA season?"](http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151027/how-will-kobe-bryant-fare-in-his-20th-nba-season). *Los Angeles Daily News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151203200830/http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151027/how-will-kobe-bryant-fare-in-his-20th-nba-season) from the original on December 3, 2015.
280. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-285)**
Bresnahan, Mike (January 11, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant rests again, Lakers fall to Trail Blazers, 106–94"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-blazers-20150112-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150124130116/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-blazers-20150112-story.html) from the original on January 24, 2015.
281. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-286)**
["Kobe Bryant notches triple-double as Lakers hold off Nuggets"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578763). ESPN. December 30, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150101041204/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578763) from the original on January 1, 2015.
282. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-288)**
["Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has torn rotator cuff in right shoulder"](https://www.si.com/nba/2015/01/22/lakers-kobe-bryant-mri-injured-shoulder). *[Sports Illustrated](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_Illustrated "Sports Illustrated")*. January 22, 2015. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150123051858/http://www.si.com/nba/2015/01/22/lakers-kobe-bryant-mri-injured-shoulder) from the original on January 23, 2015. Retrieved January 23, 2015.
283. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-bresnahan_01222015_289-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-bresnahan_01222015_289-1)
Bresnahan, Mike (January 22, 2015). ["Lakers' Kobe Bryant has torn rotator cuff; severity to be determined"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-kobe-bryant-injury-20150123-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150123144633/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-kobe-bryant-injury-20150123-story.html) from the original on January 23, 2015.
284. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-290)**
Bresnahan, Mike (January 26, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant to undergo season-ending surgery for torn rotator cuff"](https://www.deseret.com/2015/1/26/20476603/kobe-bryant-to-undergo-season-ending-surgery-for-torn-rotator-cuff/). *Deseret News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151208104043/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765667199/Kobe-Bryant-to-undergo-season-ending-surgery-for-torn-rotator-cuff.html) from the original on December 8, 2015.
285. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-ap_01262015_291-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-ap_01262015_291-1)
["Kobe Bryant to have shoulder surgery"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12232146/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-shoulder-surgery). ESPN. Associated Press. January 26, 2015. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150128113120/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/12232146/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-shoulder-surgery) from the original on January 28, 2015.
286. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-292)**
Medina, Mark (January 28, 2015). ["Lakers star Kobe Bryant out for season after shoulder surgery"](http://www.dailynews.com/20150128/lakers-star-kobe-bryant-out-for-season-after-shoulder-surgery). *Los Angeles Daily News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150130010800/http://www.dailynews.com/20150128/lakers-star-kobe-bryant-out-for-season-after-shoulder-surgery) from the original on January 30, 2015.
287. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-293)**
Holmes, Baxter (April 16, 2015). ["Lakers, Knicks close out worst seasons in franchise history"](https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/12699832/los-angeles-lakers-new-york-knicks-finish-worst-seasons-franchise-history). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180125015308/http://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/12699832/los-angeles-lakers-new-york-knicks-finish-worst-seasons-franchise-history) from the original on January 25, 2018. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
288. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-294)**
Holmes, Baxter (October 14, 2015). ["Byron Scott says Kobe Bryant likely OK for next game"](https://www.espn.com/losangeles/nba/story/_/id/13883635/kobe-bryant-losangeles-lakers-leaves-preseason-game-lower-leg-contusion). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151115175411/http://espn.go.com/losangeles/nba/story/_/id/13883635/kobe-bryant-losangeles-lakers-leaves-preseason-game-lower-leg-contusion) from the original on November 15, 2015.
289. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-295)**
Helin, Kurt (November 2, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant on his play so far: "I freaking suck""](https://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/11/02/kobe-bryant-on-his-play-so-far-i-freaking-suck/). *NBCSports.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151105145828/http://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/11/02/kobe-bryant-on-his-play-so-far-i-freaking-suck/) from the original on November 5, 2015.
290. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-296)**
Beacham, Greg (October 29, 2015). ["Two decades in: Kobe Bryant clears another milestone with start of 20th Lakers season"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032819/http://www.startribune.com/kobe-clears-another-milestone-begins-20th-lakers-season/338509901/). *Star Tribune*. Associated Press. Archived from [the original](http://www.startribune.com/kobe-clears-another-milestone-begins-20th-lakers-season/338509901/) on November 17, 2015.
291. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-297)**
Holmes, Baxter (November 25, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant's possible farewell tour hits new low"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14222749/kobe-bryant-possible-farewell-tour-hits-new-low). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151126105944/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14222749/kobe-bryant-possible-farewell-tour-hits-new-low) from the original on November 26, 2015.
292. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-holmes_11252015_defined_298-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-holmes_11252015_defined_298-1)
Holmes, Baxter (November 25, 2015). ["Kobe's shooting struggles not putting 'pretty defined' role in jeopardy"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14226300/los-angeles-lakers-coach-byron-scott-not-considered-reducing-kobe-bryant-role-minutes). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*.
293. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-299)**
Seltzer, Brian (December 1, 2015). ["Game Recap: 76ers 103, Lakers 91"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151205155401/http://www.nba.com/sixers/game-recap-76ers-103-lakers-91). *Philadelphia 76ers*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/sixers/game-recap-76ers-103-lakers-91) on December 5, 2015. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
294. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Retire_300-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Retire_300-1)
Holmes, Baxter; Stein, Marc; Shelburne, Ramona (November 29, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant to retire after this season"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14254236/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-announces-retire-season). *[ESPN.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN.com "ESPN.com")*. Associated Press. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160708001336/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14254236/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-announces-retire-season) from the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
295. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-lakers_11292015_301-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-lakers_11292015_301-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-lakers_11292015_301-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-lakers_11292015_301-3)
["Los Angeles Lakers (2-13) Vs. Indiana Pacers (10–5)"](http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/lakers.pdf?ls=nav_news&cid=nav_news) (PDF). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. November 29, 2015. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151202075142/http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/lakers.pdf?ls=nav_news&cid=nav_news) (PDF) from the original on December 2, 2015.
296. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-302)**
Bresnahan, Mike; Turner, Broderick (November 26, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant's struggles cause some in NBA circles to say it's time he retires"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-kobe-decline-20151127-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151127235732/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-kobe-decline-20151127-story.html) from the original on November 27, 2015.
297. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-303)**
Ding, Kevin (November 30, 2015). ["With Flair for the Dramatic, Kobe Spins Frustrating End into Emotional Final Act"](http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2594308-with-flair-for-the-dramatic-kobe-spins-frustrating-end-into-emotional-final-act). *Bleacher Report*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151208165448/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2594308-with-flair-for-the-dramatic-kobe-spins-frustrating-end-into-emotional-final-act) from the original on December 8, 2015.
298. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-304)**
Helin, Kurt (November 30, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant: 'Do I want to play again or don't I... the reality is no, I don't.'"](http://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/11/30/kobe-bryant-do-i-want-to-play-again-or-dont-i-the-reality-is-no-i-dont/comment-page-1/). *Pro Basketball Talk*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151208120859/http://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/11/30/kobe-bryant-do-i-want-to-play-again-or-dont-i-the-reality-is-no-i-dont/comment-page-1/) from the original on December 8, 2015.
299. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-cacciola_12162015_305-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-cacciola_12162015_305-1)
Cacciola, Scott (December 16, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant's Long Goodbye"](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/17/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-lakers-goodbye.html?_r=0). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151220082849/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/17/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-lakers-goodbye.html?_r=0) from the original on December 20, 2015.
300. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-306)**
Berger, Ken (January 8, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant's last night in Sacramento hit him right in the heart"](http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer/ken-berger/25442423/kobe-bryants-last-night-in-sacramento-hit-him-right-in-the-heart). *CBSSports.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160117111331/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer/ken-berger/25442423/kobe-bryants-last-night-in-sacramento-hit-him-right-in-the-heart) from the original on January 17, 2016.
301. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-307)**
Holmes, Baxter (December 4, 2015). ["Kobe requests no more gifts, on-court ceremonies during farewell tour"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-lakers/post/_/id/42302/kobe-requests-no-more-gifts-on-court-ceremonies-from-teams-during-farewell-tour). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160313060535/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles-lakers/post/_/id/42302/kobe-requests-no-more-gifts-on-court-ceremonies-from-teams-during-farewell-tour) from the original on March 13, 2016.
302. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-308)**
Jones, Jason (January 7, 2016). ["Sacramento sends Kobe Bryant off with rousing ovation"](https://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article53661515.html). *The Sacramento Bee*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160207050034/http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article53661515.html) from the original on February 7, 2016.
303. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-309)**
Bontemps, Tim (December 1, 2015). ["In Philadelphia, Kobe Bryant finally gets love from his home town"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2015/12/01/in-philadelphia-kobe-bryant-finally-gets-love-from-his-home-town/). *The Washington Post*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191007194144/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2015/12/01/in-philadelphia-kobe-bryant-finally-gets-love-from-his-home-town/) from the original on October 7, 2019. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
304. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-310)**
Richman, Mike (January 24, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant's final game in Portland marks end of an era for Trail Blazers fans' last true villain"](https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2016/01/kobe_bryants_final_game_in_portland_villain.html). *Oregonlive.com*. The Oregonian. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230224061931/https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2016/01/kobe_bryants_final_game_in_portland_villain.html) from the original on February 24, 2023. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
305. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-311)**
Jones, Tony (March 28, 2016). ["Utah Jazz: Bryant feels the love from fans in final SLC appearance"](https://web.archive.org/web/20191007195239/https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2016/03/29/utah-jazz-bryant-feels-the-love-from-fans-in-final-slc-appearance/). *The Salt Lake Tribune*. Archived from the original on October 7, 2019. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
`{{cite news}}`: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_bot:_original_URL_status_unknown "Category:CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown"))
306. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-jackson_02022016_312-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-jackson_02022016_312-1)
Jackson, Scoop (February 2, 2016). ["Dwyane Wade: 'I never thought I'd be Top 100 all time'"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14695748/dwyane-wade-place-nba-history). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160204225932/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14695748/dwyane-wade-place-nba-history) from the original on February 4, 2016.
307. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-brewer_12022015_313-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-brewer_12022015_313-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-brewer_12022015_313-2)
Brewer, Jerry (December 2, 2015). ["During strange farewell tour, Kobe Bryant rediscovers greatness for one night in D.C."](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/kobe-bryants-complicated-farewell-tour-makes-latest-awkward-stop-in-washington/2015/12/02/264b8e3e-9941-11e5-94f0-9eeaff906ef3_story.html) *The Washington Post*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160213121852/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/kobe-bryants-complicated-farewell-tour-makes-latest-awkward-stop-in-washington/2015/12/02/264b8e3e-9941-11e5-94f0-9eeaff906ef3_story.html) from the original on February 13, 2016.
308. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Shrug38_314-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Shrug38_314-1)
Holmes, Baxter (February 3, 2016). ["Kobe shrugs off 38-point effort: 'You've seen it for 20 years'"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14702918/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-scores-season-high-38-points-help-team-snap-10-game-losing-streak). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160204093347/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14702918/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-scores-season-high-38-points-help-team-snap-10-game-losing-streak) from the original on February 4, 2016.
309. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-316)**
Bresnahan, Mike (January 21, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant is selected as an All-Star for the 18th time"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-nba-all-stars-20160121-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160125055243/http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-nba-all-stars-20160121-story.html) from the original on January 25, 2016.
310. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-ap_02152016_317-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-ap_02152016_317-1)
["Defense in record-setting short supply in West's rout of East"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400829482). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. Associated Press. February 15, 2016. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160215232331/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400829482) from the original on February 15, 2016.
311. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-318)**
Cacciola, Scott (February 14, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant, in His Final Lap, Is Happy to Surrender the Midseason Stage"](https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/15/sports/basketball/bryant-in-his-final-lap-is-happy-to-cede-spotlight-at-all-star-game.html?_r=0). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160218104903/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/15/sports/basketball/bryant-in-his-final-lap-is-happy-to-cede-spotlight-at-all-star-game.html?_r=0) from the original on February 18, 2016.
312. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-ESPNFinalGame_319-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-ESPNFinalGame_319-1)
["Kobe calls it a career: 'You can't write something better than this'"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/15199998/kobe-bryant-given-royal-send-ahead-last-game-los-angeles-lakers). *ESPN*. April 13, 2016. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
313. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-320)**
Beacham, Greg (April 28, 2016). ["Kobe scores 60 points in unbelievable farewell victory"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170831050549/http://www.nba.com/2016/news/04/14/kobe-farewell-performance.ap/). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/2016/news/04/14/kobe-farewell-performance.ap/) on August 31, 2017. Retrieved August 30, 2017.
314. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-321)**
["Magic Johnson has great expectations for Los Angeles Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball"](http://www.news.com.au/sport/basketball/magic-johnson-has-great-expectations-for-los-angeles-lakers-rookie-lonzo-ball/news-story/1d0e00fd86f1bfac47a8e592dfbb070d). *News.com.au*. October 15, 2017. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
315. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-322)**
Wise, Mike (June 19, 2000). ["Bryant Sets His Priorities"](https://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/19/sports/nba-finals-lakers-vs-pacers-notebook-bryant-sets-his-priorities.html). *New York Times*. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
316. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-323)**
["U.S. ends losing streak at World Championship"](https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=20020907&slug=hoop07). *The Seattle Times*. Associated Press. September 7, 2002. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
317. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-324)**
["Vince Carter on Olympic Qualifying Team"](http://www.insidehoops.com/carter-olympic-072903.shtml). *InsideHoops.com*. July 29, 2003. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
318. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-325)**
Brown, Tim (May 2, 2004). ["Bryant Not Discussing Olympics"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-may-02-sp-lakerep2-story.html). *Los Angeles Times*. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
319. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-326)**
["Kobe will play for U.S. at worlds, '08 Olympics"](https://www.espn.com/olympics/news/story?id=2300053). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. January 21, 2006. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
320. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-327)**
["Kobe won't play for Team USA after knee surgery"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2520373). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. July 15, 2006. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
321. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-328)**
["USA Basketball"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080702194340/http://www.usabasketball.com/men_team.php?bios=bryant_kobe). USABasketball.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.usabasketball.com/men_team.php?bios=bryant_kobe) on July 2, 2008. Retrieved June 18, 2008.
322. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-329)**
["James, Bryant to lead US team"](https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=oly&id=3457017). *[ESPN.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN.com "ESPN.com")*. Associated Press. June 23, 2008. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
323. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-330)**
Mahoney, Brian (August 24, 2008). ["US hoops back on top, beats Spain for gold medal"](http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2008-08-24-1012609106_x.htm). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*.
324. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-331)**
["2008 Stats - United States"](https://www.basketball-reference.cominternational/teams/united-states/2008.html). *Basketball-Reference.com*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
325. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-332)**
["Kobe commits to Team USA"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130724083736/http://www.foxsportswest.com/11/02/10/Kobe-commits-to-Team-USA/landing_lakers.html?blockID=344392&feedID=3657). *Fox Sports*. Associated Press. November 2, 2010. Archived from [the original](http://www.foxsportswest.com/11/02/10/Kobe-commits-to-Team-USA/landing_lakers.html?blockID=344392&feedID=3657) on July 24, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
326. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-333)**
["USA Basketball Wins Gold Over Spain, Rio Next in 2016"](https://www.foxnews.com/sports/usa-basketball-wins-gold-over-spain-rio-next-in-2016). *Fox News*. August 13, 2012. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
327. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-334)**
Whitfield, Nick (October 31, 2018). ["Kobe Bryant and USA Basketball – Whatever It Takes"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200207073915/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/fiba/news/kobe-bryant-and-usa-basketball-whatever-it-takes/1woyvmlziow1p1i9xcyyxq7yhl). *Sporting News*. Archived from [the original](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/fiba/news/kobe-bryant-and-usa-basketball-whatever-it-takes/1woyvmlziow1p1i9xcyyxq7yhl) on February 7, 2020. Retrieved February 6, 2020.
328. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Reference_335-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Reference_335-1)
["Kobe Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120501221509/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html). *Basketball-Reference.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html) on May 1, 2012. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
329. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-336)**
DuPree, David (January 24, 2006). ["Anyone up for 100?"](https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2006-01-23-100-points_x.htm). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
330. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-337)**
Pelton, Kevin (September 26, 2013). ["Los Angeles Lakers: 2013–14 roster (Subscription Required)"](https://www.espn.com/nba/preview2013/story/_/page/2013-14-lal-preview/los-angeles-lakers-player-profiles). ESPN Insider. Retrieved October 12, 2013.
331. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-338)**
["Michael Jordan eases off talk"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9764802/michael-jordan-says-kobe-bryant-lebron-james). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. October 3, 2013. Retrieved October 12, 2013.
332. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-339)**
[Stein, Marc](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Stein_\(reporter\) "Marc Stein (reporter)") (October 29, 2001). ["Kobe, Hill deal with being the next Michael"](https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=1270487&type=columnist). *[ESPN.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN.com "ESPN.com")*. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
333. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-hoffman_12132014_340-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-hoffman_12132014_340-1)
Hoffman, Benjamin (December 13, 2014). ["Kobe Bryant Is Nearly an Equal of Michael Jordan, Except in Fan Adoration"](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-is-nearly-an-equal-of-michael-jordan-except-in-fan-adoration.html). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150324150619/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-is-nearly-an-equal-of-michael-jordan-except-in-fan-adoration.html) from the original on March 24, 2015. Retrieved December 14, 2014.
334. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-341)**
Holmes, Baxter (December 14, 2014). ["Kobe Bryant rises up before falling away"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40621/kobe-bryant-rises-up-before-falling-away). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141215122603/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40621/kobe-bryant-rises-up-before-falling-away) from the original on December 15, 2014.
335. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-342)**
Ballard, Chris (May 27, 2008). ["Kobe's Killer Instinct"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100217183232/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/chris_ballard/05/27/kobe0602/1.html). *SI.com*. Archived from [the original](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/chris_ballard/05/27/kobe0602/1.html) on February 17, 2010.
336. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-343)**
Joseph, Adi (April 4, 2016). ["Hakeem Olajuwon says Kobe Bryant was his greatest success as a coach"](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/hakeem-olajuwon-houston-rockets-post-moves-kobe-bryant-anthony-davis/1jcboker9fbqz12h04gtyuef7a). *[The Sporting News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sporting_News "The Sporting News")*. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
337. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-344)**
Holmes, Baxter (December 20, 2014). ["Kobe Bryant delivers the final miss again"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40674/kobe-bryant-delivers-the-final-miss-again). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141222233716/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40674/kobe-bryant-delivers-the-final-miss-again) from the original on December 22, 2014.
338. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-345)**
Harper, Zach (December 20, 2014). ["Lakers' Jeremy Lin on game winners: 'I would love to shoot some'"](http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24904469/lakers-jeremy-lin-on-game-winners-i-would-love-to-shoot-some). *CBSSports.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141223092347/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24904469/lakers-jeremy-lin-on-game-winners-i-would-love-to-shoot-some) from the original on December 23, 2014.
339. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-346)**
Jenkins, Bruce (December 20, 2014). ["Jenkins on NBA: Bryant becomes more gunner than top gun"](http://www.sfgate.com/sports/jenkins/article/Jenkins-on-NBA-Bryant-becomes-more-gunner-than-5971200.php). *SFGate.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141222160009/http://www.sfgate.com/sports/jenkins/article/Jenkins-on-NBA-Bryant-becomes-more-gunner-than-5971200.php) from the original on December 22, 2014.
340. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-pingue_11302015_347-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-pingue_11302015_347-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-pingue_11302015_347-2)
Pingue, Frank (November 30, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant to retire at end of season"](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nba-bryant-idUSKBN0TJ00B20151130#bK9r5HY9zI03wKtQ.97). *Reuters*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151201060507/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/30/us-nba-bryant-idUSKBN0TJ00B20151130) from the original on December 1, 2015.
341. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-348)**
McMenamin, Dave (March 11, 2010). ["McMenamin: Kobe Bryant legend? Just the facts"](https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?id=4983889). *ESPN.com*. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
342. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-349)**
["2011–12 NBA.com GM Survey Results"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120529092138/http://www.nba.com/news/features/2012-gm-survey/index.html). *NBA.com*. January 17, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/news/features/2012-gm-survey/index.html) on May 29, 2012.
343. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Crunch_350-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Crunch_350-1)
Abbott, Henry (January 28, 2011). ["The truth about Kobe Bryant in crunch time"](https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/24200/the-truth-about-kobe-bryant-in-crunch-time). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20111207101802/http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/24200/the-truth-about-kobe-bryant-in-crunch-time) from the original on December 7, 2011. Retrieved October 12, 2013.
344. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-351)**
Beck, Howard (November 9, 2015). ["Amid the Points and Applause, One Single Shot Ignited Love Story of Kobe, NYC"](http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2587406-amid-the-points-and-applause-one-single-shot-ignited-love-story-of-kobe-nyc). *Bleacher Report*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151202115224/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2587406-amid-the-points-and-applause-one-single-shot-ignited-love-story-of-kobe-nyc) from the original on December 2, 2015.
345. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_sg_rank_2016_352-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_sg_rank_2016_352-1)
["All-Time \#NBArank: Michael Jordan tops list of best shooting guards"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarankSGs/ranking-top-10-shooting-guards-ever). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. January 19, 2016. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160215153412/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarankSGs/ranking-top-10-shooting-guards-ever) from the original on February 15, 2016.
346. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-lowe_top100_353-0)**
Lowe, Zach. ["Top 100 NBA Players — Nos. 1–10"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131005010519/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/blogs/nba-point-forward/2011/08/16/top-100-nba-players-nos-1-10/). *Sports Illustrated*. Archived from [the original](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/blogs/nba-point-forward/2011/08/16/top-100-nba-players-nos-1-10/) on October 5, 2013. Retrieved October 12, 2013.
347. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-354)**
Moore, Tom (November 30, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant set to play final game in Philadelphia"](http://www.mcall.com/sports/basketball/sixers/mc-kobe-final-game-in-philly-1130-20151130-story.html). *The Morning Call*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151208163417/http://www.mcall.com/sports/basketball/sixers/mc-kobe-final-game-in-philly-1130-20151130-story.html) from the original on December 8, 2015.
348. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-355)**
Holmes, Baxter (November 11, 2014). ["Misses add up to big part of Kobe's legacy"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40363/misses-add-up-to-big-part-of-kobes-legacy). *ESPN*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141113010653/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40363/misses-add-up-to-big-part-of-kobes-legacy) from the original on November 13, 2014.
349. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-357)**
Bresnahan, Mike (May 16, 2013). ["Phil Jackson throws the book at Kobe Bryant"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-may-16-la-sp-phil-jackson-kobe-20130516-story.html). *The Los Angeles Times*. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
350. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-hoffman_11302015_358-0)**
Hoffman, Benjamin (November 30, 2015). ["In Most Areas, Good or Bad, Kobe Bryant Has Simply Done More"](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/01/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-retire.html?_r=0). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151204160816/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/01/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-retire.html?_r=0) from the original on December 4, 2015.
351. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-359)**
Pelton, Kevin (November 7, 2005). ["Every Play Counts: Kobe Bryant"](http://www.82games.com/pelton8.htm). *82games.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141126102127/http://www.82games.com/pelton8.htm) from the original on November 26, 2014.
352. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-360)**
McMenamin, Dave (May 17, 2012). ["Kobe Bryant: Charges carry big risk"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7935166/2012-nba-playoffs-los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-cites-injury-risk-drawing-charges). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120702075613/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/7935166/2012-nba-playoffs-los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-cites-injury-risk-drawing-charges) from the original on July 2, 2012.
353. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-medina_05092011_361-0)**
Medina, Mark (May 9, 2011). ["Kobe Bryant named to NBA's all-defensive first team for ninth time"](http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2011/05/kobe-bryant-named-to-nbas-all-defensive-team-for-ninth-time.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150511011803/http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2011/05/kobe-bryant-named-to-nbas-all-defensive-team-for-ninth-time.html) from the original on May 11, 2015.
354. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-lowe_05262013_362-0)**
Lowe, Zach (May 26, 2013). ["An Open Letter to Kobe Bryant About His Defense"](http://grantland.com/the-triangle/an-open-letter-to-kobe-bryant-about-his-defense/). *Grantland*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141223093226/http://grantland.com/the-triangle/an-open-letter-to-kobe-bryant-about-his-defense/) from the original on December 23, 2014.
355. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-363)**
Paine, Neal (December 12, 2014). ["Once And For All: Michael Jordan Was Way Better Than Kobe Bryant"](https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/michael-jordan-kobe-bryant/). *FiveThirtyEight*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141223100652/http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/michael-jordan-kobe-bryant/) from the original on December 23, 2014.
356. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-364)**
Woike, Dan (May 14, 2021). ["How Kobe Bryant influenced the next generation of NBA stars"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2021-05-14/kobe-bryant-influence-next-generation-nba-stars). *Los Angeles Times*. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
357. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-365)**
Shelburne, Ramona (April 13, 2013). ["Kobe and L.A. tradition will be tested"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9167365/los-angeles-lakers-guard-kobe-bryant-achilles-injury-signal-end-lakers-era). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130413162452/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9167365/los-angeles-lakers-guard-kobe-bryant-achilles-injury-signal-end-lakers-era) from the original on April 13, 2013.
358. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-366)**
Adande, J. A. (January 26, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant pays price for greatness"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12222849/kobe-bryant-pays-price-greatness-requires). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150128113141/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/12222849/kobe-bryant-pays-price-greatness-requires) from the original on January 28, 2015.
359. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-367)**
Ballard, Chris (August 26, 2014). ["Examining Kobe Bryant's legendary pain tolerance and road to recovery"](https://www.si.com/edge/2014/08/28/kobe-bryant-recovery-lakers-judy-seto-knee-injury). *Sports Illustrated*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150404094721/http://www.si.com/edge/2014/08/28/kobe-bryant-recovery-lakers-judy-seto-knee-injury) from the original on April 4, 2015.
360. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-368)**
Phillips, Brian (January 8, 2015). ["Wolf on the Rock: The Ludicrous, Glorious Doom of Kobe Bryant"](http://grantland.com/the-triangle/wolf-on-the-rock-the-ludicrous-glorious-doom-of-kobe-bryant/). *Grantland*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160215210728/http://grantland.com/the-triangle/wolf-on-the-rock-the-ludicrous-glorious-doom-of-kobe-bryant/) from the original on February 15, 2016.
361. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-369)**
Ryan, Chris; Concepcion, Jason (February 17, 2015). ["Six Seconds to Perfection: The Best NBA Vines of the Season"](http://grantland.com/the-triangle/six-seconds-to-perfection-the-best-nba-vines-of-the-season/). *Grantland*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160215210203/http://grantland.com/the-triangle/six-seconds-to-perfection-the-best-nba-vines-of-the-season/) from the original on February 15, 2016.
362. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-ding_102202014_370-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-ding_102202014_370-1)
Ding, Kevin (October 22, 2014). ["Julius Randle's Development Poses Final Leadership Test for Kobe Bryant"](http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2240663-julius-randles-development-poses-final-leadership-test-for-kobe-bryant). *BleacherReport.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141025022835/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2240663-julius-randles-development-poses-final-leadership-test-for-kobe-bryant) from the original on October 25, 2014.
363. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-371)**
Markazi, Arash (October 12, 2014). ["Long a tough, chilly teammate, Kobe Bryant has mellowed and now is a mentor"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40163/long-a-tough-chilly-teammate-kobe-bryant-has-mellowed-and-now-is-a-mentor). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141022051805/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40163/long-a-tough-chilly-teammate-kobe-bryant-has-mellowed-and-now-is-a-mentor) from the original on October 22, 2014.
364. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-372)**
Abbott, Henry (October 20, 2014). ["Kobe"](https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/11717596/is-kobe-bryant-reason-los-angeles-lakers-downfall). *ESPN The Magazine*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141024135336/http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/11717596/is-kobe-bryant-reason-los-angeles-lakers-downfall) from the original on October 24, 2014.
365. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-heisler_10222014_373-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-heisler_10222014_373-1)
Heisler, Mark (October 22, 2014). ["Who Killed Lakers? ESPN Says It Was Someone on Inside With the Initials Kobe Bryant"](https://www.forbes.com/sites/markheisler/2014/10/22/who-killed-lakers-espn-says-it-was-someone-on-inside-with-the-initials-kobe-bryant/). *Forbes.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141023023732/http://www.forbes.com/sites/markheisler/2014/10/22/who-killed-lakers-espn-says-it-was-someone-on-inside-with-the-initials-kobe-bryant/) from the original on October 23, 2014.
366. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-374)**
Bresnahan, Mike (May 16, 2013). ["Phil Jackson's new book focuses a lot on (who else?) Kobe Bryant"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-xpm-2013-may-16-la-sp-ln-phil-jackson-new-book-kobe-bryant-20130515-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
367. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-375)**
Terrell, Ashley (February 1, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant's sisters issue statement after tragic death: 'Our lives are forever changed'"](https://thegrio.com/2020/02/01/kobe-bryants-sisters-issue-statement-after-tragic-death-our-lives-are-forever-changed/). *TheGrio*. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
368. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-376)**
Clarke, Ryan. ["With his choice of number, Oregon football freshman honors late NBA superstar uncle"](https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2026/03/with-his-choice-of-number-oregon-football-freshman-honors-late-nba-superstar-uncle.html). *[OregonLive.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OregonLive.com "OregonLive.com")*. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
369. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-rap_377-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-rap_377-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-rap_377-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-rap_377-3)
["Everything You Need to Know About Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060219203516/http://www.eonline.com/On/Holly/Shows/Bryant/facts.html). Archived from [the original](http://www.eonline.com/On/Holly/Shows/Bryant/facts.html) on February 19, 2006. Retrieved October 16, 2007.
– Wayback Machine cache from February 19, 2006
370. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-378)**
Hubler, Shawn. ["Kobe's costar Vanessa Laine was just another sheltered teenager in Orange County. Then she fell in love with a phenomenon"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070406105500/http://allstarz.hollywood.com/kobe/vanessa02.htm). Archived from [the original](http://allstarz.hollywood.com/kobe/vanessa02.htm) on April 6, 2007. Retrieved October 16, 2007.
– Wayback Machine cache from April 6, 2007
371. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-379)**
Keown, Tim (September 1, 2003). ["Isolation Play"](https://www.espn.com/espnmag/story?id=3248290). ESPN. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
372. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-380)**
Hubler, Shawn (February 15, 2005). ["Kobe's costar"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170427003658/http://articles.latimes.com/2005/feb/15/entertainment/et-vanessa15/3). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Archived from [the original](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-feb-15-et-vanessa15-story.html) on April 27, 2017. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
373. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-381)** [Cupcake Magazine interview with Vanessa Bryant](http://www.cupcakemag.com/2012/07/behind-the-famous-name-our-chat-with-vanessa-bryant/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130701005437/http://www.cupcakemag.com/2012/07/behind-the-famous-name-our-chat-with-vanessa-bryant/) July 1, 2013, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") July 17, 2012
374. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-383)**
["Kobe Bryant Divorce: Kobe and Vanessa Through the Years \[PHOTOS\]"](https://www.ibtimes.com/kobe-bryant-divorce-kobe-and-vanessa-through-years-photos-553607). *International Business Times*. December 17, 2011. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
375. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-384)**
Brown, Tim; Terry, Mike (January 20, 2003). ["Kobe's Wife Gives Birth to Daughter"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jan-20-sp-lakerep20-story.html). *Los Angeles Times*.
376. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-385)**
["Shaq is a Dad Six Minutes After Kobe"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090416235742/http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/shaq%20is%20a%20dad%20six%20minutes%20after%20kobe_02_05_2006). *Contact Music*. May 2, 2006. Archived from [the original](http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/shaq%20is%20a%20dad%20six%20minutes%20after%20kobe_02_05_2006) on April 16, 2009. Retrieved May 25, 2007.
377. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-386)**
Kim, Victoria (December 16, 2011). ["Kobe Bryant divorce: Vanessa cites 'irreconcilable differences'"](http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/12/kobe-bryant-divorce-vanessa-cites-irreconcilable-difference.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved December 16, 2011.
378. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-387)**
["L.A. Now"](http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/12/kobe-bryant-divorce-vanessa-lakers-star-will-share-custody-of-daughters.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. December 16, 2011.
379. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-388)**
["Kobe Bryant, wife Vanessa call off their divorce"](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kobe-bryant-wife-vanessa-call-off-their-divorce/). *CBS News*. January 11, 2013. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
380. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-389)**
Drysdale, Jennifer (December 8, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant and Wife Vanessa Welcome Third Child"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170422050625/https://www.yahoo.com/celebrity/kobe-bryant-wife-vanessa-welcome-234000119.html). *Yahoo\!*. Archived from [the original](https://www.yahoo.com/celebrity/kobe-bryant-wife-vanessa-welcome-234000119.html) on April 22, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2016.
381. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-390)**
Harris, Sarah Jane (December 8, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant welcomes his third child"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180626220448/http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/news/kobe-bryant-welcomes-his-3rd-child/vlxtknrf27fjz9igcw4l4mb9). *sportingnews.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/news/kobe-bryant-welcomes-his-3rd-child/vlxtknrf27fjz9igcw4l4mb9) on June 26, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2016.
382. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-391)**
Chiu, Melody (January 1, 2019). ["'Mambacita!' Kobe Bryant Announces Fourth Daughter on the Way with Wife Vanessa"](https://people.com/parents/kobe-bryant-wife-vanessa-pregnant-expecting-fourth-child/). *People*. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
383. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-392)**
Adams, Char (July 4, 2019). ["Meet Baby 'KoKo!' Kobe Bryant Officially Introduces His 'Little Princess' — Daughter Capri Kobe"](https://people.com/parents/kobe-bryant-daughter-capri-kobe-first-photo/). *People*.
384. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-393)**
["Kobe Bryant's Wife Vanessa Gives Birth, Welcomes Fourth Daughter"](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/kobe-bryants-wife-vanessa-gives-birth-welcomes-4th-daughter/). *Us Weekly*. June 21, 2019.
385. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-394)**
["Remembering Kobe Bryant at the Church Where He Prayed Before Helicopter Crash"](https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/kobe-bryant-church-helicopter-crash-newport-beach/2299173/). *NBC Los Angeles*. January 27, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
386. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-395)**
["Before fatal flight, Kobe and daughter attended California church, took communion, priest says"](https://abc7news.com/5884317/). *ABC7 San Francisco*. January 28, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
387. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-396)**
["Kobe Bryant's private funeral service likely at same Catholic church he went before boarding chopper"](https://meaww.com/kobe-bryant-private-funeral-service-likely-same-catholic-church-he-went-before-boarding-chopper). *meaww.com*. February 7, 2020.
388. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-397)**
Archived at [Ghostarchive](https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/0gmGOZkIzN8) and the [Wayback Machine](https://web.archive.org/web/20200217185037/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gmGOZkIzN8&gl=US&hl=en):
[*Una scuola di basket per futuri campioni: la promessa di Kobe Bryant nell'intervista a Reggio Emilia*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gmGOZkIzN8), January 27, 2020, retrieved January 29, 2020
389. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-398)**
Archived at [Ghostarchive](https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/lEojYCnn9Zs) and the [Wayback Machine](https://web.archive.org/web/20200220181336/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEojYCnn9Zs&gl=US&hl=en):
[*Kobe Bryant agradece a los latinos en español*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEojYCnn9Zs), April 14, 2016, retrieved January 29, 2020
390. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-399)**
Aguirregomezcorta, Gonzalo (December 2014). ["Kobe: "No imaginé este nivel""](https://www.espn.com.mx/los-angeles/nota/_/id/2243842/kobe-no-imagine-este-nivel). *ESPN Mexico*. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
391. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-400)**
Aguirregomezcorta, Gonzalo (November 30, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant tras anunciar su retiro: "Ahora me siento relajado""](https://www.espn.com.mx/los-angeles/nota/_/id/2539723/kobe-bryant-tras-anunciar-su-retiro-ahora-me-siento-relajado). *ESPN Mexico*. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
392. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-401)**
McGrath, Ben (March 24, 2014). ["The Fourth Quarter"](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/03/31/the-fourth-quarter). *[The New Yorker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_Yorker "The New Yorker")*. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
393. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-LATimes2008_402-0)**
Crowe, Jerry (May 23, 2008). ["Text messages from press row ..."](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-may-23-sp-crowe23-story.html) *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
394. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-403)**
Olivarez-Giles, Nathan (January 31, 2011). ["Kobe Bryant and, Robert Rodriguez talk about Black Mamba Nike ads, six-minute film"](https://web.archive.org/web/20181023120135/http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2011/01/kobe-bryant-and-robert-rodriguez-hype-ads-6-minute-film-at-nike-vault-1.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Archived from [the original](http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2011/01/kobe-bryant-and-robert-rodriguez-hype-ads-6-minute-film-at-nike-vault-1.html) on October 23, 2018.
395. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-404)**
McMenamin, Dave (April 11, 2013). ["Rapid Reaction: Lakers 113, Trail Blazers 106"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36373/rapid-reaction-lakers-113-trail-blazers-106). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130414044636/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36373/rapid-reaction-lakers-113-trail-blazers-106) from the original on April 14, 2013.
396. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-405)**
Bresnahan, Mike (March 3, 2013). ["Kobe Bryant and Lakers soar to new heights (or at least .500)"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-mar-03-la-sp-0304-lakers-hawks-20130304-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130305081756/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/mar/03/sports/la-sp-0304-lakers-hawks-20130304) from the original on March 5, 2013.
397. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-406)**
["Kobe Bryant Buys Home For More Than \$4 million"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZNAdAAAAIBAJ&pg=6703,744809). Retrieved June 16, 2011.
398. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-407)**
["Kobe Bryant sets price record with Newport Coast home sale"](https://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-kobe-bryant-sale-20150529-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. May 29, 2015.
399. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-408)**
["Kobe Bryant, mom in court battle"](https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9238503/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-battles-mom-nj-business-auction). ESPN. May 3, 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130505094921/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9238503/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-battles-mom-nj-business-auction) from the original on May 5, 2013.
400. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-409)**
Stamm, Dan. ["Kobe Wins Battle to Prevent Mom From Auctioning His Stuff"](http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Kobe-Bryant-Goldin-Auction-Settlement-210820051.html). NBC 10 Philadelphia. Associated Press. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
401. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-410)**
Rovell, Darren (June 10, 2013). ["Deal reached in Kobe Bryant case"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9360162/kobe-bryant-memorabilia-lawsuit-settled-parents-apologize). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130613070915/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9360162/kobe-bryant-memorabilia-lawsuit-settled-parents-apologize) from the original on June 13, 2013.
402. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-411)**
["Kobe auction suit settled; parents apologize"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9360162/kobe-bryant-memorabilia-lawsuit-settled-parents-apologize). *ESPN.com*. June 10, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
403. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-412)**
Carr, Janis (August 30, 2010). ["Kobe and family cheer on Angels"](https://www.ocregister.com/2010/08/30/kobe-and-family-cheer-on-angels/). *Orange County Register*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190721210401/https://www.ocregister.com/2010/08/30/kobe-and-family-cheer-on-angels/) from the original on July 21, 2019.
404. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-413)**
Diunte, Nick, ed. (January 27, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant Shared A Love Affair With MLB Throughout His Career"](https://www.forbes.com/sites/nickdiunte/2020/01/27/kobe-bryant-shared-a-love-affair-with-mlb-throughout-his-career/). *[Forbes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes "Forbes")*. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
405. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-414)**
Fischer, Mark, ed. (January 28, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant's death 'hits home' for his Mets idol Darryl Strawberry"](https://nypost.com/2020/01/28/kobe-bryants-death-hits-home-for-his-mets-idol-darryl-strawberry/). [New York Post](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Post "New York Post"). Retrieved October 13, 2024.
406. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-415)**
["Kobe: I'm staying an Eagles fan despite L.A. team \| PhillyVoice"](https://www.phillyvoice.com/kobe-im-staying-eagles-fan-despite-la-team/). January 17, 2016.
407. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-416)**
Ahmed, Sahahan (January 9, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant credits soccer for his extraordinary basketball court vision"](https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-fc-yahoo/kobe-bryant-credits-court-vision-to-soccer-171433623.html). *sports.yahoo.com*. [Yahoo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahoo "Yahoo").
408. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-417)**
["Mamba Mentality"](https://mobile.twitter.com/mancity/status/923862364570771464?lang=en). *twitter.com*. [Manchester City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchester_City_F.C. "Manchester City F.C.").
409. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-418)**
Gonzalez, A. J. (September 8, 2021). ["Laker News: Former Laker In ICU Fighting Covid-19"](https://www.si.com/nba/lakers/news/laker-news-former-laker-in-icu-fighting-covid-19). *All Lakers \| News, Rumors, Videos, Schedule, Roster, Salaries And More*. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
410. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-419)**
SI Staff (December 23, 2003). ["Bryant distracted, scared amid sex assault case"](https://web.archive.org/web/20040906074827/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2003/basketball/nba/12/26/kobe.interview.ap/index.html?cnn-yes). *Sports Illustrated*. Associated Press. Archived from [the original](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2003/basketball/nba/12/26/kobe.interview.ap/index.html?cnn-yes) on September 6, 2004. Retrieved February 25, 2007.
411. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-420)**
Moore, David Leon (February 12, 2004). ["Shaq, Kobe still main keys to Lakers' fortunes"](https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/2004-02-12-shaq-kobe_x.htm). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. Retrieved February 25, 2007.
412. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-421)**
Draper, Kevin (January 27, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant and the Sexual Assault Case That Was Dropped but Not Forgotten"](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/27/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-rape-case.html). *The New York Times*. [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0362-4331](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0362-4331). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200128020025/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/27/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-rape-case.html) from the original on January 28, 2020. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
413. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-422)**
Wise, Mike; Markels, Alex (July 18, 2003). ["Kobe Bryant Charged With Felony Sexual Assault"](https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/18/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-charged-with-felony-sexual-assault.html). *The New York Times*. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
414. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-423)**
["Fans Shunning Kobe Bryant's Jersey – Celebrity Gossip \| Entertainment News"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100523093402/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,143646,00.html). Fox News. January 7, 2005. Archived from [the original](http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,143646,00.html) on May 23, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
415. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-sfgate_dismissal_424-0)**
Reid, T.R. (September 2, 2004). ["Bryant rape case ends in dismissal"](https://web.archive.org/web/20040929004753/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/09/02/MNG6E8IB861.DTL). *[San Francisco Chronicle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_Chronicle "San Francisco Chronicle")*. Archived from [the original](http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/09/02/MNG6E8IB861.DTL) on September 29, 2004. Retrieved October 16, 2007.
416. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-425)**
Johnson, Kirk (September 2, 2004). ["Prosecutors Drop Kobe Bryant Rape Case"](https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/02/national/02kobe.html). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20050422020542/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/02/national/02kobe.html) from the original on April 22, 2005. Retrieved July 2, 2011.
417. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-426)**
["Suit Settlement Ends Bryant Saga"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120126085517/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/7019659/ns/bryant_sexual_assault_lawsuit/). Associated Press via[NBC Sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBC_Sports "NBC Sports"). March 3, 2005. Archived from [the original](http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/7019659/ns/bryant_sexual_assault_lawsuit//) on January 26, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
418. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-427)**
Jensen, Mike (June 16, 2000). ["Article: Basketball Star Leaps into Global Ventures"](http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-7226901_ITM). AccessMyLibrary. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
419. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-428)**
["Information and results for 'Adidas, Basketball Star Kobe Bryant Part Ways.'"](http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-8828547_ITM). AccessMyLibrary. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
420. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-429)**
["Adidas Airs Out New Kobe Bryant Shoe, Ad Campaign"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100306202348/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/article/35398). Sportsbusinessdaily.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/article/35398) on March 6, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
421. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-430)**
Badenhausen, Kurt (March 9, 2004). ["Kobe Bryant's Sponsorship Will Rebound"](https://www.forbes.com/2004/09/03/cz_kb_0903kobe.html). *Forbes*. Retrieved December 6, 2008.
422. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-431)**
Johnson, Greg (June 22, 2008). ["Bryant will lose out again to Big Three"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jun-22-sp-kobe22-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
423. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-432)**
["Kobe Bryant's Endorsement Deals"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101203153519/http://advertising.about.com/od/kobebryant/a/bryantsendorse.htm). Advertising.about.com. April 15, 2010. Archived from [the original](http://advertising.about.com/od/kobebryant/a/bryantsendorse.htm) on December 3, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
424. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Nike_433-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Nike_433-1)
["Kobe Bryant resumes endorsement career"](https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-07-10-kobe-bryant_x.htm). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. July 10, 2005. Retrieved July 2, 2011.
425. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-434)**
Salazar-Moreno, Quibian (May 12, 2008). ["Endorsements Coming Back to Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130727100859/http://www.bvonsports.com/2008/05/12/endorsements-coming-back-to-kobe-bryant/). Blackvoices. Archived from [the original](http://www.bvonsports.com/2008/05/12/endorsements-coming-back-to-kobe-bryant/) on July 27, 2013. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
426. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-COD_435-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-COD_435-1)
Devine, Dan (November 5, 2010). ["Kobe Bryant shoots 'em up in new 'Call of Duty' ad"](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Kobe-Bryant-shoots-em-up-in-new-Call-of-Duty-?urn=nba-282854). *[Sports.Yahoo.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahoo!_Sports "Yahoo! Sports")*. Retrieved July 2, 2011.
427. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-436)**
["No, Kobe Bryant Did Not Jump Over a Car"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110724180926/http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/daily-news/080415-120429/). *[U.S. News & World Report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._News_%26_World_Report "U.S. News & World Report")*. rankingsandreviews.com. April 15, 2008. Archived from [the original](http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/daily-news/080415-120429/) on July 24, 2011.
428. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-437)**
["Nike launches Nike Zoom Kobe V with Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101218220052/http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/2711325/). TradingMarkets.com. December 9, 2009. Archived from [the original](http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/2711325/) on December 18, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
429. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-438)**
["Kobe Bryant Wearing Nubeo Black Mamba MVP Watch "UpscaleHype"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100623110051/http://www.upscalehype.com/2009/10/kobe-bryant-wearing-nubeo-black-mamba-mvp-watch/). Upscalehype.com. October 19, 2009. Archived from [the original](http://www.upscalehype.com/2009/10/kobe-bryant-wearing-nubeo-black-mamba-mvp-watch/) on June 23, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
430. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-439)**
["Kobe Bryant ESPN The Magazine Fan Issue"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090531085241/http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/fanissue). *ESPN The Magazine*. Archived from [the original](http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/fanIssue) on May 31, 2009. Retrieved May 15, 2009.
431. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-440)**
["Top 10 endorsement superstars"](https://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/fortune/0711/gallery.endorsements.fortune/6.html). CNN. December 31, 2008. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
432. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-441)** Kritchever, Patrick. [The Forbes Celebrity 100](https://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/53/celeb-100-10_Kobe-Bryant_OKPF.html), *[Forbes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes "Forbes")*, June 28, 2010, Retrieved July 13, 2010.
433. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-442)**
Rovell, Darren (December 13, 2010). ["Kobe Bryant To Endorse Turkish Airlines"](https://www.cnbc.com/2010/12/13/kobe-bryant-to-endorse-turkish-airlines.html). *[CNBC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNBC "CNBC")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121015015604/https://www.cnbc.com/id/40641746/Kobe_Bryant_To_Endorse_Turkish_Airlines) from the original on October 15, 2012. Retrieved February 23, 2011. "It's a two-year deal that will involve Bryant starring in a promotional film that will be aired on international television channels and in movie theatres in more than 80 countries next year."
434. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-443)**
Li, Shan (December 16, 2010). ["Kobe Bryant's Turkish Airlines deal outrages Armenian Americans"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-dec-16-la-me-kobe-bryant-armenian-20101216-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved December 8, 2011.
435. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-444)**
["The first Kobe Bryant Turkish Airlines commercial has landed"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110303071204/http://offthebench.nbcsports.com/2011/02/28/the-first-kobe-bryant-turkish-airlines-commercial-has-landed/). *NBC Sports*. February 28, 2011. Archived from [the original](http://offthebench.nbcsports.com/2011/02/28/the-first-kobe-bryant-turkish-airlines-commercial-has-landed/) on March 3, 2011. Retrieved February 23, 2011.
436. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-445)**
["Kobe vs Messi: Legends on Board – Turkish Airlines"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121206212738/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruav0KvQOOg). Turkish Airlines. December 6, 2012. Archived from [the original](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruav0KvQOOg) on December 6, 2012. Retrieved December 6, 2012.
437. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-446)**
["LeBron James announces Cavaliers return"](https://www.bbc.com/sport/basketball/28272054). *BBC Sport*. July 12, 2014. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
438. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-447)**
["Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside for Nintendo 64"](http://www.mobygames.com/game/kobe-bryant-in-nba-courtside). *MobyGames*. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
439. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-448)**
["NBA Courtside 2 Featuring Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100726183851/http://archives.cnn.com/1999/TECH/computing/12/08/courtside2/index.html). CNN. Archived from [the original](http://archives.cnn.com/1999/TECH/computing/12/08/courtside2/index.html) on July 26, 2010. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
440. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-449)**
["NBA Courtside 2002 (cube) reviews at"](https://web.archive.org/web/20091101083510/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/cube/nbacourtside2002). Metacritic.com. January 14, 2002. Archived from [the original](https://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/cube/nbacourtside2002#critics) on November 1, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
441. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-450)**
["NBA 3 on 3 Featuring Kobe Bryant for GBC"](https://web.archive.org/web/20050219210429/http://www.gamespot.com/gbc/sports/nba3on3featuringkb/index.html). Gamespot.Com. December 7, 1999. Archived from [the original](http://www.gamespot.com/gbc/sports/nba3on3featuringkb/index.html) on February 19, 2005. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
442. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-451)**
Surette, Tim (August 21, 2006). ["Kobe covers Sony's NBA 07"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130724110932/http://www.gamespot.com/news/kobe-covers-sonys-nba-07-6156109). *GameSpot*. Archived from [the original](http://www.gamespot.com/news/kobe-covers-sonys-nba-07-6156109) on July 24, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
443. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-452)**
["Sony Debuts SIX Cover Athletes for NBA 09: The Inside"](https://web.archive.org/web/20081117120223/http://www.dailygame.net/news/archives/008110.php). DailyGame. August 18, 2008. Archived from the original on November 17, 2008.
444. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-2K1017_453-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-2K1017_453-1)
S. Good, Owen (April 13, 2016). ["NBA 2K17 honors Kobe Bryant with 'Legend Edition' this fall"](https://www.polygon.com/2016/4/13/11420642/kobe-bryant-nba-2k17-cover-legend-edition-ps4-xbox-one). Polygon. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
445. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-454)**
Gay, Carlan (May 16, 2019). ["FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019: Dirk Nowitzki named as third global ambassador joining Kobe Bryant and Yao Ming"](https://in.nba.com/news/fiba-basketball-world-cup-2019-dirk-nowitzki-named-as-third-global-ambassador-joining-kobe-bryant-and-yao-ming/114s1jn4cbtm91w5f2ufq8zg6b). *NBA.com*. Retrieved May 24, 2019.
446. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-455)**
["Brian McKnight chart history"](https://www.billboard.com/artist/brian-mcknight/chart-history/hsi/). *billboard.com*. May 9, 2025.
447. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-456)**
Platon, Adelle (April 13, 2016). ["Revisiting Kobe Bryant's (Super Brief) Rap Career, Including That Time He Remixed Destiny's Child"](https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kobe-bryant-rap-career-7333081/). *Billboard*. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
448. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-457)**
["CRI.com: Kobe Bryant Works with Jay Chou in New Song"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110226193235/http://english.cri.cn/6666/2011/02/23/1261s622251.htm). *CRI.cn*. February 23, 2011. Archived from [the original](http://english.cri.cn/6666/2011/02/23/1261s622251.htm) on February 26, 2011. Retrieved June 16, 2011.
449. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-458)**
["Jay Chou releases MV with Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120324154348/http://www.popasia.net/jay-chou-releases-mv-with-kobe-bryant/). PopAsia. Archived from [the original](http://www.popasia.net/jay-chou-releases-mv-with-kobe-bryant/) on March 24, 2012. Retrieved June 16, 2011.
450. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-459)**
Gilroy, Daniel (February 23, 2011). ["ChinaSmack: Sprite China – Kobe Bryant and Jay Chou music video " 天地一鬥 " ("Tian Di Yi Dou") with Jay Chou feat. Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110423150042/http://advertising.chinasmack.com/2011/sprite-china-kobe-bryant-jay-chou-music-video.html). Advertising.chinasmack.com. Archived from [the original](http://advertising.chinasmack.com/2011/sprite-china-kobe-bryant-jay-chou-music-video.html) on April 23, 2011. Retrieved June 16, 2011.
451. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-460)**
P, Anthony (June 5, 2009). ["Lil Wayne Releases New Song Titled 'Kobe Bryant'"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130217012447/http://www.totalprosports.com/2009/06/04/lil-wayne-releases-new-song-titled-kobe-bryant/). TotalProSports.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.totalprosports.com/2009/06/04/lil-wayne-releases-new-song-titled-kobe-bryant/) on February 17, 2013. Retrieved June 23, 2012. "Just in time for the championship matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic, Lil' Wayne has released a song titled "Kobe Bryant.""
452. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-461)**
["Kobe Bryant On'em- Sho Baraka"](http://www.lecrae.net/kobe-bryant-onem-sho-baraka-photo-clip-montage-lyrics-included). [Lecrae](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lecrae "Lecrae"). July 16, 2010. Retrieved June 23, 2012.
453. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-462)**
Fu, Eddie (January 30, 2020). ["Chief Keef's "Kobe" Saw A 13,000 Percent Increase In Genius Pageviews After Kobe Bryant's Death"](https://genius.com/a/chief-keef-s-kobe-saw-a-13-000-percent-increase-in-genius-pageviews-after-kobe-bryant-s-death). *Genius*. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
454. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-463)**
Zaru, Deena (January 28, 2020). ["Hip-hop mourns Kobe Bryant — an icon in rap lyrics for decades"](https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/hip-hop-mourns-kobe-bryant-icon-rap-lyrics/story?id=68560786). *ABC News*. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
455. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-464)**
Martins, Chris (November 12, 2012). ["Chief Keef Thinks He's 'Kobe' in New Video"](https://www.spin.com/2012/11/chief-keef-kobe-video-swish/). *Spin*. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
456. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-465)**
["Chief Keef – Finally Rich (2012, Best Buy Deluxe Edition, CD)"](https://www.discogs.com/Chief-Keef-Finally-Rich/release/4229888). *Discogs.com*. December 18, 2012. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
457. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-466)**
Price, Joe (September 11, 2020). ["Damian Lillard Shares Kobe Bryant Tribute Track Featuring Snoop Dogg"](https://www.complex.com/sports/a/backwoodsaltar/damian-lillard-kobe-bryant-tribute-track-snoop-dogg). *Complex*. Retrieved August 24, 2023.
458. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-467)**
Heller, Corinne (January 31, 2020). ["Brandy Mourns Death of Kobe Bryant, Her Prom Date"](https://www.eonline.com/news/1118264/brandy-mourns-death-of-kobe-bryant-her-prom-date). *E! Online*. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
459. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-468)**
Fromal, Adam (October 17, 2013). ["Kobe Bryant Declined Jesus Shuttlesworth Role Before It Was Given to Ray Allen"](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1814813-kobe-bryant-declined-jesus-shuttlesworth-role-before-it-was-given-to-ray-allen). *Bleacher Report*. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
460. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-469)**
Breznican, Anthony (January 26, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant Was Building an Entertainment Empire"](https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/01/kobe-bryant-oscar-hollywood-dear-basketball). *Vanity Fair*. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
461. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-470)**
Rottenberg, Josh (June 21, 2018). ["Kobe Bryant is denied membership into the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences"](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-kobe-bryant-academy-membership-denied-20180620-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
462. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-471)**
FitzPatrick, Hayley (February 9, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant honored at 2020 Oscars"](https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/kobe-bryant-honored-2020-oscars-68777844). *Good Morning America*. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
463. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-variety_472-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-variety_472-1)
Littleton, Cynthia (January 28, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant's Death Cuts Short a Promising Second Act in Entertainment"](https://variety.com/2020/film/features/kobe-bryant-hollywood-entertainment-granity-studios-dear-basketball-1203483095/). *Variety*. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
464. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-473)**
Wit, Alex Dudok de (February 18, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant Was Planning To Launch An Animation Studio; Sergio Pablos And Bruce Smith Involved"](https://www.cartoonbrew.com/studios/kobe-bryant-was-planning-to-launch-an-animation-studio-sergio-pablos-and-bruce-smith-involved-186423.html). *Cartoon Brew*.
465. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-474)**
["Jazz's Mitchell taking analysis of Kobe to heart"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23386451/donovan-mitchell-utah-jazz-taking-analysis-kobe-bryant-heart). *ESPN.com*. May 2, 2018. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
466. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-475)**
["Kobe Bryant explains his 'Detail' show on ESPN"](https://247sports.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/Article/Kobe-Bryant-explains-in-depth-his-Detail-show-on-ESPN-119060353/). *247Sports.com*. June 14, 2018. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
467. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-476)**
Bryant, Kobe \[@Kobebryant\] (March 13, 2019). ["Catch me on a NEW episode of \#Ridiculousness tonight at 8/7c on @mtv! You don't want to miss it!"](https://twitter.com/Kobebryant/status/1105934950967074816) ([Tweet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tweet_\(social_media\) "Tweet (social media)")) – via [Twitter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twitter "Twitter").
468. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-tv_477-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-tv_477-1)
Simon, Jordan (February 4, 2020). ["Remember When Kobe Bryant Was On 'Moesha' And 'Sister, Sister'?"](https://blavity.com/entertainment/remember-when-kobe-bryant-was-on-moesha-and-sister-sister). *Blavity News & Politics*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
469. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-478)**
["What About the Fans – Arli\$ (Season 1, Episode 5) - Apple TV (CA)"](https://tv.apple.com/ca/episode/what-about-the-fans/umc.cmc.3qeifq2prz32l4opt4x5u4pko?showId=umc.cmc.6yzacdn2cexpkujhuodne2tua). *Apple TV*. September 4, 1996. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
470. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Guglielmi_479-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Guglielmi_479-1)
Guglielmi, Jodi (January 27, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant: Looking Back at the Late L.A. Lakers Legend's Most Memorable TV Appearances"](https://people.com/tv/kobe-bryant-most-memorable-television-appearances/). *People.com*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
471. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-480)**
Augustine, Bernie (April 13, 2016). ["That time Kobe Bryant was a guest star on a very special episode of NBC's 'Hang Time'"](https://www.nydailynews.com/2016/04/13/that-time-kobe-bryant-was-a-guest-star-on-a-very-special-episode-of-nbcs-hang-time/). *New York Daily News*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
472. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-481)**
["Remember When: Kobe Bryant Attended a Philadelphia Area Prom with Brandy?"](https://wpst.com/kobe-bryant-once-said-philly-school-made-him-who-he-was/). *94\.5 PST*. January 27, 2020. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
473. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-482)**
Elchlepp, Kimberly (January 29, 2020). ["Honoring a Legend: ESPN Films and Spike Lee's Kobe Doin' Work to Air on ESPN, Thursday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. ET, on ESPN"](https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2020/01/honoring-a-legend-espn-films-and-spike-lees-kobe-doin-work-to-re-air-on-espn-thursday-jan-30-at-7-p-m-et-on-espn/). *ESPN Press Room U.S*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
474. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-483)**
Daley, Kaitee. ["Kobe Bryant to appear on ABC's "Modern Family""](https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/index/_/id/5198397). *ESPN.com*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
475. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-484)**
Herrera, Joseph Carlo (February 26, 2011). ["Nike Basketball's Kobe Bryant: 'The Black Mamba' Movie Recap"](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/620757-kobe-bryant-is-the-black-mamba-movie-recap). *Bleacher Report*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
476. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-485)**
["A review of the Dirk documentary"](https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2014/10/3/6902411/a-review-of-dirks-documentary-the-perfect-shot). *Mavs Moneyball*. SB Nation. October 3, 2014. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
477. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-486)**
Nemiroff, Perri (December 21, 2015). ["Daddy's Home Interview: How They Shot the Lakers Game Scene"](https://collider.com/daddys-home-interview-sean-anders-john-morris-brian-burns/). *Collider*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
478. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-487)**
Ross, Terrance F. (February 28, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant's 'Muse': A Honest Look at an NBA Legend"](https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/02/kobe-bryant-muse-a-honest-look-at-an-nba-legend/386453/). *The Atlantic*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
479. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-488)**
["Remembering Kobe Bryant and His Oscar-Winning Short Film 'Dear Basketball'"](https://aframe.oscars.org/news/post/remembering-kobe-bryant-and-his-oscar-winning-short-film-dear-basketball). *Oscars.com*. August 24, 2022. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
480. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-489)**
Langmann, Brady (January 27, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant's 'Musecage' Is the Most Unique View of the Mamba Mentality We Have Left"](https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/a30677589/kobe-bryant-post-retirement-business-musecage/). *Esquire*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
481. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-490)**
Bontemps, Tim (June 11, 2018). ["Kobe Bryant on his ESPN show 'Detail': It's 'not for simple-minded people'"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2018/06/11/kobe-bryant-on-his-espn-show-detail-its-not-for-simple-minded-people/). *Washington Post*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
482. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-491)**
Wells, Adam (May 31, 2019). ["Kobe Bryant on Motivating Metta World Peace in Quiet Storm: The Ron Artest Story"](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2838953-kobe-bryant-on-motivating-metta-world-peace-in-quiet-storm-the-ron-artest-story). *Bleacher Report*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
483. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-492)**
John, Caroline (August 4, 2023). [""Master of the Mind": Kobe Bryant's "War" Antics to Rattle Teammates Leaves Fan's Jaw Dropped"](https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-legends-basketball-news-master-of-the-mind-kobe-bryants-war-antics-to-rattle-teammates-leaves-fans-jaw-dropped). *EssentiallySports*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
484. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-493)**
Golliver, Michael (May 3, 2020). ["'The Last Dance' Episode 5 recap: Michael Jordan was Kobe Bryant's 'big brother'"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/05/03/michael-jordan-documentary-episode-five-recap/). *Washington Post*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
485. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-494)**
["Here's Everything You Need to Know About 'The Redeem Team'"](https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/redeem-team-trailer). *Netflix Tudum*. September 27, 2022. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
486. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-495)**
[""KOBE - UNA STORIA ITALIANA", IL DOCUMENTARIO SUL LEGAME TRA BRYANT E L'ITALIA ESCE IL 15 SETTEMBRE"](https://www.eurosport.it/basket/kobe-una-storia-italiana-il-documentario-sul-legame-tra-bryant-e-l-italia-esce-il-15-settembre_sto9144444/story.shtml). *eurosport.it* (in Italian). September 13, 2022. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
487. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-496)**
["Kobe Bryant's Charity Work, Events and Causes"](http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/840-kobe-bryant). looktothestars.org. Retrieved April 1, 2010.
488. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-nextconquest_497-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-nextconquest_497-1)
Paul, Alan (July 16, 2009). ["Kobe Bryant Conquers China"](https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204556804574258222289862830). *The Wall Street Journal*. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
489. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Lee2020_498-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Lee2020_498-1)
Lee, Lauren (February 21, 2020). ["Honor Kobe Bryant's legacy through the charities he supported"](https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/27/us/honoor-kobe-bryant-charity-iyw-trnd/index.html). *CNN*. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
490. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-499)**
["Statement on the Death of Basketball Icon and Museum Founding Donor Kobe Bryant"](https://nmaahc.si.edu/about/news/statement-death-basketball-icon-and-museum-founding-donor-kobe-bryant). *National Museum of African American History and Culture*. January 28, 2020. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
491. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-500)**
Hahn, Jason (January 29, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant Granted Over 200 Make-A-Wish Requests During Career: It Was the 'Highlight of My Life'"](https://people.com/sports/kobe-bryant-granted-over-200-make-a-wish-requests/). *PEOPLE.com*. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
492. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-501)**
Nicolai, Megan (January 9, 2015). ["We're excited to be your neighbors"](https://www.ocregister.com/2015/01/09/kobe-inc-gets-no-answer-on-zoning-request-but-finds-community-support-in-newport-beach/). *[The Orange County Register](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Orange_County_Register "The Orange County Register")*. sec. Local, pp. 1, 6. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150111231345/http://www.ocregister.com/articles/kobe-647571-inc-building.html) from the original on January 11, 2015.
493. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-502)**
Rovell, Darren (August 15, 2018). ["Kobe's \$6M drink investment has \$200M return"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24384862/kobe-bryant-6m-investment-sports-drink-now-worth-200m). *[ESPN.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN.com "ESPN.com")*. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
494. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-503)**
Berman, Dennis K. (August 22, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant and Jeff Stibel Unveil \$100 Million Venture Capital Fund"](https://www.wsj.com/articles/kobe-bryant-and-jeff-stibel-unveil-100-million-venture-capital-fund-1471838403). *[The Wall Street Journal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wall_Street_Journal "The Wall Street Journal")*. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
495. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-504)**
Williams, Janice (August 22, 2016). ["What Is Bryant Stibel, Venture Capitalist Fund? Kobe Unveils Investment Fund With Business Partner Jeff"](http://www.ibtimes.com/what-bryant-stibel-venture-capitalist-fund-kobe-unveils-investment-fund-business-2405314). *[International Business Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Business_Times "International Business Times")*. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
496. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-spears_05122020_505-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-spears_05122020_505-1)
Spears, Marc J. (May 12, 2020). ["Sports Academy retires 'Mamba' name out of respect to Kobe Bryant"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29165808/sports-academy-retires-mamba-name-respect-kobe-bryant). *ESPN.com*. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
497. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-506)**
Bryant, Kobe (October 24, 2018). ["Inside the Mamba Mentality"](https://www.si.com/nba/2018/10/24/kobe-bryant-photos-mamba-mentality-book-excerpt-jordan). *Sports Illustrated*. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
498. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-507)**
Ward, Ryan (October 29, 2018). ["Legendary photographer Andrew Bernstein talks collaboration with Kobe Bryant on Mamba Mentality"](https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-exclusive-legendary-photographer-andrew-bernstein-talks-collaboration-with-kobe-bryant-on-mamba-mentality/). Clutch Points. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
499. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-508)**
Savarese, Mauricio (January 27, 2020). ["Author deletes children's book co-written with Kobe Bryant"](https://apnews.com/a8142da782f41686f7b93984c8700ed1). *Associated Press*. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
500. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-509)**
Pinho, Faith E. (January 29, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant brought sports to page, podcast and film through Costa Mesa production company Granity Studios"](https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2020-01-29/kobe-bryant-granity-studios). *Los Angeles Times*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
501. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-510)**
Haring, Bruce (April 9, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant Book For Children And Young Adults Hits No. 1 On NY Times Bestseller List"](https://deadline.com/2020/04/kobe-bryant-book-for-children-young-adults-hits-no-1-on-ny-times-bestseller-list-1202904300/). *Deadline*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
502. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Winton2020_511-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Winton2020_511-1)
Winton, Richard; Woike, Dan; Kohli, Sonali; Ganguli, Tania; Poston, Ben (January 26, 2020). ["Federal investigators look for answers in Kobe Bryant helicopter crash"](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-01-26/aircraft-slams-into-hillside-explodes-in-flames-near-calabasas). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
503. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-9_on_board_512-0)**
Winton, Richard (January 26, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna among nine dead in helicopter crash in Calabasas"](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-01-26/aircraft-slams-into-hillside-explodes-in-flames-near-calabasas). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
504. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Death-CNBC_513-0)**
Newburger, Emma; Young, Jabari (January 26, 2020). ["NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna killed in LA-area helicopter crash"](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/26/kobe-bryant-killed-in-helicopter-crash-reports-say.html). *CNBC*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
505. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Alfonso2020_514-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Alfonso2020_514-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Alfonso2020_514-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Alfonso2020_514-3)
Alfonso, Fernando; Vera, Amir (January 26, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant was one of five people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California"](https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/kobe-bryant-dies-in-helicopter-crash/index.html). *CNN*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
506. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-515)**
Martin, Will (January 27, 2020). ["This map shows the exact path of Kobe Bryant's helicopter before it crashed, killing all 9 people on board"](https://www.businessinsider.com/kobe-bryant-death-map-shows-flight-path-before-fatal-crash-2020-1). *Business Insider*. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
507. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-TMZ2020_516-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-TMZ2020_516-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-TMZ2020_516-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-TMZ2020_516-3)
["Kobe Bryant & Daughter Die in Helicopter Crash, Photos from Her Last Game"](https://www.tmz.com/2020/01/26/kobe-bryant-killed-dead-helicopter-crash-in-calabasas/). *TMZ*. January 27, 2020. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
508. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-517)**
["Kobe Bryant: Pilot warned 'you're too low' seconds before helicopter crashed in fog"](https://www.skysports.com/nba/news/36226/11919276/kobe-bryant-pilot-warned-youre-too-low-seconds-before-helicopter-crashed-in-fog). *Sky Sports*. January 28, 2020. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
509. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-LATDeath_518-0)**
Winton, Richard; Woike, Dan (January 26, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant is killed in helicopter crash in Calabasas"](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-01-26/aircraft-slams-into-hillside-explodes-in-flames-near-calabasas). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
510. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-519)**
Wojnarowski, Adrian; McMenamin, Dave (January 26, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna die in helicopter crash"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/kobe-bryant-dead-helicopter-crash). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
511. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-520)**
["Autopsies show Kobe, all in crash died instantly"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29180785/kobe-bryant-helicopter-pilot-had-no-drugs-alcohol-system-autopsy-shows). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. May 15, 2020. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
512. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-521)**
["Coroner officials confirm IDs of five more people killed in crash of Kobe Bryant's helicopter"](https://www.dailynews.com/coroner-officials-confirm-ids-of-five-more-people-killed-in-crash-of-kobe-bryants-helicopter). *DailyNews.com*. January 30, 2020. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
513. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-522)**
Gaydos, Ryan (January 26, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant among those killed in California helicopter crash"](https://www.foxnews.com/sports/california-helicopter-crash-calabasas-brush-fire-fatalities-reported). *Fox News*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
514. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-523)**
Bacon, John (January 26, 2020). ["Investigation underway to determine cause of helicopter Calabasas, California, crash that killed Kobe Bryant"](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/01/26/helicopter-crash-california-kills-5/4581709002/). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
515. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-BBC51256756_524-0)**
["Kobe Bryant: Basketball legend dies in helicopter crash"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-51256756). *BBC News*. January 26, 2020. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
516. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-525)**
Dazio, Stefanie; Melley, Brian (February 9, 2021). ["Investigators report Kobe Bryant's pilot got disoriented in clouds"](https://www.nba.com/news/investigators-report-bryants-pilot-got-disoriented-in-clouds). *NBA.com*. Associated Press. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
517. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-526)**
Dionne, Zach (February 28, 2023). ["Vanessa Bryant Settles Lawsuit Against L.A. County for Almost \$29 Million"](https://www.complex.com/sports/vanessa-bryant-settles-lawsuit-la-county-29-million). *Complex.com*. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
518. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-527)**
Abrams, Jonathan (February 28, 2023). ["Vanessa Bryant Settles Helicopter Crash Photos Lawsuit for \$28.85 Million"](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/28/sports/basketball/vanessa-bryant-kobe-helicopter-crash-lawsuit.html). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
519. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Boren_528-0)**
Boren, Cindy (February 12, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were buried near their home in a private service last week"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/02/12/kobe-bryant-burial-service/). *The Washington Post*. Washington, D.C.: WP Company LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2020.
520. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-529)**
Turner, Broderick (February 7, 2020). ["Vanessa Bryant announces 'A Celebration of Life' for Kobe and Gianna"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2020-02-07/vanessa-bryant-announces-a-celebration-of-life-for-kobe-and-gian). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
521. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-530)**
Bieler, Desmond (February 7, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant public memorial service set for Feb. 24 at Staples Center"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/02/07/kobe-bryant-memorial-service-staples-center/). *[Washington Post](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Post "Washington Post")*. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
522. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-531)**
Almasy, Steve; Melas, Chloe (February 7, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant memorial service will be held February 24 at Staples Center"](https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/06/us/kobe-bryant-memorial-service/index.html). CNN. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
523. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-532)**
["NBA reschedules postponed Lakers, Clippers game for April 9 at Staples Center"](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-reschedules-postponed-lakers-clippers-game-for-april-9-at-staples-center/). *CBS Sports*. February 21, 2020. Retrieved December 6, 2024.
524. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-533)**
Youngmisuk, Ohm (January 28, 2020). ["NBA postpones Clippers-Lakers game after Kobe Bryant's death"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28577888/nba-postpones-clippers-lakers-game-kobe-bryant-death). *[ESPN.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN.com "ESPN.com")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200129004716/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28577888/nba-postpones-clippers-lakers-game-kobe-bryant-death) from the original on January 29, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
525. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-534)**
["Kobe Bryant Memorial:Lakers Nation Sinks in an Emotional Arena"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200219084420/https://mirrorherald.com/kobe-bryant-memorial-lakers-nation-sinks-in-an-emotional-arena/). *Mirror Herald*. Archived from [the original](https://mirrorherald.com/kobe-bryant-memorial-lakers-nation-sinks-in-an-emotional-arena/) on February 19, 2020. Retrieved February 1, 2020.
526. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-535)**
["Kobe Bryant Tribute Game 2nd Most Watched in ESPN NBA History"](https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/kobe-bryant-tribute-game-2nd-most-watched-in-espn-nba-history/2303341/). *NBCLosAngeles.com*. Associated Press. February 3, 2020. Retrieved April 24, 2020.
527. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-536)**
Lewis, Jon (February 3, 2020). ["Large audience for Lakers' first game since Kobe tragedy"](https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2020/02/lakers-blazers-ratings-viewership-espn/#:~:text=Friday%27s%20Blazers-Lakers%20NBA%20regular,\(dating%20back%20to%202002\).). *Sports Media Watch*. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
528. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-537)**
Blackburn, Pete (January 26, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant death: NBA teams honor Lakers legend with 24-second, 8-second violations to start games"](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kobe-bryant-death-nba-teams-honor-lakers-legend-with-24-second-8-second-violations-to-start-games/). *CBSSports.com*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
529. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-538)**
Bontemps, Tim (February 16, 2020). ["NBA All-Star Game MVP award named in honor of Kobe Bryant"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28710867/nba-all-star-game-mvp-award-named-honor-kobe-bryant). *ESPN.com*. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
530. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-540)**
Whitten, Sarah (January 27, 2020). ["'Heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built': Lakers legend remembered at Grammys"](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/26/grammys-2020-kobe-bryant-remembered-at-grammy-performers.html). CNBC. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
531. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-541)**
Vanderhoof, Erin (January 26, 2020). ["Grammys 2020: Lil Nas X, DJ Khaled, the Jonas Brothers, and More Pay Tribute to Kobe Bryant"](https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/01/grammy-awards-tribute-to-kobe-bryant). *Vanity Fair*. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
532. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-542)**
["Grammys 2020: Billie Eilish's triumph overshadowed but well-deserved"](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jan/27/2020-grammys-billie-eilish-recording-academy). *The Guardian*. January 27, 2020. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
533. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-543)**
["Kobe Bryant remembered at Oscars ceremony"](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/feb/10/kobe-bryant-remembered-at-oscars-ceremony). *The Guardian*. February 10, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
534. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-544)**
Lavin, Will (August 31, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant fans upset he wasn't included in 2020 MTV VMAs 'in memoriam' segment"](https://www.nme.com/news/music/kobe-bryant-fans-upset-he-wasnt-included-in-2020-mtv-vmas-in-memoriam-segment-2741860). *NME*. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
535. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-545)**
Tailor, Leena (August 30, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant Fans Outraged at His Absence From 2020 MTV VMAs Tribute"](https://www.etonline.com/kobe-bryant-fans-outraged-at-his-absence-from-2020-mtv-vmas-in-memoriam-segment-152245). *Entertainment Tonight*. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
536. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-546)**
Nugent, Annabel (September 21, 2020). ["Fans shocked as Kobe Bryant and Nick Cordero excluded from Emmys 'In Memoriam' tribute"](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/emmys-2020-kobe-bryant-memoriam-nick-cordero-kelly-preston-chi-chi-de-vayne-b512177.html). *The Independent*. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
537. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-547)**
Shewfelt, Raechal (September 21, 2020). ["Chadwick Boseman and Naya Rivera among those honoured during Emmys 'in memoriam' segment"](https://news.yahoo.com/emmys-in-memoriam-chadwick-boseman-naya-rivera-104619027.html). *Yahoo! News*. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
538. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-548)**
Newby, John (August 29, 2020). ["Chadwick Boseman's Passing Has Fans Mourning His and Kobe Bryant's Deaths"](https://popculture.com/sports/news/chadwick-bosemans-passing-fans-mourning-kobe-bryant/). *Pop Culture*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200831012116/https://popculture.com/sports/news/chadwick-bosemans-passing-fans-mourning-kobe-bryant/) from the original on August 31, 2020. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
539. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-549)**
["Famosos lamentam morte de Chadwick Boseman, o 'Pantera Negra', aos 42 anos"](https://www.terra.com.br/diversao/gente/purepeople/famosos-lamentam-morte-de-chadwick-boseman-o-pantera-negra-aos-42-anos,b3927c057d6e0eb0a8735580ed04b3dfw9r2kiaf.html). *Terra* (in Brazilian Portuguese). August 29, 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200831012118/https://www.terra.com.br/diversao/gente/purepeople/famosos-lamentam-morte-de-chadwick-boseman-o-pantera-negra-aos-42-anos,b3927c057d6e0eb0a8735580ed04b3dfw9r2kiaf.html) from the original on August 31, 2020. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
540. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-550)**
Mendoza Daza, Javier (August 30, 2020). ["Adiós a Chadwick Boseman, Wakanda se viste de luto"](https://www.elheraldo.co/famosos/adios-chadwick-boseman-wakanda-se-viste-de-luto-754572). *EL HERALDO* (in Spanish). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200831012122/https://www.elheraldo.co/famosos/adios-chadwick-boseman-wakanda-se-viste-de-luto-754572) from the original on August 31, 2020. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
541. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-551)**
Egedegbe, Gracious (August 31, 2020). ["Chadwick Boseman Married His Longtime Love before His Death, His Family Reveals"](https://news.amomama.com/225848-chadwick-boseman-married-his-longtime-lo.html). *Amo Mama*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200906191851/https://news.amomama.com/225848-chadwick-boseman-married-his-longtime-lo.html) from the original on September 6, 2020. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
542. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-552)**
Sung, Morgan (September 19, 2020). ["Honestly, I'm just tired"](https://mashable.com/article/honestly-im-tired-hell-zone/). *Mashable*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201120000735/https://mashable.com/article/honestly-im-tired-hell-zone/) from the original on November 20, 2020. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
543. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-553)**
["Chadwick Boseman, Naya Rivera, Alex Trebek and more celebs we lost in 2020"](https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/celebrity-deaths-2020-stars-weve-lost-182526735.html). *Yahoo*. December 15, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
544. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-554)**
Gibson, Kelsie (December 23, 2020). ["All the Celebrities We've Said Farewell to in 2020"](https://www.popsugar.co.uk/celebrity/celebrities-who-died-in-2020-47085916). *POPSUGAR Celebrity UK*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201023112104/https://www.popsugar.co.uk/celebrity/celebrities-who-died-in-2020-47085916) from the original on October 23, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
545. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-555)**
["Celebrity Deaths in 2020: Stars We've Lost"](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/celebrity-deaths-in-2020-stars-weve-lost/). *Us Weekly*. January 1, 2021. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201211031848/https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/celebrity-deaths-in-2020-stars-weve-lost/) from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
546. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-556)**
["Famosos que fallecieron en 2020 dejando al mundo de luto"](https://www.telemundo.com/entretenimiento/latinx-now-espanol/famosos/famosos-que-fallecieron-en-2020-dejando-al-mundo-entero-de-luto-tmna3851109). *TELEMUNDO* (in Spanish). December 3, 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201205193619/https://www.telemundo.com/entretenimiento/latinx-now-espanol/famosos/famosos-que-fallecieron-en-2020-dejando-al-mundo-entero-de-luto-tmna3851109) from the original on December 5, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
547. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-557)**
Spangler, Todd (December 9, 2020). ["Google Top Trending Searches 2020: Kobe Bryant, Naya Rivera, Chadwick Boseman Among Most Popular Queries"](https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/google-top-trending-2020-searches-1234849323/). *Variety*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201209120158/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/google-top-trending-2020-searches-1234849323/) from the original on December 9, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
548. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-559)**
DiRocco, Michael (January 26, 2020). ["Pro Bowl becomes tribute to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant"](https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/305565/pro-bowl-becomes-tribute-to-lakers-legend-kobe-bryant). *ESPN.com*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
549. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-560)**
Archived at [Ghostarchive](https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/4aY3CnaNY6k) and the [Wayback Machine](https://web.archive.org/web/20200128033638/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aY3CnaNY6k):
["The NFL Pays Respects to Fallen Legend Kobe Bryant"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aY3CnaNY6k). *YouTube.com*. NFL. January 26, 2020. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
550. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-561)**
Hays, Graham (April 17, 2020). ["Gianna among 3 named honorary WNBA picks"](https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/29050684/gianna-bryant-alyssa-altobelli-payton-chester-honorary-picks-wnba-draft). *ESPN.com*. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
551. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-562)**
Amatulli, Jenna (October 13, 2020). ["Snoop Dogg Honors Kobe Bryant, Lakers With Massive Arm Tattoo"](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/snoop-dogg-kobe-bryant-tribute-tattoo_n_5f85e128c5b6c4bb54706254). *Huffington Post*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230412023632/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/snoop-dogg-kobe-bryant-tribute-tattoo_n_5f85e128c5b6c4bb54706254) from the original on April 12, 2023. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
552. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-563)**
Aschburner, Steve (May 15, 2021). ["Long-delayed Hall of Fame Class of 2020 ceremony finally arrives"](https://www.nba.com/news/long-delayed-hall-of-fame-class-of-2020-ceremony-finally-on-the-cusp). *NBA.com*. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
553. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-keh_11292015_564-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-keh_11292015_564-1)
Keh, Andrew (November 29, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant Announces Retirement"](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/30/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-announces-retirement.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=1). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210308211805/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/30/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-announces-retirement.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=1) from the original on March 8, 2021.
554. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-565)**
Kar, Meena (February 15, 2010). ["Kobe Bryant Elected As The NBA Player Of The Decade"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100609142228/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sports/kobe-bryant-elected-as-the-nba-player-of-the-decade_100320608.html). Thaindian.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sports/kobe-bryant-elected-as-the-nba-player-of-the-decade_100320608.html) on June 9, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
555. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-566)**
["Sporting News' NBA Athlete of the Decade: Kobe Bryant, SG, Lakers"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100412122936/http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/article/2009-09-24/sporting-news-nba-athlete-decade-kobe-bryant-sg-lakers). *Sporting News*. Archived from [the original](http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/article/2009-09-24/sporting-news-nba-athlete-decade-kobe-bryant-sg-lakers) on April 12, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
556. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-ESPN_567-0)**
["Special Dime: Greatest shooting guards of all time"](https://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-GreatestSGs). ESPN. March 11, 2008. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
557. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-568)**
Amick, Sam (February 7, 2022). ["NBA 75: At No. 10, Kobe Bryant let his work ethic and devotion to the game define his iconic career with Lakers"](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3111712/2022/02/07/nba-75-at-no-10-kobe-bryant-let-his-work-ethic-and-devotion-to-the-game-define-his-iconic-career-with-lakers/). *The New York Times*. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
558. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-569)**
Young, Royce (December 1, 2015). ["Kevin Durant frustrated by media's handling of Kobe Bryant"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14261276/kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-discusses-idolizing-treatment-retiring-kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160201025607/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14261276/kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-discusses-idolizing-treatment-retiring-kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers) from the original on February 1, 2016.
559. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-570)**
Holmes, Baxter (January 27, 2016). ["Kobe will miss talking trash with Dirk Nowitzki"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/42641/kobe-bryant-recalls-18-seasons-of-facing-dirk-nowitzki). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160129182958/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/42641/kobe-bryant-recalls-18-seasons-of-facing-dirk-nowitzki) from the original on January 29, 2016.
560. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-571)**
Friedell, Nick (January 28, 2016). ["Rose: Kobe is the Jordan of our generation"](https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/bulls/post/_/id/22848/derrick-rose-kobe-is-the-jordan-of-our-generation). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160130085121/http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bulls/post/_/id/22848/rose-kobe-is-the-jordan-of-our-generation) from the original on January 30, 2016.
561. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-572)**
Hoffman, Benjamin (November 15, 2014). ["To the End, Kobe Bryant Is a Shooting Guard, Hot or Cold"](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/16/sports/basketball/to-the-end-kobe-bryant-is-a-shooting-guard-hot-or-cold.html?_r=0). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141121164316/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/16/sports/basketball/to-the-end-kobe-bryant-is-a-shooting-guard-hot-or-cold.html?_r=0) from the original on November 21, 2014.
562. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-573)**
Woike, Dan (November 29, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant announces plans to retire following this season"](https://www.pe.com/2015/11/29/lakers-kobe-bryant-announces-plans-to-retire-following-this-season/). *The Press-Enterprise*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151201022329/http://www.pe.com/articles/season-787798-bryant-retire.html) from the original on December 1, 2015.
563. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_11292015_574-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_11292015_574-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_11292015_574-2)
["Top stats to know: Kobe Bryant's statistical legacy"](https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/112016/top-stats-to-know-kobe-bryants-statistical-legacy). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. November 29, 2015. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151201032946/http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/112016/top-stats-to-know-kobe-bryants-statistical-legacy) from the original on December 1, 2015.
564. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-575)**
Arnovitz, Kevin (December 19, 2017). ["Kobe Bryant has numbers 8 and 24 retired by the Lakers"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/21811693/nba-kobe-bryant-gets-8-24-retired-close-warriors-lakers-matchup). *ESPN*. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
565. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-576)**
Ganguli, Tania (February 14, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant leads Hall of Fame finalists during somber day"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2020-02-14/kobe-bryant-leads-hall-of-fame-finalist-list-for-2020). *Los Angeles Times*. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
566. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-577)**
Woike, Dan (April 4, 2020). ["Lakers legend Kobe Bryant to be inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2020-04-04/lakers-legend-kobe-bryant-officially-2020-basketball-hall-of-fame-class). *Los Angeles Times*. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
567. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-578)**
["Kobe Bryant inducted posthumously into Basketball Hall of Fame"](https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210516-kobe-bryant-inducted-posthumously-into-basketball-hall-of-fame). *France24.com*. AFP. May 16, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2021.
568. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-579)**
["NBA 75th Anniversary Team announced"](https://www.nba.com/news/nba-75th-anniversary-team-announced). *[NBA.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA.com "NBA.com")*. October 21, 2021.
569. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-580)**
["NBA Honors 75th Anniversary Team With Touching Ceremony at 2022 All-Star Game"](https://www.si.com/nba/2022/02/21/nba-75th-anniversary-team-2022-all-star-game). *Sports Illustrated*.
570. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-hh_581-0)** HoopsHype.com. [NBA Players – Kobe Bryant](http://hoopshype.com/players/kobe_bryant.htm). Accessed May 8, 2007
571. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-582)**
Turner, Broderick (May 15, 2021). ["Magic Johnson: Young Kobe Bryant showed maturity during failure"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2021-05-15/kobe-bryant-hall-of-fame-magic-johnson). *Los Angeles Times*. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
572. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-LeBron_passes_Kobe_583-0)**
["LeBron James Surpasses Kobe Bryant in NBA's All-Time Scoring List"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/basketball/51254093). BBC. January 26, 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126070302/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/basketball/51254093) from the original on January 26, 2020. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
573. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-holmes_11302014_585-0)**
Holmes, Baxter (November 30, 2014). ["Kobe gets milestone on 6,000th assist"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11961944/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-becomes-first-player-nba-history-30000-points-6000-assists). ESPN. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
574. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-586)**
Holmes, Baxter (November 30, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant says he knew from onset that 2015–16 would be final season"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14257274/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-says-knew-2015-16-final-season). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151204135106/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14257274/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-says-knew-2015-16-final-season) from the original on December 4, 2015.
575. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-tor_587-0)**
["Kobe's 81-point game second only to Wilt"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170418161909/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260122013). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. January 12, 2006. Archived from [the original](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260122013) on April 18, 2017. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
576. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-martin_11292015_588-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-martin_11292015_588-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-martin_11292015_588-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-martin_11292015_588-3)
Martin, Brian (November 29, 2015). ["KOBE BY THE NUMBERS"](http://stats.nba.com/featured/kobe_by_the_numbers_2015_11_29.html). *NBA.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151203020100/http://stats.nba.com/featured/kobe_by_the_numbers_2015_11_29.html) from the original on December 3, 2015.
577. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Kobe_MVP_590-0)**
["Kobe Bryant Wins Most Valuable Player Award"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100901171948/http://www.nba.com/news/kobe_mvp_080506.html). *NBA.com*. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. May 6, 2008. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com//news/kobe_mvp_080506.html) on September 1, 2010. Retrieved May 6, 2008.
578. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-RedeemTeambySheridan_591-0)**
Sheridan, Chris (August 25, 2008). ["Redeem Team proves worthy of Dream Team comparison"](https://www.espn.com/olympics/summer08/basketball/columns/story?columnist=sheridan_chris&page=DreamRedeem-080825). ESPN. Retrieved December 6, 2008.
579. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_01212016_592-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_01212016_592-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_01212016_592-2)
Holmes, Baxter; Coon, Larry (January 21, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant top vote-getter for 18th and final All-Star Game"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14622192/top-vote-getter-kobe-bryant-gets-start-final-all-star-game). ESPN. Associated Press. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160122053006/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14622192/top-vote-getter-kobe-bryant-gets-start-final-all-star-game) from the original on January 22, 2016.
580. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-593)**
["All-Time \#NBArank: Players 11–15"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarank160205/all-nbarank-11-15). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. February 10, 2016. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160211141003/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarank160205/all-nbarank-11-15) from the original on February 11, 2016.
581. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-594)**
Trudell, Mike (May 23, 2013). ["Kobe Named All-NBA First Team ... Again"](http://blog.lakers.com/lakers/2013/05/23/kobe-named-all-nba-first-team-again/). *Lakers.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130607092459/http://blog.lakers.com/lakers/2013/05/23/kobe-named-all-nba-first-team-again/) from the original on June 7, 2013.
582. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-bryanko01_595-0)**
["Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120501221509/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html). *basketball-reference.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html) on May 1, 2012. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
583. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-596)**
Helin, Kurt (September 21, 2020). ["Anthony Davis yelled 'Kobe' after he sank game winner"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200924010422/https://sports.yahoo.com/anthony-davis-yelled-kobe-sank-120027067.html). *Yahoo! Sports*. Archived from [the original](https://sports.yahoo.com/anthony-davis-yelled-kobe-sank-120027067.html) on September 24, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
584. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-q916_597-0)**
Baer, Jack (October 7, 2020). ["Lakers switch to Kobe Bryant-designed 'Black Mamba' jerseys for potential NBA Finals finisher"](https://sports.yahoo.com/lakers-switch-kobe-bryant-black-mamba-jerseys-nba-finals-222706761.html). *Yahoo! Sports*. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
585. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-598)**
["Statue of Kobe, daughter placed at site of crash"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33154467/statue-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-placed-crash-site-2-year-anniversary-deaths). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. January 27, 2022. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
586. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-599)**
["NBA unveils reimagined Kobe Bryant Trophy for Kia All-Star Game MVP"](https://www.nba.com/news/new-nba-all-star-trophies). *NBA.com*. February 3, 2022. Retrieved February 20, 2022.
587. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-600)**
["Lakers to unveil Kobe Bryant statue in 2024"](https://www.nba.com/news/lakers-to-unveil-kobe-bryant-statue-2024). *NBA.com*. August 25, 2023. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
588. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-601)**
[Plaschke, Bill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Plaschke "Bill Plaschke") (February 9, 2024). ["Plaschke: Kobe Bryant statue a perfect portrayal of Lakers legend's inclusiveness and defiance"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2024-02-08/kobe-bryant-statue-unveiling-plaschke). *Los Angeles Times*. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
589. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-602)**
Haring, Bruce (August 2, 2024). ["Kobe And Gianna Bryant Statue Joins Pantheon Of Lakers Greats Outside Crypto.com Arena"](https://deadline.com/2024/08/kobe-gianna-bryant-statue-crypto-com-arena-1236030620/). *Deadline*. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
590. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-603)**
Nettuno, Tyler (August 2, 2024). ["See the beautiful Kobe and Gigi Bryant statue the Lakers unveiled outside their arena"](https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2024/08/02/lakers-unveil-beautiful-kobe-gigi-bryant-statue-outside-arena/74653542007/). *For The Win*. USA Today. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
591. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-604)**
McMenamin, Dave (August 2, 2024). ["Statue of Kobe with Gigi unveiled in Los Angeles"](https://www.espn.com.au/nba/story/_/id/40699837/sources-2nd-kobe-bryant-statue-unveiled-lakers-arena). *ESPN.com*. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
## Further reading
- McGrath, Ben (March 31, 2014). ["The fourth quarter : Kobe Bryant confronts a long—and possibly painful—goodbye"](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/03/31/the-fourth-quarter). The Sporting Scene. *The New Yorker*. Vol. 90, no. 6. pp. 38–49. Retrieved May 16, 2018.
## External links
**Kobe Bryant** at Wikipedia's [sister projects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Wikimedia_sister_projects "Wikipedia:Wikimedia sister projects")
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Commons-logo.svg)[Media](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "c:Kobe Bryant") from Commons
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wikinews-logo.svg)[News](https://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Special:Search/Kobe_Bryant "n:Special:Search/Kobe Bryant") from Wikinews
- [Quotations](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant "q:Kobe Bryant") from Wikiquote
- Career statistics from [NBA.com](https://stats.nba.com/player/977/) · [Basketball Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html)
- [Official website](http://kobebryant.com/) [](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25369#P856 "Edit this at Wikidata")
- [Kobe Bryant](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1101483/) at [IMDb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMDb_\(identifier\) "IMDb (identifier)")
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Kobe_Bryant "Template:Kobe Bryant") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Kobe_Bryant "Template talk:Kobe Bryant") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Kobe_Bryant "Special:EditPage/Template:Kobe Bryant")[Kobe Bryant]() | |
|---|---|
| Life and events | [Career achievements](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_career_achievements_by_Kobe_Bryant "List of career achievements by Kobe Bryant") [Shaq–Kobe feud](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaq%E2%80%93Kobe_feud "Shaq–Kobe feud") [Sexual assault case](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant_sexual_assault_case "Kobe Bryant sexual assault case") [81-point game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant%27s_81-point_game "Kobe Bryant's 81-point game") [Granity Studios](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granity_Studios "Granity Studios") [Helicopter crash and death](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Calabasas_helicopter_crash "2020 Calabasas helicopter crash") |
| Media | *[Dear Basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dear_Basketball "Dear Basketball")* *[Kobe Doin' Work](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Doin%27_Work "Kobe Doin' Work")* *[The Mamba Mentality: How I Play](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mamba_Mentality:_How_I_Play "The Mamba Mentality: How I Play")* |
| Video games | *[NBA Action '98](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Fastbreak_%2798 "NBA Fastbreak '98")* *[NBA 3 on 3 featuring Kobe Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_3_on_3_featuring_Kobe_Bryant "NBA 3 on 3 featuring Kobe Bryant")* *[Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant_in_NBA_Courtside "Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside")* *[NBA Courtside 2 Featuring Kobe Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Courtside_2_Featuring_Kobe_Bryant "NBA Courtside 2 Featuring Kobe Bryant")* *[NBA Courtside 2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Courtside_2002 "NBA Courtside 2002")* *[NBA 07](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_07 "NBA 07")* *[NBA 2K10](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_2K10 "NBA 2K10")* *[NBA 2K17](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_2K17 "NBA 2K17")* *[NBA 2K21](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_2K21 "NBA 2K21")* *[NBA 2K24](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_2K24 "NBA 2K24")* |
| Honors and legacy | [Statue of Kobe Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_Kobe_Bryant "Statue of Kobe Bryant") [Murals of Kobe Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murals_of_Kobe_Bryant "Murals of Kobe Bryant") [Statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_Kobe_and_Gianna_Bryant "Statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant") [Kobe Bryant Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant_Day "Kobe Bryant Day") [Kobe Bryant Boulevard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant_Boulevard "Kobe Bryant Boulevard") |
| Family | [Gianna Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianna_Bryant "Gianna Bryant") (daughter) [Vanessa Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanessa_Bryant "Vanessa Bryant") (wife) [Joe Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Bryant "Joe Bryant") (father) |
|  [Category](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Kobe_Bryant "Category:Kobe Bryant") | |
| Links to related articles | |
|---|---|
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Naismith_Prep_Player_of_the_Year_Award "Template:Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Naismith_Prep_Player_of_the_Year_Award "Template talk:Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Naismith_Prep_Player_of_the_Year_Award "Special:EditPage/Template:Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award")[Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naismith_Prep_Player_of_the_Year_Award "Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award") | |
| Boys | 1987: [Scott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Scott_\(basketball\) "Dennis Scott (basketball)") 1988: [Mourning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alonzo_Mourning "Alonzo Mourning") 1989: [Anderson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_Anderson_\(basketball\) "Kenny Anderson (basketball)") 1990: [Bailey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damon_Bailey "Damon Bailey") 1991: [Webber](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Webber "Chris Webber") 1992: [Kidd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Kidd "Jason Kidd") 1993: [Livingston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Livingston "Randy Livingston") 1994: [Ward](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerod_Ward "Jerod Ward") 1995: [Mercer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Mercer "Ron Mercer") 1996: [Bryant]() 1997: [Battier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shane_Battier "Shane Battier") 1998: [Harrington](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Harrington "Al Harrington") 1999: [Harvey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donnell_Harvey "Donnell Harvey") 2000: [Wallace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Wallace "Gerald Wallace") 2001: [Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dajuan_Wagner "Dajuan Wagner") 2002: [Felton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Felton "Raymond Felton") 2003: [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 2004: [Howard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwight_Howard "Dwight Howard") 2005: [Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Williams "Lou Williams") 2006: [Oden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Oden "Greg Oden") 2007: [Love](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Love "Kevin Love") 2008: [Jennings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Jennings "Brandon Jennings") 2009: [Favors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_Favors "Derrick Favors") 2010: [Sullinger](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jared_Sullinger "Jared Sullinger") 2011: [Rivers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin_Rivers "Austin Rivers") 2012: [Muhammad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shabazz_Muhammad "Shabazz Muhammad") 2013: [Wiggins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Wiggins "Andrew Wiggins") 2014: [Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliff_Alexander "Cliff Alexander") 2015: [Simmons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Simmons "Ben Simmons") 2016: [Ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonzo_Ball "Lonzo Ball") 2017: [Porter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Porter_Jr. "Michael Porter Jr.") 2018: [Barrett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RJ_Barrett "RJ Barrett") 2019: [Stewart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Stewart "Isaiah Stewart") 2020: [Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") 2021: [Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 2022: [Whitehead](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dariq_Whitehead "Dariq Whitehead") 2023: [Collier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Collier "Isaiah Collier") 2024: [Flagg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooper_Flagg "Cooper Flagg") 2025: [Peterson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darryn_Peterson "Darryn Peterson") |
| Girls | 1987: [Lorenzen](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lynne_Lorenzen&action=edit&redlink=1 "Lynne Lorenzen (page does not exist)") 1988: [Hall](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicki_Hall "Vicki Hall") 1989: [Harrison](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Harrison "Lisa Harrison") 1990: [Leslie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Leslie "Lisa Leslie") 1991: [Marciniak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_M._Marciniak "Michelle M. Marciniak") 1992: [Y. Watkins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yolanda_Watkins "Yolanda Watkins") 1993: [Frett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La%27Keshia_Frett "La'Keshia Frett") 1994: [Gooden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiffany_Gooden "Tiffany Gooden") 1995: [Holdsclaw](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamique_Holdsclaw "Chamique Holdsclaw") 1996: [Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiesha_Brown "Kiesha Brown") 1997: [Catchings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamika_Catchings "Tamika Catchings") 1998: [Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamika_Williams-Jeter "Tamika Williams-Jeter") 1999: [Lawson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kara_Lawson "Kara Lawson") 2000: [Taurasi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana_Taurasi "Diana Taurasi") 2001: [Ely](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shyra_Ely "Shyra Ely") 2002: [Strother](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Strother "Ann Strother") 2003: [Parker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candace_Parker "Candace Parker") 2004: [Parker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candace_Parker "Candace Parker") 2005: [Paris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courtney_Paris "Courtney Paris") 2006: [Moore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_Moore "Maya Moore") 2007: [Moore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_Moore "Maya Moore") 2008: [Delle Donne](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elena_Delle_Donne "Elena Delle Donne") 2009: [Diggins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skylar_Diggins "Skylar Diggins") 2010: [Ogwumike](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiney_Ogwumike "Chiney Ogwumike") 2011: [Mosqueda-Lewis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaleena_Mosqueda-Lewis "Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis") 2012: [Stewart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breanna_Stewart "Breanna Stewart") 2013: [DeShields](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_DeShields "Diamond DeShields") 2014: [Wilson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A%27ja_Wilson "A'ja Wilson") 2015: [Samuelson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katie_Lou_Samuelson "Katie Lou Samuelson") 2016: [Young](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_Young "Jackie Young") 2017: [Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megan_Walker "Megan Walker") 2018: [Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christyn_Williams "Christyn Williams") 2019: [Jones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haley_Jones "Haley Jones") 2020: [Bueckers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paige_Bueckers "Paige Bueckers") 2021: [Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raven_Johnson "Raven Johnson") 2022: [Rice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiki_Rice "Kiki Rice") 2023: [J. Watkins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JuJu_Watkins "JuJu Watkins") 2024: [Strong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Strong "Sarah Strong") 2025: [Chavez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaliyah_Chavez "Aaliyah Chavez") |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:USA_Today_National_Basketball_Player_of_the_Year "Template:USA Today National Basketball Player of the Year") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:USA_Today_National_Basketball_Player_of_the_Year "Template talk:USA Today National Basketball Player of the Year") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:USA_Today_National_Basketball_Player_of_the_Year "Special:EditPage/Template:USA Today National Basketball Player of the Year")[*USA Today* High School Boys' Basketball Player of the Year Award](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today_All-USA_high_school_basketball_team#Boys.27_basketball_players_and_coaches_of_the_year "USA Today All-USA high school basketball team") | |
| 1983: [Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggie_Williams_\(basketball,_born_1964\) "Reggie Williams (basketball, born 1964)") 1984: [Brooks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delray_Brooks "Delray Brooks") 1985: [Ferry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Ferry "Danny Ferry") 1986: [Reid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._R._Reid "J. R. Reid") 1987: [Liberty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Liberty "Marcus Liberty") 1988: [Mourning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alonzo_Mourning "Alonzo Mourning") 1989: [Anderson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_Anderson_\(basketball\) "Kenny Anderson (basketball)") 1990: [Bailey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damon_Bailey "Damon Bailey") 1991: [Webber](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Webber "Chris Webber") 1992: [Kidd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Kidd "Jason Kidd") 1993: [Wallace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rasheed_Wallace "Rasheed Wallace") 1994: [Lopez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felipe_L%C3%B3pez_\(basketball\) "Felipe López (basketball)") 1995: [Garnett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Garnett "Kevin Garnett") 1996: [Bryant]() 1997: [McGrady](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracy_McGrady "Tracy McGrady") 1998: [Harrington](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Harrington "Al Harrington") 1999: [Harvey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donnell_Harvey "Donnell Harvey") 2000: [Wallace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Wallace "Gerald Wallace") 2001: [Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dajuan_Wagner "Dajuan Wagner") 2002: [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 2003: [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 2004: [Howard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwight_Howard "Dwight Howard") 2005: [Oden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Oden "Greg Oden") 2006: [Oden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Oden "Greg Oden") 2007: [Love](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Love "Kevin Love") 2008: [Samuels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samardo_Samuels "Samardo Samuels") 2009: [Favors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_Favors "Derrick Favors") 2010: [Barnes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrison_Barnes "Harrison Barnes") 2011: [Rivers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin_Rivers "Austin Rivers") 2012: [Noel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerlens_Noel "Nerlens Noel") 2013: [Wiggins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Wiggins "Andrew Wiggins") 2014: [Okafor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jahlil_Okafor "Jahlil Okafor") 2015: [Simmons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Simmons "Ben Simmons") 2016: [Ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonzo_Ball "Lonzo Ball") 2017: [Porter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Porter_Jr. "Michael Porter Jr.") 2018: [Barrett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RJ_Barrett "RJ Barrett") 2019: [Cooper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharife_Cooper "Sharife Cooper") | |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Gatorade_National_Basketball_Player_of_the_Year "Template:Gatorade National Basketball Player of the Year") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Gatorade_National_Basketball_Player_of_the_Year "Template talk:Gatorade National Basketball Player of the Year") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Gatorade_National_Basketball_Player_of_the_Year "Special:EditPage/Template:Gatorade National Basketball Player of the Year")[Gatorade High School Basketball Player of the Year Award](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gatorade_Player_of_the_Year_awards "Gatorade Player of the Year awards") | |
| Boys | 1986: [J. R. Reid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._R._Reid "J. R. Reid") 1987: [LaBradford Smith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaBradford_Smith "LaBradford Smith") 1988: [Alonzo Mourning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alonzo_Mourning "Alonzo Mourning") 1989: [Kenny Anderson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_Anderson_\(basketball\) "Kenny Anderson (basketball)") 1990: [Damon Bailey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damon_Bailey "Damon Bailey") 1991: [Chris Webber](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Webber "Chris Webber") 1992: [Corliss Williamson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corliss_Williamson "Corliss Williamson") 1993: [Randy Livingston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Livingston "Randy Livingston") 1994: [Felipe Lopez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felipe_L%C3%B3pez_\(basketball\) "Felipe López (basketball)") 1995: [Stephon Marbury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephon_Marbury "Stephon Marbury") 1996: [Kobe Bryant]() 1997: [Baron Davis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baron_Davis "Baron Davis") 1998: [Al Harrington](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Harrington "Al Harrington") 1999: [LaVell Blanchard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaVell_Blanchard "LaVell Blanchard") 2000: [Jared Jeffries](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jared_Jeffries "Jared Jeffries") 2001: [Kelvin Torbert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelvin_Torbert "Kelvin Torbert") 2002: [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 2003: [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 2004: [Dwight Howard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwight_Howard "Dwight Howard") 2005: [Greg Oden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Oden "Greg Oden") 2006: [Greg Oden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Oden "Greg Oden") 2007: [Kevin Love](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Love "Kevin Love") 2008: [Jrue Holiday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jrue_Holiday "Jrue Holiday") 2009: [Brandon Knight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Knight_\(basketball\) "Brandon Knight (basketball)") 2010: [Brandon Knight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Knight_\(basketball\) "Brandon Knight (basketball)") 2011: [Bradley Beal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradley_Beal "Bradley Beal") 2012: [Jabari Parker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jabari_Parker "Jabari Parker") 2013: [Andrew Wiggins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Wiggins "Andrew Wiggins") 2014: [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 2015: [Ben Simmons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Simmons "Ben Simmons") 2016: [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") 2017: [Michael Porter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Porter_Jr. "Michael Porter Jr.") 2018: [RJ Barrett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RJ_Barrett "RJ Barrett") 2019: [James Wiseman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Wiseman "James Wiseman") 2020: [Emoni Bates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emoni_Bates "Emoni Bates") 2021: [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 2022: [Gradey Dick](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gradey_Dick "Gradey Dick") 2023: [Cameron Boozer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cameron_Boozer "Cameron Boozer") 2024: [Cooper Flagg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooper_Flagg "Cooper Flagg") 2025: [Cameron Boozer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cameron_Boozer "Cameron Boozer") |
| Girls | 1986: [Susan Anderson](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Susan_Anderson_\(basketball\)&action=edit&redlink=1 "Susan Anderson (basketball) (page does not exist)") 1987: [Kris Durham](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kris_Durham_\(basketball\)&action=edit&redlink=1 "Kris Durham (basketball) (page does not exist)") 1988: [Vicki Hall](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicki_Hall "Vicki Hall") 1989: [Lisa Harrison](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Harrison "Lisa Harrison") 1990: [Lisa Leslie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Leslie "Lisa Leslie") 1991: [Michelle M. Marciniak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_M._Marciniak "Michelle M. Marciniak") 1992: [Katie Smith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katie_Smith "Katie Smith") 1993: [La'Keshia Frett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La%27Keshia_Frett "La'Keshia Frett") 1994: [Monick Foote](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Monick_Foote&action=edit&redlink=1 "Monick Foote (page does not exist)") 1995: [Stephanie White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephanie_White "Stephanie White") 1996: [Jaime Walz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaime_Walz "Jaime Walz") 1997: [Nikki Teasley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikki_Teasley "Nikki Teasley") 1998: [Tamika Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamika_Williams-Jeter "Tamika Williams-Jeter") 1999: [Nicole Kaczmarski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicole_Kaczmarski "Nicole Kaczmarski") 2000: [Shereka Wright](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shereka_Wright "Shereka Wright") 2001: [Shyra Ely](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shyra_Ely "Shyra Ely") 2002: [Ann Strother](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Strother "Ann Strother") 2003: [Candace Parker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candace_Parker "Candace Parker") 2004: [Candace Parker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candace_Parker "Candace Parker") 2005: [Abby Waner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abby_Waner "Abby Waner") 2006: [Tina Charles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tina_Charles_\(basketball\) "Tina Charles (basketball)") 2007: [Maya Moore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_Moore "Maya Moore") 2008: [Nneka Ogwumike](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nneka_Ogwumike "Nneka Ogwumike") 2009: [Skylar Diggins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skylar_Diggins "Skylar Diggins") 2010: [Chiney Ogwumike](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiney_Ogwumike "Chiney Ogwumike") 2011: [Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaleena_Mosqueda-Lewis "Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis") 2012: [Breanna Stewart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breanna_Stewart "Breanna Stewart") 2013: [Mercedes Russell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes_Russell "Mercedes Russell") 2014: [Brianna Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brianna_Turner "Brianna Turner") 2015: [Katie Lou Samuelson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katie_Lou_Samuelson "Katie Lou Samuelson") 2016: [Erin Boley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erin_Boley "Erin Boley") 2017: [Megan Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megan_Walker "Megan Walker") 2018: [Christyn Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christyn_Williams "Christyn Williams") 2019: [Azzi Fudd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azzi_Fudd "Azzi Fudd") 2020: [Paige Bueckers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paige_Bueckers "Paige Bueckers") 2021: [Saniya Rivers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saniya_Rivers "Saniya Rivers") 2022: [Kiki Rice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiki_Rice "Kiki Rice") 2023: [JuJu Watkins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JuJu_Watkins "JuJu Watkins") 2024: [Joyce Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joyce_Edwards "Joyce Edwards") 2025: [Aaliyah Chavez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaliyah_Chavez "Aaliyah Chavez") 2026: [Olivia Vukoša](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olivia_Vuko%C5%A1a "Olivia Vukoša") |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:1996_NBA_draft "Template:1996 NBA draft") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:1996_NBA_draft "Template talk:1996 NBA draft") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:1996_NBA_draft "Special:EditPage/Template:1996 NBA draft")[1996 NBA draft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_NBA_draft "1996 NBA draft") | |
| First round | [Allen Iverson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Iverson "Allen Iverson") [Marcus Camby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Camby "Marcus Camby") [Shareef Abdur-Rahim](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shareef_Abdur-Rahim "Shareef Abdur-Rahim") [Stephon Marbury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephon_Marbury "Stephon Marbury") [Ray Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Allen "Ray Allen") [Antoine Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoine_Walker "Antoine Walker") [Lorenzen Wright](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorenzen_Wright "Lorenzen Wright") [Kerry Kittles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerry_Kittles "Kerry Kittles") [Samaki Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaki_Walker "Samaki Walker") [Erick Dampier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erick_Dampier "Erick Dampier") [Todd Fuller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Fuller "Todd Fuller") [Vitaly Potapenko](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitaly_Potapenko "Vitaly Potapenko") [Kobe Bryant]() [Predrag Stojaković](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peja_Stojakovi%C4%87 "Peja Stojaković") [Steve Nash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Nash "Steve Nash") [Tony Delk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Delk "Tony Delk") [Jermaine O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jermaine_O%27Neal "Jermaine O'Neal") [John Wallace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wallace_\(basketball\) "John Wallace (basketball)") [Walter McCarty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_McCarty "Walter McCarty") [Zydrunas Ilgauskas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zydrunas_Ilgauskas "Zydrunas Ilgauskas") [Dontae' Jones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dontae%27_Jones "Dontae' Jones") [Roy Rogers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Rogers_\(basketball\) "Roy Rogers (basketball)") [Efthimios Rentzias](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efthimios_Rentzias "Efthimios Rentzias") [Derek Fisher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Fisher "Derek Fisher") [Martin Müürsepp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_M%C3%BC%C3%BCrsepp "Martin Müürsepp") [Jerome Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome_Williams_\(basketball\) "Jerome Williams (basketball)") [Brian Evans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Evans_\(basketball\) "Brian Evans (basketball)") [Priest Lauderdale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priest_Lauderdale "Priest Lauderdale") [Travis Knight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travis_Knight_\(basketball\) "Travis Knight (basketball)") |
| Second round | [Othella Harrington](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Othella_Harrington "Othella Harrington") [Mark Hendrickson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Hendrickson "Mark Hendrickson") [Ryan Minor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Minor "Ryan Minor") [Moochie Norris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moochie_Norris "Moochie Norris") [Shawn Harvey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawn_Harvey_\(basketball\) "Shawn Harvey (basketball)") [Joseph Blair](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Blair "Joseph Blair") [Doron Sheffer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doron_Sheffer "Doron Sheffer") [Jeff McInnis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_McInnis "Jeff McInnis") [Steve Hamer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Hamer "Steve Hamer") [Russ Millard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russ_Millard "Russ Millard") [Marcus Mann](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Mann_\(basketball\) "Marcus Mann (basketball)") [Jason Sasser](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Sasser "Jason Sasser") [Randy Livingston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Livingston "Randy Livingston") [Ben Davis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Davis_\(basketball\) "Ben Davis (basketball)") [Malik Rose](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malik_Rose "Malik Rose") [Joe Vogel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Vogel_\(basketball\) "Joe Vogel (basketball)") [Marcus Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Brown "Marcus Brown") [Ron Riley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Riley_\(basketball,_born_1973\) "Ron Riley (basketball, born 1973)") [Jamie Feick](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamie_Feick "Jamie Feick") [Amal McCaskill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amal_McCaskill "Amal McCaskill") [Terrell Bell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrell_Bell "Terrell Bell") [Chris Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Robinson_\(basketball\) "Chris Robinson (basketball)") [Mark Pope](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Pope "Mark Pope") [Jeff Nordgaard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Nordgaard "Jeff Nordgaard") [Shandon Anderson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shandon_Anderson "Shandon Anderson") [Ronnie Henderson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronnie_Henderson "Ronnie Henderson") [Reggie Geary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggie_Geary "Reggie Geary") [Drew Barry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drew_Barry "Drew Barry") [Darnell Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darnell_Robinson "Darnell Robinson") |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:NBA_MVPs "Template:NBA MVPs") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:NBA_MVPs "Template talk:NBA MVPs") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:NBA_MVPs "Special:EditPage/Template:NBA MVPs")[NBA Most Valuable Player](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA Most Valuable Player") | |
| 1956: [Pettit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Pettit "Bob Pettit") 1957: [Cousy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Cousy "Bob Cousy") 1958: [Russell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Russell "Bill Russell") 1959: [Pettit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Pettit "Bob Pettit") 1960: [Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") 1961: [Russell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Russell "Bill Russell") 1962: [Russell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Russell "Bill Russell") 1963: [Russell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Russell "Bill Russell") 1964: [Robertson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Robertson "Oscar Robertson") 1965: [Russell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Russell "Bill Russell") 1966: [Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") 1967: [Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") 1968: [Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") 1969: [Unseld](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wes_Unseld "Wes Unseld") 1970: [Reed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Reed "Willis Reed") 1971: [Alcindor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar") 1972: [Abdul-Jabbar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar") 1973: [Cowens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Cowens "Dave Cowens") 1974: [Abdul-Jabbar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar") 1975: [McAdoo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_McAdoo "Bob McAdoo") 1976: [Abdul-Jabbar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar") 1977: [Abdul-Jabbar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar") 1978: [Walton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Walton "Bill Walton") 1979: [M. Malone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_Malone "Moses Malone") 1980: [Abdul-Jabbar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar") 1981: [Erving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Erving "Julius Erving") 1982: [M. Malone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_Malone "Moses Malone") 1983: [M. Malone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_Malone "Moses Malone") 1984: [Bird](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Bird "Larry Bird") 1985: [Bird](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Bird "Larry Bird") 1986: [Bird](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Bird "Larry Bird") 1987: [Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson") 1988: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1989: [Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson") 1990: [Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson") 1991: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1992: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1993: [Barkley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Barkley "Charles Barkley") 1994: [Olajuwon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakeem_Olajuwon "Hakeem Olajuwon") 1995: [Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Robinson "David Robinson") 1996: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1997: [K. Malone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Malone "Karl Malone") 1998: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1999: [K. Malone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Malone "Karl Malone") 2000: [O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") 2001: [Iverson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Iverson "Allen Iverson") 2002: [Duncan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Duncan "Tim Duncan") 2003: [Duncan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Duncan "Tim Duncan") 2004: [Garnett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Garnett "Kevin Garnett") 2005: [Nash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Nash "Steve Nash") 2006: [Nash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Nash "Steve Nash") 2007: [Nowitzki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirk_Nowitzki "Dirk Nowitzki") 2008: [Bryant]() 2009: [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 2010: [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 2011: [Rose](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_Rose "Derrick Rose") 2012: [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 2013: [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 2014: [Durant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Durant "Kevin Durant") 2015: [Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") 2016: [Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") 2017: [Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook") 2018: [Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") 2019: [Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") 2020: [Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") 2021: [Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 2022: [Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 2023: [Embiid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_Embiid "Joel Embiid") 2024: [Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 2025: [Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") | |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:NBA_All-Star_Game_MVP_Award "Template:NBA All-Star Game MVP Award") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:NBA_All-Star_Game_MVP_Award "Template talk:NBA All-Star Game MVP Award") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:NBA_All-Star_Game_MVP_Award "Special:EditPage/Template:NBA All-Star Game MVP Award")[NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player") | |
| 1951: [Macauley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Macauley "Ed Macauley") 1952: [Arizin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Arizin "Paul Arizin") 1953: [Mikan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Mikan "George Mikan") 1954: [Cousy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Cousy "Bob Cousy") 1955: [Sharman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Sharman "Bill Sharman") 1956: [Pettit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Pettit "Bob Pettit") 1957: [Cousy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Cousy "Bob Cousy") 1958: [Pettit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Pettit "Bob Pettit") 1959: [Baylor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elgin_Baylor "Elgin Baylor") & [Pettit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Pettit "Bob Pettit") 1960: [Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") 1961: [Robertson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Robertson "Oscar Robertson") 1962: [Pettit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Pettit "Bob Pettit") 1963: [Russell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Russell "Bill Russell") 1964: [Robertson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Robertson "Oscar Robertson") 1965: [Lucas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Lucas "Jerry Lucas") 1966: [A. Smith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrian_Smith_\(basketball\) "Adrian Smith (basketball)") 1967: [Barry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Barry "Rick Barry") 1968: [Greer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hal_Greer "Hal Greer") 1969: [Robertson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Robertson "Oscar Robertson") 1970: [Reed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Reed "Willis Reed") 1971: [Wilkens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenny_Wilkens "Lenny Wilkens") 1972: [West](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_West "Jerry West") 1973: [Cowens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Cowens "Dave Cowens") 1974: [Lanier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Lanier "Bob Lanier") 1975: [Frazier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Frazier "Walt Frazier") 1976: [Bing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Bing "Dave Bing") 1977: [Erving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Erving "Julius Erving") 1978: [R. Smith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Smith_\(basketball\) "Randy Smith (basketball)") 1979: [Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Thompson_\(basketball\) "David Thompson (basketball)") 1980: [Gervin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Gervin "George Gervin") 1981: [Archibald](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Archibald "Nate Archibald") 1982: [Bird](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Bird "Larry Bird") 1983: [Erving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Erving "Julius Erving") 1984: [Thomas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isiah_Thomas "Isiah Thomas") 1985: [Sampson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Sampson "Ralph Sampson") 1986: [Thomas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isiah_Thomas "Isiah Thomas") 1987: [Chambers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Chambers_\(basketball\) "Tom Chambers (basketball)") 1988: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1989: [Malone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Malone "Karl Malone") 1990: [Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson") 1991: [Barkley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Barkley "Charles Barkley") 1992: [Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson") 1993: [Stockton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Stockton "John Stockton") & [Malone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Malone "Karl Malone") 1994: [Pippen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottie_Pippen "Scottie Pippen") 1995: [Richmond](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Richmond "Mitch Richmond") 1996: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1997: [Rice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glen_Rice "Glen Rice") 1998: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1999: *[No game played](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998%E2%80%9399_NBA_lockout "1998–99 NBA lockout")* 2000: [O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") & [Duncan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Duncan "Tim Duncan") 2001: [Iverson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Iverson "Allen Iverson") 2002: [Bryant]() 2003: [Garnett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Garnett "Kevin Garnett") 2004: [O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") 2005: [Iverson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Iverson "Allen Iverson") 2006: [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 2007: [Bryant]() 2008: [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 2009: [Bryant]() & [O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") 2010: [Wade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwyane_Wade "Dwyane Wade") 2011: [Bryant]() 2012: [Durant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Durant "Kevin Durant") 2013: [Paul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Paul "Chris Paul") 2014: [Irving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrie_Irving "Kyrie Irving") 2015: [Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook") 2016: [Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook") 2017: [Davis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Davis "Anthony Davis") 2018: [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 2019: [Durant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Durant "Kevin Durant") 2020: [Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") 2021: [Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") 2022: [Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") 2023: [Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") 2024: [Lillard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damian_Lillard "Damian Lillard") 2025: [Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") 2026: [Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") | |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Slam_Dunk_Contest_Winners "Template:Slam Dunk Contest Winners") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Slam_Dunk_Contest_Winners "Template talk:Slam Dunk Contest Winners") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Slam_Dunk_Contest_Winners "Special:EditPage/Template:Slam Dunk Contest Winners")NBA [Slam Dunk Contest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slam_Dunk_Contest "Slam Dunk Contest") winners | |
| 1984: [Nance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Nance "Larry Nance") 1985: [Wilkins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominique_Wilkins "Dominique Wilkins") 1986: [Webb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spud_Webb "Spud Webb") 1987: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1988: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1989: [Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_Walker_\(basketball\) "Kenny Walker (basketball)") 1990: [Wilkins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominique_Wilkins "Dominique Wilkins") 1991: [Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dee_Brown_\(basketball,_born_1968\) "Dee Brown (basketball, born 1968)") 1992: [Ceballos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedric_Ceballos "Cedric Ceballos") 1993: [Miner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Miner "Harold Miner") 1994: [Rider](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Rider "Isaiah Rider") 1995: [Miner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Miner "Harold Miner") 1996: [Barry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brent_Barry "Brent Barry") 1997: [Bryant]() 2000: [Carter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vince_Carter "Vince Carter") 2001: [Mason](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Mason "Desmond Mason") 2002: [Richardson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Richardson "Jason Richardson") 2003: [Richardson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Richardson "Jason Richardson") 2004: [Jones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Jones_\(basketball\) "Fred Jones (basketball)") 2005: [Smith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Smith "Josh Smith") 2006: [Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Robinson "Nate Robinson") 2007: [Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Green "Gerald Green") 2008: [Howard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwight_Howard "Dwight Howard") 2009: [Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Robinson "Nate Robinson") 2010: [Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Robinson "Nate Robinson") 2011: [Griffin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blake_Griffin "Blake Griffin") 2012: [Evans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Evans "Jeremy Evans") 2013: [Ross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrence_Ross "Terrence Ross") 2014: [Wall](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wall "John Wall") 2015: [LaVine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_LaVine "Zach LaVine") 2016: [LaVine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_LaVine "Zach LaVine") 2017: [Robinson III](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Robinson_III "Glenn Robinson III") 2018: [Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") 2019: [Diallo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamidou_Diallo "Hamidou Diallo") 2020: [Jones Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_Jones_Jr. "Derrick Jones Jr.") 2021: [Simons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anfernee_Simons "Anfernee Simons") 2022: [Toppin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obi_Toppin "Obi Toppin") 2023: [McClung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_McClung "Mac McClung") 2024: [McClung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_McClung "Mac McClung") 2025: [McClung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_McClung "Mac McClung") 2026: [Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keshad_Johnson "Keshad Johnson") | |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Los_Angeles_Lakers_1999%E2%80%932000_NBA_champions "Template:Los Angeles Lakers 1999–2000 NBA champions") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Los_Angeles_Lakers_1999%E2%80%932000_NBA_champions "Template talk:Los Angeles Lakers 1999–2000 NBA champions") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Los_Angeles_Lakers_1999%E2%80%932000_NBA_champions "Special:EditPage/Template:Los Angeles Lakers 1999–2000 NBA champions")[Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") [1999–2000 NBA champions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_Finals "2000 NBA Finals") | |
| 2 [Fisher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Fisher "Derek Fisher") 3 [George](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devean_George "Devean George") 4 [Harper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Harper "Ron Harper") 5 [Horry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Horry "Robert Horry") 8 [Bryant]() 10 [Lue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyronn_Lue "Tyronn Lue") 11 [Celestand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Celestand "John Celestand") 16 [Salley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Salley "John Salley") 17 [Fox](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Fox "Rick Fox") 20 [Shaw](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Shaw_\(basketball\) "Brian Shaw (basketball)") 34 [O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") ([Finals MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Russell_NBA_Finals_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award")) 40 [Knight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travis_Knight_\(basketball\) "Travis Knight (basketball)") 41 [Rice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glen_Rice "Glen Rice") 45 [Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._C._Green "A. C. Green") | |
| Head coach [Jackson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Jackson "Phil Jackson") | |
| Assistant coaches [Bertka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Bertka "Bill Bertka") [Cleamons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Cleamons "Jim Cleamons") [Hamblen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Hamblen "Frank Hamblen") [Winter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tex_Winter "Tex Winter") | |
| [Regular season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999%E2%80%932000_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1999–2000 Los Angeles Lakers season") [Playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_playoffs "2000 NBA playoffs") | |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Los_Angeles_Lakers_2000%E2%80%9301_NBA_champions "Template:Los Angeles Lakers 2000–01 NBA champions") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Los_Angeles_Lakers_2000%E2%80%9301_NBA_champions "Template talk:Los Angeles Lakers 2000–01 NBA champions") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Los_Angeles_Lakers_2000%E2%80%9301_NBA_champions "Special:EditPage/Template:Los Angeles Lakers 2000–01 NBA champions")[Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") [2000–01 NBA champions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_NBA_Finals "2001 NBA Finals") | |
| 2 [Fisher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Fisher "Derek Fisher") 3 [George](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devean_George "Devean George") 4 [Harper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Harper "Ron Harper") 5 [Horry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Horry "Robert Horry") 7 [Rider](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Rider "Isaiah Rider") 8 [Bryant]() 10 [Lue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyronn_Lue "Tyronn Lue") 12 [Penberthy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Penberthy "Mike Penberthy") 14 [Medvedenko](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slava_Medvedenko "Slava Medvedenko") 17 [Fox](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Fox "Rick Fox") 20 [Shaw](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Shaw_\(basketball\) "Brian Shaw (basketball)") 34 [O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") ([Finals MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Russell_NBA_Finals_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award")) 35 [Madsen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Madsen_\(basketball\) "Mark Madsen (basketball)") 40 [Foster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Foster_\(basketball\) "Greg Foster (basketball)") 54 [Grant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horace_Grant "Horace Grant") | |
| Head coach [Jackson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Jackson "Phil Jackson") | |
| Assistant coaches [Bertka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Bertka "Bill Bertka") [Cleamons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Cleamons "Jim Cleamons") [Hamblen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Hamblen "Frank Hamblen") [Winter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tex_Winter "Tex Winter") | |
| [Regular season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2000–01 Los Angeles Lakers season") [Playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_NBA_playoffs "2001 NBA playoffs") | |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Los_Angeles_Lakers_2001%E2%80%9302_NBA_champions "Template:Los Angeles Lakers 2001–02 NBA champions") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Los_Angeles_Lakers_2001%E2%80%9302_NBA_champions "Template talk:Los Angeles Lakers 2001–02 NBA champions") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Los_Angeles_Lakers_2001%E2%80%9302_NBA_champions "Special:EditPage/Template:Los Angeles Lakers 2001–02 NBA champions")[Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") [2001–02 NBA champions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_Finals "2002 NBA Finals") | |
| 2 [Fisher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Fisher "Derek Fisher") 3 [George](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devean_George "Devean George") 5 [Horry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Horry "Robert Horry") 6 [McCoy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jelani_McCoy "Jelani McCoy") 8 [Bryant]() 10 [Hunter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindsey_Hunter "Lindsey Hunter") 14 [Medvedenko](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slava_Medvedenko "Slava Medvedenko") 17 [Fox](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Fox "Rick Fox") 20 [Shaw](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Shaw_\(basketball\) "Brian Shaw (basketball)") 23 [Richmond](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Richmond "Mitch Richmond") 34 [O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") ([Finals MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Russell_NBA_Finals_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award")) 35 [Madsen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Madsen_\(basketball\) "Mark Madsen (basketball)") 52 [Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaki_Walker "Samaki Walker") | |
| Head coach [Jackson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Jackson "Phil Jackson") | |
| Assistant coaches [Hamblen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Hamblen "Frank Hamblen") [Cleamons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Cleamons "Jim Cleamons") [Rambis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurt_Rambis "Kurt Rambis") [Winter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tex_Winter "Tex Winter") | |
| [Regular season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers season") [Playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_playoffs "2002 NBA playoffs") | |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Los_Angeles_Lakers_2008%E2%80%9309_NBA_champions "Template:Los Angeles Lakers 2008–09 NBA champions") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Los_Angeles_Lakers_2008%E2%80%9309_NBA_champions "Template talk:Los Angeles Lakers 2008–09 NBA champions") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Los_Angeles_Lakers_2008%E2%80%9309_NBA_champions "Special:EditPage/Template:Los Angeles Lakers 2008–09 NBA champions")[Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") [2008–09 NBA champions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_Finals "2009 NBA Finals") | |
| 2 [Fisher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Fisher "Derek Fisher") 3 [Ariza](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trevor_Ariza "Trevor Ariza") 4 [Walton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Walton "Luke Walton") 5 [Farmar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Farmar "Jordan Farmar") 6 [Morrison](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Morrison "Adam Morrison") 7 [Odom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamar_Odom "Lamar Odom") 9 [Sun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Yue_\(basketball\) "Sun Yue (basketball)") 12 [Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shannon_Brown "Shannon Brown") 16 [Gasol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pau_Gasol "Pau Gasol") 17 [Bynum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Bynum "Andrew Bynum") 18 [Vujačić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sasha_Vuja%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Sasha Vujačić") 21 [Powell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Powell "Josh Powell") 24 [Bryant]() ([Finals MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award")) 28 [Mbenga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._J._Mbenga "D. J. Mbenga") | |
| Head coach [Jackson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Jackson "Phil Jackson") | |
| Assistant coaches [Abdul-Jabbar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar") [Cleamons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Cleamons "Jim Cleamons") [Hamblen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Hamblen "Frank Hamblen") [Hodges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Hodges "Craig Hodges") [Rambis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurt_Rambis "Kurt Rambis") [Shaw](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Shaw_\(basketball\) "Brian Shaw (basketball)") | |
| [Regular season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2008–09 Los Angeles Lakers season") [Playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_playoffs "2009 NBA playoffs") | |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Los_Angeles_Lakers_2009%E2%80%9310_NBA_champions "Template:Los Angeles Lakers 2009–10 NBA champions") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Los_Angeles_Lakers_2009%E2%80%9310_NBA_champions "Template talk:Los Angeles Lakers 2009–10 NBA champions") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Los_Angeles_Lakers_2009%E2%80%9310_NBA_champions "Special:EditPage/Template:Los Angeles Lakers 2009–10 NBA champions")[Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") [2009–10 NBA champions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_Finals "2010 NBA Finals") | |
| 2 [Fisher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Fisher "Derek Fisher") 4 [Walton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Walton "Luke Walton") 5 [Farmar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Farmar "Jordan Farmar") 6 [Morrison](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Morrison "Adam Morrison") 7 [Odom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamar_Odom "Lamar Odom") 12 [Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shannon_Brown "Shannon Brown") 16 [Gasol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pau_Gasol "Pau Gasol") 17 [Bynum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Bynum "Andrew Bynum") 18 [Vujačić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sasha_Vuja%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Sasha Vujačić") 21 [Powell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Powell "Josh Powell") 24 [Bryant]() ([Finals MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award")) 28 [Mbenga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._J._Mbenga "D. J. Mbenga") 37 [Artest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metta_Sandiford-Artest "Metta Sandiford-Artest") | |
| Head coach [Jackson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Jackson "Phil Jackson") | |
| Assistant coaches [Abdul-Jabbar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar") [Cleamons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Cleamons "Jim Cleamons") [Hamblen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Hamblen "Frank Hamblen") [Hazzard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rasheed_Hazzard "Rasheed Hazzard") [Hodges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Hodges "Craig Hodges") [Person](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Person "Chuck Person") [Shaw](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Shaw_\(basketball\) "Brian Shaw (basketball)") | |
| [Regular season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2009–10 Los Angeles Lakers season") [Playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_playoffs "2010 NBA playoffs") | |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:NBA75 "Template:NBA75") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:NBA75 "Template talk:NBA75") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:NBA75 "Special:EditPage/Template:NBA75")[NBA 75th Anniversary Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_75th_Anniversary_Team "NBA 75th Anniversary Team") | |
| [Kareem Abdul-Jabbar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar") [Ray Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Allen "Ray Allen") [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") [Carmelo Anthony](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmelo_Anthony "Carmelo Anthony") [Nate Archibald](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Archibald "Nate Archibald") [Paul Arizin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Arizin "Paul Arizin") [Charles Barkley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Barkley "Charles Barkley") [Rick Barry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Barry "Rick Barry") [Elgin Baylor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elgin_Baylor "Elgin Baylor") [Dave Bing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Bing "Dave Bing") [Larry Bird](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Bird "Larry Bird") [Kobe Bryant]() [Wilt Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") [Bob Cousy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Cousy "Bob Cousy") [Dave Cowens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Cowens "Dave Cowens") [Billy Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Cunningham "Billy Cunningham") [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") [Anthony Davis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Davis "Anthony Davis") [Dave DeBusschere](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_DeBusschere "Dave DeBusschere") [Clyde Drexler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clyde_Drexler "Clyde Drexler") [Tim Duncan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Duncan "Tim Duncan") [Kevin Durant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Durant "Kevin Durant") [Julius Erving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Erving "Julius Erving") [Patrick Ewing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Ewing "Patrick Ewing") [Walt Frazier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Frazier "Walt Frazier") [Kevin Garnett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Garnett "Kevin Garnett") [George Gervin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Gervin "George Gervin") [Hal Greer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hal_Greer "Hal Greer") [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") [John Havlicek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Havlicek "John Havlicek") [Elvin Hayes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvin_Hayes "Elvin Hayes") [Allen Iverson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Iverson "Allen Iverson") [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") [Magic Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson") [Sam Jones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Jones_\(basketball,_born_1933\) "Sam Jones (basketball, born 1933)") [Michael Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") [Jason Kidd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Kidd "Jason Kidd") [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") [Damian Lillard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damian_Lillard "Damian Lillard") [Jerry Lucas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Lucas "Jerry Lucas") [Karl Malone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Malone "Karl Malone") [Moses Malone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_Malone "Moses Malone") [Pete Maravich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Maravich "Pete Maravich") [Bob McAdoo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_McAdoo "Bob McAdoo") [Kevin McHale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_McHale_\(basketball\) "Kevin McHale (basketball)") [George Mikan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Mikan "George Mikan") [Reggie Miller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggie_Miller "Reggie Miller") [Earl Monroe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_Monroe "Earl Monroe") [Steve Nash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Nash "Steve Nash") [Dirk Nowitzki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirk_Nowitzki "Dirk Nowitzki") [Hakeem Olajuwon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakeem_Olajuwon "Hakeem Olajuwon") [Shaquille O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") [Robert Parish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Parish "Robert Parish") [Chris Paul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Paul "Chris Paul") [Gary Payton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Payton "Gary Payton") [Bob Pettit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Pettit "Bob Pettit") [Paul Pierce](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Pierce "Paul Pierce") [Scottie Pippen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottie_Pippen "Scottie Pippen") [Willis Reed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Reed "Willis Reed") [Oscar Robertson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Robertson "Oscar Robertson") [David Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Robinson "David Robinson") [Dennis Rodman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Rodman "Dennis Rodman") [Bill Russell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Russell "Bill Russell") [Dolph Schayes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolph_Schayes "Dolph Schayes") [Bill Sharman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Sharman "Bill Sharman") [John Stockton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Stockton "John Stockton") [Isiah Thomas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isiah_Thomas "Isiah Thomas") [Nate Thurmond](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Thurmond "Nate Thurmond") [Wes Unseld](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wes_Unseld "Wes Unseld") [Dwyane Wade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwyane_Wade "Dwyane Wade") [Bill Walton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Walton "Bill Walton") [Jerry West](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_West "Jerry West") [Russell Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook") [Lenny Wilkens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenny_Wilkens "Lenny Wilkens") [Dominique Wilkins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominique_Wilkins "Dominique Wilkins") [James Worthy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Worthy "James Worthy") | |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:NBA_Finals_MVPs "Template:NBA Finals MVPs") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:NBA_Finals_MVPs "Template talk:NBA Finals MVPs") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:NBA_Finals_MVPs "Special:EditPage/Template:NBA Finals MVPs")[NBA Finals Most Valuable Player](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA Finals Most Valuable Player") | |
| 1969: [West](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_West "Jerry West") 1970: [Reed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Reed "Willis Reed") 1971: [Alcindor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar") 1972: [Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") 1973: [Reed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Reed "Willis Reed") 1974: [Havlicek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Havlicek "John Havlicek") 1975: [Barry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Barry "Rick Barry") 1976: [White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jo_Jo_White "Jo Jo White") 1977: [Walton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Walton "Bill Walton") 1978: [Unseld](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wes_Unseld "Wes Unseld") 1979: [D. Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Johnson "Dennis Johnson") 1980: [M. Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson") 1981: [Maxwell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedric_Maxwell "Cedric Maxwell") 1982: [M. Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson") 1983: [Malone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_Malone "Moses Malone") 1984: [Bird](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Bird "Larry Bird") 1985: [Abdul-Jabbar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar") 1986: [Bird](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Bird "Larry Bird") 1987: [M. Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson") 1988: [Worthy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Worthy "James Worthy") 1989: [Dumars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Dumars "Joe Dumars") 1990: [Thomas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isiah_Thomas "Isiah Thomas") 1991: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1992: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1993: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1994: [Olajuwon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakeem_Olajuwon "Hakeem Olajuwon") 1995: [Olajuwon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakeem_Olajuwon "Hakeem Olajuwon") 1996: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1997: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1998: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1999: [Duncan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Duncan "Tim Duncan") 2000: [O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") 2001: [O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") 2002: [O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") 2003: [Duncan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Duncan "Tim Duncan") 2004: [Billups](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chauncey_Billups "Chauncey Billups") 2005: [Duncan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Duncan "Tim Duncan") 2006: [Wade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwyane_Wade "Dwyane Wade") 2007: [Parker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Parker "Tony Parker") 2008: [Pierce](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Pierce "Paul Pierce") 2009: [Bryant]() 2010: [Bryant]() 2011: [Nowitzki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirk_Nowitzki "Dirk Nowitzki") 2012: [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 2013: [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 2014: [Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") 2015: [Iguodala](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Iguodala "Andre Iguodala") 2016: [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 2017: [Durant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Durant "Kevin Durant") 2018: [Durant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Durant "Kevin Durant") 2019: [Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") 2020: [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 2021: [Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") 2022: [Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") 2023: [Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 2024: [Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") 2025: [Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") | |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:NBA_scoring_leaders "Template:NBA scoring leaders") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:NBA_scoring_leaders "Template talk:NBA scoring leaders") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:NBA_scoring_leaders "Special:EditPage/Template:NBA scoring leaders")[NBA annual scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_annual_scoring_leaders "List of NBA annual scoring leaders") | |
| 1947: [Fulks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Fulks "Joe Fulks") 1948: [Zaslofsky](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Zaslofsky "Max Zaslofsky") 1949: [Mikan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Mikan "George Mikan") 1950: [Mikan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Mikan "George Mikan") 1951: [Mikan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Mikan "George Mikan") 1952: [Arizin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Arizin "Paul Arizin") 1953: [Johnston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Johnston "Neil Johnston") 1954: [Johnston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Johnston "Neil Johnston") 1955: [Johnston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Johnston "Neil Johnston") 1956: [Pettit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Pettit "Bob Pettit") 1957: [Arizin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Arizin "Paul Arizin") 1958: [Yardley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Yardley "George Yardley") 1959: [Pettit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Pettit "Bob Pettit") 1960: [Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") 1961: [Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") 1962: [Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") 1963: [Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") 1964: [Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") 1965: [Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") 1966: [Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") 1967: [Barry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Barry "Rick Barry") 1968: [Bing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Bing "Dave Bing") 1969: [Hayes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvin_Hayes "Elvin Hayes") 1970: [West](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_West "Jerry West") 1971: [Alcindor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar") 1972: [Abdul-Jabbar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar") 1973: [Archibald](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Archibald "Nate Archibald") 1974: [McAdoo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_McAdoo "Bob McAdoo") 1975: [McAdoo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_McAdoo "Bob McAdoo") 1976: [McAdoo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_McAdoo "Bob McAdoo") 1977: [Maravich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Maravich "Pete Maravich") 1978: [Gervin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Gervin "George Gervin") 1979: [Gervin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Gervin "George Gervin") 1980: [Gervin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Gervin "George Gervin") 1981: [Dantley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrian_Dantley "Adrian Dantley") 1982: [Gervin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Gervin "George Gervin") 1983: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_English "Alex English") 1984: [Dantley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrian_Dantley "Adrian Dantley") 1985: [King](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_King "Bernard King") 1986: [Wilkins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominique_Wilkins "Dominique Wilkins") 1987: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1988: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1989: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1990: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1991: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1992: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1993: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1994: [Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Robinson "David Robinson") 1995: [O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") 1996: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1997: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1998: [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") 1999: [Iverson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Iverson "Allen Iverson") 2000: [O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") 2001: [Iverson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Iverson "Allen Iverson") 2002: [Iverson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Iverson "Allen Iverson") 2003: [McGrady](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracy_McGrady "Tracy McGrady") 2004: [McGrady](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracy_McGrady "Tracy McGrady") 2005: [Iverson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Iverson "Allen Iverson") 2006: [Bryant]() 2007: [Bryant]() 2008: [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 2009: [Wade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwyane_Wade "Dwyane Wade") 2010: [Durant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Durant "Kevin Durant") 2011: [Durant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Durant "Kevin Durant") 2012: [Durant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Durant "Kevin Durant") 2013: [Anthony](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmelo_Anthony "Carmelo Anthony") 2014: [Durant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Durant "Kevin Durant") 2015: [Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook") 2016: [Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") 2017: [Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook") 2018: [Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") 2019: [Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") 2020: [Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") 2021: [Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") 2022: [Embiid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_Embiid "Joel Embiid") 2023: [Embiid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_Embiid "Joel Embiid") 2024: [Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić") 2025: [Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") | |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:United_States_squad_2007_FIBA_Americas_Championship "Template:United States squad 2007 FIBA Americas Championship") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:United_States_squad_2007_FIBA_Americas_Championship "Template talk:United States squad 2007 FIBA Americas Championship") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:United_States_squad_2007_FIBA_Americas_Championship "Special:EditPage/Template:United States squad 2007 FIBA Americas Championship")[United States squad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_men%27s_national_basketball_team "United States men's national basketball team") – [2007 FIBA Americas Championship – Gold medal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_FIBA_Americas_Championship "2007 FIBA Americas Championship") | |
| 4 [Billups](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chauncey_Billups "Chauncey Billups") 5 [Kidd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Kidd "Jason Kidd") 6 [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 7 [Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deron_Williams "Deron Williams") 8 [Redd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Redd "Michael Redd") 9 [Prince](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tayshaun_Prince "Tayshaun Prince") 10 [Bryant]() 11 [Howard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwight_Howard "Dwight Howard") 12 [Stoudemire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amar%27e_Stoudemire "Amar'e Stoudemire") 13 [Miller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Miller_\(basketball,_born_1980\) "Mike Miller (basketball, born 1980)") 14 [Chandler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyson_Chandler "Tyson Chandler") 15 [Anthony](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmelo_Anthony "Carmelo Anthony") Coach: [Krzyzewski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Krzyzewski "Mike Krzyzewski") | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States "United States") |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:United_States_Men_Basketball_Squad_2008_Summer_Olympics "Template:United States Men Basketball Squad 2008 Summer Olympics") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:United_States_Men_Basketball_Squad_2008_Summer_Olympics "Template talk:United States Men Basketball Squad 2008 Summer Olympics") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:United_States_Men_Basketball_Squad_2008_Summer_Olympics "Special:EditPage/Template:United States Men Basketball Squad 2008 Summer Olympics")[United States men's basketball squad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "2008 United States men's Olympic basketball team") – [2008 Summer Olympics – Gold medal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_at_the_2008_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Men%27s_tournament "Basketball at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament") | |
| 4 [Boozer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Boozer "Carlos Boozer") 5 [Kidd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Kidd "Jason Kidd") 6 [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 7 [Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deron_Williams "Deron Williams") 8 [Redd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Redd "Michael Redd") 9 [Wade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwyane_Wade "Dwyane Wade") 10 [Bryant]() 11 [Howard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwight_Howard "Dwight Howard") 12 [Bosh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Bosh "Chris Bosh") 13 [Paul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Paul "Chris Paul") 14 [Prince](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tayshaun_Prince "Tayshaun Prince") 15 [Anthony](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmelo_Anthony "Carmelo Anthony") Coach: [Krzyzewski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Krzyzewski "Mike Krzyzewski") | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States "United States") |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:United_States_Men_Basketball_Squad_2012_Summer_Olympics "Template:United States Men Basketball Squad 2012 Summer Olympics") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:United_States_Men_Basketball_Squad_2012_Summer_Olympics "Template talk:United States Men Basketball Squad 2012 Summer Olympics") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:United_States_Men_Basketball_Squad_2012_Summer_Olympics "Special:EditPage/Template:United States Men Basketball Squad 2012 Summer Olympics")[United States men's basketball squad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "2012 United States men's Olympic basketball team") – [2012 Summer Olympics – Gold medal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_at_the_2012_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Men%27s_tournament "Basketball at the 2012 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament") | |
| 4 [Chandler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyson_Chandler "Tyson Chandler") 5 [Durant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Durant "Kevin Durant") 6 [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 7 [Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook") 8 [Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deron_Williams "Deron Williams") 9 [Iguodala](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Iguodala "Andre Iguodala") 10 [Bryant]() 11 [Love](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Love "Kevin Love") 12 [Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") 13 [Paul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Paul "Chris Paul") 14 [Davis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Davis "Anthony Davis") 15 [Anthony](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmelo_Anthony "Carmelo Anthony") Coach: [Krzyzewski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Krzyzewski "Mike Krzyzewski") | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States "United States") |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Los_Angeles_Lakers "Template:Los Angeles Lakers") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Los_Angeles_Lakers "Template talk:Los Angeles Lakers") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Los_Angeles_Lakers "Special:EditPage/Template:Los Angeles Lakers")[Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") | |
| Founded in **1946** Formerly the **[Detroit Gems](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Gems "Detroit Gems")** (1946–1947) and the **Minneapolis Lakers** (1947–1960) Based in **[Los Angeles, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles "Los Angeles")** | |
| Franchise | [History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Los_Angeles_Lakers "History of the Los Angeles Lakers") [All-time roster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers_all-time_roster "Los Angeles Lakers all-time roster") [Draft history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers_draft_history "Los Angeles Lakers draft history") [Records](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers_accomplishments_and_records "Los Angeles Lakers accomplishments and records") [Head coaches](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Los_Angeles_Lakers_head_coaches "List of Los Angeles Lakers head coaches") [Seasons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Los_Angeles_Lakers_seasons "List of Los Angeles Lakers seasons") **[Current season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025%E2%80%9326_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2025–26 Los Angeles Lakers season")** |
| Arenas | [Minneapolis Auditorium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis_Auditorium "Minneapolis Auditorium") [Minneapolis Armory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis_Armory "Minneapolis Armory") [Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Memorial_Sports_Arena "Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena") [Kia Forum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Forum "Kia Forum") **[Crypto.com Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crypto.com_Arena "Crypto.com Arena")** |
| Personnel | Ownership [Mark Walter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Walter "Mark Walter") (majority) [Buss Family Trusts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Buss#Death "Jerry Buss"), [Todd Boehly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Boehly "Todd Boehly"), [Patrick Soon-Shiong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Soon-Shiong "Patrick Soon-Shiong"), [Ed Roski Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Roski_Jr. "Ed Roski Jr.") (minority) Governor [Jeanie Buss](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeanie_Buss "Jeanie Buss") President and general manager [Rob Pelinka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Pelinka "Rob Pelinka") Head coach [JJ Redick](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JJ_Redick "JJ Redick") |
| G League affiliate | [South Bay Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Bay_Lakers "South Bay Lakers") |
| Retired numbers | [8]() [13](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") [16](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pau_Gasol "Pau Gasol") [21](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Cooper "Michael Cooper") [22](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elgin_Baylor "Elgin Baylor") [24]() [25](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gail_Goodrich "Gail Goodrich") [32](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson") [33](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar") [34](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") [42](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Worthy "James Worthy") [44](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_West "Jerry West") [52](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaal_Wilkes "Jamaal Wilkes") [99](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Mikan "George Mikan") [MIC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chick_Hearn "Chick Hearn") |
| NBA championships | [1949](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1949_BAA_Finals "1949 BAA Finals") [1950](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1950_NBA_Finals "1950 NBA Finals") [1952](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1952_NBA_Finals "1952 NBA Finals") [1953](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1953_NBA_Finals "1953 NBA Finals") [1954](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1954_NBA_Finals "1954 NBA Finals") [1972](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972_NBA_Finals "1972 NBA Finals") [1980](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980_NBA_Finals "1980 NBA Finals") [1982](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1982_NBA_Finals "1982 NBA Finals") [1985](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1985_NBA_Finals "1985 NBA Finals") [1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_NBA_Finals "1987 NBA Finals") [1988](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_NBA_Finals "1988 NBA Finals") [2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_Finals "2000 NBA Finals") [2001](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_NBA_Finals "2001 NBA Finals") [2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_Finals "2002 NBA Finals") [2009](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_Finals "2009 NBA Finals") [2010](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_Finals "2010 NBA Finals") [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_Finals "2020 NBA Finals") |
| [NBA Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Cup "NBA Cup") championships | [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_NBA_In-Season_Tournament "2023 NBA In-Season Tournament") |
| Rivalries | [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtics%E2%80%93Lakers_rivalry "Celtics–Lakers rivalry") [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakers%E2%80%93Pistons_rivalry "Lakers–Pistons rivalry") [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakers%E2%80%93Warriors_rivalry "Lakers–Warriors rivalry") [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakers%E2%80%93Clippers_rivalry "Lakers–Clippers rivalry") [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakers%E2%80%93Suns_rivalry "Lakers–Suns rivalry") [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kings%E2%80%93Lakers_rivalry "Kings–Lakers rivalry") [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakers%E2%80%93Spurs_rivalry "Lakers–Spurs rivalry") |
| Culture and lore | [Broadcasters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Los_Angeles_Lakers_broadcasters "List of Los Angeles Lakers broadcasters") [radio network](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers_radio_networks "Los Angeles Lakers radio networks") [Jack Kent Cooke](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Kent_Cooke "Jack Kent Cooke") [Jerry Buss](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Buss "Jerry Buss") [Showtime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Showtime_\(basketball\) "Showtime (basketball)") [Shaq–Kobe feud](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaq%E2%80%93Kobe_feud "Shaq–Kobe feud") [Laker Girls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laker_Girls "Laker Girls") [Laker Band](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laker_Band "Laker Band") [Chick Hearn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chick_Hearn "Chick Hearn") [Lawrence Tanter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Tanter "Lawrence Tanter") [Jack Nicholson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Nicholson "Jack Nicholson") [Dancing Barry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_Barry "Dancing Barry") "[I Love L.A.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Love_L.A. "I Love L.A.")" "[Strait Playin'](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strait_Playin%27 "Strait Playin'")" "[Right Now](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_Now_\(Van_Halen_song\) "Right Now (Van Halen song)")" [Flea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flea_\(musician\) "Flea (musician)") [33-game win streak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1971%E2%80%9372_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1971–72 Los Angeles Lakers season") *[Backstage: Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backstage:_Lakers "Backstage: Lakers")* *[Fletch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fletch_\(film\) "Fletch (film)")* "[Kobe's 81-point game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant%27s_81-point_game "Kobe Bryant's 81-point game")" "[It Was a Good Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Was_a_Good_Day "It Was a Good Day")" *[Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtics/Lakers:_Best_of_Enemies "Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies")* *[Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakers_versus_Celtics_and_the_NBA_Playoffs "Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs")* *[Bulls vs Lakers and the NBA Playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulls_vs_Lakers_and_the_NBA_Playoffs "Bulls vs Lakers and the NBA Playoffs")* *[The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Season:_A_Team_in_Search_of_Its_Soul "The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul")* *[Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winning_Time:_The_Rise_of_the_Lakers_Dynasty "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty")* *[Starting 5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starting_5 "Starting 5")* [1948 Globetrotters–Lakers game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1948_Globetrotters%E2%80%93Lakers_game "1948 Globetrotters–Lakers game") [2020 Calabasas helicopter crash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Calabasas_helicopter_crash "2020 Calabasas helicopter crash") [Murals of Kobe Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murals_of_Kobe_Bryant "Murals of Kobe Bryant") [Luka Dončić–Anthony Davis trade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87%E2%80%93Anthony_Davis_trade "Luka Dončić–Anthony Davis trade") |
|  [Category](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Los_Angeles_Lakers "Category:Los Angeles Lakers") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Commons-logo.svg "Commons page") [Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Los_Angeles_Lakers "commons:Category:Los Angeles Lakers") | |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Naismith_Memorial_Basketball_Hall_of_Fame_members "Template:Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame members") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Naismith_Memorial_Basketball_Hall_of_Fame_members "Template talk:Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame members") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Naismith_Memorial_Basketball_Hall_of_Fame_members "Special:EditPage/Template:Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame members")[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame members](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_members_of_the_Naismith_Memorial_Basketball_Hall_of_Fame "List of members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame") | |
| [Players](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_players_in_the_Naismith_Memorial_Basketball_Hall_of_Fame "List of players in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame") | |
| | |
| Guards | [R. Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Allen "Ray Allen") [Archibald](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Archibald "Nate Archibald") [Barnett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Barnett "Dick Barnett") [Beckman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Beckman "John Beckman") [Belov](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergei_Belov "Sergei Belov") [Billups](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chauncey_Billups "Chauncey Billups") [Bing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Bing "Dave Bing") [S. Bird](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sue_Bird "Sue Bird") [Blazejowski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Blazejowski "Carol Blazejowski") [Borgmann](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennie_Borgmann "Bennie Borgmann") [Braun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Braun_\(basketball\) "Carl Braun (basketball)") [Brennan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Brennan_\(basketball\) "Joseph Brennan (basketball)") [Bryant]() [Carter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vince_Carter "Vince Carter") [Cervi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Cervi "Al Cervi") [Cheeks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Cheeks "Maurice Cheeks") [Clayton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zack_Clayton "Zack Clayton") [Cooper-Dyke](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynthia_Cooper-Dyke "Cynthia Cooper-Dyke") [Cousy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Cousy "Bob Cousy") [Dampier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louie_Dampier "Louie Dampier") [Davies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Davies "Bob Davies") [Drexler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clyde_Drexler "Clyde Drexler") [Dumars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Dumars "Joe Dumars") [Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teresa_Edwards "Teresa Edwards") [Endacott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Endacott "Paul Endacott") [Frazier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Frazier "Walt Frazier") [Friedman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marty_Friedman_\(basketball\) "Marty Friedman (basketball)") [Galis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikos_Galis "Nikos Galis") [Gervin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Gervin "George Gervin") [Ginóbili](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manu_Gin%C3%B3bili "Manu Ginóbili") [Goodrich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gail_Goodrich "Gail Goodrich") [Greer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hal_Greer "Hal Greer") [Grentz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theresa_Grentz "Theresa Grentz") [Guerin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richie_Guerin "Richie Guerin") [Hammon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Becky_Hammon "Becky Hammon") [Hanson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vic_Hanson "Vic Hanson") [Hardaway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Hardaway "Tim Hardaway") [Haynes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marques_Haynes "Marques Haynes") [Holman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nat_Holman "Nat Holman") [Hyatt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charley_Hyatt "Charley Hyatt") [Isaacs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Isaacs "John Isaacs") [Iverson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Iverson "Allen Iverson") [Jeannette](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Jeannette "Buddy Jeannette") [Jenkins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fats_Jenkins "Fats Jenkins") [D. Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Johnson "Dennis Johnson") [M. Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson") [K. Jones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K.C._Jones "K.C. Jones") [S. Jones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Jones_\(basketball,_born_1933\) "Sam Jones (basketball, born 1933)") [Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") [Kidd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Kidd "Jason Kidd") [Lieberman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Lieberman "Nancy Lieberman") [Maravich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Maravich "Pete Maravich") [Marcari](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hort%C3%AAncia_Marcari "Hortência Marcari") [Marčiulionis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%A0ar%C5%ABnas_Mar%C4%8Diulionis "Šarūnas Marčiulionis") [Martin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slater_Martin "Slater Martin") [McDermott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_McDermott "Bobby McDermott") [McGrady](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracy_McGrady "Tracy McGrady") [D. McGuire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_McGuire "Dick McGuire") [Meyers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Meyers "Ann Meyers") [R. Miller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggie_Miller "Reggie Miller") [Moncrief](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidney_Moncrief "Sidney Moncrief") [Monroe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_Monroe "Earl Monroe") [P. Moore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl_Moore "Pearl Moore") [C. Murphy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_Murphy "Calvin Murphy") [Nash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Nash "Steve Nash") [Page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlan_Page "Harlan Page") [Parker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Parker "Tony Parker") [Payton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Payton "Gary Payton") [Petrović](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dra%C5%BEen_Petrovi%C4%87 "Dražen Petrović") [Phillip](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Phillip "Andy Phillip") [Posey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumberland_Posey "Cumberland Posey") [Richmond](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Richmond "Mitch Richmond") [Robertson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Robertson "Oscar Robertson") [Rodgers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Rodgers "Guy Rodgers") [Roosma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Roosma "John Roosma") [J. Russell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honey_Russell "Honey Russell") [Schommer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Schommer "John Schommer") [Scott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Scott_\(basketball\) "Charlie Scott (basketball)") [Sedran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barney_Sedran "Barney Sedran") [Sharman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Sharman "Bill Sharman") [K. Smith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katie_Smith "Katie Smith") [Staley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawn_Staley "Dawn Staley") [Steinmetz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Steinmetz "Christian Steinmetz") [Stockton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Stockton "John Stockton") [Swoopes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheryl_Swoopes "Sheryl Swoopes") [Thomas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isiah_Thomas "Isiah Thomas") [D. Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Thompson_\(basketball\) "David Thompson (basketball)") [Timms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michele_Timms "Michele Timms") [Vandivier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuzzy_Vandivier "Fuzzy Vandivier") [Wade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwyane_Wade "Dwyane Wade") [Wanzer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Wanzer "Bobby Wanzer") [Weatherspoon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teresa_Weatherspoon "Teresa Weatherspoon") [West](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_West "Jerry West") [Westphal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Westphal "Paul Westphal") [Whalen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindsay_Whalen "Lindsay Whalen") [J. White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jo_Jo_White "Jo Jo White") [Wilkens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenny_Wilkens "Lenny Wilkens") [Woodard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynette_Woodard "Lynette Woodard") [Wooden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wooden "John Wooden") |
| Forwards | [Anthony](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmelo_Anthony "Carmelo Anthony") [Arizin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Arizin "Paul Arizin") [Augustus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seimone_Augustus "Seimone Augustus") [Barkley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Barkley "Charles Barkley") [Barry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Barry "Rick Barry") [Baylor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elgin_Baylor "Elgin Baylor") [L. Bird](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Bird "Larry Bird") [Bosh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Bosh "Chris Bosh") [Boswell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonny_Boswell "Sonny Boswell") [Bradley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Bradley "Bill Bradley") [R. Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Brown_\(basketball,_born_1942\) "Roger Brown (basketball, born 1942)") [Cash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swin_Cash "Swin Cash") [Catchings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamika_Catchings "Tamika Catchings") [C. Cooper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Cooper_\(basketball\) "Chuck Cooper (basketball)") [M. Cooper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Cooper "Michael Cooper") [Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Cunningham "Billy Cunningham") [Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denise_Curry "Denise Curry") [Dalipagić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dra%C5%BEen_Dalipagi%C4%87 "Dražen Dalipagić") [Dandridge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Dandridge "Bob Dandridge") [Dantley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrian_Dantley "Adrian Dantley") [Davis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Davis_\(basketball\) "Walter Davis (basketball)") [DeBusschere](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_DeBusschere "Dave DeBusschere") [Dehnert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_Dehnert "Dutch Dehnert") [Duncan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Duncan "Tim Duncan") [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_English "Alex English") [Erving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Erving "Julius Erving") [Foster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_E._Foster "Harold E. Foster") [Fulks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Fulks "Joe Fulks") [Gale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laddie_Gale "Laddie Gale") [Garnett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Garnett "Kevin Garnett") [Gasol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pau_Gasol "Pau Gasol") [Gates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pop_Gates "Pop Gates") [Gola](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Gola "Tom Gola") [Hagan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliff_Hagan "Cliff Hagan") [Havlicek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Havlicek "John Havlicek") [Hawkins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connie_Hawkins "Connie Hawkins") [Hayes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvin_Hayes "Elvin Hayes") [Haywood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spencer_Haywood "Spencer Haywood") [Heinsohn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Heinsohn "Tom Heinsohn") [Hill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_Hill "Grant Hill") [Howell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bailey_Howell "Bailey Howell") [Hudson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Hudson "Lou Hudson") [L. Jackson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lauren_Jackson "Lauren Jackson") [G. Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gus_Johnson_\(basketball\) "Gus Johnson (basketball)") [B. Jones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Jones_\(basketball,_born_1951\) "Bobby Jones (basketball, born 1951)") [King](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_King "Bernard King") [Korać](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radivoj_Kora%C4%87 "Radivoj Korać") [Kukoč](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toni_Kuko%C4%8D "Toni Kukoč") [Lucas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Lucas "Jerry Lucas") [Luisetti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hank_Luisetti "Hank Luisetti") [K. Malone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Malone "Karl Malone") [McClain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katrina_McClain "Katrina McClain") [B. McCracken](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branch_McCracken "Branch McCracken") [J. McCracken](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_McCracken "Jack McCracken") [McGinnis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_McGinnis "George McGinnis") [McHale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_McHale_\(basketball\) "Kevin McHale (basketball)") [Mikkelsen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vern_Mikkelsen "Vern Mikkelsen") [C. Miller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheryl_Miller "Cheryl Miller") [M. Moore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_Moore "Maya Moore") [Mullin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Mullin "Chris Mullin") [Nowitzki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirk_Nowitzki "Dirk Nowitzki") [Pettit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Pettit "Bob Pettit") [Pierce](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Pierce "Paul Pierce") [Pippen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottie_Pippen "Scottie Pippen") [Pollard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Pollard "Jim Pollard") [Pullins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Pullins "Albert Pullins") [Radja](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dino_Ra%C4%91a "Dino Rađa") [Ramsey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Ramsey_\(basketball\) "Frank Ramsey (basketball)") [Rodman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Rodman "Dennis Rodman") [Schayes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolph_Schayes "Dolph Schayes") [E. Schmidt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Schmidt "Ernest Schmidt") [O. Schmidt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Schmidt "Oscar Schmidt") [Stokes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Stokes "Maurice Stokes") [C. Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_Thompson "Cat Thompson") [T. Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tina_Thompson "Tina Thompson") [Twyman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Twyman "Jack Twyman") [Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Walker "Chet Walker") [Webber](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Webber "Chris Webber") [N. White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nera_White "Nera White") [Wilkes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaal_Wilkes "Jamaal Wilkes") [Wilkins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominique_Wilkins "Dominique Wilkins") [Worthy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Worthy "James Worthy") [Yardley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Yardley "George Yardley") |
| Centers | [Abdul-Jabbar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar") [Barlow](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Barlow_\(basketball\) "Thomas Barlow (basketball)") [Beaty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zelmo_Beaty "Zelmo Beaty") [Bellamy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Bellamy "Walt Bellamy") [Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") [T. Cooper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Cooper_\(basketball\) "Charles Cooper (basketball)") [Ćosić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kre%C5%A1imir_%C4%86osi%C4%87 "Krešimir Ćosić") [Cowens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Cowens "Dave Cowens") [J. Crawford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Crawford_\(basketball\) "Joan Crawford (basketball)") [Daniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mel_Daniels "Mel Daniels") [DeBernardi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forrest_DeBernardi "Forrest DeBernardi") [Divac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vlade_Divac "Vlade Divac") [Donovan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Donovan "Anne Donovan") [Ewing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Ewing "Patrick Ewing") [Fowles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvia_Fowles "Sylvia Fowles") [Gallatin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Gallatin "Harry Gallatin") [Gilmore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artis_Gilmore "Artis Gilmore") [Griffith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yolanda_Griffith "Yolanda Griffith") [Gruenig](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ace_Gruenig "Ace Gruenig") [Harris-Stewart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lusia_Harris "Lusia Harris") [Houbregs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Houbregs "Bob Houbregs") [Howard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwight_Howard "Dwight Howard") [Issel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Issel "Dan Issel") [Jackson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inman_Jackson "Inman Jackson") [W. Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skinny_Johnson "Skinny Johnson") [Johnston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Johnston "Neil Johnston") [M. Krause](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moose_Krause "Moose Krause") [Kurland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Kurland "Bob Kurland") [Lanier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Lanier "Bob Lanier") [Leslie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Leslie "Lisa Leslie") [Lovellette](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clyde_Lovellette "Clyde Lovellette") [Lapchick](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Lapchick "Joe Lapchick") [Macauley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Macauley "Ed Macauley") [Maciel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bira_Maciel "Bira Maciel") [M. Malone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_Malone "Moses Malone") [McAdoo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_McAdoo "Bob McAdoo") [Meneghin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dino_Meneghin "Dino Meneghin") [Mikan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Mikan "George Mikan") [Mourning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alonzo_Mourning "Alonzo Mourning") [S. Murphy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stretch_Murphy "Stretch Murphy") [Mutombo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dikembe_Mutombo "Dikembe Mutombo") [Olajuwon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakeem_Olajuwon "Hakeem Olajuwon") [O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") [Parish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Parish "Robert Parish") [Reed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Reed "Willis Reed") [Risen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnie_Risen "Arnie Risen") [Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Robinson "David Robinson") [B. Russell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Russell "Bill Russell") [Sabonis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arvydas_Sabonis "Arvydas Sabonis") [Sampson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Sampson "Ralph Sampson") [Semjonova](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uljana_Semjonova "Uljana Semjonova") [Sikma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Sikma "Jack Sikma") [Thurmond](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Thurmond "Nate Thurmond") [Unseld](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wes_Unseld "Wes Unseld") [Wachter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Wachter "Ed Wachter") [Wallace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Wallace_\(basketball\) "Ben Wallace (basketball)") [Walton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Walton "Bill Walton") [Washington](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ora_Washington "Ora Washington") [Yao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yao_Ming "Yao Ming") |
| [Coaches](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_coaches_in_the_Naismith_Memorial_Basketball_Hall_of_Fame "List of coaches in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame") | [Adelman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Adelman "Rick Adelman") [Alexeeva](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lidiya_Alekseyeva "Lidiya Alekseyeva") [P. Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phog_Allen "Phog Allen") [Anderson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Anderson_\(basketball\) "Harold Anderson (basketball)") [Auerbach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Auerbach "Red Auerbach") [Auriemma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geno_Auriemma "Geno Auriemma") [Barmore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Barmore "Leon Barmore") [Barry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Barry "Sam Barry") [Bess](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Bess "Gene Bess") [Blair](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Blair "Gary Blair") [Blood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Blood "Ernest Blood") [Boeheim](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Boeheim "Jim Boeheim") [L. Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Brown_\(basketball\) "Larry Brown (basketball)") [Calhoun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Calhoun "Jim Calhoun") [Calipari](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Calipari "John Calipari") [Cann](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Cann "Howard Cann") [Carlson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doc_Carlson "Doc Carlson") [Carnesecca](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Carnesecca "Lou Carnesecca") [Carnevale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Carnevale "Ben Carnevale") [Carril](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Carril "Pete Carril") [Case](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everett_Case "Everett Case") [Chancellor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_Chancellor "Van Chancellor") [Chaney](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Chaney_\(basketball,_born_1932\) "John Chaney (basketball, born 1932)") [Conradt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jody_Conradt "Jody Conradt") [Crum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denny_Crum "Denny Crum") [Daly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Daly "Chuck Daly") [Dean](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everett_Dean "Everett Dean") [Díaz-Miguel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_D%C3%ADaz-Miguel "Antonio Díaz-Miguel") [Diddle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Diddle "Edgar Diddle") [Donovan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Donovan "Billy Donovan") [Drake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Drake "Bruce Drake") [Driesell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lefty_Driesell "Lefty Driesell") [Ferrándiz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_Ferr%C3%A1ndiz "Pedro Ferrándiz") [Fitch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Fitch "Bill Fitch") [Fitzsimmons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotton_Fitzsimmons "Cotton Fitzsimmons") [Gaines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarence_Gaines "Clarence Gaines") [Gamba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandro_Gamba "Sandro Gamba") [Gardner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Gardner_\(basketball\) "Jack Gardner (basketball)") [Gaze](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindsay_Gaze "Lindsay Gaze") [Gill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slats_Gill "Slats Gill") [Gomelsky](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Gomelsky "Alexander Gomelsky") [Gunter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sue_Gunter "Sue Gunter") [Hannum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Hannum "Alex Hannum") [Harshman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marv_Harshman "Marv Harshman") [Haskins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Haskins "Don Haskins") [Hatchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvia_Hatchell "Sylvia Hatchell") [Heinsohn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Heinsohn "Tom Heinsohn") [Hickey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Hickey "Eddie Hickey") [Hixon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Hixon "David Hixon") [Hobson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Hobson "Howard Hobson") [Holzman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Holzman "Red Holzman") [Huggins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Huggins "Bob Huggins") [Hughes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Hughes_\(basketball\) "Robert Hughes (basketball)") [Hurley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Hurley "Bob Hurley") [Iba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Iba "Henry Iba") [Izzo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Izzo "Tom Izzo") [P. Jackson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Jackson "Phil Jackson") [Julian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doggie_Julian "Doggie Julian") [Karl](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Karl "George Karl") [Keady](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Keady "Gene Keady") [Keaney](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Keaney "Frank Keaney") [Keogan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Keogan "George Keogan") [Knight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Knight "Bob Knight") [Krzyzewski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Krzyzewski "Mike Krzyzewski") [Kundla](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kundla "John Kundla") [Lambert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ward_Lambert "Ward Lambert") [Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Leonard "Bobby Leonard") [Lewis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Lewis "Guy Lewis") [Litwack](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Litwack "Harry Litwack") [Loeffler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Loeffler "Ken Loeffler") [Lonborg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_Lonborg "Dutch Lonborg") [Magee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herb_Magee "Herb Magee") [McCutchan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arad_McCutchan "Arad McCutchan") [McGraw](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muffet_McGraw "Muffet McGraw") [A. McGuire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_McGuire "Al McGuire") [F. McGuire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_McGuire "Frank McGuire") [McLendon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McLendon "John McLendon") [Meanwell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Meanwell "Walter Meanwell") [Meyer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Meyer "Ray Meyer") [Miller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Miller "Ralph Miller") [B. Moore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billie_Moore "Billie Moore") [Mulkey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Mulkey "Kim Mulkey") [Nelson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Nelson "Don Nelson") [Nikolić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleksandar_Nikoli%C4%87 "Aleksandar Nikolić") [Novosel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirko_Novosel "Mirko Novosel") [Olson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lute_Olson "Lute Olson") [Pitino](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Pitino "Rick Pitino") [Popovich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregg_Popovich "Gregg Popovich") [Ramsay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Ramsay "Jack Ramsay") [Redin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harley_Redin "Harley Redin") [Richardson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nolan_Richardson "Nolan Richardson") [Riley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Riley "Pat Riley") [Rubini](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cesare_Rubini "Cesare Rubini") [Rupp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolph_Rupp "Adolph Rupp") [Rush](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathy_Rush "Cathy Rush") [B. Russell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Russell "Bill Russell") [Ryan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bo_Ryan "Bo Ryan") [Sachs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenny_Sachs "Lenny Sachs") [Self](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Self "Bill Self") [Sharman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Sharman "Bill Sharman") [Shelton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everett_Shelton "Everett Shelton") [Sloan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Sloan "Jerry Sloan") [C. Smith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Smith_\(basketball_coach\) "Charles Smith (basketball coach)") [D. Smith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Smith "Dean Smith") [Stanley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marianne_Stanley "Marianne Stanley") [Stevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Stevens_\(basketball\) "Barbara Stevens (basketball)") [Stringer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._Vivian_Stringer "C. Vivian Stringer") [Summitt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Summitt "Pat Summitt") [Sutton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Sutton "Eddie Sutton") [Tarkanian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Tarkanian "Jerry Tarkanian") [Taylor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Taylor_\(basketball,_born_1924\) "Fred Taylor (basketball, born 1924)") [Teague](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bertha_Teague "Bertha Teague") [J. Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Thompson_\(basketball\) "John Thompson (basketball)") [Tomjanovich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Tomjanovich "Rudy Tomjanovich") [VanDerveer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_VanDerveer "Tara VanDerveer") [Wade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Wade_\(basketball\) "Margaret Wade (basketball)") [Watts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stan_Watts "Stan Watts") [Wilkens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenny_Wilkens "Lenny Wilkens") [G. Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Williams "Gary Williams") [R. Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Williams_\(basketball_coach\) "Roy Williams (basketball coach)") [Wooden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wooden "John Wooden") [Woolpert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Woolpert "Phil Woolpert") [Wootten](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_Wootten "Morgan Wootten") [Wright](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Wright "Jay Wright") [Yow](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kay_Yow "Kay Yow") |
| [Contributors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_members_of_the_Naismith_Memorial_Basketball_Hall_of_Fame#Contributors "List of members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame") | [Abbott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senda_Berenson_Abbott "Senda Berenson Abbott") [Ackerman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Val_Ackerman "Val Ackerman") [Arison](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micky_Arison "Micky Arison") [Attles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Attles "Al Attles") [Barksdale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Barksdale "Don Barksdale") [Baumann](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Baumann_\(basketball\) "Patrick Baumann (basketball)") [Bee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clair_Bee "Clair Bee") [Biasone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Biasone "Danny Biasone") [H. Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubie_Brown "Hubie Brown") [W. Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_A._Brown "Walter A. Brown") [Bunn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bunn_\(basketball\) "John Bunn (basketball)") [Buss](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Buss "Jerry Buss") [Clifton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nat_Clifton "Nat Clifton") [Colangelo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Colangelo "Jerry Colangelo") [Collins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doug_Collins_\(basketball\) "Doug Collins (basketball)") [Costello](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Costello "Larry Costello") [Davidson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Davidson_\(businessman\) "Bill Davidson (businessman)") [Douglas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Douglas "Bob Douglas") [Duer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alva_Duer "Alva Duer") [Embry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Embry "Wayne Embry") [Fagan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliff_Fagan "Cliff Fagan") [Fisher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_A._Fisher "Harry A. Fisher") [Fleisher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Fleisher "Larry Fleisher") [Garfinkel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Garfinkel "Howard Garfinkel") [Gavitt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Gavitt "Dave Gavitt") [Gottlieb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Gottlieb "Eddie Gottlieb") [Granik](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russ_Granik "Russ Granik") [Gulick](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luther_Gulick_\(physician\) "Luther Gulick (physician)") [Harris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Del_Harris "Del Harris") [Harrison](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Harrison_\(basketball\) "Les Harrison (basketball)") [Hearn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chick_Hearn "Chick Hearn") [Henderson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Henderson "Edwin Henderson") [Hepp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferenc_Hepp "Ferenc Hepp") [Hickox](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_J._Hickox "Edward J. Hickox") [Hinkle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Hinkle "Tony Hinkle") [Irish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ned_Irish "Ned Irish") [M. Jackson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mannie_Jackson "Mannie Jackson") [Jernstedt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Jernstedt "Tom Jernstedt") [R. Jones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renato_William_Jones "Renato William Jones") [Kennedy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Walter_Kennedy "J. Walter Kennedy") [Knight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Knight "Phil Knight") [J. Krause](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Krause "Jerry Krause") [Lemon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meadowlark_Lemon "Meadowlark Lemon") [Liston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emil_Liston "Emil Liston") [Lloyd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_Lloyd "Earl Lloyd") [Lobo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebecca_Lobo "Rebecca Lobo") [McLendon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McLendon "John McLendon") [Mokray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Mokray "Bill Mokray") [Morgan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Morgan_\(basketball\) "Ralph Morgan (basketball)") [Morgenweck](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pop_Morgenweck "Pop Morgenweck") [Naismith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Naismith "James Naismith") [Newell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Newell "Pete Newell") [Newton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._M._Newton "C. M. Newton") [J. O'Brien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_O%27Brien_\(basketball,_born_1888\) "John O'Brien (basketball, born 1888)") [L. O'Brien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_O%27Brien "Larry O'Brien") [Olsen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Olsen "Harold Olsen") [Podoloff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Podoloff "Maurice Podoloff") [Porter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._V._Porter "H. V. Porter") [Raveling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Raveling "George Raveling") [Reid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Reid_\(basketball\) "William Reid (basketball)") [Reinsdorf](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Reinsdorf "Jerry Reinsdorf") [Ripley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elmer_Ripley "Elmer Ripley") [Sanders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satch_Sanders "Satch Sanders") [Saperstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abe_Saperstein "Abe Saperstein") [Schabinger](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Schabinger "Arthur Schabinger") [Simon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herb_Simon_\(businessman\) "Herb Simon (businessman)") [St. John](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynn_St._John "Lynn St. John") [Stagg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amos_Alonzo_Stagg "Amos Alonzo Stagg") [Stanković](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borislav_Stankovi%C4%87 "Borislav Stanković") [Steitz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Steitz "Ed Steitz") [Stern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Stern "David Stern") [Taylor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Taylor_\(salesman\) "Chuck Taylor (salesman)") [Thorn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_Thorn "Rod Thorn") [Tower](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oswald_Tower "Oswald Tower") [Trester](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Trester "Arthur Trester") [Valvano](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Valvano "Jim Valvano") [Vitale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Vitale "Dick Vitale") [Wells](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clifford_Wells "Clifford Wells") [Welts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Welts "Rick Welts") [West](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_West "Jerry West") [Wilke](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Wilke "Louis Wilke") [Winter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tex_Winter "Tex Winter") [Zollner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Zollner "Fred Zollner") |
| [Referees](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_members_of_the_Naismith_Memorial_Basketball_Hall_of_Fame#Referees "List of members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame") | [Bavetta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Bavetta "Dick Bavetta") [D. Crawford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Crawford "Danny Crawford") [Enright](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Enright_\(basketball\) "James Enright (basketball)") [Evans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Evans_\(basketball\) "Hugh Evans (basketball)") [Garretson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darell_Garretson "Darell Garretson") [Hepbron](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_T._Hepbron "George T. Hepbron") [Hoyt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Hoyt "George Hoyt") [Kennedy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_P._Kennedy "Matthew P. Kennedy") [Leith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lloyd_Leith "Lloyd Leith") [Mihalik](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Mihalik "Red Mihalik") [Nichols](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hank_Nichols "Hank Nichols") [Nucatola](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Nucatola "John Nucatola") [Quigley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_C._Quigley "Ernest C. Quigley") [Rudolph](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mendy_Rudolph "Mendy Rudolph") [Shirley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Shirley "Dallas Shirley") [Strom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_Strom "Earl Strom") [Tobey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Tobey_\(basketball\) "Dave Tobey (basketball)") [Walsh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Walsh_\(basketball\) "David Walsh (basketball)") |
| [Teams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_members_of_the_Naismith_Memorial_Basketball_Hall_of_Fame#Teams "List of members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame") | [1948–1982 Wayland Baptist women's teams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayland_Baptist_University#Women's_basketball "Wayland Baptist University") [1956–57 Tennessee A\&I State men's team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1956%E2%80%9357_Tennessee_A%26I_State_Tigers_basketball_team "1956–57 Tennessee A&I State Tigers basketball team") [1957–58 Tennessee A\&I State men's team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1957%E2%80%9358_Tennessee_A%26I_State_Tigers_basketball_team "1957–58 Tennessee A&I State Tigers basketball team") [1958–59 Tennessee A\&I State men's team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1958%E2%80%9359_Tennessee_A%26I_State_Tigers_basketball_team "1958–59 Tennessee A&I State Tigers basketball team") [1960 United States men's Olympic team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1960_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "1960 United States men's Olympic basketball team") [1965–66 Texas Western men's team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1965%E2%80%9366_Texas_Western_Miners_men%27s_basketball_team "1965–66 Texas Western Miners men's basketball team") [1976 United States women's Olympic team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1976_United_States_women%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "1976 United States women's Olympic basketball team") [1992 United States men's Olympic team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team") [2008 United States men's Olympic team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "2008 United States men's Olympic basketball team") [All-American Red Heads](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-American_Red_Heads "All-American Red Heads") [Buffalo Germans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Germans "Buffalo Germans") [The First Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_First_Team "The First Team") [Harlem Globetrotters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlem_Globetrotters "Harlem Globetrotters") [Immaculata College](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immaculata_University#Women's_basketball "Immaculata University") [New York Renaissance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Renaissance "New York Renaissance") [Original Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_Celtics "Original Celtics") |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:2020_Basketball_HOF "Template:2020 Basketball HOF") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:2020_Basketball_HOF "Template talk:2020 Basketball HOF") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:2020_Basketball_HOF "Special:EditPage/Template:2020 Basketball HOF")[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naismith_Memorial_Basketball_Hall_of_Fame "Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame") Class of 2020 | |
| Players | [Kobe Bryant]() [Tamika Catchings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamika_Catchings "Tamika Catchings") [Tim Duncan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Duncan "Tim Duncan") [Kevin Garnett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Garnett "Kevin Garnett") |
| Coaches | [Kim Mulkey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Mulkey "Kim Mulkey") [Barbara Stevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Stevens_\(basketball\) "Barbara Stevens (basketball)") [Eddie Sutton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Sutton "Eddie Sutton") [Rudy Tomjanovich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Tomjanovich "Rudy Tomjanovich") |
| Contributors | [Patrick Baumann](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Baumann_\(basketball\) "Patrick Baumann (basketball)") |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:BET_Award_for_Sportsman_of_the_Year "Template:BET Award for Sportsman of the Year") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:BET_Award_for_Sportsman_of_the_Year "Template talk:BET Award for Sportsman of the Year") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:BET_Award_for_Sportsman_of_the_Year "Special:EditPage/Template:BET Award for Sportsman of the Year")[BET Award for Sportsman of the Year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BET_Award_for_Sportsman_of_the_Year "BET Award for Sportsman of the Year") | |
| [Allen Iverson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Iverson "Allen Iverson") (2001) [Kobe Bryant]() (2002) [Kobe Bryant]() (2003) [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") (2004) [Shaquille O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") (2005) [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") (2006) [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") (2007) [Kobe Bryant]() (2008) [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") (2009) [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") (2010) [Michael Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") [Kevin Durant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Durant "Kevin Durant") (2012) [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") (2013) [Kevin Durant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Durant "Kevin Durant") (2014) [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") (2015) [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") (2016) [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") (2017) [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") (2018) [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") (2019) [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") (2020) [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") (2021) [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") (2022) [Jalen Hurts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Hurts "Jalen Hurts") (2023) [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") (2024) [Jalen Hurts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Hurts "Jalen Hurts") (2025) | |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Best_NBA_Player_ESPY_Award "Template:Best NBA Player ESPY Award") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Best_NBA_Player_ESPY_Award "Template talk:Best NBA Player ESPY Award") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Best_NBA_Player_ESPY_Award "Special:EditPage/Template:Best NBA Player ESPY Award")[Best NBA Player ESPY Award](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best_NBA_Player_ESPY_Award "Best NBA Player ESPY Award") | |
| [Michael Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") (1993) [Charles Barkley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Barkley "Charles Barkley") (1994) [Hakeem Olajuwon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakeem_Olajuwon "Hakeem Olajuwon") (1995) [Hakeem Olajuwon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakeem_Olajuwon "Hakeem Olajuwon") (1996) [Michael Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") (1997) [Michael Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") (1998) [Michael Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") (1999) [Tim Duncan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Duncan "Tim Duncan") (2000) [Shaquille O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") (2001) [Shaquille O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") (2002) [Tim Duncan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Duncan "Tim Duncan") (2003) [Kevin Garnett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Garnett "Kevin Garnett") (2004) [Steve Nash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Nash "Steve Nash") (2005) [Dwyane Wade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwyane_Wade "Dwyane Wade") (2006) [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") (2007) [Kobe Bryant]() (2008) [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") (2009) [Kobe Bryant]() (2010) [Dirk Nowitzki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirk_Nowitzki "Dirk Nowitzki") (2011) [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") (2012) [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") (2013) [Kevin Durant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Durant "Kevin Durant") (2014) [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") (2015) [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") (2016) [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") (2017) [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") (2018) [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") (2019) *Not awarded* (2020) [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") (2021) [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") (2022) [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") (2023) [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić") (2024) | |
[Portals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contents/Portals "Wikipedia:Contents/Portals"):
-  [Basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Basketball "Portal:Basketball")
-  [Biography](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Biography "Portal:Biography")
-  [Sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Sports "Portal:Sports")
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:LA_Skyline_Mountains2.jpg) [Los Angeles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Los_Angeles "Portal:Los Angeles")
-  [California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:California "Portal:California")
-  [Philadelphia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Philadelphia "Portal:Philadelphia")
| [Authority control databases](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Authority_control "Help:Authority control") [](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25369#identifiers "Edit this at Wikidata") | |
|---|---|
| International | [ISNI](https://isni.org/isni/0000000045677868) [VIAF](https://viaf.org/viaf/19000693) [GND](https://d-nb.info/gnd/1176164031) [FAST](https://id.worldcat.org/fast/422949) [WorldCat](https://id.oclc.org/worldcat/entity/E39PBJh8PK3D4mtGpjrGhbrg8C) |
| National | [United States](https://id.loc.gov/authorities/n98082481) [France](https://catalogue.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb14159921j) [BnF data](https://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb14159921j) [Japan](https://id.ndl.go.jp/auth/ndlna/001277011) [Italy](https://opac.sbn.it/nome/BCTV012729) [Czech Republic](https://aleph.nkp.cz/F/?func=find-c&local_base=aut&ccl_term=ica=osa20191048253&CON_LNG=ENG) [Russia](http://aleph.rsl.ru/F?func=find-b&find_code=SYS&adjacent=Y&local_base=RSL11&request=000255495&CON_LNG=ENG) [Spain](https://datos.bne.es/resource/XX6021181) [Norway](https://authority.bibsys.no/authority/rest/authorities/html/1579001847002) [Latvia](https://kopkatalogs.lv/F?func=direct&local_base=lnc10&doc_number=000284230&P_CON_LNG=ENG) [Poland](https://dbn.bn.org.pl/descriptor-details/9810629243205606) [Catalonia](https://cantic.bnc.cat/registre/981058612219906706) |
| Artists | [MusicBrainz](https://musicbrainz.org/artist/c50e111f-3e84-4bb4-871f-95e3e89f3c88) |
| People | [LibraryThing](https://www.librarything.com/author/bryantkobe) [Deutsche Synchronkartei](https://www.synchronkartei.de/person/3LU8nFOBb) [DDB](https://www.deutsche-digitale-bibliothek.de/person/gnd/1176164031) |
| Other | [IdRef](https://www.idref.fr/227595599) [Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL7541260A?mode=all) [Yale LUX](https://lux.collections.yale.edu/view/person/1a40f0a9-7cc9-4366-b440-9c650eb2e643) |
Retrieved from "<https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kobe_Bryant&oldid=1345344055>"
[Categories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Category "Help:Category"):
- [Kobe Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Kobe_Bryant "Category:Kobe Bryant")
- [1978 births](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:1978_births "Category:1978 births")
- [2020 deaths](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:2020_deaths "Category:2020 deaths")
- [20th-century African-American sportsmen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:20th-century_African-American_sportsmen "Category:20th-century African-American sportsmen")
- [20th-century Roman Catholics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:20th-century_Roman_Catholics "Category:20th-century Roman Catholics")
- [21st-century African-American sportsmen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:21st-century_African-American_sportsmen "Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen")
- [21st-century American philanthropists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:21st-century_American_philanthropists "Category:21st-century American philanthropists")
- [21st-century Roman Catholics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:21st-century_Roman_Catholics "Category:21st-century Roman Catholics")
- [Accidental deaths in California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Accidental_deaths_in_California "Category:Accidental deaths in California")
- [African-American Catholics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:African-American_Catholics "Category:African-American Catholics")
- [American Roman Catholics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:American_Roman_Catholics "Category:American Roman Catholics")
- [American expatriate basketball people in Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:American_expatriate_basketball_people_in_Italy "Category:American expatriate basketball people in Italy")
- [American men's basketball players](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:American_men%27s_basketball_players "Category:American men's basketball players")
- [Basketball players at the 2008 Summer Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Basketball_players_at_the_2008_Summer_Olympics "Category:Basketball players at the 2008 Summer Olympics")
- [Basketball players at the 2012 Summer Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Basketball_players_at_the_2012_Summer_Olympics "Category:Basketball players at the 2012 Summer Olympics")
- [Basketball players from Los Angeles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Basketball_players_from_Los_Angeles "Category:Basketball players from Los Angeles")
- [Basketball players from Orange County, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Basketball_players_from_Orange_County,_California "Category:Basketball players from Orange County, California")
- [Basketball players from Philadelphia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Basketball_players_from_Philadelphia "Category:Basketball players from Philadelphia")
- [Burials at Pacific View Memorial Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Burials_at_Pacific_View_Memorial_Park "Category:Burials at Pacific View Memorial Park")
- [Catholics from California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Catholics_from_California "Category:Catholics from California")
- [Catholics from Pennsylvania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Catholics_from_Pennsylvania "Category:Catholics from Pennsylvania")
- [Charlotte Hornets draft picks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Charlotte_Hornets_draft_picks "Category:Charlotte Hornets draft picks")
- [Deaths from fire in the United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Deaths_from_fire_in_the_United_States "Category:Deaths from fire in the United States")
- [Los Angeles Lakers players](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Los_Angeles_Lakers_players "Category:Los Angeles Lakers players")
- [Lower Merion High School alumni](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Lower_Merion_High_School_alumni "Category:Lower Merion High School alumni")
- [McDonald's High School All-Americans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:McDonald%27s_High_School_All-Americans "Category:McDonald's High School All-Americans")
- [Medalists at the 2008 Summer Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Medalists_at_the_2008_Summer_Olympics "Category:Medalists at the 2008 Summer Olympics")
- [Medalists at the 2012 Summer Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Medalists_at_the_2012_Summer_Olympics "Category:Medalists at the 2012 Summer Olympics")
- [Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductees](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Naismith_Memorial_Basketball_Hall_of_Fame_inductees "Category:Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductees")
- [NBA All-Stars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:NBA_All-Stars "Category:NBA All-Stars")
- [NBA high school draftees](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:NBA_high_school_draftees "Category:NBA high school draftees")
- [NBA Most Valuable Player Award winners](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:NBA_Most_Valuable_Player_Award_winners "Category:NBA Most Valuable Player Award winners")
- [NBA players with retired numbers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:NBA_players_with_retired_numbers "Category:NBA players with retired numbers")
- [Nike, Inc. people](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Nike,_Inc._people "Category:Nike, Inc. people")
- [Olympic gold medalists for the United States in basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Olympic_gold_medalists_for_the_United_States_in_basketball "Category:Olympic gold medalists for the United States in basketball")
- [Parade High School All-Americans (boys' basketball)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Parade_High_School_All-Americans_\(boys%27_basketball\) "Category:Parade High School All-Americans (boys' basketball)")
- [People from Ardmore, Pennsylvania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:People_from_Ardmore,_Pennsylvania "Category:People from Ardmore, Pennsylvania")
- [Philanthropists from California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Philanthropists_from_California "Category:Philanthropists from California")
- [Philanthropists from Pennsylvania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Philanthropists_from_Pennsylvania "Category:Philanthropists from Pennsylvania")
- [Producers who won the Best Animated Short Academy Award](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Producers_who_won_the_Best_Animated_Short_Academy_Award "Category:Producers who won the Best Animated Short Academy Award")
- [Shooting guards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Shooting_guards "Category:Shooting guards")
- [Sportspeople from Newport Beach, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Sportspeople_from_Newport_Beach,_California "Category:Sportspeople from Newport Beach, California")
- [Sportspeople killed in aviation accidents or incidents](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Sportspeople_killed_in_aviation_accidents_or_incidents "Category:Sportspeople killed in aviation accidents or incidents")
- [United States men's national basketball team players](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:United_States_men%27s_national_basketball_team_players "Category:United States men's national basketball team players")
- [Victims of aviation accidents or incidents in 2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Victims_of_aviation_accidents_or_incidents_in_2020 "Category:Victims of aviation accidents or incidents in 2020")
- [Victims of helicopter accidents or incidents in the United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Victims_of_helicopter_accidents_or_incidents_in_the_United_States "Category:Victims of helicopter accidents or incidents in the United States")
- [21st-century American sportsmen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:21st-century_American_sportsmen "Category:21st-century American sportsmen")
- [20th-century American sportsmen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:20th-century_American_sportsmen "Category:20th-century American sportsmen")
Hidden categories:
- [CS1 maint: url-status](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_url-status "Category:CS1 maint: url-status")
- [Webarchive template wayback links](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Webarchive_template_wayback_links "Category:Webarchive template wayback links")
- [Pages containing links to subscription-only content](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Pages_containing_links_to_subscription-only_content "Category:Pages containing links to subscription-only content")
- [CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_bot:_original_URL_status_unknown "Category:CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown")
- [CS1: unfit URL](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1:_unfit_URL "Category:CS1: unfit URL")
- [CS1 Italian-language sources (it)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_Italian-language_sources_\(it\) "Category:CS1 Italian-language sources (it)")
- [CS1 Brazilian Portuguese-language sources (pt-br)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_Brazilian_Portuguese-language_sources_\(pt-br\) "Category:CS1 Brazilian Portuguese-language sources (pt-br)")
- [CS1 Spanish-language sources (es)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_Spanish-language_sources_\(es\) "Category:CS1 Spanish-language sources (es)")
- [Articles with short description](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Articles_with_short_description "Category:Articles with short description")
- [Short description matches Wikidata](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Short_description_matches_Wikidata "Category:Short description matches Wikidata")
- [Wikipedia indefinitely semi-protected pages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Wikipedia_indefinitely_semi-protected_pages "Category:Wikipedia indefinitely semi-protected pages")
- [Wikipedia indefinitely move-protected pages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Wikipedia_indefinitely_move-protected_pages "Category:Wikipedia indefinitely move-protected pages")
- [Use American English from May 2024](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Use_American_English_from_May_2024 "Category:Use American English from May 2024")
- [All Wikipedia articles written in American English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:All_Wikipedia_articles_written_in_American_English "Category:All Wikipedia articles written in American English")
- [Use mdy dates from December 2024](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Use_mdy_dates_from_December_2024 "Category:Use mdy dates from December 2024")
- [Pages using Sister project links with default search](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Pages_using_Sister_project_links_with_default_search "Category:Pages using Sister project links with default search")
- This page was last edited on 25 March 2026, at 16:38 (UTC).
- Text is available under the [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_the_Creative_Commons_Attribution-ShareAlike_4.0_International_License "Wikipedia:Text of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License"); additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the [Terms of Use](https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Policy:Terms_of_Use "foundation:Special:MyLanguage/Policy:Terms of Use") and [Privacy Policy](https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Policy:Privacy_policy "foundation:Special:MyLanguage/Policy:Privacy policy"). Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the [Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.](https://wikimediafoundation.org/), a non-profit organization.
- [Privacy policy](https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Policy:Privacy_policy)
- [About Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:About)
- [Disclaimers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:General_disclaimer)
- [Contact Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contact_us)
- [Legal & safety contacts](https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Legal:Wikimedia_Foundation_Legal_and_Safety_Contact_Information)
- [Code of Conduct](https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Policy:Universal_Code_of_Conduct)
- [Developers](https://developer.wikimedia.org/)
- [Statistics](https://stats.wikimedia.org/#/en.wikipedia.org)
- [Cookie statement](https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Policy:Cookie_statement)
- [Mobile view](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kobe_Bryant&mobileaction=toggle_view_mobile)
- [](https://www.wikimedia.org/)
- [](https://www.mediawiki.org/)
Search
Toggle the table of contents
Kobe Bryant
104 languages
[Add topic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant) |
| Readable Markdown | For the American football safety, see [Coby Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coby_Bryant "Coby Bryant"). For the American football cornerback, see [Cobee Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobee_Bryant "Cobee Bryant").
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_Dec_2014.jpg)Bryant with the [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") in 2014 | | |
| Personal information | | |
| Born | August 23, 1978 [Philadelphia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia "Philadelphia"), Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| Died | January 26, 2020 (aged 41) [Calabasas, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calabasas,_California "Calabasas, California"), U.S. | |
| Listed height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)[\[a\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-height_note-3) | |
| Listed weight | 212 lb (96 kg) | |
| Career information | | |
| High school | [Lower Merion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Merion_High_School "Lower Merion High School") ([Ardmore, Pennsylvania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardmore,_Pennsylvania "Ardmore, Pennsylvania")) | |
| [NBA draft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_draft "NBA draft") | [1996](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_NBA_draft "1996 NBA draft"): 1st round, 13th overall pick | |
| Drafted by | [Charlotte Hornets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Hornets "Charlotte Hornets") | |
| Playing career | 1996–2016 | |
| Position | [Shooting guard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_guard "Shooting guard") | |
| Number | 8, 24 | |
| Career history | | |
| [1996](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996%E2%80%9397_NBA_season "1996–97 NBA season")–[2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_NBA_season "2015–16 NBA season") | [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") | |
| Career highlights | | |
| 5× [NBA champion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_champions "List of NBA champions") ([2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_Finals "2000 NBA Finals")–[2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_Finals "2002 NBA Finals"), [2009](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_Finals "2009 NBA Finals"), [2010](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_Finals "2010 NBA Finals")) 2× [NBA Finals MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award") ([2009](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_Finals "2009 NBA Finals"), [2010](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_Finals "2010 NBA Finals")) [NBA Most Valuable Player](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA Most Valuable Player Award") ([2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_NBA_season "2007–08 NBA season")) 18× [NBA All-Star](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_All-Stars "List of NBA All-Stars") ([1998](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_NBA_All-Star_Game "1998 NBA All-Star Game"), [2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_All-Star_Game "2000 NBA All-Star Game")–[2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NBA_All-Star_Game "2016 NBA All-Star Game")) 4× [NBA All-Star Game MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game_Kobe_Bryant_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award") ([2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_All-Star_Game "2002 NBA All-Star Game"), [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_NBA_All-Star_Game "2007 NBA All-Star Game"), [2009](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_All-Star_Game "2009 NBA All-Star Game"),[\[b\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-4) [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_NBA_All-Star_Game "2011 NBA All-Star Game")) 11× [All-NBA First Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-NBA_Team "All-NBA Team") ([2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_NBA_season "2001–02 NBA season")–[2004](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003%E2%80%9304_NBA_season "2003–04 NBA season"), [2006](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_NBA_season "2005–06 NBA season")–[2013](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012%E2%80%9313_NBA_season "2012–13 NBA season")) 2× [All-NBA Second Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-NBA_Team "All-NBA Team") ([2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999%E2%80%932000_NBA_season "1999–2000 NBA season"), [2001](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_NBA_season "2000–01 NBA season")) 2× [All-NBA Third Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-NBA_Team "All-NBA Team") ([1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998%E2%80%9399_NBA_season "1998–99 NBA season"), [2005](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004%E2%80%9305_NBA_season "2004–05 NBA season")) 9× [NBA All-Defensive First Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-NBA_Defensive_Team "All-NBA Defensive Team") ([2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999%E2%80%932000_NBA_season "1999–2000 NBA season"), [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002%E2%80%9303_NBA_season "2002–03 NBA season"), [2004](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003%E2%80%9304_NBA_season "2003–04 NBA season"), [2006](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_NBA_season "2005–06 NBA season")–[2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%9311_NBA_season "2010–11 NBA season")) 3× [NBA All-Defensive Second Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-NBA_Defensive_Team "All-NBA Defensive Team") ([2001](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_NBA_season "2000–01 NBA season"), [2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_NBA_season "2001–02 NBA season"), [2012](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011%E2%80%9312_NBA_season "2011–12 NBA season")) 2× [NBA scoring champion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_annual_scoring_leaders "List of National Basketball Association annual scoring leaders") ([2006](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_NBA_season "2005–06 NBA season"), [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_NBA_season "2006–07 NBA season")) [NBA Slam Dunk Contest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slam_Dunk_Contest "Slam Dunk Contest") champion ([1997](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997_NBA_All-Star_Game "1997 NBA All-Star Game")) [NBA All-Rookie Second Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-NBA_Rookie_Team "All-NBA Rookie Team") ([1997](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996%E2%80%9397_NBA_season "1996–97 NBA season")) [NBA 75th Anniversary Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_75th_Anniversary_Team "NBA 75th Anniversary Team") Nos. 8 & 24 [retired by Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers#Retired_numbers "Los Angeles Lakers") [Naismith Prep Player of the Year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naismith_Prep_Player_of_the_Year_Award "Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award") (1996) [Gatorade National Player of the Year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gatorade_Player_of_the_Year_awards "Gatorade Player of the Year awards") (1996) [McDonald's All-American](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonald%27s_All-American_Game "McDonald's All-American Game") ([1996](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_McDonald%27s_All-American_Boys_Game "1996 McDonald's All-American Boys Game")) First-team [*Parade* All-American](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parade_All-America_Boys_Basketball_Team "Parade All-America Boys Basketball Team") (1996) Fourth-team *Parade* All-American (1995) | | |
| Career statistics | | |
| [Points](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)") | 33,643 (25.0 ppg) | |
| [Rebounds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)") | 7,047 (5.2 rpg) | |
| [Assists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)") | 6,306 (4.7 apg) | |
| **[Stats](https://www.nba.com/player/977) at NBA.com** [](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25369#P3647 "Edit this at Wikidata") | | |
| **[Stats](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html) at [Basketball Reference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_Reference "Basketball Reference")** | | |
| [Basketball Hall of Fame](http://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/kobe-bryant) | | |
| [Men's basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men%27s_basketball "Men's basketball") | | |
| Representing the  [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_men%27s_national_basketball_team "United States men's national basketball team") | | |
| [Olympic Games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_at_the_Summer_Olympics "Basketball at the Summer Olympics") | | |
|  | [2008 Beijing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_at_the_2008_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Men%27s_tournament "Basketball at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament") | [Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "2008 United States men's Olympic basketball team") |
|  | [2012 London](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_at_the_2012_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Men%27s_tournament "Basketball at the 2012 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament") | [Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "2012 United States men's Olympic basketball team") |
| [FIBA Americas Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIBA_Americas_Championship "FIBA Americas Championship") | | |
|  | [2007 Las Vegas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_FIBA_Americas_Championship "2007 FIBA Americas Championship") | [Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_FIBA_Americas_Championship "2007 FIBA Americas Championship") |
**Kobe Bean Bryant** ( [*KOH\-bee*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Pronunciation_respelling_key "Help:Pronunciation respelling key"); August 23, 1978 – January 26, 2020) was an American professional [basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball "Basketball") player. A [shooting guard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_guard "Shooting guard"), he [spent his entire 20-year career](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_players_who_have_spent_their_entire_career_with_one_franchise "List of NBA players who have spent their entire career with one franchise") with the [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") in the [National Basketball Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association "National Basketball Association") (NBA). Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential players in the sport's history, Bryant won five [NBA championships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals "NBA Finals") and was an 18-time [All-Star](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star "NBA All-Star"), four-time [All-Star MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game_Kobe_Bryant_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player"), 15-time member of the [All-NBA Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-NBA_Team "All-NBA Team"), 12-time member of the [All-Defensive Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Defensive_Team "NBA All-Defensive Team"), the 2008 [NBA Most Valuable Player](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA Most Valuable Player") (MVP), two-time [NBA Finals MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals_MVP "NBA Finals MVP"), and two-time [scoring champion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_annual_scoring_leaders "List of NBA annual scoring leaders"). He ranks fourth in [league all-time regular season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_scoring_leaders "List of NBA career scoring leaders") and [postseason scoring](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_playoff_scoring_leaders "List of NBA career playoff scoring leaders"). Bryant was posthumously named to the [NBA 75th Anniversary Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_75th_Anniversary_Team "NBA 75th Anniversary Team") in 2021 and was a two-time inductee to the [Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naismith_Memorial_Basketball_Hall_of_Fame "Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame"), for his playing career in 2020 and as a member of the [2008 U.S. Olympic team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "2008 United States men's Olympic basketball team") in 2025.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-RedeemHOF-5)
The son of NBA player [Joe Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Bryant "Joe Bryant"), Bryant was born in [Philadelphia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia "Philadelphia") and partly raised in Italy. Recognized as the top American high school basketball player while at [Lower Merion High School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Merion_High_School "Lower Merion High School") in the Philadelphia suburb of [Ardmore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardmore,_Pennsylvania "Ardmore, Pennsylvania"), Bryant declared for the [1996 NBA draft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_NBA_draft "1996 NBA draft") and was selected by the [Charlotte Hornets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996%E2%80%9397_Charlotte_Hornets_season "1996–97 Charlotte Hornets season") with the 13th pick; he was then traded to the Lakers. As a rookie, Bryant earned a reputation as a high-flyer by winning the 1997 [Slam Dunk Contest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slam_Dunk_Contest "Slam Dunk Contest") and was named an All-Star by his second season. Despite his [contentious relationship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaq%E2%80%93Kobe_feud "Shaq–Kobe feud") with teammate [Shaquille O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal"), the pair led the Lakers to [three consecutive](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-peat "Three-peat") NBA championships from [2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_Finals "2000 NBA Finals") to [2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_Finals "2002 NBA Finals"). In 2003, Bryant was [charged with sexual assault](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant_sexual_assault_case "Kobe Bryant sexual assault case"). Charges were dropped after the accuser refused to testify, and a lawsuit was settled out of court, with Bryant issuing an apology and admitting to a sexual encounter he maintained was consensual.
After the Lakers lost the [2004 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_NBA_Finals "2004 NBA Finals"), O'Neal was traded and Bryant became the franchise's cornerstone. He led the NBA in scoring in the [2005–06](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_NBA_season "2005–06 NBA season") and [2006–07](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_NBA_season "2006–07 NBA season") seasons. On January 22, 2006, Bryant scored a career-high [81 points](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant%27s_81-point_game "Kobe Bryant's 81-point game"), the third [most scored in a single NBA game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_single-game_scoring_leaders "List of NBA single-game scoring leaders") behind [Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain%27s_100-point_game "Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game") and [Bam Adebayo's 83-point game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bam_Adebayo%27s_83-point_game "Bam Adebayo's 83-point game"). Bryant led the team to championships in [2009](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_Finals "2009 NBA Finals") and [2010](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_Finals "2010 NBA Finals"), and was named NBA Finals MVP both times. He continued to be among the league's premier players through the [2012–13 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012%E2%80%9313_NBA_season "2012–13 NBA season") when he suffered a [torn achilles tendon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torn_achilles_tendon "Torn achilles tendon"). The last years of his playing career were hampered by injuries and limited playing time. Bryant retired after the [2015–16 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_NBA_season "2015–16 NBA season"). In 2017, the Lakers retired both his Nos. 8 and 24, making Bryant the only player in NBA history to have multiple [numbers retired](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retired_number "Retired number") by the same franchise.
The all-time leading scorer in Lakers history, Bryant was the first [guard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guard_\(basketball\) "Guard (basketball)") in NBA history to [play 20 seasons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_seasons_played_leaders "List of National Basketball Association seasons played leaders"). His 18 All-Star designations are the [third most](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_All-Stars "List of NBA All-Stars") ever, and his four [NBA All-Star Game MVP Awards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game_Kobe_Bryant_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award") are tied with [Bob Pettit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Pettit "Bob Pettit") for the most in history. Bryant gave himself the nickname **Black Mamba** in the mid-2000s, and the [epithet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epithet "Epithet") became widely adopted by the public. He won [gold medals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_medal "Gold medal") on the 2008 and [2012 U.S. Olympic teams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "2012 United States men's Olympic basketball team"). In 2018, Bryant won the [Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Award_for_Best_Animated_Short_Film "Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film") for *[Dear Basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dear_Basketball "Dear Basketball")* (2017),[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Oscar-6) becoming the only person to win both an Olympic gold medal and an Oscar.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-7)
In January 2020, Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter [Gianna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianna_Bryant "Gianna Bryant") were among nine people who died in [a helicopter crash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Calabasas_helicopter_crash "2020 Calabasas helicopter crash") in [Calabasas, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calabasas,_California "Calabasas, California").[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-8) A number of tributes and memorials followed, and the [NBA All-Star Game MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game_MVP "NBA All-Star Game MVP") was renamed in Bryant's honor.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-9)
Early life
Kobe Bean Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-KB_Superstar-10)[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-11) His mother, Pam Bryant ([née](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birth_name#Maiden_and_married_names "Birth name") Cox), is the sister of basketball player [Chubby Cox](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chubby_Cox "Chubby Cox"), and his father, [Joe Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Bryant "Joe Bryant"), played eight seasons in the [National Basketball Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association "National Basketball Association") (NBA).[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-12)[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-13) He has two older sisters: Sharia and Shaya.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-14)[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-15) His father named him after the [Kobe beef](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_beef "Kobe beef") from Japan, which he saw on a restaurant menu,[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-bio-16)[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-17) whereas his middle name, Bean, was derived from his father's nickname "Jellybean".[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-KB_Superstar-10) Bryant's family was [Catholic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Archdiocese_of_Philadelphia "Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia") and he was brought up with this faith.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Klosterman,_Chuck2015-18)[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-cna-19)[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Kosloski2016-20)
Bryant started playing basketball at the age of three,[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-21) and the Lakers were his favorite team when he was growing up.[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-22) When Bryant was six, his father retired from the NBA and moved his family to [Rieti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rieti "Rieti") in Italy to continue playing professional basketball.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-23)[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-rap_career-24) After two years, they moved first to [Reggio Calabria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggio_Calabria "Reggio Calabria"), then to [Pistoia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pistoia "Pistoia") and [Reggio Emilia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggio_Emilia "Reggio Emilia"). Kobe became accustomed to his new lifestyle and learned to speak fluent Italian.[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Lavanga2020-25) He was especially fond of Reggio Emilia, which Kobe considered a loving place and where some of his best childhood memories were made.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-26)[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-27) Kobe began to play basketball seriously while living in Reggio Emilia.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-28)[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-29) His grandfather mailed him videos of NBA games for him to study.[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Greatness-30) Another source of inspiration was animated European films about sports, from which Kobe learned more about basketball.[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-31) From 1987 to 1989, his father played for [Olimpia Basket Pistoia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olimpia_Basket_Pistoia "Olimpia Basket Pistoia") where he paired with former [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons") player [Leon Douglas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Douglas "Leon Douglas"). Kobe worked at the games as a ball and mop boy and practiced shooting at halftime. Douglas said, "At every one of our games at halftime, it was the Kobe show. He'd get out there and get his shot up. We'd come out of the locker room at halftime and have to chase him off the court".[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-32)
Bryant also learned to play [soccer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Association_football "Association football"), and his favorite soccer team was [A.C. Milan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A.C._Milan "A.C. Milan").[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-33)[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-34) During summers, Bryant returned to the United States to play in a basketball summer league.[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-35) When he was 13, Bryant and his family moved back to Philadelphia, where he enrolled in the eighth grade at [Bala Cynwyd Middle School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bala_Cynwyd_Junior_High_School_Complex "Bala Cynwyd Junior High School Complex").[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Lavanga2020-25)[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-36)
High school (1992–1996)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_retired_HS2.jpg)
Bryant's retired
No.
33 jersey and banner at the [Lower Merion High School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Merion_High_School "Lower Merion High School") gym in [Ardmore, Pennsylvania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardmore,_Pennsylvania "Ardmore, Pennsylvania")
Bryant earned national recognition during a spectacular high-school career at [Lower Merion High School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Merion_High_School "Lower Merion High School") in [Ardmore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardmore,_Pennsylvania "Ardmore, Pennsylvania"), located in the Philadelphia suburb of [Lower Merion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Merion_Township,_Pennsylvania "Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania"). He played on the varsity basketball team as a freshman.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Merion-37) Bryant became the first freshman in decades to start for Lower Merion's varsity team, but the team finished with a 4–20 record.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Merion-37)[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-38) The following three years, the Aces compiled a 77–13 record, with Bryant playing all five positions.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Merion-37) During his junior year, Bryant averaged 31.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 3.8 blocks and 2.3 steals[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-39) and was named Pennsylvania Player of the Year while also earning a [fourth-team *Parade* All-American](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parade_All-America_Boys_Basketball_Team "Parade All-America Boys Basketball Team") nomination,[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-JockBioKobe-40)[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-41) attracting attention from college recruiters in the process.[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-JockBioKobe-40) [Duke](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_Blue_Devils_men%27s_basketball "Duke Blue Devils men's basketball"), [Michigan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_Wolverines_men%27s_basketball "Michigan Wolverines men's basketball"), [North Carolina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Carolina_Tar_Heels_men%27s_basketball "North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball") and [Villanova](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villanova_Wildcats_men%27s_basketball "Villanova Wildcats men's basketball") were at the top of his list. However, after high schooler [Kevin Garnett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Garnett "Kevin Garnett") went in the first round of the [1995 NBA draft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_NBA_draft "1995 NBA draft"), Bryant also began contemplating [going directly to the pros](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_high_school_draftees "NBA high school draftees").[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-JockBioKobe-40)
At [Adidas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adidas "Adidas") [ABCD Camp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABCD_Camp "ABCD Camp"), Bryant earned the 1995 senior MVP award[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-42) while playing alongside future NBA teammate [Lamar Odom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamar_Odom "Lamar Odom").[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-43) While in high school, then 76ers coach [John Lucas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lucas_II "John Lucas II") invited Bryant to work out and scrimmage with the team, where he played one-on-one with [Jerry Stackhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Stackhouse "Jerry Stackhouse").[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-44) As a senior, Bryant led the Aces to their first state championship in 53 years. 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 31–3 record.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-HighSchool-45) Bryant finished his high-school career as [Southeastern Pennsylvania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeastern_Pennsylvania "Southeastern Pennsylvania")'s all-time leading scorer at 2,883 points, surpassing both [Wilt Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") and [Lionel Simmons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Simmons "Lionel Simmons").[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-46)
Bryant received several awards for his outstanding performance during his senior year at Lower Merion. These included being named [Naismith High School Player of the Year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naismith_Prep_Player_of_the_Year_Award "Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award"), [Gatorade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gatorade "Gatorade") Men's National Basketball Player of the Year, a [McDonald's All-American](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonald%27s_All-American_Team "McDonald's All-American Team"), a first-team *Parade* All-American and a *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")* All-USA First Team player.[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-47)[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-48) Bryant's varsity coach, Greg Downer, commented that he was "a complete player who dominates" and praised his work ethic, even as the team's top player.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-HighSchool-45)[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-lee_11302015-49) In 1996, Bryant took [R\&B](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contemporary_R%26B "Contemporary R&B") singer [Brandy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandy_Norwood "Brandy Norwood") to her Hollywood High senior prom.[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-50) Ultimately, the 17-year-old Bryant decided to go directly into the NBA, becoming only the sixth player in NBA history to do so.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Merion-37) His news was met with a significant publicity at a time when prep-to-pro NBA players were not very common ([Kevin Garnett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Garnett "Kevin Garnett") being the only exception in 20 years).[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Merion-37) His basketball skills and [SAT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAT "SAT") score of 1080 would have ensured admission to any college Bryant chose,[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Archived_at_Ghostarchive_and_the_Wayback_Machine2020-51)[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-52) but he did not officially visit any campuses.[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-lee_11302015-49) In 2012, Bryant was honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans for his high school play as well as his later accomplishments.[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-53)
Professional career
1996 NBA draft
> If you closed your eyes and thought a little bit, you might have thought you were watching [Michael Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan"). He did everything well – beyond well. He was exceptional in everything that he did. And then we commented, as I recall, on how reminiscent he was of Michael.
— [Jan Volk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Volk "Jan Volk"), the Celtics' general manager, on Kobe Bryant during a pre-draft workout in 1996[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-54)
Before the [1996 NBA draft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_NBA_draft "1996 NBA draft"), Bryant had worked out in Los Angeles, where he scrimmaged against former Lakers players [Larry Drew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Drew "Larry Drew") and [Michael Cooper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Cooper "Michael Cooper") and, according to then-Laker general manager [Jerry West](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_West "Jerry West"), "marched over these people."[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-55)
The Lakers were looking to trade their starting [center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_\(basketball\) "Center (basketball)") [Vlade Divac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vlade_Divac "Vlade Divac") for a player's draft rights to free up [salary cap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_salary_cap "NBA salary cap") space to make an offer to free-agent center [Shaquille O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal"). Bill Branch, the [Charlotte Hornets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Hornets "Charlotte Hornets")' head scout at the time, said the Hornets agreed to trade their No. 13 pick to the Lakers the day before the draft. Before agreement, the Hornets never considered drafting Bryant. During the draft, the Lakers told the Hornets whom to select minutes before the pick was made.[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-56) Bryant was the first guard drafted directly out of high school. After the draft, the trade was put in jeopardy when Divac threatened to retire rather than be traded from LA. However, on June 30, Divac relented and the trade was finalised on July 9, when the league's off-season [moratorium](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/moratorium "wikt:moratorium") ended.[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-57) Since Bryant was 17, his parents had to co-sign his contract until Bryant was able to sign his own when he turned 18 before the season began.[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-complex.com-58) Bryant signed a three-year rookie contract totaling \$3.5 million.[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Career_Earnings-59)
Los Angeles Lakers (1996–2016)
Adjusting to the NBA (1996–1999)
Bryant debuted in the [Summer Pro League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_Pro_League "Summer Pro League") in [Long Beach, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Beach,_California "Long Beach, California"), scoring 25 points in front of a standing-room-only crowd. Defenders struggled to get in front of him, and his performance excited West and Lakers coach [Del Harris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Del_Harris "Del Harris").[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-60) Bryant scored 36 points in the finale and finished with averages of 24.5 points and 5.3 rebounds.[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-61) As a rookie in [1996–97](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996%E2%80%9397_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1996–97 Los Angeles Lakers season"), Bryant mostly came off the bench behind guards [Eddie Jones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Jones_\(basketball\) "Eddie Jones (basketball)") and [Nick Van Exel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Van_Exel "Nick Van Exel").[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Contemporary_Black_Biography-62) At the time, he was the [second-youngest player ever to play in an NBA game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_youngest_National_Basketball_Association_players "List of youngest National Basketball Association players") (18 years, 72 days) and became the youngest NBA starter (18 years, 158 days).[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-63)[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-64) Bryant played limited minutes, but as the season continued, he saw more playing time.
By the end of the season, Bryant averaged 15.5 minutes. During the [All-Star weekend](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Weekend "NBA All-Star Weekend"), he participated in the [Rookie Challenge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rookie_Challenge "Rookie Challenge") and won the 1997 [Slam Dunk Contest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slam_Dunk_Contest "Slam Dunk Contest"), becoming the youngest dunk champion aged 18.[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-65) Bryant's performance throughout the year earned him a spot on the [NBA All-Rookie Second Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Rookie_Second_Team "NBA All-Rookie Second Team").[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-66)
The Lakers advanced to the [Western Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Conference_\(NBA\) "Western Conference (NBA)") semifinals in the [playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997_NBA_Playoffs "1997 NBA Playoffs") against the [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996%E2%80%9397_Utah_Jazz_season "1996–97 Utah Jazz season"), when Bryant was pressed into a lead role at the end of Game 5. [Byron Scott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byron_Scott "Byron Scott") missed the game with a sprained wrist, [Robert Horry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Horry "Robert Horry") was ejected for fighting with [Jeff Hornacek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Hornacek "Jeff Hornacek"), and [Shaquille O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") fouled out with 1:46 remaining. Bryant shot four [air balls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_ball "Air ball"); the Jazz won 98–93 in overtime to eliminate the Lakers 4–1.[\[65\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-67) He first missed a game-winning two-point [jump shot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jump_shot_\(basketball\) "Jump shot (basketball)") in the fourth quarter, then misfired three [three-point field goals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-point_field_goal "Three-point field goal") in overtime, including two tying shots in the final minute.[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-68) O'Neal commented that "\[Bryant\] was the only guy who had the guts at the time to take shots like that."[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-69)
In [Bryant's second season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997%E2%80%9398_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1997–98 Los Angeles Lakers season"), he received more playing time and showed more of his abilities as a guard. As a result, Bryant's point averages more than doubled, from 7.6 to 15.4.[\[68\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-70) He saw an increase in minutes when the Lakers "played small", which would feature Bryant playing [small forward](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_forward "Small forward") alongside the guards he would usually back up.[\[69\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-71) Bryant was the runner-up for the [NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Sixth_Man_of_the_Year_Award "NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award"),[\[70\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-6thManVoting1998-72) and through fan voting, became the youngest [NBA All-Star](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association_All-Star_Game "National Basketball Association All-Star Game") starter in history.[\[71\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-AllStarProfile-73) Bryant was joined by teammates O'Neal, Van Exel, and Jones, making it the first time since 1983 that four players on the same team were selected to play in the same All-Star Game. Bryant's 15.4 points per game was the highest of any non-starter in the season.[\[72\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Contract-74)
The [1998–99 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998%E2%80%9399_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1998–99 Los Angeles Lakers season") marked Bryant's emergence as a premier guard in the league. Bryant started every game for the lockout-shortened 50-game season.[\[73\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-75) He signed a six-year \$70 million contract extension,[\[72\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Contract-74) keeping him a Laker till the end of 2003–04. Sportswriters compared his skills to [Michael Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") and [Magic Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson").[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-complex.com-58)[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-76)[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-77) However, the playoff results were no better as the Lakers were [swept](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_NBA_Playoffs "1999 NBA Playoffs") by the [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998%E2%80%9399_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "1998–99 San Antonio Spurs season") in the Western Conference Semifinals.[\[76\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-78)
Three-peat (1999–2002)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lipofsky_Kobe.jpg)
Bryant in December 1999
Bryant's fortunes improved when [Phil Jackson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Jackson "Phil Jackson") was appointed Lakers coach in 1999.[\[77\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-79) After years of steady improvement, Bryant became one of the premier [shooting guards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_guard "Shooting guard") in the league, earning appearances in the league's All-NBA,[\[78\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-BryantAllNBA-80) All-Star, and All-Defensive teams.[\[79\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-BryantAllDefensive-81) The Lakers became championship contenders behind the center-guard combination of Bryant and O'Neal. Jackson utilized the [triangle offense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triangle_offense "Triangle offense") that he implemented to win championships with the [Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Bulls "Chicago Bulls"); this offense would help Bryant and O'Neal rise to the elite. Three championships were won consecutively in [2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_Finals "2000 NBA Finals"), [2001](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_NBA_Finals "2001 NBA Finals"), and [2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_Finals "2002 NBA Finals"), further cementing this.[\[80\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-82)
Bryant was sidelined for six weeks prior to the start of the [1999–2000 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999%E2%80%932000_NBA_season "1999–2000 NBA season") due to a hand injury from a preseason game.[\[81\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-83) When Bryant was back and playing over 38 minutes a game, he had an increase in all statistical categories during the 1999–2000 season. This included leading the team in assists and steals per game. The duo of O'Neal and Bryant backed with a strong bench led to the Lakers winning 67 games, tied for fifth-most in NBA history. This followed with Bryant being named to the [All-NBA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-NBA_Team "All-NBA Team") Second Team and All-NBA Defensive Team for the first time in his career (the youngest player to receive All-Defensive honors).[\[82\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-84) While playing second fiddle to O'Neal in the [playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_Playoffs "2000 NBA Playoffs"), Bryant had some clutch performances, including a 25-point, 11-rebound, seven-assist, four-block game in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the [Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999%E2%80%932000_Portland_Trail_Blazers_season "1999–2000 Portland Trail Blazers season").[\[83\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-85) He threw an alley-oop pass to O'Neal to clinch the game and series. In the [2000 Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_Finals "2000 NBA Finals"), against the [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999%E2%80%932000_Indiana_Pacers_season "1999–2000 Indiana Pacers season"), Bryant injured his ankle in the second quarter of Game 2 after landing on the Pacers' [Jalen Rose](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Rose "Jalen Rose")'s foot. Rose admitted he placed his foot under Bryant intentionally.[\[84\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-86)[\[85\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-87) Bryant did not return to the game, and missed Game 3. In Game 4, Bryant scored 22 points in the second half and led the team to victory as O'Neal fouled out. Bryant scored the winner to put the Lakers ahead 120–118.[\[86\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-88) With a 116–111 victory in Game 6, the Lakers won their first championship since [1988](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_NBA_Finals "1988 NBA Finals").[\[87\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-89)
Statistically, the [2000–01 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_NBA_season "2000–01 NBA season") saw Bryant perform similarly to the previous year, but he averaged six more points per game (28.5). It was the year when disagreements between Bryant and O'Neal surfaced.[\[88\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-90) Bryant led the team in assists, with five per game. However, the Lakers only won 56 games, an 11-game drop from the previous year. The team responded by going 15–1 in the [playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_NBA_Playoffs "2001 NBA Playoffs"). They swept the [Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_Portland_Trail_Blazers_season "2000–01 Portland Trail Blazers season") in the first round, and the [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_Sacramento_Kings_season "2000–01 Sacramento Kings season") in the semifinals. In Game 4 against the Kings, Bryant recorded 48 points, 16 rebounds, and three assists in a 119–113 series-clinching victory.[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-91) They swept the [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2000–01 San Antonio Spurs season") in the Conference Finals to advance to the [Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_NBA_Finals "2001 NBA Finals"), before losing their first game against the [Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_Philadelphia_76ers_season "2000–01 Philadelphia 76ers season"). The Lakers won the next four games and their second championship in as many seasons. During the playoffs, Bryant played heavy minutes which brought his stats up to 29.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. In the playoffs, O'Neal declared Bryant the best player in the league.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-HighSchool-45) Bryant ended up making the All-NBA Second Team and All-NBA Defensive Team for the second year in a row. He was voted to start in the NBA All-Star Game for the third year in a row (no game in 1999).
In the [2001–02 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_NBA_season "2001–02 NBA season"), Bryant played 80 games for the first time in his career. On January 14, 2002, Bryant recorded a then career-high 56 points, with five rebounds, in a 120–81 victory over the visiting [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2001–02 Memphis Grizzlies season").[\[90\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-92) He continued his all-round play by averaging 25.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. Bryant had a career-high 46.9% shooting and once again led his team in assists. Bryant claimed his first [All-Star MVP trophy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award") after a 31-point performance in Philadelphia, when he was booed by fans throughout the game, stemming from his comment to a 76ers heckler during the Finals that the Lakers were "going to cut your hearts out."[\[91\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-93)[\[92\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-smallwood_02062012-94) While making the All-NBA Defensive Team again, Bryant was named to the All-NBA First Team for the first time. The Lakers won 58 games that year and finished second in the [Pacific Division](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Division_\(NBA\) "Pacific Division (NBA)") behind in-state rival [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_Sacramento_Kings_season "2001–02 Sacramento Kings season"). Bryant was suspended for one game after he punched [Reggie Miller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggie_Miller "Reggie Miller") of the [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_Indiana_Pacers_season "2001–02 Indiana Pacers season") after the Lakers' March 1, 2002, victory over the Pacers.[\[93\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-95)[\[94\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-96)
The road to the Finals would prove much tougher than the record run the Lakers enjoyed the previous year. While they swept the [Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_Portland_Trail_Blazers_season "2001–02 Portland Trail Blazers season") and defeated the [Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2001–02 San Antonio Spurs season") 4–1 in the first two rounds of the [playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_Playoffs "2002 NBA Playoffs"), the Lakers did not have home-court advantage against the [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_Sacramento_Kings_season "2001–02 Sacramento Kings season"). The series would stretch to seven games, the first time this had happened to the Lakers since the 2000 Western Conference Finals. However, the Lakers beat their division rivals and made their third consecutive NBA Finals. In the [2002 Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_Finals "2002 NBA Finals") against the [New Jersey Nets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_New_Jersey_Nets_season "2001–02 New Jersey Nets season"), Bryant averaged 26.8 points, 51.4% shooting, 5.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists per game, which included scoring a quarter of the team's points.[\[95\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Finals-97) Aged 23, he became the youngest player to win three championships.[\[95\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Finals-97) Bryant was praised for his performance in the fourth quarters, specifically the last two rounds of the playoffs.[\[95\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Finals-97)[\[96\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-98) This cemented Bryant's reputation as a "clutch player".
Coming up short (2002–2004)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_7144_adjusted.jpg)
Bryant during the 2005 preseason
In the first game of the [2002–03 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002%E2%80%9303_NBA_season "2002–03 NBA season"), Bryant recorded 27 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and four steals in an 87–82 loss to the visiting Spurs.[\[97\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-99) On November 1, he recorded a triple-double of 33 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 108–93 victory over the Clippers.[\[98\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-100) Bryant also set an NBA record for three-pointers in a game on January 7, 2003, when he made 12 against the [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_SuperSonics "Seattle SuperSonics").[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-101) He 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. Bryant also averaged 6.9 [rebounds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"), 5.9 [assists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"), and 2.2 [steals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steal_\(basketball\) "Steal (basketball)") per game, all career-highs to that point.[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-bio-16) He was once again voted to both the All-NBA and All-Defensive First Teams,[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-bio-16) and came in third place in voting for the MVP award. After finishing 50–32 in the regular season, the Lakers floundered [in the playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_NBA_Playoffs "2003 NBA Playoffs") and lost in the Western Conference semifinals in six games to the eventual NBA champions [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002%E2%80%9303_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2002–03 San Antonio Spurs season").[\[100\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-102)
The following [season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003%E2%80%9304_NBA_season "2003–04 NBA season"), the Lakers were able to acquire NBA All-Stars [Karl Malone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Malone "Karl Malone") and [Gary Payton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Payton "Gary Payton") to make another push at the NBA championship.[\[101\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-103) Bryant was arrested for [sexual assault](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_assault "Sexual assault") before the season began.[\[102\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-104) This caused him to miss some games due to court appearances or attend court earlier in the day and travel to play games later on the same day.[\[103\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-105) In the final game of the regular season, the Lakers played the [Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003%E2%80%9304_Portland_Trail_Blazers_season "2003–04 Portland Trail Blazers season"). Bryant made two buzzer-beaters to win the game and the [Pacific Division](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Division_\(NBA\) "Pacific Division (NBA)") title. At the end of the fourth quarter, Bryant made a three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left to send it into overtime.[\[104\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Portland-106) The game eventually went to a second overtime, in which Bryant made another three-pointer as time expired to narrowly lift the Lakers past the Blazers, 105–104.[\[104\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Portland-106)
With a starting lineup of O'Neal, Malone, Payton, and Bryant, the Lakers were able to reach the [2004 Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_NBA_Finals "2004 NBA Finals").[\[105\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-107) However, they were upset in five games by the [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003%E2%80%9304_Detroit_Pistons_season "2003–04 Detroit Pistons season"), who won their first championship since [1990](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_NBA_Finals "1990 NBA Finals").[\[106\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-108) In that series, Bryant averaged 22.6 points per game and 4.4 assists while shooting 35.1% from the field.[\[107\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-109) Jackson's contract as coach was not renewed, and [Rudy Tomjanovich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Tomjanovich "Rudy Tomjanovich") took over.[\[108\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-110) O'Neal was traded to the [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004%E2%80%9305_Miami_Heat_season "2004–05 Miami Heat season") for [Lamar Odom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamar_Odom "Lamar Odom"), [Caron Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caron_Butler "Caron Butler"), and [Brian Grant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Grant "Brian Grant").[\[109\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-111) The following day, Bryant declined a six-year, \$100 million offer to sign with the [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004%E2%80%9305_Los_Angeles_Clippers_season "2004–05 Los Angeles Clippers season") and re-signed with the Lakers on a seven-year, \$136.4 million contract.[\[110\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-112)[\[111\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-113)
Scoring records and playoff upsets (2004–2007)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_81.jpg)
Bryant attempting a shot during his [81-point game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant%27s_81-point_game "Kobe Bryant's 81-point game") on January 22, 2006
Bryant was closely scrutinized and criticized during the [2004–05 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004%E2%80%9305_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2004–05 Los Angeles Lakers season") with his reputation damaged from all that had happened the previous year. A particularly damaging salvo came when Jackson wrote *[The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Season:_A_Team_in_Search_of_Its_Soul "The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul")*. The book detailed the Lakers' tumultuous [2003–04 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003%E2%80%9304_NBA_season "2003–04 NBA season") and has criticisms of Bryant. Jackson called Bryant "un-coachable".[\[112\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-114) Midway through the season, Tomjanovich resigned as Lakers coach, citing the recurrence of health problems and exhaustion.[\[113\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-115) Stewardship of the remainder of the Lakers' season fell to assistant coach [Frank Hamblen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Hamblen "Frank Hamblen").[\[114\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-116) Bryant was the league's second-leading scorer at 27.6 points per game, but he was surrounded by a subpar cast, and the Lakers went 34–48 and missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade.[\[115\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-117) The year signified a drop in his status in the NBA, as Bryant did not make the NBA All-Defensive Team and was demoted to the All-NBA Third Team.[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-KobeBryantStatistics-118) Bryant engaged in public feuds with Malone and [Ray Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Allen "Ray Allen").[\[117\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-119)[\[118\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-120)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_dunk.jpg)
Bryant dunking against the [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") during a preseason game in [Honolulu, Hawaii](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honolulu,_Hawaii "Honolulu, Hawaii"), in October 2005
The [2005–06 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_NBA_season "2005–06 NBA season") marked a crossroads in Bryant's career. Despite past differences with Bryant, Jackson returned to coach the Lakers.[\[119\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-121) Bryant endorsed the move, and by all appearances, they worked well together the second time around, leading the Lakers [back into the playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_NBA_Playoffs "2006 NBA Playoffs"). Bryant's scoring accomplishments resulted in the finest statistical season of his career. On December 20, 2005, Bryant scored 62 points in three quarters against the [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2005–06 Dallas Mavericks season"). Entering the fourth quarter, he had outscored the Mavericks team 62–61, the only time a player has done this through three quarters since introduction of the [shot clock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shot_clock "Shot clock").[\[120\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-122) When the Lakers faced the [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_Miami_Heat_season "2005–06 Miami Heat season") on January 16, 2006, Bryant and O'Neal made headlines by engaging in handshakes and hugs before the game, signifying a change in [the feud](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaq%E2%80%93Kobe_feud "Shaq–Kobe feud") that had festered between them.[\[121\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-123)[\[122\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-124) A month later, at the [2006 NBA All-Star Game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_NBA_All-Star_Game "2006 NBA All-Star Game"), the two were seen laughing together.[\[123\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-125)
On January 22, 2006, Bryant scored a career-high [81 points](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant%27s_81-point_game "Kobe Bryant's 81-point game") in a 122–104 victory over the [Toronto Raptors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_Toronto_Raptors_season "2005–06 Toronto Raptors season").[\[124\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-126) In addition to breaking the previous franchise record of 71 set by [Elgin Baylor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elgin_Baylor "Elgin Baylor"), Bryant's 81-point game was, at the time, the second-highest point total in NBA history, only behind [Chamberlain's 100-point game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain%27s_100-point_game "Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game") in [1962](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1961%E2%80%9362_NBA_season "1961–62 NBA season").[\[125\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-127) As of 2026, Bryant's 81-point performace is the third highest-scoring single-game scoring total by a player in NBA history behind Chamberlain's 100 points and [Bam Adebayo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bam_Adebayo "Bam Adebayo")'s [83 points](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bam_Adebayo%27s_83-point_game "Bam Adebayo's 83-point game") in March 2026.[\[126\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-128) That same month, he became the first player since [1964](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1963%E2%80%9364_NBA_season "1963–64 NBA season") to score 45 points or more in four consecutive games, joining Chamberlain and Baylor as the only players to do so.[\[127\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-129) For January, Bryant averaged 43.4 points per game,[\[128\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-130) the eighth highest single month scoring average in NBA history and highest for any player other than Chamberlain.[\[129\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-131) By the end of 2005–06, Bryant set Lakers single-season franchise records for most 40-point games (27) and most points scored (2,832).[\[130\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-132) He won the [league's scoring title](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_annual_scoring_leaders "List of National Basketball Association annual scoring leaders") for the first time by averaging 35.4 points per game, becoming just the fifth player in league history to [average at least 35 in a season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_single-season_scoring_leaders "List of National Basketball Association single-season scoring leaders").[\[c\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-135) Bryant finished in fourth place in the voting for the 2006 [NBA Most Valuable Player Award](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA Most Valuable Player Award") but received 22 first place votes—second only to winner [Steve Nash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Nash "Steve Nash").[\[133\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-136)
Later in the season, it was reported that Bryant would change his jersey number from 8 to 24 at the start of the [2006–07 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_NBA_season "2006–07 NBA season"). Bryant's first high-school number was 24 before he switched to 33.[\[134\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-137)[\[135\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-HangUpOldJersey-138) After the Lakers' season ended, Bryant said he wanted 24 as a rookie, but it was unavailable as it was worn by [George McCloud](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_McCloud "George McCloud"), as was 33, retired with [Kareem Abdul-Jabbar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar"). Bryant wore 143 at the [Adidas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adidas "Adidas") ABCD camp and chose 8 by adding those numbers.[\[135\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-HangUpOldJersey-138) In the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers played well enough to reach a 3–1 lead over the [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_Phoenix_Suns_season "2005–06 Phoenix Suns season"), culminating with Bryant's overtime-forcing and game-winning shots in Game 4. They came within six seconds of eliminating the second-seeded Suns in Game 6, but the Lakers lost 126–118 in overtime.[\[136\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-phxlal-139) Despite Bryant's 27.9 points per game, the Lakers fell to the Suns in seven games.[\[136\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-phxlal-139) After scoring 50 points on 20 of 35 shooting in the Game 6 loss, Bryant was criticized for only taking three shots in the second half of the 121–90 Game 7 loss to Phoenix.[\[137\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-140)[\[138\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-141)
During the [2006–07 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_NBA_season "2006–07 NBA season"), Bryant was selected to his ninth All-Star Game appearance, and on February 18, he recorded 31 points, six assists, and six steals, earning his second career All-Star Game MVP trophy.[\[139\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-142) Over the course of the season, Bryant became involved in several on-court incidents. On January 28, while attempting to draw contact on a potential game-winning jump shot, he flailed his arm, striking [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2006–07 San Antonio Spurs season") guard [Manu Ginóbili](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manu_Gin%C3%B3bili "Manu Ginóbili") in the face with his elbow.[\[140\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-flailed-143) Bryant was suspended for the subsequent game at [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden") against the [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_New_York_Knicks_season "2006–07 New York Knicks season"). The reason given was that Bryant had performed an "unnatural motion" in swinging his arm backward.[\[141\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-144) On March 6, he seemed to repeat the motion, this time striking [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_Minnesota_Timberwolves_season "2006–07 Minnesota Timberwolves season") guard [Marko Jarić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marko_Jari%C4%87 "Marko Jarić").[\[140\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-flailed-143) NBA handed Bryant his second suspension.[\[142\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-145) In his first game back on March 9, Bryant elbowed [Kyle Korver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyle_Korver "Kyle Korver") in the face, which was retroactively re-classified as a Type 1 [flagrant foul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagrant_foul "Flagrant foul").[\[140\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-flailed-143)
On March 16, Bryant scored a season-high 65 points against the [Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_Portland_Trail_Blazers_season "2006–07 Portland Trail Blazers season"), which helped end the Lakers seven-game losing streak. This was the second-best scoring performance of his 11-year career.[\[143\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-146) The following game, Bryant recorded 50 points against the Timberwolves,[\[144\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-147) after which he scored 60 points in a road win against the [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies")—becoming the second Laker to score three straight 50-plus point games, a feat not seen since Jordan did it in 1987.[\[145\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Scoring-148) The only other Laker to do so was Baylor, who scored 50+ in three consecutive contests in December 1962.[\[145\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Scoring-148) The next day, in a game against the [New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_New_Orleans/Oklahoma_City_Hornets_season "2006–07 New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets season"), Bryant scored 50 points, making him the second player in NBA history to have four straight 50-point games behind Chamberlain, who achieved it twice with streaks of five and seven.[\[146\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-149) Bryant finished the year with a total of 10 50-plus point games, surpassed only by Chamberlain.[\[d\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-150) Bryant won his second straight scoring title that season.[\[147\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-151) Throughout 2006–07, Bryant's became the top selling NBA jersey in the US and China.[\[148\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-top-sellchina-152) Journalists attributed improved sales to Bryant's new number, as well as his All-Star performance.[\[149\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-153)[\[150\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-154) In the [2007 NBA playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_NBA_playoffs "2007 NBA playoffs"), the Lakers were again eliminated in the first round by the [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_Phoenix_Suns_season "2006–07 Phoenix Suns season"), 4–1.[\[151\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-155)
Back on top (2007–2010)
In May 2007 Bryant stated his desire for [Jerry West](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_West "Jerry West")'s return, but denied stating he wanted to be traded if that did not happen.[\[152\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_kobe_west_2-156) However, three days later, on [Stephen A. Smith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_A._Smith "Stephen A. Smith")'s radio program, Bryant expressed anger over a Lakers "insider" who claimed Bryant was responsible for [Shaquille O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal")'s departure from the team, and stated, "I want to be traded."[\[153\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-157) Three hours afterwards, Bryant stated in another interview that after talking with coach Jackson, he had backed off his trade request.[\[154\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-gazette_retracts_trade-158) Bryant was shown in an amateur video saying that center [Andrew Bynum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Bynum "Andrew Bynum") should have been traded for All-Star [Jason Kidd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Kidd "Jason Kidd").[\[155\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-159)[\[156\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-160)
On December 23, 2007, Bryant became the youngest player (29 years, 122 days) to reach 20,000 points, in a game against the [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_New_York_Knicks_season "2007–08 New York Knicks season"), after scoring 39 points to go along with 11 rebounds and eight assists.[\[157\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-161)[\[158\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-162) This record was broken by [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James"). On March 28, Bryant scored a season-high 53 points to go along with 10 rebounds in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.[\[159\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-163)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lakers_Finals_08.jpg)
Bryant's Lakers lost to the [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_Boston_Celtics_season "2007–08 Boston Celtics season") in six games during the [2008 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_Finals "2008 NBA Finals")
Despite an injury to his shooting hand's small finger, described as "a complete tear of the [radial collateral ligament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radial_collateral_ligament_\(thumb\) "Radial collateral ligament (thumb)"), an [avulsion fracture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avulsion_fracture "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. Regarding his injury, Bryant stated, "I would prefer to delay any surgical procedure until after our Lakers season, and this summer's Olympic Games. But, this is an injury that myself \[*[sic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sic "Sic")*\] and the Lakers' medical staff will just have to continue to monitor on a day-to-day basis."[\[160\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-injuryupdate-164)
Aided by the trade for All-Star [Pau Gasol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pau_Gasol "Pau Gasol"), Bryant led his team to a West-leading 57–25 record. The Lakers swept the [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_Denver_Nuggets_season "2007–08 Denver Nuggets season") in the first round and on May 6, 2008, Bryant was announced as the league MVP.[\[161\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-KobeWinsMVPbyNBA-165) He said, "It's been a long ride. I'm very proud to represent this organization, to represent this city."[\[162\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-166) West, who was responsible for bringing Bryant to the Lakers, was at the press conference to observe Bryant receive his MVP trophy from NBA commissioner [David Stern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Stern "David Stern"). Stern stated, "Kobe deserved it. He's had just another great season. Doesn't surprise me one bit."[\[163\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Krikorian1-167) Bryant was the only unanimous selection to the All-NBA team on May 8, for the third straight season and sixth time in his career.[\[164\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-168) Bryant headlined the NBA All-Defensive First Team with [Kevin Garnett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Garnett "Kevin Garnett"), receiving 52 points, including 24 first-place nods, earning his eighth selection.[\[165\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-169)
In the first game of the next round, against the [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_Utah_Jazz_season "2007–08 Utah Jazz season"), Bryant scored 38 points as the Lakers beat the Jazz in Game 1.[\[166\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-170) The Lakers won the next game, but dropped Games 3 and 4, even with Bryant putting up 33.5 points per game.[\[167\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-LALUTA-171) The Lakers then won the next two to win the semifinals.[\[167\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-LALUTA-171) This set up a [Western Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Conference_Finals#Conference "NBA Conference Finals") berth against the Spurs. The Lakers won the series in five games, sending themselves to the NBA Finals against the [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_Boston_Celtics_season "2007–08 Boston Celtics season"). This marked the fifth time in Bryant's career, and the first time without O'Neal, that he made the Finals.[\[168\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-172) The Lakers lost to the Celtics in [six games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_Finals "2008 NBA Finals").[\[169\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-173)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lakers_White_House.jpg)
[Derek Fisher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Fisher "Derek Fisher") and Bryant with President [Barack Obama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama "Barack Obama") during the White House visit honoring the Lakers' 2009 championship
In early September 2008, Bryant decided not to have surgery to repair his right pinkie.[\[170\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-174) In the [2008–09 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_NBA_season "2008–09 NBA season"), the Lakers opened the campaign by winning their first seven games.[\[171\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-175) Bryant led the team to tie the franchise record for most wins to start the season going 17–2,[\[172\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-176) and by the middle of December they compiled a 21–3 record. He was selected to his 11th consecutive [All-Star Game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game "NBA All-Star Game") as a starter,[\[173\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-177) and was named the Western Conference [Player of the Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Player_of_the_Month_and_Week "NBA Player of the Month and Week") for December and January in addition to being named Western Conference Player of the week three times.[\[174\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-178) In a game against the [Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_New_York_Knicks_season "2008–09 New York Knicks season") on February 2, 2009, Bryant scored 61 points, setting a record for the most points scored at [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden").[\[175\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-179) During the [2009 NBA All-Star Game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_All-Star_Game "2009 NBA All-Star Game"), Bryant tallied 27 points, four assists, four rebounds, and four steals and was awarded All-Star Game co-MVP with former teammate O'Neal.[\[176\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-180) The Lakers finished the regular season with the best record in the West (65–17). Bryant was runner-up in the MVP voting behind James,[\[177\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-181) and was selected to the All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team for the seventh time in his career.
In [the playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_Playoffs "2009 NBA Playoffs"), the Lakers defeated the [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_Utah_Jazz_season "2008–09 Utah Jazz season") in five games and the [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_Houston_Rockets_season "2008–09 Houston Rockets season") in seven games in the opening two rounds. By finishing off the [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_Denver_Nuggets_season "2008–09 Denver Nuggets season") in the Conference Finals in six games, the Lakers earned their second straight trip to the [NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_Finals "2009 NBA Finals"). The Lakers defeated the [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_Orlando_Magic_season "2008–09 Orlando Magic season") in five games. Bryant was awarded his first [NBA Finals MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA Finals Most Valuable Player") upon winning his fourth championship,[\[178\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-c156-182) achieving series averages of 32.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks.[\[179\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-183) Bryant became the first player since West in the [1969 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1969_NBA_Finals "1969 NBA Finals") to average at least 32.4 points and 7.4 assists for a Finals series[\[180\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-184) and the first since Jordan to average 30 points, five rebounds, and five assists for a title-winning team in the Finals.[\[181\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-185) Bryant was the league's leading scorer throughout the 2000s decade, accumulating 21,065 points in regular season play between the 1999-00 and 2008–09 seasons.
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_left_floater.jpg)
Bryant shoots a left-handed floater over future teammate [Dwight Howard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwight_Howard "Dwight Howard") of the [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Orlando_Magic_season "2009–10 Orlando Magic season") in 2010
During the [2009–10 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_NBA_season "2009–10 NBA season"), Bryant made six game-winning shots including a [buzzer-beating](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buzzer_beater "Buzzer beater"), one-legged three-pointer over [Dwyane Wade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwyane_Wade "Dwyane Wade") on December 4, 2009, leading to the Lakers' 108–107 victory over the [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Miami_Heat_season "2009–10 Miami Heat season").[\[182\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-186)\[*[unreliable NBA source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NBARSU "Wikipedia:NBARSU")*\] Bryant considered the shot "one of the luckiest he has made."[\[183\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-187) A week later, Bryant suffered an avulsion fracture in his right index finger in a game against the [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Minnesota_Timberwolves_season "2009–10 Minnesota Timberwolves season").[\[184\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-sports.yahoo.com-188) Despite this, Bryant continued playing, rather than take any time off.[\[184\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-sports.yahoo.com-188) Five days after his injury, Bryant made another game-winning shot, after missing on an opportunity in regulation, this time against the [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Milwaukee_Bucks_season "2009–10 Milwaukee Bucks season") in an overtime game.[\[185\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-189) Bryant became the youngest player (31 years, 151 days) to reach 25,000 points in his career during the season, surpassing Chamberlain.[\[186\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-190) Bryant continued his dominant clutch plays making another game-winning three-pointer against the [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Sacramento_Kings_season "2009–10 Sacramento Kings season"),[\[187\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-191) and what would be the game-winning field goal against the [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Boston_Celtics_season "2009–10 Boston Celtics season").[\[188\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-192) The following day, Bryant surpassed West to become the all-time leading scorer in Lakers history.[\[189\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-193) After being sidelined for five games by an ankle injury, which also forced him to miss the [2010 NBA All-Star Game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_All-Star_Game "2010 NBA All-Star Game") despite being the Western Conference's leading vote-getter, Bryant made his return and made another clutch three-pointer to give the Lakers a one-point lead with four seconds remaining against the [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2009–10 Memphis Grizzlies season").[\[190\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-194) Two weeks later, he made his sixth game-winning shot of the season, against the Toronto Raptors.[\[191\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-195)
On April 2, 2010, Bryant signed a three-year contract extension worth \$87 million.[\[192\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-196) He finished the regular season missing four of the final five games, due to injuries to his knee and finger. Bryant suffered injuries throughout the season and missed nine games as a result. The Lakers began the [playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_Playoffs "2010 NBA Playoffs") as the No. 1-seed in the Western Conference against the [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_season "2009–10 Oklahoma City Thunder season"),[\[193\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-197) eventually defeating them in six games.[\[194\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-198) The Lakers swept the [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Utah_Jazz_season "2009–10 Utah Jazz season") in the second round[\[195\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-199) and advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where they faced the [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Phoenix_Suns_season "2009–10 Phoenix Suns season"). In Game 2, Bryant finished the game with 13 assists, setting a new playoff career-high; it was the most assists by a Laker in the playoffs since [Magic Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson") had 13 in [1996](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_NBA_Playoffs "1996 NBA Playoffs").[\[196\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-200) The Lakers went on to win the series in six games capturing the Western Conference Championship and advancing to the NBA Finals for a third straight season.[\[197\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-201) In a rematch against the 2008 Champion [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Boston_Celtics_season "2009–10 Boston Celtics season"), Bryant, despite shooting 6-for-24 from the field, led the Lakers back from a 13-point third-quarter deficit in Game 7 to win [the championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_Finals "2010 NBA Finals"); he scored 10 of his game-high 23 points in the fourth quarter and finished the game with 15 rebounds, tying an NBA Finals record shared by [Sam Jones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Jones_\(basketball,_born_1933\) "Sam Jones (basketball, born 1933)") and [Tom Gola](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Gola "Tom Gola") for rebounds by a shooting guard. Bryant won his fifth championship and earned his second consecutive [NBA Finals MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Russell_NBA_Finals_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award") award.[\[198\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-202) This marked the first time the Lakers won a Game 7 against the Celtics in the NBA Finals.[\[199\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-203) Bryant said this was the most satisfying of all his five championships.[\[200\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-204)
Chasing a sixth championship (2010–2013)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2010_NBA_Champion_Los_Angeles_Lakers_with_President_Obama.jpg)
Bryant and the Lakers meet with President [Barack Obama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama "Barack Obama") in honor of the 2010 championship
Bryant wanted a sixth championship to match Jordan's total.[\[201\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-205) The Lakers started the [2010–11 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%9311_NBA_season "2010–11 NBA season") by winning their first eight games.[\[202\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-206) On January 30, 2011, against the Celtics, Bryant became the youngest player to score 27,000 points.[\[203\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-207) Two days later, Bryant became one of seven players with at least 25,000 points, 5,000 rebounds, and 5,000 assists.[\[204\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Mood-208) In Boston on February 10, Bryant scored 20 of his 23 points in the second half as the Lakers rallied from a 15-point deficit for a 92–86 victory.[\[205\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-209) It was the Lakers' first victory of the season against one of the league's top four teams.[\[206\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-210) Bryant, selected to his 13th straight All-Star game after becoming the leading vote-getter, had 37 points, 14 rebounds, and three steals in the [2011 All-Star Game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_NBA_All-Star_Game "2011 NBA All-Star Game") and won his fourth All-Star MVP, tying Hall of Famer [Bob Pettit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Pettit "Bob Pettit") for the most All-Star MVP awards.[\[207\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-211)[\[208\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-212) During the season, Bryant moved from 12th to sixth place on the [NBA all-time career scoring list](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_career_scoring_leaders "List of National Basketball Association career scoring leaders").[\[209\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-213) Bryant finished the season averaging less than 20 shots a game, his fewest since 2003–04.[\[210\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-214)
On April 13, 2011, the NBA fined Bryant \$100,000 for directing a gay slur at referee [Bennie Adams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennie_Adams "Bennie Adams") in frustration at the previous day's game.[\[211\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-215)[\[212\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-216)[\[213\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-217) The [Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_%26_Lesbian_Alliance_Against_Defamation "Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation") praised the decision to fine Bryant, and the [Human Rights Campaign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Rights_Campaign "Human Rights Campaign") said Bryant's language was a "disgrace". Bryant stated he was open to discussing the matter with gay rights groups and wanted to appeal his fine.[\[214\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-218)[\[215\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-219)[\[216\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-220) Bryant apologized,[\[217\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-221)[\[218\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-222) and he with other Lakers appeared in a [public service announcement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_service_announcement "Public service announcement") denouncing his behavior.[\[219\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-223) The team's quest for another three-peat was ended when they were swept by the [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%9311_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2010–11 Dallas Mavericks season") in the second round of the playoffs.[\[220\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-224)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Masked_mamba.jpg)
Bryant wearing a mask in 2012 after suffering a broken nose
Bryant received experimental [platelet-rich plasma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platelet-rich_plasma "Platelet-rich plasma") therapy called [Orthokine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthokine "Orthokine") in Germany to treat the pain on his left knee and ankle,[\[221\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-225)[\[222\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-226) and [Mike Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Brown_\(basketball,_born_1970\) "Mike Brown (basketball, born 1970)") replaced Jackson as coach in the off-season. Bryant began the season playing with an injured wrist.[\[223\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-227) On January 10, 2012, he scored 48 points against the Suns. "Not bad for the seventh-best player in the league," said Bryant, referring to a preseason ESPN ranking of the top players.[\[224\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-228) He scored 40, 42, and 42 in his next three games.[\[225\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-229) It was the sixth time Bryant scored 40 or more in four straight games, a feat exceeded only by Chamberlain (19 times).[\[226\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-230) At the [2012 NBA All-Star Game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_NBA_All-Star_Game "2012 NBA All-Star Game"), Bryant scored 27 to pass Jordan as the career scoring leader in the All-Star Game.[\[227\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-231) He suffered a broken nose and concussion in the All-Star Game after a hard foul from [Dwyane Wade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwyane_Wade "Dwyane Wade").[\[228\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-232) In April, Bryant missed seven games with a bruised shin.[\[229\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-233) He returned three games before the end of the regular season. Bryant sat out the season finale against Sacramento, foregoing the chase for a third scoring title, having needed 38 points to surpass [Kevin Durant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Durant "Kevin Durant").[\[230\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-234) 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 postseason appearance.[\[231\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-235)
In [2012–13](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012%E2%80%9313_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2012–13 Los Angeles Lakers season"), the Lakers acquired center [Dwight Howard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwight_Howard "Dwight Howard") and point guard [Steve Nash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Nash "Steve Nash"). On November 2, 2012, Bryant scored 40 points with two steals, and he passed [Magic Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson") (1,724) as the Lakers career leader in steals. However, the Lakers lost to the Clippers and started the season 0–3 for the first time in 34 years.[\[232\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-236) After starting the season 1–4, coach Brown was fired.[\[233\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-237) He was replaced by [Mike D'Antoni](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_D%27Antoni "Mike D'Antoni"), whom Bryant knew as a child when Bryant's father played in Italy and D'Antoni was a star player there. Bryant had grown close with D'Antoni during their time with Team USA.[\[234\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-238)[\[235\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-breshnahan_11122012-239) On December 5 against New Orleans, Bryant became the youngest player (34 years and 104 days) in league history to score 30,000 points, joining Hall of Famers Chamberlain, Jordan, [Kareem Abdul-Jabbar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar"), and [Karl Malone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Malone "Karl Malone") to reach that milestone.[\[236\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-240) On December 18, in a 101–100 victory over the [Charlotte Bobcats](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Bobcats "Charlotte Bobcats"), Bryant scored 30+ points in his seventh consecutive game, the longest streak by an NBA player after turning 34.[\[237\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-241) Bryant's streak was snapped at 10 on December 28 in a 104–87 victory over the [Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_Trail_Blazers "Portland Trail Blazers"), when he scored 27 points, sitting out the fourth quarter.[\[238\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-242) In a move to improve the defense, D'Antoni began having Bryant guard the opponent's best perimeter player; he was the primary defender on the Cavaliers' [Kyrie Irving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrie_Irving "Kyrie Irving"), who was held to 15 points.[\[239\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-243)[\[240\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-pincus_01162013-244) Bryant acknowledged he was a more focused defender with a challenging defensive assignment, as opposed to when he played off the ball against weaker players.[\[240\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-pincus_01162013-244)[\[241\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-245) His defense disrupted opponents and freed Nash from unfavorable matchups.[\[242\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-246)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant,_Los_Angeles_Lakers_vs_Dallas_Mavericks.jpg)
Bryant driving against the [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Mavericks "Dallas Mavericks") on February 24, 2013. Bryant tallied 38 points in a performance that would be later dubbed "the amnesty game"
Bryant was leading the league in scoring through much of the first 42 games.[\[243\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-247) With a disappointing 17–25 start to the season,[\[244\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-248) D'Antoni had Bryant become the primary facilitator on offense and Nash was moved off the ball and became a spot-up shooter.[\[245\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-verrier_01302013-249)[\[246\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-mcmenamin_01272013-250)[\[247\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-shelburne_01282013-251) In the next three games, Bryant had at least 10 assists in three wins with a three-game total of 39 assists, the most in his career. Bryant missed a triple-double in each game with nine rebounds twice and eight in the other.[\[248\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-252)[\[249\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-253) In two crucial wins in March, he scored at least 40 points and had at least 10 assists in back-to-back games, becoming the first Laker to accomplish this since West in 1970.[\[250\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-254)[\[251\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-mcmenamin_05062013-255) On February 22, 2013, [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Mavericks "Dallas Mavericks") owner [Mark Cuban](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Cuban "Mark Cuban") suggested in an interview on [ESPN Dallas 103.3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KVDT "KVDT") that the Lakers should waive Bryant via the [amnesty clause](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_salary_cap#Amnesty_clause "NBA salary cap") of the then-current collective bargaining agreement to save on luxury taxes. The Lakers called the comment 'inappropriate', and Bryant himself responded two days later by scoring 38 points in the Lakers 103-99 road victory at Dallas on February 24, famously tweeting "Amnesty THAT" after the game.[\[252\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-256) Bryant surpassed Chamberlain to become the fourth-leading scorer in league history in a March 30, 2013, victory over Sacramento.
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.[\[253\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-257) On April 10, 2013, he became the first player in NBA history to get 47 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and three steals in a game. Two days later, Bryant suffered a [torn Achilles tendon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torn_Achilles_tendon "Torn Achilles tendon") against the [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012%E2%80%9313_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2012–13 Golden State Warriors season"), ending his season. Bryant's injury came while he was playing seven consecutive quarters and at least 40 minutes for seven consecutive games. The 34-year-old Bryant was averaging his most minutes (38.6) in six years, and only Portland rookie [Damian Lillard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damian_Lillard "Damian Lillard") was averaging more. Lakers general manager [Mitch Kupchak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Kupchak "Mitch Kupchak") had spoken to Bryant about his playing time, but Bryant insisted it needed to continue given the Lakers' playoff push.[\[254\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-258) He had surgery on April 13 to repair the tear, and it was estimated he would miss 6-9 months.[\[255\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-259) Bryant ended the season with customary averages of 27.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6 assists per game on 46.3% shooting. However, *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")* called his leading of the Lakers back into playoff contention "perhaps some of the finest work of his career."[\[256\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-260) He reached 40 points eight times during the season, and had 10 or more assists in his role as distributor 11 times. Bryant was dubbed "Magic Mamba" after the passing skills of [Magic Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson"). Bryant's assists were the second-highest of his career and his field goal percentage was its highest since 2008–09.[\[251\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-mcmenamin_05062013-255) The Lakers finished the season at 45–37, good for seventh in the West. Playing without Bryant, the Lakers were swept in four games by the [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Spurs "San Antonio Spurs") in the first round of the playoffs.[\[257\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-261)
Injury-plagued years (2013–2015)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_vs_Marcin_Gortat.jpg)
Bryant shooting against [Marcin Gortat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcin_Gortat "Marcin Gortat") of the [Washington Wizards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Wizards "Washington Wizards") in 2014
Bryant resumed practicing in November 2013, after the [2013–14 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013%E2%80%9314_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2013–14 Los Angeles Lakers season") had already begun. On November 25, he signed a two-year contract extension with the Lakers at an estimated value of \$48.5 million.[\[258\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-262) Bryant remained the [league's highest-paid player](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest-paid_NBA_players_by_season "List of highest-paid NBA players by season"), although he accepted a discounted deal; Bryant had been eligible to receive an extension starting at \$32 million per year.[\[259\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-263) His contract became a polarizing topic, with detractors arguing that stars should take less money to allow their team more financial freedom, while supporters countered that the NBA's biggest stars were being paid less than their true value.[\[260\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-264)[\[261\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-265)[\[262\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-266) Bryant resumed playing on December 8 after missing the season's first 19 games, being limited to nine points, although tying a team-high in assists and rebounds, with eight and four respectively, in 106–94 home loss to the [Toronto Raptors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Raptors "Toronto Raptors"). Nine days later, he matched his season high of 21 points in a 96–92 win over Memphis, but suffered a [lateral tibial plateau fracture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lateral_tibial_plateau_fracture "Lateral tibial plateau fracture") in his left knee that was expected to sideline him for six weeks.[\[263\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-267) Bryant had played six games since returning from his Achilles injury, which included time at point guard after injuries to Nash, [Steve Blake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Blake "Steve Blake"), and [Jordan Farmar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Farmar "Jordan Farmar").[\[264\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-268) Bryant was averaging 13.8 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds.[\[265\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_03122014-269) Despite being sidelined, he was voted by fans to start in [his 16th All-Star game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_NBA_All-Star_Game "2014 NBA All-Star Game"). Bryant did not feel he was deserving of the selection, and some likened it to a career achievement award for his past performance.[\[266\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-270) However, Bryant missed playing in the game, still hampered by his knee.[\[267\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-271) On March 12, 2014, the Lakers ruled Bryant out for the rest of the season, citing his need for more rehab and the limited time remaining in the season. At the time, the team was 22–42 and tied for the worst record in the Western Conference. The Lakers finished 27–55 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005.[\[265\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_03122014-269)
Bryant returned for the [2014–15 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014%E2%80%9315_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2014–15 Los Angeles Lakers season"), his 19th season with the Lakers,[\[268\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-272) who had replaced D'Antoni with Bryant's former Lakers teammate, [Byron Scott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byron_Scott "Byron Scott").[\[269\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-273) On November 30, 2014, in a 129–122 overtime victory over the [Toronto Raptors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014%E2%80%9315_Toronto_Raptors_season "2014–15 Toronto Raptors season"), Bryant recorded his 20th career triple-double with 31 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds.[\[270\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-274) At age 36, Bryant became the oldest NBA player to achieve 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game.[\[e\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-276) On December 14, he became the NBA's third [all-time leading scorer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_career_scoring_leaders "List of National Basketball Association career scoring leaders"), passing Jordan (32,292) in a 100–94 victory over Minnesota.[\[272\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-277) Bryant played in the first 27 games of the season,[\[273\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-freeman_12232014-278) averaging team-highs with 26.4 points and 35.4 minutes per game while leading the league with 22.4 shots per game.[\[274\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-holmes_12232014-279)[\[275\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-dwyer_12232014-280) However, Scott held him out for three straight games to rest after one of his worst performances of the season, when Bryant committed nine turnovers and scored 25 points on just 8-for-30 shooting in a 108–101 loss to Sacramento.[\[274\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-holmes_12232014-279)[\[276\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-281) He was suffering from soreness in his knees, feet, back, and Achilles tendons, and Scott planned to reduce Bryant's workload going forward as a result.[\[277\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-282)[\[278\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-283) Bryant had exceeded 40 minutes in a game thrice,[\[279\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-medina_10272015-284) and the coach blamed himself for overloading Bryant after he started the season in such great shape.[\[280\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-285) For the season, Bryant had been shooting just 37 percent from the field, and the team's record was only 8–19.[\[273\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-freeman_12232014-278)[\[275\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-dwyer_12232014-280) In his second game back after resting, Bryant had 23 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds in a 111–103 victory over Denver, and became just the third player in league history to record multiple triple-doubles in a season at age 36 or older.[\[f\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-287) On January 21, 2015, Bryant suffered a [rotator cuff tear](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotator_cuff_tear "Rotator cuff tear") in his right shoulder while driving baseline for a two-handed dunk against the [New Orleans Pelicans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014%E2%80%9315_New_Orleans_Pelicans_season "2014–15 New Orleans Pelicans season").[\[282\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-288) Though he was right-handed, Bryant returned to play in the game and ran the offense while shooting, dribbling, and passing almost exclusively with his left hand.[\[283\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-bresnahan_01222015-289) Prior to the injury, Bryant had been rested in eight of 16 games.[\[279\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-medina_10272015-284) He underwent season-ending surgery for the injury, finishing the season averaging 22.3 points but shooting a career-low 37.3 percent, well below his 45.4 percent career mark to start the season.[\[284\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-290) Bryant was expected to be sidelined for nine months with a return targeted toward the start of the 2015–16 season.[\[285\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-ap_01262015-291)[\[286\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-292) The Lakers finished the season with a record of 21–61, surpassing the franchise record for most losses in a season that they had set the previous year.[\[287\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-293)
Final season (2015–2016)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_vs_Gary_Neal.jpg)
Bryant playing against [Gary Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Neal "Gary Neal") of the [Washington Wizards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Wizards "Washington Wizards") after announcing his forthcoming retirement, 2015
After recovering to play in the [2015–16](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2015–16 Los Angeles Lakers season") preseason,[\[288\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-294) Bryant suffered a calf injury and missed the final two weeks of exhibition games.[\[289\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-295) However, he played in the season opener to begin his 20th season with the Lakers, surpassing [John Stockton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Stockton "John Stockton")'s league record of 19 for the [most seasons with the same team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_players_who_have_spent_their_entire_career_with_one_franchise "List of NBA players who have spent their entire career with one franchise").[\[290\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-296) On November 24, 2015, the Lakers fell to 2–12 after losing 111–77 to the Warriors. Bryant scored just four points in 25 minutes on 1-for-14 shooting, matching the worst-shooting game of his career in which he attempted at least five shots.[\[291\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-297)[\[292\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-holmes_11252015_defined-298) A week later, Bryant played his last game against his hometown team, the [Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_Philadelphia_76ers_season "2015–16 Philadelphia 76ers season"), scoring a team-high 20 points in a 103–91 Lakers loss.[\[293\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-299)
On November 29, 2015, Bryant announced via *[The Players' Tribune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Players%27_Tribune "The Players' Tribune")* that he would be retiring at the end of the season. In his poem titled "[Dear Basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dear_Basketball "Dear Basketball")", Bryant wrote that he fell in love with the game at age six.
> \[The 2015–16\] season is all I have left to give.
> My heart can take the pounding
> My mind can handle the grind
> But my body knows it's time to say goodbye.
> And that's OK. I'm ready to let you go.[\[294\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Retire-300)
In a letter distributed to Lakers' fans before that evening's game against the [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_Indiana_Pacers_season "2015–16 Indiana Pacers season"), Bryant wrote: "What you've done for me is far greater than anything I've done for you. ... My love for this city, this team and for each of you will never fade. Thank you for this incredible journey."[\[294\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Retire-300)
At the time of his announcement, Bryant was second on the team in minutes (30.8) behind [Jordan Clarkson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Clarkson "Jordan Clarkson") and leading the team with 16.7 field goal attempts per game, while averaging just 15.7 points and shooting a career-low 31.5 percent.[\[292\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-holmes_11252015_defined-298)[\[295\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-lakers_11292015-301) Bryant's free throw attempts had dropped from his career average, and his game had become over-reliant on [pump fakes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pump_fake "Pump fake") and long-range shots, making a league-worst 19.5 percent from three-point range while attempting seven a game, almost double his career average.[\[295\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-lakers_11292015-301)[\[296\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-302) In his press conference after the announcement, Bryant acknowledged his declining skills. He stated: "Even though I play like shit, I've worked really, really hard not to play like crap and I do everything I possibly can. And I feel good about that."[\[297\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-303)[\[298\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-304)
Bryant requested that opposing teams on the road not hold any on-court ceremonies in his honor or present him any gifts in public.[\[299\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-cacciola_12162015-305) Prior to announcing his retirement, Bryant had been steadfast about not wanting the fuss of a staged farewell tour, preferring to hear boos instead of cheers.[\[300\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-306)[\[301\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-307) However, Bryant was still honored around the league with video tributes and fan ovations,[\[299\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-cacciola_12162015-305) including arenas that historically jeered him such as [TD Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TD_Garden "TD Garden") in Boston, [Wells Fargo Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wells_Fargo_Center_\(Philadelphia\) "Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia)") in Philadelphia, [Moda Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moda_Center "Moda Center") in Portland, [Sleep Train Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_Train_Arena "Sleep Train Arena") in Sacramento, and [Vivint Smart Home Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivint_Smart_Home_Arena "Vivint Smart Home Arena") in Salt Lake City.[\[302\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-308)[\[303\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-309)[\[304\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-310)[\[305\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-311) Previously, Bryant was respected but not beloved,[\[306\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-jackson_02022016-312)[\[307\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-brewer_12022015-313) and he was astonished at the cheers he was now receiving.[\[307\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-brewer_12022015-313)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:LeBron_James_vs._Kobe_Bryant_\(24848589252\).jpg)
Bryant, in his final game against Cleveland, defending [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") in February 2016
On February 3, Bryant made seven three-pointers and scored a then season-high 38 points, including 14 of the team's 18 points in the last 5:02 of the game, for a 119–115 victory over the [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_Minnesota_Timberwolves_season "2015–16 Minnesota Timberwolves season"). The win ended a 10-game losing streak, and the Lakers averted establishing the longest losing streak in franchise history.[\[308\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Shrug38-314) He became just the fourth NBA player over 37 years old to log at least 35 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a game.[\[g\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-315) Bryant was the leading overall vote-getter for the [2016 All-Star Game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NBA_All-Star_Game "2016 NBA All-Star Game") with 1.9 million votes, ahead of [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry")'s 1.6 million. Having moved to [small forward](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_forward "Small forward") that season, Bryant was selected as a frontcourt starter for the first time.[\[309\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-316) Playing in his first All-Star game since 2013, Bryant had 10 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.[\[310\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-ap_02152016-317) West teammates offered to feed him the ball in an attempt to get him another All-Star MVP, but Bryant declined.[\[310\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-ap_02152016-317)[\[311\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-318)
In his final game on April 13, in a 101–96 win against the against the [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_Utah_Jazz_season "2015–16 Utah Jazz season"), Bryant scored an NBA season-high 60 points on 50 shots—the most in an NBA game in the past 30 seasons—while also outscoring the Jazz by himself 23–21 in the fourth quarter. He also set an NBA record for the most points by a player in his final regular season game.[\[312\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-ESPNFinalGame-319) Bryant became the oldest player to score 60 or more points in a game at 37 years and 234 days old.[\[313\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-320) The Lakers finished the season with a 17–65 record, their worst record in franchise history.[\[314\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-321) After the game, he gave a prolonged speech in front of the Staples Center crowd.
> I can't believe how fast 20 years went by. \[...\] To be standing \[on the\] center court with you guys, my teammates behind me, appreciating the journey that we've been on — we've been through our ups \[and\] downs. I think the most important part is we all stayed together throughout. \[...\] Thank you guys for all the years of support. Thank you guys for all the motivation. Thank you for all the inspiration. What can I say? Mamba out.[\[312\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-ESPNFinalGame-319)
National team career
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_Beijing_Olympics_20080810_d-1024-627v.jpg)
Bryant avoiding a collision in a game against [China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_men%27s_national_basketball_team "China men's national basketball team") at the [2008 Summer Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Summer_Olympics "2008 Summer Olympics")
Bryant declined to play in the [2000 Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "2000 United States men's Olympic basketball team") because he was getting married in the off-season.[\[315\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-322) Bryant also decided not to play in the [2002 FIBA World Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_FIBA_World_Championship "2002 FIBA World Championship").[\[316\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-323) He was originally selected for the FIBA Americas Championship in 2003, but withdrew after undergoing arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgeries.[\[317\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-324) The following summer, Bryant had to withdraw from the Olympic team because of his sexual assault case.[\[318\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-325) Along with LeBron James, Bryant was one of the first two players to be publicly named to the 2006–2008 U.S. preliminary roster in 2006 by [Jerry Colangelo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Colangelo "Jerry Colangelo").[\[319\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-326) However, he was once again sidelined after knee surgery and did not participate in the [2006 FIBA World Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_FIBA_World_Championship "2006 FIBA World Championship").[\[320\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-327)
Bryant's [United States national team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_men%27s_national_basketball_team "United States men's national basketball team") career finally began in 2007. He was a member of the 2007 USA Men's Senior National Team and USA FIBA Americas Championship Team that finished 10–0, won gold and qualified the United States men for the 2008 Olympics. Bryant started in all 10 of the USA's FIBA Americas Championship games. He averaged 15.3 points, 2.9 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game in the tournament.[\[321\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-328)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_Beijing_Olympics_1.jpg)
Bryant with the [United States men's national basketball team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_men%27s_national_basketball_team "United States men's national basketball team") in the [2008 Beijing Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Summer_Olympics "2008 Summer Olympics")
On June 23, 2008, Bryant was named to the USA Men's Senior National Team for the [2008 Summer Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "2008 United States men's Olympic basketball team").[\[322\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-329) This was his first time going to the Olympics. Bryant scored 20 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, along with six assists, as Team USA defeated Spain 118–107 in the [gold medal game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_at_the_2008_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Men#Finals "Basketball at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men") on August 24, 2008, for its first gold medal in a worldwide competition since the [2000 Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "2000 United States men's Olympic basketball team").[\[323\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-330) He averaged 15.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting .462 from the field in eight Olympic contests.[\[324\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-331)
Bryant rejoined the national team for the [2012 Summer Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team "2012 United States men's Olympic basketball team").[\[325\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-332) After winning another gold medal, he decided to retire from the team.[\[326\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-333) Bryant finished his national team career with a record of 26–0 across three tournaments, winning a gold medal each time.[\[327\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-334)
Player profile
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_Shane_Battier.jpg)
Bryant shoots a [fadeaway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fadeaway "Fadeaway") over [Shane Battier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shane_Battier "Shane Battier") in 2009
Bryant primarily played as a [shooting guard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_guard "Shooting guard"). He was listed at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) and 212 pounds (96 kg),[\[328\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Reference-335) Bryant was often cited as one of the most dangerous scorers in the NBA.[\[329\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-336)[\[330\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-337) He has drawn frequent comparisons to Michael Jordan, after whom Bryant modeled his playing style.[\[331\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-338)[\[332\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-339)[\[333\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-hoffman_12132014-340) Like Jordan, Bryant became most known for shooting a [fall-away jump shot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall-away_\(basketball\) "Fall-away (basketball)").[\[334\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-341) Chris Ballard of *Sports Illustrated* described another of Bryant's most famous moves as the "jab step-and-pause" in which Bryant jabbed his non-[pivot foot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pivot_foot "Pivot foot") forward to let the defender relax but instead of bringing the jab foot back, Bryant pushed off of it and drove around his opponent to get to the basket.[\[335\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-342) Bryant also learned and practiced post moves through individual coaching sessions from [Hakeem Olajuwon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakeem_Olajuwon "Hakeem Olajuwon").[\[336\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-343)
Bryant established a reputation for taking shots in the closing moments of tight games,[\[337\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-344)[\[338\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-345)[\[339\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-346) even when he was [double](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_team "Double team") or triple-teamed,[\[340\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-pingue_11302015-347) and was noted as one of the premier closers in the NBA.[\[340\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-pingue_11302015-347)[\[341\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-348) In a 2012 annual survey of NBA general managers, Bryant was selected for the 10th consecutive season as the player general managers would want to take a clutch shot with a game on the line.[\[342\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-349)[\[343\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Crunch-350) Bryant enjoyed being the villain, and reveled in being booed and then silencing the crowd with his play.[\[92\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-smallwood_02062012-94)[\[307\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-brewer_12022015-313)[\[344\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-351) Bryant's ability to make difficult shots has also drawn criticism of his shot selection.[\[333\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-hoffman_12132014-340)[\[345\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_sg_rank_2016-352) Throughout his career, Bryant was disparaged for being a selfish, high-volume shooter;[\[343\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Crunch-350)[\[346\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-lowe_top100-353)[\[347\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-354) he missed more field goal attempts in his career than any other player in NBA history, until LeBron James broke that record in 2024.[\[h\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-356) Phil Jackson, who coached Bryant for many years, stated that Bryant "tends to force the action, especially when the game isn't going his way. When his shot is off, Kobe will pound away relentlessly until his luck turns."[\[349\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-357) According to Bryant, "I would go 0 for 30 before I would go 0 for 9; 0 for 9 means you beat yourself, you psyched yourself out of the game."[\[350\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-hoffman_11302015-358)
In addition to his abilities on offense, Bryant also established himself as a standout defensive player.[\[351\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-359) Bryant rarely drew [charges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charge_\(basketball\) "Charge (basketball)") when he played defense, which he believed spared his body and contributed to his longevity.[\[352\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-360) However, some critics have suggested that Bryant's defensive accolades in his later years were based more on his reputation than his actual play.[\[353\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-medina_05092011-361)[\[354\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-lowe_05262013-362)[\[355\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-363)
Bryant was also lauded for his relentless work ethic, dubbed the "Mamba mentality".[\[356\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-364)[\[357\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-365) Throughout his first 17 seasons, Bryant's body was resilient,[\[285\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-ap_01262015-291) and he exhibited a high [pain threshold](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pain_threshold "Pain threshold") while often playing through injuries.[\[358\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-366)[\[359\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-367) A fierce competitor, Bryant made opponents and teammates alike the objects of his scorn.[\[360\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-368)[\[361\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-369) Many players have considered him difficult to play with because of his high level of commitment and performance.[\[362\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-ding_102202014-370)[\[363\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-371)[\[364\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-372) According to sportswriter Mark Heisler of *[Forbes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes "Forbes")*, "circa 2004–2007, Kobe was the most alienated superstar the NBA had ever seen."[\[365\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-heisler_10222014-373) After the departure of Shaquille O'Neal, he led the Lakers to two NBA championships; during this period, Bryant became more of a mentor to his teammates than he had been earlier in his career.[\[362\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-ding_102202014-370)[\[365\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-heisler_10222014-373) Bryant's longtime head coach [Phil Jackson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Jackson "Phil Jackson") noted a big difference during his two Lakers coaching stints in Bryant's demeanor towards his teammates. In his earlier years, if Bryant talked to teammates it was usually "give me the damn ball." During the latter period, Bryant "embraced the team and his teammates, calling them up when we were on the road and inviting them out to dinner. It was as if the other players were now his partners, not his personal spear-carriers."[\[366\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-374)
NBA career statistics
| | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | [Field goal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_goal_\(basketball\) "Field goal (basketball)") percentage | 3P% | [3-point field goal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-point_field_goal "Three-point field goal") percentage | FT% | [Free throw](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_throw "Free throw") percentage |
| RPG | [Rebounds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)") per game | APG | [Assists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)") per game | SPG | [Steals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steal_\(basketball\) "Steal (basketball)") per game |
| BPG | [Blocks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Block_\(basketball\) "Block (basketball)") per game | PPG | Points per game | **Bold** | Career high |
| † | Won an [NBA championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_champions "List of NBA champions") | \* | Led the league | | |
Regular season
Playoffs
Off the court
Personal life
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_at_Pirates_3_premiere.jpg)
Bryant at the premiere of *[Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirates_of_the_Caribbean:_At_World%27s_End "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End")* in 2007
Bryant was the youngest of three children. He grew up with two older sisters, Sharia and Shaya, and had close relationships with them his entire life.[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Archived_at_Ghostarchive_and_the_Wayback_Machine2020-51)[\[367\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-375) Through Sharia, he was the uncle of football player [Jett Washington](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jett_Washington "Jett Washington").[\[368\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-376)
In November 1999, 21-year-old Bryant met 17-year-old [Vanessa Laine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanessa_Bryant "Vanessa Bryant") while she was working as a background dancer on the [Tha Eastsidaz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tha_Eastsidaz "Tha Eastsidaz") music video "G'd Up."[\[369\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-rap-377) Bryant was in the building and working on his debut album. They began dating and became engaged six months later in May 2000,[\[369\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-rap-377) while Laine was still a senior at [Marina High School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marina_High_School_\(Huntington_Beach,_California\) "Marina High School (Huntington Beach, California)") in [Huntington Beach, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huntington_Beach,_California "Huntington Beach, California"). To avoid media scrutiny, she finished high school through independent study.[\[369\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-rap-377) According to Vanessa's cousin Laila Laine, there was no [prenuptial agreement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prenuptial_agreement "Prenuptial agreement"). Laila said Bryant "loved her too much for one."[\[370\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-378) They got married on April 18, 2001, at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in [Dana Point, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dana_Point,_California "Dana Point, California").[\[371\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-379)[\[372\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-380) The wedding was not attended by Bryant's parents, his two sisters, his longtime advisor and agent Arn Tellem, or his Laker teammates. Bryant's parents were opposed to the marriage for a number of reasons—including, reportedly, his marrying so young, especially to a woman who was not African-American.[\[i\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-382)[\[369\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-rap-377) This disagreement resulted in an estrangement period of over two years, which ended when the couple's first daughter was born.[\[374\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-383)
The Bryants' first daughter, Natalia, was born in January 2003.[\[375\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-384) Due to an [ectopic pregnancy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ectopic_pregnancy "Ectopic pregnancy"), Vanessa suffered a [miscarriage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miscarriage "Miscarriage") in the spring of 2005. Their second daughter, [Gianna Maria-Onore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianna_Bryant "Gianna Bryant") (also referred to as "Gigi"), was born in May 2006.[\[376\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-385) On December 16, 2011, Vanessa Bryant filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, and the couple requested joint custody of their daughters.[\[377\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-386)[\[378\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-387) On January 11, 2013, Bryant and his wife announced via social media that they had called off their divorce.[\[379\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-388) In early December 2016, Vanessa gave birth to their third daughter,[\[380\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-389)[\[381\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-390) and in January 2019, the Bryants announced they were expecting a fourth daughter,[\[382\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-391) who was born in June 2019.[\[383\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-392)[\[384\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-393)
Bryant was a practicing Catholic. He said his faith and a priest helped him through difficult times, such as the period following his accusation of rape. A Catholic [cantor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantor "Cantor") said that she was inspired by Bryant's faith, and the respect that he showed her.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Klosterman,_Chuck2015-18)[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-cna-19)[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Kosloski2016-20)[\[385\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-394) Bryant and his family were regular attendees at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Newport Beach. He and his daughter, Gianna, received the [Eucharist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharist "Eucharist") together just hours before they died.[\[386\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-395)[\[387\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-396)
Bryant was multilingual. He was fluent in English, Italian, and Spanish.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Klosterman,_Chuck2015-18)[\[388\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-397)[\[389\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-398)[\[390\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-399)[\[391\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-400) Inspired by the codename for [Uma Thurman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uma_Thurman "Uma Thurman")'s [character](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bride_\(Kill_Bill\) "The Bride (Kill Bill)") in the *[Kill Bill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kill_Bill "Kill Bill")* films,[\[392\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-401) Bryant assigned himself the nickname of "Black Mamba", citing a desire for his basketball skills to mimic the [eponymous snake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_mamba "Black mamba")'s ability to "strike with 99% accuracy at maximum speed, in rapid succession."[\[393\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-LATimes2008-402)[\[394\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-403) During the 2012–13 season, Bryant began referring to himself as "vino" to describe how his play had been [aging like a fine wine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aging_of_wine "Aging of wine").[\[395\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-404)[\[396\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-405)
In January 2002, Bryant bought a [Mediterranean-style](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_Revival_architecture "Mediterranean Revival architecture") house for \$4 million, located on a cul-de-sac in [Newport Coast, Newport Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newport_Coast,_Newport_Beach "Newport Coast, Newport Beach").[\[397\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-406) He sold the house in May 2015.[\[398\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-407)
In 2013, Bryant had a legal disagreement with an auction house over memorabilia from his early years that his parents had put up for auction. Bryant's parents received \$450,000 from the auction house for the items, and contended Bryant had given them the rights to the items he had remaining in their home. However, Bryant's lawyers asked the auction house to return the items.[\[399\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-408) Before the scheduled trial, a settlement was reached allowing the auction house the sale of less than 10% of the items. Bryant's parents apologized to him for the misunderstanding in a written statement, and appreciated the financial support he had given them over the years.[\[400\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-409)[\[401\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-410)[\[402\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-411)
Bryant grew up a baseball fan and had been a long-time supporter of the [Los Angeles Dodgers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Dodgers "Los Angeles Dodgers") and [Los Angeles Angels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Angels "Los Angeles Angels") during his tenure with the Lakers.[\[403\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-412) However, during the [2009 National League Championship Series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_National_League_Championship_Series "2009 National League Championship Series") when the Dodgers played his hometown [Philadelphia Phillies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Phillies "Philadelphia Phillies"), Bryant revealed to [Craig Sager](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Sager "Craig Sager") that he actually grew up a fan of their [National League East](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_League_East "National League East") archrivals, the [New York Mets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Mets "New York Mets") wanting to be like [Darryl Strawberry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darryl_Strawberry "Darryl Strawberry") and boasted that he still had a [Ron Darling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Darling "Ron Darling") baseball card.[\[404\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-413)[\[405\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-414)
Bryant also was a lifelong fan of his hometown [NFL](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_League "National Football League") team, the [Philadelphia Eagles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Eagles "Philadelphia Eagles").[\[406\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-415) Bryant was also a fan of [soccer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Association_football "Association football") teams [Barcelona](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FC_Barcelona "FC Barcelona"), [AC Milan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_Milan "AC Milan"), and [Manchester City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchester_City_F.C. "Manchester City F.C.").[\[407\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-416)[\[408\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-417)
According to *[Forbes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes "Forbes")*, at the time of his retirement, Bryant's \$680 million in career earnings was the most ever by a team athlete during their playing career.[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Career_Earnings-59)
Bryant was a second cousin of his former Lakers teammate [Cedric Ceballos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedric_Ceballos "Cedric Ceballos").[\[409\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-418)
Sexual assault case
In the summer of 2003, the sheriff's office of [Eagle, Colorado](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagle,_Colorado "Eagle, Colorado"), arrested Bryant in connection with an investigation of a sexual assault complaint filed by a 19-year-old hotel employee. Bryant had checked into The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera in Eagle County in advance of undergoing knee surgery nearby. The accuser stated that Bryant raped her in his hotel room the night before he was to have the procedure. Bryant admitted to an [adulterous](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adulterous "Adulterous") sexual encounter with his accuser but denied her sexual assault allegation.[\[410\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-419)[\[411\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-420) Bryant was charged on July 18, 2003.[\[412\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-421)[\[413\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-422)
The accusation had a negative impact on Bryant's reputation, and the public's perception of him plummeted; his endorsement contracts with [McDonald's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonald%27s "McDonald's") and [Nutella](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutella "Nutella") were terminated. Sales for Bryant's replica jersey fell significantly.[\[414\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-423) In September 2004, the assault case was dropped by prosecutors after the accuser decided not to testify at the trial. Afterward, Bryant agreed to apologize to her for the incident, including his public *[mea culpa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mea_culpa "Mea culpa")*: "Although I truly believe this encounter between us was consensual, I recognize now that she did not and does not view this incident the same way I did. After months of reviewing discovery, listening to her attorney, and even her testimony in person, I now understand how she feels that she did not consent to this encounter."[\[415\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-sfgate_dismissal-424)[\[416\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-425) The accuser filed a separate [lawsuit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawsuit "Lawsuit") against Bryant, which the two sides settled privately.[\[417\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-426)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Asia_09.jpg)
Bryant in [Manila](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manila "Manila") in 2009
Endorsements
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NikeTaipeiFlagshipStoreLaunch_Main.jpg)
Bryant at a Nike store launch ceremony in Taipei, 2007
Before starting the [1996–97 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996%E2%80%9397_NBA_season "1996–97 NBA season"), Bryant signed a six-year contract with [Adidas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adidas "Adidas") worth approximately \$48 million.[\[418\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-427)[\[419\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-428) His first signature shoe was the Equipment KB 8.[\[420\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-429) Bryant's other, earlier endorsements included deals with [The Coca-Cola Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Coca-Cola_Company "The Coca-Cola Company") to endorse their [Sprite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprite_\(soft_drink\) "Sprite (soft drink)") soft drink, appearing in advertisements for McDonald's, promoting [Spalding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spalding_\(company\) "Spalding (company)")'s new NBA Infusion Ball, [Upper Deck](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upper_Deck_Company "Upper Deck Company"), Italian chocolate company [Ferrero SpA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrero_SpA "Ferrero SpA")'s brand [Nutella](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutella "Nutella"), [Russell Corporation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Corporation "Russell Corporation"),[\[421\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-430) and appearing on his own series of video games by [Nintendo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo "Nintendo"). Many companies like McDonald's and Ferrero SpA terminated Bryant's contracts when rape allegations against him became public.[\[422\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-431) A notable exception was [Nike, Inc.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nike,_Inc. "Nike, Inc."), who had signed Bryant to a five-year, \$40–45 million contract just before the incident.[\[423\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-432)[\[424\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Nike-433) They refused to use his image or market a new shoe of his for the year, but started promoting Bryant two years later, when his image had recovered.[\[424\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Nike-433) Bryant also resumed endorsement deals with The Coca-Cola Company, through their subsidiary [Energy Brands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_Brands "Energy Brands"), to promote their Vitamin Water brand of drinks.[\[425\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-434) He was also the cover athlete for *[NBA '07: Featuring the Life Vol. 2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_07 "NBA 07")* and appeared in commercials for the video games *[Guitar Hero World Tour](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar_Hero_World_Tour "Guitar Hero World Tour")* (with [Tony Hawk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Hawk "Tony Hawk"), [Michael Phelps](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Phelps "Michael Phelps"), and [Alex Rodriguez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Rodriguez "Alex Rodriguez")) in 2008 and *[Call of Duty: Black Ops](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_of_Duty:_Black_Ops "Call of Duty: Black Ops")* (alongside [Jimmy Kimmel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Kimmel "Jimmy Kimmel")) in 2010.[\[426\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-COD-435)
In a 2008 video promoting Nike's Hyperdunk shoes, Bryant appears to jump over a speeding [Aston Martin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aston_Martin "Aston Martin"). The stunt was considered fake, and the *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")* said a real stunt would probably be a violation of Bryant's Lakers contract.[\[427\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-436) After promoting Nike's Hyperdunk shoes, Bryant came out with the fourth edition of his signature line by Nike, the Zoom Kobe IV. In 2010, Nike launched another shoe, Nike Zoom Kobe V.[\[428\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-437) In 2009, Bryant signed a deal with Nubeo to market the Black Mamba Collection, a line of sports/luxury watches ranging from \$25,000 to \$285,000.[\[429\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-438) On February 9, 2009, he was featured on the cover of *[ESPN The Magazine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN_The_Magazine "ESPN The Magazine")—*not for anything basketball related, but about his being a big fan of [FC Barcelona](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FC_Barcelona "FC Barcelona").[\[430\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-439) [CNN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNN "CNN") estimated Bryant's endorsement deals in 2007 to be worth \$16 million a year.[\[431\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-440) In 2010, he was ranked third, behind [Tiger Woods](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_Woods "Tiger Woods") and [Michael Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan"), in [*Forbes*' list of the world's highest-paid athletes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes_list_of_the_world%27s_highest-paid_athletes "Forbes list of the world's highest-paid athletes"), with \$48 million.[\[432\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-441)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_in_2008.jpg)
Bryant with U.S. President [George W. Bush](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Bush "George W. Bush"), [Jason Kidd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Kidd "Jason Kidd"), and [Deron Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deron_Williams "Deron Williams") at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China
On December 13, 2010, Bryant signed a two-year endorsement deal with Turkey's [national](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_carrier "Flag carrier") airline, [Turkish Airlines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_Airlines "Turkish Airlines"); he appeared in a promotional film aired in over 80 countries, and appeared in digital, print and billboard advertising.[\[433\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-442)[\[434\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-443)[\[435\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-444)
In September 2012, Bryant shot a commercial for [Turkish Airlines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_Airlines "Turkish Airlines") with [FC Barcelona](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FC_Barcelona "FC Barcelona") star [Lionel Messi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Messi "Lionel Messi"). In the airline's latest commercial, the duo competes to win the attention of a young boy.[\[436\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-445) In 2013, *[Forbes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes "Forbes")* listed Bryant the fifth-highest paid sports star in the world behind [Floyd Mayweather](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floyd_Mayweather "Floyd Mayweather"), [Cristiano Ronaldo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristiano_Ronaldo "Cristiano Ronaldo"), [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James"), and [Lionel Messi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Messi "Lionel Messi").[\[437\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-446)
Bryant appeared as the cover athlete for the following video games:
- *[Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant_in_NBA_Courtside "Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside")*[\[438\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-447)
- *[NBA Courtside 2: Featuring Kobe Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Courtside_2:_Featuring_Kobe_Bryant "NBA Courtside 2: Featuring Kobe Bryant")*[\[439\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-448)
- *[NBA Courtside 2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Courtside_2002 "NBA Courtside 2002")*[\[440\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-449)
- *NBA 3 on 3 Featuring Kobe Bryant*[\[441\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-450)
- *[NBA '07: Featuring the Life Vol. 2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_07 "NBA 07")*[\[442\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-451)
- *[NBA 09: The Inside](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_09:_The_Inside "NBA 09: The Inside")*[\[443\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-452)
- *[NBA 2K10](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_2K10 "NBA 2K10")*[\[444\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-2K1017-453)
- *[NBA 2K17](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_2K17 "NBA 2K17")* (Legend Edition; Legend Edition Gold)[\[444\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-2K1017-453)
- *[NBA 2K21](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_2K21 "NBA 2K21")* (Mamba Forever Edition)
- *[NBA 2K24](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_2K24 "NBA 2K24")* (Kobe Bryant Edition and Black Mamba Edition)
Bryant was also one of the global ambassadors of the [2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_FIBA_Basketball_World_Cup "2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup") in China.[\[445\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-454)
Music
In high school, Bryant was a member of a [rap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapping "Rapping") group called CHEIZAW, named after the Chi Sah gang in the martial arts film *[Kid with the Golden Arm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kid_with_the_Golden_Arm "Kid with the Golden Arm")*. The group was signed by [Sony Entertainment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_Entertainment "Sony Entertainment"), but the company's ultimate goal was to eliminate the group and have Bryant record on his own. The label wanted to capitalize on Bryant's youth and NBA fame. He performed at a 1997 concert by [Sway & King Tech](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sway_%26_King_Tech "Sway & King Tech") and recorded a verse for a remix of [Brian McKnight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_McKnight "Brian McKnight")'s "Hold Me". Bryant even appeared on Lakers teammate O'Neal's *[Respect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respect_\(Shaquille_O%27Neal_album\) "Respect (Shaquille O'Neal album)")*, starting the track "3 X's Dope", though Bryant's name was not listed on the credits.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-rap_career-24) Bryant's only credited appearance on the [Billboard Hot 100](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_Hot_100 "Billboard Hot 100") was as a featured rapper on Brian McKnight and Tone's single "Hold Me", which was released in 1998 and peaked at number 35 in January 1999.[\[446\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-455)
Sony pushed Bryant from his roots of [underground hip hop](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underground_hip_hop "Underground hip hop") into a more radio-friendly sound. His debut album, *Visions*, was scheduled to release in the spring of 2000. The first single, "K.O.B.E'", featured supermodel [Tyra Banks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyra_Banks "Tyra Banks") singing the [hook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hook_\(music\) "Hook (music)"). The single debuted in January 2000, and was performed at NBA All-Star Weekend that month, but it was not well received.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-rap_career-24) Sony abandoned plans for the album, which was never released, and dropped Bryant later that year. The Sony president who originally signed Bryant had already left, and Bryant's other backers had mostly abandoned him. Afterward, Bryant co-founded an independent record label, Heads High Entertainment, but it folded within a year.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-rap_career-24) In 1999, he appeared on a remix of "[Say My Name](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Say_My_Name "Say My Name")" by [Destiny's Child](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destiny%27s_Child "Destiny's Child") on the [Maxi single](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxi_single "Maxi single") version of the song.[\[447\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-456)
In 2011, Bryant was featured in Taiwanese singer [Jay Chou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Chou "Jay Chou")'s single "The Heaven and Earth Challenge" (天地一鬥, pronounced "Tian Di Yi Dou").[\[448\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-457) The proceeds for downloads of both the single and ringtones were donated to impoverished schools for basketball facilities and equipment.[\[449\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-458) The music video of the single also features Bryant. The song was also used by [Sprite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprite_\(soft_drink\) "Sprite (soft drink)") in its 2011 marketing campaign in China.[\[450\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-459)
In 2009, American rapper [Lil Wayne](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lil_Wayne "Lil Wayne") released a song called "Kobe Bryant".[\[451\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-460) Similarly, in 2010, American rapper [Sho Baraka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sho_Baraka "Sho Baraka") released a song called "Kobe Bryant On'em", which was featured on his album *[Lions and Liars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lions_and_Liars "Lions and Liars")*.[\[452\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-461) In 2012, American rapper [Chief Keef](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_Keef "Chief Keef") released "Kobe", a song paying tribute to Bryant.[\[453\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-462)[\[454\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-463)[\[455\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-464) It was featured on his debut studio album, *[Finally Rich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finally_Rich "Finally Rich")*, as a part of the deluxe edition.[\[456\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-465) For the *NBA 2K21* soundtrack, [Damian Lillard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damian_Lillard "Damian Lillard"), under his stage name Dame D.O.L.L.A., released a tribute track also titled "Kobe", featuring [Snoop Dogg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snoop_Dogg "Snoop Dogg") and Derrick Milano.[\[457\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-466)
Film and television
Bryant made his acting debut in 1996, appearing in [an episode](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moesha_\(season_2\) "Moesha (season 2)") of *[Moesha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moesha "Moesha")*. Bryant met the show's star, [Brandy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandy_Norwood "Brandy Norwood"), earlier in the year at a Nike All-Star basketball game; a couple of months later, in May 1996, he was Brandy's date to her Hollywood High School senior prom.[\[458\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-467) That year, Bryant [guest starred](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guest_appearance "Guest appearance") as himself on an episode of *[Arli\$\$](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arli$$ "Arli$$")* (episode: "What About the Fans?") and *[Sister, Sister](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister,_Sister_\(TV_series\) "Sister, Sister (TV series)")* (episode: "Kid-Napped"). In 1997, Bryant appeared on an episode of *[Hang Time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hang_Time_\(TV_series\) "Hang Time (TV series)")*, followed by a [guest appearance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_All_That_episodes#Season_4_\(1997%E2%80%9398\) "List of All That episodes") on the [Nickelodeon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickelodeon "Nickelodeon") sketch comedy series *[All That](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_That "All That")* (1998). He was also the first choice for the role of Jesus Shuttlesworth in [Spike Lee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spike_Lee "Spike Lee")'s 1998 film *[He Got Game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/He_Got_Game "He Got Game")*, but turned down the role, saying "this summer is too big for me."[\[459\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-468)\[*[unreliable NBA source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NBARSU "Wikipedia:NBARSU")*\]
Bryant was the subject of [Spike Lee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spike_Lee "Spike Lee")'s 2009 documentary film *[Kobe Doin' Work](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Doin%27_Work "Kobe Doin' Work")*, which chronicled Bryant during the 2007–08 NBA season.[\[460\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-469)
In 2018, Bryant became the first African-American to win the [Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Award_for_Best_Animated_Short_Film "Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film"), and the first former professional athlete to be nominated for and win an [Academy Award](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Awards "Academy Awards") in any category, for his film *[Dear Basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dear_Basketball "Dear Basketball")*.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Oscar-6) Despite winning the Oscar, he was denied membership into the [Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_of_Motion_Pictures_Arts_and_Sciences "Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences") due to his lack of a larger body of work in the film industry.[\[461\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-470) The film also won the [Annie Award for Best Animated Short Subject](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annie_Award_for_Best_Animated_Short_Subject "Annie Award for Best Animated Short Subject") and a [Sports Emmy Award](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_Emmy_Award "Sports Emmy Award").[\[462\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-471) The film was produced by Bryant's production company, [Granity Studios](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granity_Studios "Granity Studios").[\[463\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-variety-472) In addition to future animation projects, Bryant had been in talks with animator veteran Bruce Smith for the last six months before his death about starting his own animation studio.[\[464\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-473)
Beginning in 2018, Bryant wrote, produced and hosted the television series *Detail*, which aired for multiple seasons on [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN") and [ESPN+](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN%2B "ESPN+"). It featured his insights into the game of basketball and in-depth analyzes of games and individual players.[\[465\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-474)[\[466\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-475) Bryant also appeared on [MTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTV "MTV")'s *[Ridiculousness](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ridiculousness_\(TV_series\) "Ridiculousness (TV series)")* in 2019.[\[467\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-476)
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | *[Moesha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moesha "Moesha")* | Terry Hightower[\[468\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-tv-477) | |
| 1996 | *[Arli\$\$](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arli$$ "Arli$$")* | Himself | Episode: "What About the Fans?"[\[469\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-478)[\[470\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Guglielmi-479) |
| 1996 | *[Sister, Sister](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister,_Sister_\(TV_series\) "Sister, Sister (TV series)")* | Episode: "Kid-Napped"[\[468\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-tv-477) | |
| 1997 | *[Hang Time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hang_Time_\(TV_series\) "Hang Time (TV series)")*[\[471\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-480) | | |
| 1998 | *[All That](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_That "All That")*[\[472\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-481) | | |
| 2000 | *[Bette](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bette_\(TV_series\) "Bette (TV series)")*[\[470\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Guglielmi-479) | | |
| 2009 | *[Kobe Doin' Work](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Doin%27_Work "Kobe Doin' Work")*[\[473\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-482) | | |
| 2010 | *[Modern Family](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Family "Modern Family")* | [Season 1 - Episode 24 - 'Family Portrait'](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Family_\(season_1\)#Episodes "Modern Family (season 1)")[\[474\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-483) | |
| 2011 | *[The Black Mamba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Black_Mamba_\(film\) "The Black Mamba (film)")*[\[475\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-484)\[*[unreliable NBA source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NBARSU "Wikipedia:NBARSU")*\] | | |
| 2014 | *[Nowitzki. The Perfect Shot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nowitzki._The_Perfect_Shot "Nowitzki. The Perfect Shot")*[\[476\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-485)\[*[questionable NBA source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NBARSNC "Wikipedia:NBARSNC")*\] | | |
| 2015 | *[Daddy's Home](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daddy%27s_Home_\(film\) "Daddy's Home (film)")*[\[477\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-486) | | |
| 2015 | *Kobe Bryant's Muse* | Also executive producer[\[478\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-487) | |
| 2017 | *[Dear Basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dear_Basketball "Dear Basketball")* | Also writer and executive producer; winner of [Best Animated Short Film](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Award_for_Best_Animated_Short_Film "Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film") at the [90th Academy Awards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/90th_Academy_Awards "90th Academy Awards").[\[479\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-488) | |
| 2017 | *Musecage*[\[480\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-489) | Also creator and writer; produced by [Granity Studios](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granity_Studios "Granity Studios") for [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN") and [ESPN+](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN%2B "ESPN+") | |
| 2018 | *Detail*[\[481\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-490) | Also creator and writer; 18 episodes as a host, 16 episodes as a writer; produced by [Granity Studios](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granity_Studios "Granity Studios") for [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN") and [ESPN+](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN%2B "ESPN+") | |
| 2019 | *Quiet Storm: The Ron Artest Story*[\[482\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-491)[\[483\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-492)\[*[unreliable NBA source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NBARSU "Wikipedia:NBARSU")*\] | Documentary about [Ron Artest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metta_Sandiford-Artest "Metta Sandiford-Artest") for [Showtime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Showtime_\(TV_network\) "Showtime (TV network)") | |
| 2020 | *[The Last Dance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Dance_\(miniseries\) "The Last Dance (miniseries)")* | Episode: "V"; Posthumous release[\[484\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-493) | |
| 2022 | *The Redeem Team*[\[485\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-494) | Posthumous release | |
| 2022 | *Kobe: Una storia italiana* | From September 15, 2022, on [Amazon Prime Video](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_Prime_Video "Amazon Prime Video") Italy; Posthumous release[\[486\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-495) | |
Philanthropy
Bryant was the official ambassador for [After-School All-Stars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/After-School_All-Stars "After-School All-Stars") (ASAS), an American non-profit organization that provides comprehensive [after-school programs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/After-school_activity "After-school activity") to children in 13 US cities.[\[487\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-496) Bryant also started the Kobe Bryant China Fund which partnered with the Soong Ching Ling Foundation, a charity backed by the Chinese government.[\[488\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-nextconquest-497) The Kobe Bryant China Fund raises money within China earmarked for education and health programs.[\[488\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-nextconquest-497) On November 4, 2010, Bryant appeared alongside [Zach Braff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Braff "Zach Braff") at the *[Call of Duty: Black Ops](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_of_Duty:_Black_Ops "Call of Duty: Black Ops")* launch event at the [Santa Monica Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Monica_Airport "Santa Monica Airport"), where they presented a \$1 million check to the Call of Duty Endowment, an Activision-founded nonprofit organization that helps veterans transition to civilian careers after their military service has ended.[\[426\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-COD-435)
Bryant and his wife founded the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation (KVBFF). Its goals are "helping young people in need, encouraging the development of physical and social skills through sports and assisting the homeless." Bryant spoke of the injustice aimed at homeless people who are blamed for their situation, saying that homelessness should not be ignored or made a low priority. Bryant said he wanted more out of life than just a successful basketball career.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Kosloski2016-20)
Bryant and his wife were also founding donors of the [National Museum of African American History and Culture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Museum_of_African_American_History_and_Culture "National Museum of African American History and Culture"), with Bryant also donating his uniform that he wore in the [2008 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_Finals "2008 NBA Finals"), the year Bryant was named the league MVP.[\[489\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Lee2020-498)[\[490\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-499) During his lifetime, Bryant granted over 200 requests for the [Make-A-Wish Foundation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Make-A-Wish_Foundation "Make-A-Wish Foundation").[\[489\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Lee2020-498)[\[491\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-500)
Business ventures
Bryant established Kobe Inc. to own and grow brands in the sports industry. The initial investment was a 10% stake in the [Bodyarmor SuperDrink](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodyarmor_SuperDrink "Bodyarmor SuperDrink") company for \$6 million in March 2014. The headquarters are in [Newport Beach, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newport_Beach,_California "Newport Beach, California").[\[492\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-501) With [The Coca-Cola Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Coca-Cola_Company "The Coca-Cola Company") purchasing a minority stake in the company in August 2018, the valuation of Bryant's stake rose to approximately \$200 million.[\[493\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-502)
In 2013, Bryant launched a production company called [Granity Studios](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granity_Studios "Granity Studios"), which developed different media, ranging from films to television shows and novels.[\[463\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-variety-472)
On August 22, 2016, Bryant and his business partner [Jeff Stibel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Stibel "Jeff Stibel") launched Bryant-Stibel, a [venture capital](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venture_capital "Venture capital") firm focused on different businesses including media, data, gaming, and technology, with \$100 million in funding.[\[494\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-503)[\[495\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-504) In 2018, Bryant and Sports Academy launched Mamba Sports Academy, a joint athletic-training business venture. The academy established locations in [Thousand Oaks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thousand_Oaks,_California "Thousand Oaks, California") and [Redondo Beach, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redondo_Beach,_California "Redondo Beach, California").[\[496\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-spears_05122020-505)
Books
On October 23, 2018, Bryant's book *[The Mamba Mentality: How I Play](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mamba_Mentality:_How_I_Play "The Mamba Mentality: How I Play")*, with photographs and afterword by [Andrew D. Bernstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_D._Bernstein "Andrew D. Bernstein"), an introduction by [Phil Jackson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Jackson "Phil Jackson"), and a foreword by [Pau Gasol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pau_Gasol "Pau Gasol"), was published by MCD / [Farrar, Straus and Giroux](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farrar,_Straus_and_Giroux "Farrar, Straus and Giroux"). The book looks back on his career with photos and his reflections.[\[497\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-506)[\[498\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-507)
At the time of his death, Bryant was working with Brazilian author [Paulo Coelho](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulo_Coelho "Paulo Coelho") on a children's book aimed at inspiring underprivileged children. After Bryant's death, Coelho deleted the draft, saying in an interview that "it didn't make any sense to publish without him." He did not say how many pages had been written or whether the book had a title.[\[499\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-508)
Bryant also co-wrote/produced several young adult novels through [Granity Studios](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granity_Studios "Granity Studios"): *The Wizenard Series: Training Camp*, *Legacy and the Queen*, and *Epoca: The Tree of Ecrof*. A fourth novel, *The Wizenard Series: Season One*, was released posthumously in March 2020.[\[500\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-509) *The Wizarenard Series: Season One* topped the *New York Times* middle-grade hardcover list.[\[501\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-510)
Death
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_death.jpg)
Fans gathered in front of Staples Center (later [Crypto.com Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crypto.com_Arena "Crypto.com Arena")) on the day of Bryant's death
Accident
At 9:06 a.m. [Pacific Standard Time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Standard_Time "Pacific Standard Time") on January 26, 2020, a [Sikorsky S-76](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_S-76 "Sikorsky S-76") helicopter departed from [John Wayne Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wayne_Airport "John Wayne Airport") in [Orange County, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_County,_California "Orange County, California"), with nine people aboard: Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter [Gianna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianna_Bryant "Gianna Bryant"), six family friends including [John Altobelli](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Altobelli "John Altobelli"), and the pilot, Ara Zobayan.[\[502\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Winton2020-511)[\[503\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-9_on_board-512)[\[504\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Death-CNBC-513)[\[505\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Alfonso2020-514) The helicopter was registered to the [Fillmore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fillmore,_California "Fillmore, California")\-based Island Express Holding Corp., according to the [California Secretary of State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secretary_of_State_of_California "Secretary of State of California") business database.[\[505\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Alfonso2020-514) The group was traveling to [Camarillo Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camarillo_Airport "Camarillo Airport") in [Ventura County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ventura_County "Ventura County") for a basketball game at Mamba Sports Academy in [Thousand Oaks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thousand_Oaks,_California "Thousand Oaks, California").[\[506\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-515)
Due to light rain and fog that morning, [Los Angeles Police Department](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Police_Department "Los Angeles Police Department") helicopters and most other air traffic were grounded.[\[505\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Alfonso2020-514)[\[507\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-TMZ2020-516) The flight tracker showed that the helicopter circled above [Glendale, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glendale,_California "Glendale, California"), due to heavy air traffic in the area. At 9:30 a.m., Zobayan contacted the control tower at [Hollywood Burbank Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollywood_Burbank_Airport "Hollywood Burbank Airport"), and was told he was flying too low to be tracked by radar.[\[507\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-TMZ2020-516)[\[508\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-517) Amidst very heavy fog, the helicopter turned south towards the mountains. At 9:40 a.m., the helicopter climbed rapidly from 1,200 to 2,000 feet (370 to 610 m), flying at 161 knots (298 km/h; 185 mph).[\[507\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-TMZ2020-516)
At 9:45 a.m., the helicopter crashed into the side of a mountain in [Calabasas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calabasas,_California "Calabasas, California"), about 30 miles (48 km) northwest of downtown Los Angeles, and began burning. Bryant, his daughter, and the other seven occupants were all killed on impact.[\[507\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-TMZ2020-516) Initial reports indicated that the helicopter crashed in the hills above Calabasas in heavy fog.[\[509\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-LATDeath-518)[\[510\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-519) Witnesses reported hearing a helicopter struggling before crashing.[\[502\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Winton2020-511)
Investigations
On January 28, Bryant's identity was officially confirmed using fingerprints.[\[511\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-520) The following day, the [Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_County_Department_of_Medical_Examiner-Coroner "Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner") stated that the official cause of death for him and the eight others on the helicopter was [blunt force trauma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blunt_force_trauma "Blunt force trauma").[\[512\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-521)
The [Federal Aviation Administration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Aviation_Administration "Federal Aviation Administration"), [National Transportation Safety Board](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Transportation_Safety_Board "National Transportation Safety Board"), and the [FBI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Bureau_of_Investigation "Federal Bureau of Investigation")[\[505\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Alfonso2020-514) launched investigations into the crash.[\[513\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-522)[\[514\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-523)[\[515\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-BBC51256756-524) The cause of the crash was hard to investigate, as the helicopter was not equipped with a [black box](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_recorder "Flight recorder"). 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. The five board members said Zobayan, who also died in the crash, ignored his training and violated federal regulations during the 40-minute flight.[\[516\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-525)
On February 28, 2023, Vanessa Bryant was awarded a \$28.85 million settlement from Los Angeles County to conclude legal proceedings over graphic photos of the aftermath of the helicopter crash that were shared without the permission of the family.[\[517\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-526) The figure includes the \$15 million she was awarded from L.A. County in a 2022 civil trial, with "additional funds to settle potential claims from her daughters"—Natalia, 20, Bianka, 6, and Capri, 3. Chris Chester, a co-plaintiff who lost his 45-year-old wife and 13-year-old daughter in the crash, settled for \$19.95 million.[\[518\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-527)
Tributes and funeral services
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:RIP_Kobe_Bryant_bus_banner.png)
Metro Bus in Los Angeles with "RIP Kobe" banner, January 2020
On February 7, Bryant and his daughter were buried in a private funeral in [Pacific View Memorial Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_View_Memorial_Park "Pacific View Memorial Park") in the [Corona del Mar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corona_del_Mar,_Newport_Beach "Corona del Mar, Newport Beach") neighborhood of [Newport Beach, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newport_Beach,_California "Newport Beach, California").[\[519\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Boren-528) A public memorial service was held on February 24 (2/24, marking both Kobe's and Gianna's jersey numbers) at Staples Center (later Crypto.com Arena) with [Jimmy Kimmel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Kimmel "Jimmy Kimmel") hosting. Speakers at the service included Vanessa, Jordan, and O'Neal, along with [Phoenix Mercury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Mercury "Phoenix Mercury") guard [Diana Taurasi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana_Taurasi "Diana Taurasi") and [Geno Auriemma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geno_Auriemma "Geno Auriemma"), Taurasi's coach at [Connecticut](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connecticut_Huskies_women%27s_basketball "Connecticut Huskies women's basketball"), where Gianna had been aspiring to play.[\[520\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-529)[\[521\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-530)[\[522\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-531)
> "Kobe is a brother to me. From the time I was in high school watching him from afar, to getting in this league at 18 and watching him up close, all the battles that we had throughout my career, the one thing that we always shared was that determination to just want to win, to just want to be great. The fact that I'm here now means so much to me. I want to continue, along with my teammates, his legacy. Not only for this year, but for as long as we can play this game of basketball that we love, because that's what Kobe Bryant would want. So in the words of Kobe Bryant. Mamba out. But in the words of us, not forgotten. Live on, brother."
The NBA had postponed the Lakers' game against the Clippers just two days after the accident on January 28—the first time an NBA game was postponed for any reason since the [2013 Boston Marathon bombing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_Boston_Marathon_attack "2013 Boston Marathon attack") led to the postponement of a Celtics game.[\[524\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-533) On January 30, the first game at Staples Center after the crash was played between the Clippers and the [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramento_Kings "Sacramento Kings"); the Clippers honored Bryant before the game, with Southern California native [Paul George](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_George "Paul George") narrating a video tribute to Bryant. The next day, the Lakers played their first game after the crash against the Trail Blazers. Ahead of the game, the Lakers paid tribute to Bryant and all who lost their lives in the crash with a ceremony held just before tip-off, with [Usher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usher_\(musician\) "Usher (musician)") singing "[Amazing Grace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazing_Grace "Amazing Grace")" and [Boyz II Men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boyz_II_Men "Boyz II Men") singing the [national anthem](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner "The Star-Spangled Banner"), while [Wiz Khalifa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiz_Khalifa "Wiz Khalifa") and [Charlie Puth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Puth "Charlie Puth") reunited to perform "[See You Again](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/See_You_Again "See You Again")"—originally their tribute to [Paul Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Walker "Paul Walker") after his death while filming *[Furious 7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furious_7 "Furious 7")*—at halftime. 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.[\[525\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-534) The game was the second-most-watched in ESPN history, averaging 4.41 million viewers.[\[526\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-535) The first ever head-to-head meeting between [Shaquille O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") and [Yao Ming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yao_Ming "Yao Ming") in 2003 was the only one with more viewers.[\[527\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-536)
Also, beginning with the Spurs and the Raptors in their game in San Antonio on the day of the crash, teams paid tribute to Bryant at the start of their games with intentional on-court violations referring to his uniform numbers on their first possession—either a 24-second [shot clock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shot_clock "Shot clock") or an [8-second backcourt violation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8-second_backcourt_violation "8-second backcourt violation").[\[528\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-537) On February 15, NBA commissioner [Adam Silver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Silver "Adam Silver") announced that the All-Star Game MVP Award would be renamed to the [NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game_Kobe_Bryant_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award") in Bryant's honor.[\[529\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-538) In May 2020, the Mamba Sports Academy was renamed to Sports Academy out of respect for Bryant.[\[496\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-spears_05122020-505)
The [62nd Annual Grammy Awards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/62nd_Annual_Grammy_Awards "62nd Annual Grammy Awards") went ahead as scheduled at Staples Center on the day of the crash, but included tributes by multiple artists and groups, including host [Alicia Keys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alicia_Keys "Alicia Keys") opening the show with a tribute speech in which she called Staples Center[\[j\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-539) "the house that Kobe Bryant built" and joining Boyz II Men to sing "[It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_So_Hard_to_Say_Goodbye_to_Yesterday "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday")".[\[530\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-540)[\[531\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-541)[\[532\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-542)
Bryant also appeared at the start of the In Memoriam segment of the [92nd Academy Awards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/92nd_Academy_Awards "92nd Academy Awards") following his Oscar in 2018 for *Dear Basketball*, and [Spike Lee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spike_Lee "Spike Lee") wore a suit in tribute to him at the ceremony.[\[533\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-543) He was not included in the montages at the 2020 [VMAs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_MTV_Video_Music_Awards "2020 MTV Video Music Awards") and [Emmys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/72nd_Primetime_Emmy_Awards "72nd Primetime Emmy Awards"), held later in the year. Fans were upset at the omission, especially as actors [Naya Rivera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naya_Rivera "Naya Rivera") and [Chadwick Boseman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chadwick_Boseman "Chadwick Boseman") had been featured prominently in both;[\[534\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-544)[\[535\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-545)[\[536\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-546)[\[537\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-547) after Rivera and Boseman's unexpected deaths in July and August 2020 respectively, the three young black celebrities were popularly compared.[\[k\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-558)
The [2020 Pro Bowl](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Pro_Bowl "2020 Pro Bowl") was also played at [Camping World Stadium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camping_World_Stadium "Camping World Stadium") in Orlando on the day of the crash, and before kickoff, [NFC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_Conference "National Football Conference") players who learned of Bryant's death conducted a prayer led by [Seattle Seahawks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_Seahawks "Seattle Seahawks") quarterback [Russell Wilson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Wilson "Russell Wilson"), while various on-field and PA tributes were made during the game.[\[548\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-559)[\[549\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-560)
In the [2020 WNBA draft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_WNBA_draft "2020 WNBA draft"), Gianna Bryant, Alyssa Altobelli, and Payton Chester were made honorary draft picks.[\[550\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-561)
After the Lakers beat the [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Heat "Miami Heat") in Game 6 of the [2020 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_Finals "2020 NBA Finals") to clinch the franchise's 17th NBA championship, rapper, Lakers fan and Long Beach native [Snoop Dogg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snoop_Dogg "Snoop Dogg") paid homage to Bryant and the Lakers with a full forearm tattoo.[\[551\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-562) Bryant was posthumously inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021, with Vanessa delivering the acceptance speech on Bryant's behalf.[\[552\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-563)
Legacy
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Eric_Garcetti_and_Kobe_Bryant,_2016.jpg)
Bryant holding [Los Angeles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles "Los Angeles") Mayor [Eric Garcetti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Garcetti "Eric Garcetti")'s hand during a 2016 ceremony in which the city of Los Angeles declared August 24 as "[Kobe Bryant Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant_Day "Kobe Bryant Day")"
Bryant was called "one of the greatest players in the history of our game" by NBA commissioner [Adam Silver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Silver "Adam Silver"),[\[553\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-keh_11292015-564) and *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")* wrote that Bryant had "one of the most decorated careers in the history of the sport."[\[553\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-keh_11292015-564) [Reuters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuters "Reuters") called him "arguably the best player of his generation",[\[340\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-pingue_11302015-347) while both *[Sporting News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sporting_News "Sporting News")* and [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TNT_\(American_TV_network\) "TNT (American TV network)") named him their NBA player of the decade for the 2000s.[\[554\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-565)[\[555\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-566) In 2008 and again in 2016, ESPN ranked Bryant the second-greatest [shooting guard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_guard "Shooting guard") of all time after Jordan.[\[345\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_sg_rank_2016-352)[\[556\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-ESPN-567) In 2022, to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary, *[The Athletic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Athletic "The Athletic")* ranked their top 75 players of all time, and they named Bryant as the 10th-greatest player in NBA history and the second-highest shooting guard on the list, behind only Jordan.[\[557\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-568) Many peer players—including [Kevin Durant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Durant "Kevin Durant"),[\[558\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-569) [Dirk Nowitzki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirk_Nowitzki "Dirk Nowitzki"),[\[559\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-570) [Dwyane Wade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwyane_Wade "Dwyane Wade"),[\[306\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-jackson_02022016-312) and [Derrick Rose](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_Rose "Derrick Rose")—called Bryant their generation's version of Jordan.[\[560\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-571)[\[561\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-572) *[The Press-Enterprise](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Press-Enterprise "The Press-Enterprise")* described Bryant as "maybe the greatest Laker in the organization's history."[\[562\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-573) He was the Lakers' all-time leading scorer, and his five titles are tied for the most in franchise history.[\[563\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_11292015-574) Both numbers Bryant wore during his career, 8 and 24, were retired by the Lakers on December 18, 2017.[\[564\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-575) In his first year of eligibility, Bryant was named a finalist for the [Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naismith_Memorial_Basketball_Hall_of_Fame "Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame"), weeks after his death,[\[565\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-576) before being elected a couple of months later in April 2020.[\[566\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-577) His formal induction was delayed until 2021 due to the [COVID-19 pandemic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_pandemic_in_the_United_States "COVID-19 pandemic in the United States").[\[567\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-578) 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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_75th_Anniversary_Team "NBA 75th Anniversary Team").[\[568\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-579) The team was honored during the [2022 NBA All-Star Game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_NBA_All-Star_Game "2022 NBA All-Star Game") in [Cleveland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland "Cleveland"), with Bryant receiving one of the loudest cheers of the night.[\[569\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-580)
With career averages of 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game,[\[328\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Reference-335) Bryant was considered one of the most complete players in NBA history.[\[570\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-hh-581) He is the fourth-leading scorer in league history with 33,643 points.[\[571\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-582)[\[l\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-584) Bryant was the first player in NBA history to have at least 30,000 career points and 6,000 career assists,[\[573\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-holmes_11302014-585) and was one of only four players with 25,000 points, 6,000 rebounds, and 6,000 assists.[\[574\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-586) He [led the NBA in scoring](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_annual_scoring_leaders "List of National Basketball Association annual scoring leaders") during the [2005–06](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_NBA_season "2005–06 NBA season") and [2006–07](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_NBA_season "2006–07 NBA season") seasons.[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-bio-16) Bryant's [81-point performance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant%27s_81-point_game "Kobe Bryant's 81-point game") against Toronto in 2006 is the second-highest in NBA history,[\[575\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-tor-587) behind only Chamberlain's 100. Bryant scored at least 50 points 24 times in his career, which is third in league history behind Jordan (31) and Chamberlain (118);[\[295\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-lakers_11292015-301) six times Bryant scored at least 60.[\[576\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-martin_11292015-588) He was just the third player in NBA history to average 40 points in a calendar month, which Bryant accomplished four times.[\[m\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-589) He was voted the league MVP in 2008 and led his team to the [2008 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_Finals "2008 NBA Finals") as the first seed in the Western Conference.[\[577\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Kobe_MVP-590) In the [2008 Summer Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Summer_Olympics "2008 Summer Olympics"), Bryant won a [gold medal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_medal "Gold medal") as a member of the [U.S. men's basketball team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_men%27s_national_basketball_team "United States men's national basketball team"), occasionally referred to as "The Redeem Team".[\[578\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-RedeemTeambySheridan-591) He won another gold medal at the [2012 Summer Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Summer_Olympics "2012 Summer Olympics"). Bryant led the Lakers to two more championships in 2009 and 2010, winning the [Finals MVP award](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Russell_NBA_Finals_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award") on both occasions.
Bryant was an 18-time All-Star, which ranks second behind only [Kareem Abdul-Jabbar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar")'s and LeBron James' 19.[\[579\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_01212016-592) Bryant was chosen a then-record 18 straight times, each time as a starter.[\[283\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-bresnahan_01222015-289)[\[576\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-martin_11292015-588)[\[579\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_01212016-592) On four occasions (2003, 2011, 2013, 2016), he was the leading vote-getter.[\[579\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_01212016-592) Bryant was named the [All-Star MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game_Kobe_Bryant_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award") four times, a record he shares with [Bob Pettit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Pettit "Bob Pettit").[\[576\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-martin_11292015-588) Bryant was selected to the [All-NBA Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-NBA_Team "All-NBA Team") on 15 occasions, tied for the most with Abdul-Jabbar and [Tim Duncan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Duncan "Tim Duncan"),[\[580\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-593) and his 11 first-team honors are tied for the second-most with [Karl Malone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Malone "Karl Malone").[\[581\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-594) Bryant was also a 12-time [All-Defensive Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Defensive_Team "NBA All-Defensive Team") selection, trailing only Duncan's 15, and Bryant was named to the All-Defensive First Team nine times, tied with Jordan, Garnett, and [Gary Payton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Payton "Gary Payton") for the most all time.[\[563\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_11292015-574)[\[576\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-martin_11292015-588) He was the first guard to [play 20 seasons in the NBA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_seasons_played_leaders "List of National Basketball Association seasons played leaders").[\[563\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_11292015-574) Bryant also won the [NBA Slam Dunk Contest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Slam_Dunk_Contest "NBA Slam Dunk Contest") in 1997 and was its youngest winner.[\[582\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-bryanko01-595) In his career, Bryant scored 40-plus points in 121 games, and he recorded a triple-double 21 times.[\[295\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-lakers_11292015-301)
During the [2020 NBA playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs"), the Lakers' players wore 'Black Mamba' jerseys in honor of Bryant. Designed by Bryant himself, the black jersey features a snakeskin pattern with yellow accents and 16 stars representing the team's 16 championships at the time. In a Game 2 victory over the [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") in the Western Conference Finals, [Anthony Davis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Davis "Anthony Davis") made a buzzer-beating three-pointer and yelled Bryant's name, while the team was wearing the 'Black Mamba' jerseys.[\[583\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-596) Following a Game 2 victory in the [2020 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_Finals "2020 NBA Finals"), LeBron James was asked about the jerseys and had this to say: "It's always special to represent someone that meant so much, not only to the game but also to the Lakers organization for 20-plus years. For us to honor him, being on the floor, this is what it's all about."[\[584\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-q916-597)
On January 26, 2022, coinciding with the second anniversary of his death, a statue of Bryant and his daughter Gianna was placed at the crash site in Calabasas.[\[585\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-598) Later in February, the NBA redesigned the [All-Star Game MVP trophy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game_Kobe_Bryant_Most_Valuable_Player_Award "NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award") as part of the major redesign of the All-Star Weekend trophies in celebration of the league's [75th anniversary season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%E2%80%9322_NBA_season "2021–22 NBA season").[\[586\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-599)
On [Kobe Bryant Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant_Day "Kobe Bryant Day"), August 24, in 2023, the Lakers stated that [Bryant's statue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_Kobe_Bryant "Statue of Kobe Bryant") outside of [Crypto.com Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crypto.com_Arena "Crypto.com Arena") would be unveiled on February 8, 2024, to honor his two numbers with the Lakers, 8 and 24, and 2 for the number of his daughter Gianna.[\[587\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-600) The inspiration for the statue, based on an image of Bryant after his 81-point game, pointing a finger toward the sky, was requested by Bryant himself before his death.[\[588\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-601) On August 2, 2024, the Lakers also unveiled a [statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_Kobe_and_Gianna_Bryant "Statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant") outside of Crypto.com Arena.[\[589\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-602)[\[590\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-603)[\[591\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-604)
See also
- [List of NBA annual statistical leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_annual_statistical_leaders "List of NBA annual statistical leaders")
- [List of NBA annual scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_annual_scoring_leaders "List of NBA annual scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA career scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_scoring_leaders "List of NBA career scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA career assists leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_assists_leaders "List of NBA career assists leaders")
- [List of NBA career steals leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_steals_leaders "List of NBA career steals leaders")
- [List of NBA career turnovers leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_turnovers_leaders "List of NBA career turnovers leaders")
- [List of NBA career 3-point scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_3-point_scoring_leaders "List of NBA career 3-point scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA career free throw scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_free_throw_scoring_leaders "List of NBA career free throw scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA seasons played leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_seasons_played_leaders "List of NBA seasons played leaders")
- [List of NBA career games played leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_games_played_leaders "List of NBA career games played leaders")
- [List of NBA career minutes played leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_minutes_played_leaders "List of NBA career minutes played leaders")
- [List of NBA career triple-double leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_triple-double_leaders "List of NBA career triple-double leaders")
- [List of NBA career playoff assists leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_playoff_assists_leaders "List of NBA career playoff assists leaders")
- [List of NBA career playoff steals leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_playoff_steals_leaders "List of NBA career playoff steals leaders")
- [List of NBA career playoff turnovers leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_playoff_turnovers_leaders "List of NBA career playoff turnovers leaders")
- [List of NBA career playoff 3-point scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_playoff_3-point_scoring_leaders "List of NBA career playoff 3-point scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA career playoff free throw scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_playoff_free_throw_scoring_leaders "List of NBA career playoff free throw scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA career playoff games played leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_playoff_games_played_leaders "List of NBA career playoff games played leaders")
- [List of NBA career playoff minutes leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_career_playoff_minutes_leaders "List of NBA career playoff minutes leaders")
- [List of NBA franchise career scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_franchise_career_scoring_leaders "List of NBA franchise career scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA players with most championships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_players_with_most_championships "List of NBA players with most championships")
- [List of NBA single-game scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_single-game_scoring_leaders "List of NBA single-game scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA single-game playoff scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_single-game_playoff_scoring_leaders "List of NBA single-game playoff scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA single-game 3-point scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_single-game_3-point_scoring_leaders "List of NBA single-game 3-point scoring leaders")
- [List of NBA single-season scoring leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_single-season_scoring_leaders "List of NBA single-season scoring leaders")
- [List of oldest and youngest NBA players](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_oldest_and_youngest_NBA_players "List of oldest and youngest NBA players")
- [List of Olympic medalists in basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Olympic_medalists_in_basketball "List of Olympic medalists in basketball")
- [List of second-generation NBA players](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_second-generation_NBA_players "List of second-generation NBA players")
Notes
1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-height_note_3-0)** In 2017, Vanessa Bryant said that Kobe was 6 feet 4\+3⁄4 inches (1.95 m) without shoes and 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) with shoes. In 2006, Bryant said that he was 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m).[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-1) In 2008, he stated he was "probably" 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) in shoes.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-2)
2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-4)** co-MVP along with [Shaquille O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal")
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-135)** He joined Chamberlain (5 times), Baylor, [Rick Barry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Barry "Rick Barry") and Jordan (2) in averaging over 35 points.[\[131\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-133)[\[132\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_12142014-134)
4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-150)** Chamberlain had 50 points 45 times in 1961–62 and 30 in 1962–63.[\[132\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_12142014-134)
5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-276)** [Larry Bird](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Bird "Larry Bird") held the previous record; he was 35 when he had 49 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists on March 15, 1992, against Portland.[\[271\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-275)
6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-287)** The others were Chamberlain (2 in 1972–73) and Kidd (2 each in 2009–10 and 2010–11).[\[281\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-286)
7. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-315)** He joined Jordan (3 times), Karl Malone (3) and Abdul-Jabbar[\[308\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-Shrug38-314)
8. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-356)** In 2014, Bryant passed Havlicek's previous mark of 13,417 missed shots,[\[348\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-355) and he retired with 14,481.
9. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-382)** Vanessa Bryant's father is of Mexican and Italian descent and her mother is of Mexican and Filipino descent.[\[373\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-381)
10. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-539)** Now called Crypto.com Arena
11. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-558)** See multiple references:[\[538\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-548)[\[539\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-549)[\[540\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-550)[\[541\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-551)[\[542\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-552)[\[543\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-553)[\[544\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-554)[\[545\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-555)[\[546\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-556)[\[547\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-557)
12. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-584)** At the time of his retirement, he was the third-leading scorer in NBA history until he was passed by [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") shortly before his death.[\[572\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-LeBron_passes_Kobe-583)
13. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-589)** Chamberlain did it 15 times, and Baylor once.[\[132\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_note-espn_12142014-134)
References
1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-1)**
Mallozzi, Vincent (December 24, 2006). ["'Where's Kobe? I Want Kobe.'"](https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/24/sports/basketball/24cheer.html). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211223135007/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/24/sports/basketball/24cheer.html?_r=1&) from the original on December 23, 2021.
2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-2)**
Ding, Kevin (January 8, 2008). ["Kobe Bryant's work with kids brings joy, though sometimes it's fleeting"](http://www.ocregister.com/sports/kobebryant-88229-makeawishfoundation-lakers.html). *Orange County Register*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121125015644/http://www.ocregister.com/sports/kobebryant-88229-makeawishfoundation-lakers.html) from the original on November 25, 2012.
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-RedeemHOF_5-0)**
["Bird, Moore, Anthony, Donovan top '25 Basketball Hall of Fame class"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44546358/bird-moore-anthony-howard-top-25-naismith-hall-fame-class). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press (via ESPN). April 5, 2025. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
4. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Oscar_6-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Oscar_6-1)
Schwartz, Dana (March 4, 2018). ["Kobe Bryant is officially an Oscar winner"](https://ew.com/awards/2018/03/04/oscars-kobe-bryant-dear-basketball/). *[Entertainment Weekly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainment_Weekly "Entertainment Weekly")*. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-7)**
Russell, Calum (October 9, 2025). ["The first and only person to win an Olympic gold medal and an Oscar"](https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/person-to-win-an-olympic-gold-medal-and-an-oscar/). *faroutmagazine.co.uk*. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-8)**
["Kobe Bryant helicopter crash post-mortem released"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-52687408). *[BBC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC "BBC")*. May 16, 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230705203012/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-52687408) from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
7. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-9)**
Golliver, Ben (February 15, 2020). ["NBA renames All-Star Game MVP award after Kobe Bryant"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/02/15/nba-renames-all-star-game-mvp-award-after-kobe-bryant/). *Washington Post*. [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0190-8286](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0190-8286). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221205174628/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/02/15/nba-renames-all-star-game-mvp-award-after-kobe-bryant/) from the original on December 5, 2022. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
8. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-KB_Superstar_10-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-KB_Superstar_10-1)
Grez, Matias; Sung, Patrick; Church, Ben (January 27, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant: The making of a global superstar"](https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/01/sport/kobe-bryant-life-timeline-spt-intl/). [CNN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNN "CNN"). Retrieved January 23, 2025.
9. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-11)**
["Kobe Bryant Fast Facts"](https://www.cnn.com/2013/04/29/us/kobe-bryant-fast-facts/index.html). [CNN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNN "CNN"). April 5, 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200220015851/https://www.cnn.com/2013/04/29/us/kobe-bryant-fast-facts/index.html) from the original on February 20, 2020. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
10. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-12)**
Ortiz, Erik (January 26, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant, former NBA star and Los Angeles Lakers legend, dies at 41"](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/kobe-bryant-former-nba-star-los-angeles-lakers-legend-dies-n1123436). *NBC News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200224015712/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/kobe-bryant-former-nba-star-los-angeles-lakers-legend-dies-n1123436) from the original on February 24, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
11. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-13)**
Mather, Victor (July 16, 2024). ["Joe Bryant, Former N.B.A. Player and Kobe's Father, Is Dead at 69"](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/16/sports/joe-bryant-dead.html). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
12. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-14)**
Henson, Steve (July 16, 2024). ["Joe 'Jellybean' Bryant, father of late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, dies at 69"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2024-07-16/joe-bryant-dead-kobe). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
13. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-15)**
Beck, Howard (January 27, 2020). ["The Making of an NBA Icon"](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2873292-the-making-of-an-nba-icon). *[Bleacher Report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleacher_Report "Bleacher Report")*. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
14. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-bio_16-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-bio_16-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-bio_16-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-bio_16-3)
["Kobe Bryant Bio"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100306020711/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/bio.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/bio.html) on March 6, 2010. Retrieved August 5, 2007.
15. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-17)**
Capatides, Cristina (January 27, 2020). ["24 facts about amazing Kobe Bryant"](https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/24-facts-about-kobe-bryant/). [CBS News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CBS_News "CBS News"). Retrieved January 23, 2025.
16. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Klosterman,_Chuck2015_18-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Klosterman,_Chuck2015_18-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Klosterman,_Chuck2015_18-2)
Klosterman, Chuck (February 18, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant Will Always Be an All-Star of Talking"](https://www.gq.com/story/kobe-bryant-nba-allstar?currentPage=2). *[GQ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GQ "GQ")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160419200656/http://www.gq.com/story/kobe-bryant-nba-allstar?currentPage=2) from the original on April 19, 2016. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
17. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-cna_19-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-cna_19-1)
["The Catholic faith of Kobe Bryant"](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/43396/the-catholic-faith-of-kobe-bryant). *Catholic News Agency*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
18. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Kosloski2016_20-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Kosloski2016_20-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Kosloski2016_20-2)
Kosloski, Philip (April 15, 2016). ["Remembering Kobe Bryant: Formed and saved by his Catholic faith"](http://aleteia.org/2016/04/15/kobe-bryant-saved-by-his-catholic-faith/). Retrieved January 26, 2020.
19. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-21)**
Moshtaghian, Artemis; Melas, Chloe; Simon, Darran (January 27, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, among 9 killed in a helicopter crash in California"](https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/26/us/calabasas-helicopter-crash-trnd/index.html). *CNN*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126203644/https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/26/us/calabasas-helicopter-crash-trnd/index.html) from the original on January 26, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
20. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-22)**
Curwen, Thomas; Wharton, David (January 26, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant, from the start, was an athlete like no other"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2020-01-26/lakers-kobe-bryant-obit). *Los Angeles Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200202050250/https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2020-01-26/lakers-kobe-bryant-obit) from the original on February 2, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
21. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-23)**
Kington, Tom (January 27, 2020). ["'You made us dream': Kobe Bryant is mourned in Italy, where he first learned to play"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-01-27/kobe-bryant-italy-coach). *Los Angeles Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230928130412/https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-01-27/kobe-bryant-italy-coach) from the original on September 28, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
22. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-rap_career_24-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-rap_career_24-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-rap_career_24-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-rap_career_24-3)
Golianopoulos, Thomas (April 12, 2013). ["The Secret History of Kobe Bryant's Rap Career"](http://grantland.com/features/the-secret-history-kobe-bryant-failed-attempt-rap-career/). *grantland.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130415102945/http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9161188/the-secret-history-kobe-bryant-failed-attempt-rap-career) from the original on April 15, 2013.
23. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Lavanga2020_25-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Lavanga2020_25-1)
Lavanga, Claudio (January 27, 2020). ["A view of Kobe Bryant from his childhood home in Italy"](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/view-kobe-bryant-his-childhood-home-italy-n1123716). *NBC News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200202090029/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/view-kobe-bryant-his-childhood-home-italy-n1123716) from the original on February 2, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
24. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-26)**
Flynn, Meagan (January 28, 2020). ["'My story began in this town': How Kobe Bryant learned to play basketball in Italy"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/119081764/my-story-began-in-this-town-how-kobe-bryant-learned-to-play-basketball-in-italy). *Stuff*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230705205057/https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/119081764/my-story-began-in-this-town-how-kobe-bryant-learned-to-play-basketball-in-italy) from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
25. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-27)**
Arachi, Alessandra (January 28, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant, Reggio Emilia piange il suo figlio. Lui diceva: "Io qui mi sento in pace""](https://www.corriere.it/sport/20_gennaio_27/reggio-emiliapiange-suo-figliodiceva-io-qui-mi-sento-pace-03dcb786-4146-11ea-a133-84fd84fc9cfa.shtml). corriere.it. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230705205528/https://www.corriere.it/sport/20_gennaio_27/reggio-emiliapiange-suo-figliodiceva-io-qui-mi-sento-pace-03dcb786-4146-11ea-a133-84fd84fc9cfa.shtml) from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
26. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-28)**
["Kobe visits old childhood court in Italy"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225001/https://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/news/2016/07/25/kobe-visits-old-childhood-court-italy-13642). [ABS-CBN Sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABS-CBN_Sports "ABS-CBN Sports"). July 25, 2016. Archived from [the original](https://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/news/2016/07/25/kobe-visits-old-childhood-court-italy-13642) on January 26, 2020.
27. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-29)**
["Farewell to the Mamba: Kobe Bryant"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4fJLCDrfLd31YNbMtZqJnFm/farewell-to-the-mamba-kobe-bryant). [BBC Sport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_Sport "BBC Sport"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160417211418/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4fJLCDrfLd31YNbMtZqJnFm/farewell-to-the-mamba-kobe-bryant) from the original on April 17, 2016. Retrieved November 30, 2019.
28. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Greatness_30-0)**
[MacMullan, Jackie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_MacMullan "Jackie MacMullan") (June 4, 2010). ["Kobe Bryant: Imitating greatness"](https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2010/columns/story?columnist=macmullan_jackie&page=kobefilmstudy-100604). *ESPN.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230603112011/https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2010/columns/story?columnist=macmullan_jackie&page=kobefilmstudy-100604) from the original on June 3, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
29. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-31)**
Watkins, Gwynne (February 13, 2018). ["From Ariel to Kobe Bryant: Disney legend Glen Keane takes us inside Oscar-nominated 'Dear Basketball'"](https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/ariel-kobe-bryant-disney-legend-glen-keane-takes-us-inside-oscar-nominated-dear-basketball-230337917.html). *www.yahoo.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230705202650/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/ariel-kobe-bryant-disney-legend-glen-keane-takes-us-inside-oscar-nominated-dear-basketball-230337917.html) from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved July 30, 2021.
30. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-32)**
Lazenby, Roland (October 25, 2016). *Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant*. Little, Brown. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[9780316387149](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780316387149 "Special:BookSources/9780316387149")
.
31. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-33)**
Faulconer, Matt (July 31, 2011). ["Kobe Bryant: NBA Star Shows off Skills at Manchester Utd vs. Barcelona Game"](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/786122-kobe-bryant-video-nba-star-shows-off-skills-at-manchester-utd-vs-barcelona-game). *Bleacher Report*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230705205053/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/786122-kobe-bryant-video-nba-star-shows-off-skills-at-manchester-utd-vs-barcelona-game) from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
32. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-34)**
Gulino, Joey (January 28, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant honored by AC Milan, his favorite soccer club as a kid (video)"](https://sports.yahoo.com/kobe-bryant-honored-by-ac-milan-his-favorite-soccer-club-as-a-kid-video-220614754.html). *Yahoo! Sports*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230705202646/https://sports.yahoo.com/kobe-bryant-honored-by-ac-milan-his-favorite-soccer-club-as-a-kid-video-220614754.html) from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
33. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-35)**
Levin, Jason (March 2001). ["I Wish People Would Let Me Just Be Kobe"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131202234039/http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/interviews/4119458/wish-people-would-let-me-just-be-kobe). *Basketball Digest*. **28** (5): 20. Archived from [the original](http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/interviews/4119458/wish-people-would-let-me-just-be-kobe) on December 2, 2013.
34. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-36)**
["Lot Detail – Kobe Bryant Incredible Signed 1992 Middle School Yearbook with Prophetic Lakers Inscription Reference! (Beckett/BAS & PSA/DNA LOAs)"](https://www.iconicauctions.com/Kobe_Bryant_Incredible_Signed_1992_Middle_School_Y-LOT98758.aspx). *www.iconicauctions.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210508040651/https://www.iconicauctions.com/Kobe_Bryant_Incredible_Signed_1992_Middle_School_Y-LOT98758.aspx) from the original on May 8, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
35. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Merion_37-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Merion_37-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Merion_37-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Merion_37-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Merion_37-4)
Verrier, Justin (June 1, 2010). ["Before they were stars: Kobe Bryant"](https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2010/columns/story?page=beforetheywerestars-kobe-100601). *ESPN.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230705205530/https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2010/columns/story?page=beforetheywerestars-kobe-100601) from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
36. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-38)**
Doherty, Bill (December 20, 1993). ["Dixon Happy He Stayed With Aces (4–0)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052502/http://articles.philly.com/1993-12-20/news/25943289_1_merion-coach-gregg-downer-strath-haven-lower-merion). *The Philadelphia Inquirer*. Archived from [the original](http://articles.philly.com/1993-12-20/news/25943289_1_merion-coach-gregg-downer-strath-haven-lower-merion) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 14, 2013.
37. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-39)**
"High School Boys Basketball All-USA Honorable Mentions". *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. April 21, 1995. p. 11C.
38. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-JockBioKobe_40-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-JockBioKobe_40-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-JockBioKobe_40-2)
["Kobe Bryant Biography"](http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Bryant/Bryant_bio.html). JockBio.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170311191235/http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Bryant/Bryant_bio.html) from the original on March 11, 2017. Retrieved September 15, 2011.
39. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-41)**
["1995 High School Basketball Awards"](https://basketball.realgm.com/highschool/awards-by-season/1995). *RealGM*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191226123846/https://basketball.realgm.com/highschool/awards-by-season/1995) from the original on December 26, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
40. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-42)**
["ABCD Camp"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100330060705/http://www.reebokabcdcamp.com/mvps.html). Reebok ABCD Camp. Archived from [the original](http://www.reebokabcdcamp.com/mvps.html) on March 30, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
41. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-43)**
Jenkins, Lee (March 23, 2009). ["Another Sunny Day In Lamar's L.a."](https://vault.si.com/vault/2009/03/23/another-sunny-day-in-lamars-la/) *Sports Illustrated*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090322151209/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1153359/3/index.htm) from the original on March 22, 2009. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
42. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-44)**
Lazenby, Roland (2016). ["Chapter 14: The Bad, Bad Boy"](https://books.google.com/books?id=CH1zCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT173). *Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant*. Little, Brown and Company. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-316-38727-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-316-38727-9 "Special:BookSources/978-0-316-38727-9")
. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240210105951/https://books.google.com/books?id=CH1zCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT173#v=onepage&q&f=false) from the original on February 10, 2024. Retrieved February 1, 2020.
43. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-HighSchool_45-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-HighSchool_45-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-HighSchool_45-2)
Moore, David Leon (May 7, 2002). ["Bryant continues to hold court"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100524084340/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/preps/basketba/2002-05-08-bryant.htm). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. Archived from [the original](https://www.usatoday.com/sports/preps/basketba/2002-05-08-bryant.htm) on May 24, 2010. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
44. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-46)**
["History"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110507074734/http://www.aceshoops.com/?s=history). Aces Hoops. Archived from [the original](http://www.aceshoops.com/?s=history) on May 7, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
45. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-47)**
["\#24 Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090308150651/http://www.nba.com/lakers/roster/0607_24bryant.html). *NBA.com*. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/lakers/roster/0607_24bryant.html) on March 8, 2009. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
46. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-48)**
["1996 High School Basketball Awards"](https://basketball.realgm.com/highschool/awards-by-season/1996). *RealGM*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191226123844/https://basketball.realgm.com/highschool/awards-by-season/1996) from the original on December 26, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
47. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-lee_11302015_49-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-lee_11302015_49-1)
Lee, Michael (November 30, 2015). ["As Kobe returns home, his old coach urges Philadelphia to give him proper sendoff"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151206090134/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/as-kobe-returns-home--his-old-coach-urges-philadelphia-to-give-him-proper-sendoff-043209702.html). *Yahoo! Sports*. Archived from [the original](https://sports.yahoo.com/news/as-kobe-returns-home--his-old-coach-urges-philadelphia-to-give-him-proper-sendoff-043209702.html) on December 6, 2015.
48. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-50)**
Pak, SuChin. ["Brandy On Growing Up: A Candid Chat"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121214005153/http://www.mtv.com/bands/b/brandy/news_feature_061404/). *MTV*. Archived from [the original](http://www.mtv.com/bands/b/brandy/news_feature_061404/) on December 14, 2012. Retrieved January 15, 2009.
49. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Archived_at_Ghostarchive_and_the_Wayback_Machine2020_51-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Archived_at_Ghostarchive_and_the_Wayback_Machine2020_51-1)
Archived at [Ghostarchive](https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/5zr6Xm5IjPM) and the [Wayback Machine](https://web.archive.org/web/20200224033516/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zr6Xm5IjPM):
[*'My name is Kobe Bryant' – (1996) Kobe gives a class presentation on NBA vs. college*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zr6Xm5IjPM), February 2, 2020, retrieved February 24, 2020
50. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-52)**
Thomsen, Ian (February 1, 2010). ["Kobe may already be the greatest Laker ever – and he's not done yet"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140226145717/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/ian_thomsen/02/01/kobe.scoring.record/). *SI.com*. Archived from [the original](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/ian_thomsen/02/01/kobe.scoring.record/) on February 26, 2014.
51. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-53)**
["Wilkins Honored as One of 35 Greatest McDonald's All Americans"](http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/wilkins-honored-one-35-greatest-mcdonalds-all-americans). *NBA.com*. January 31, 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120208224933/http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/wilkins-honored-one-35-greatest-mcdonalds-all-americans) from the original on February 8, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2012.
52. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-54)**
Holmes, Baxter (January 30, 2021). ["How Kobe Bryant almost became Boston Celtic"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14449708/how-kobe-bryant-almost-became-boston-celtic). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230406205026/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14449708/how-kobe-bryant-almost-became-boston-celtic) from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
53. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-55)**
"Deals Are What Made The Lakers". *Long Beach Press-Telegram*. February 25, 2000.
54. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-56)**
Delong, John (June 18, 2008). ["Lakers' trade for Bryant has been misconstrued"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100822071950/http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2008/jun/18/lakers-trade-for-bryant-has-been-misconstrued/). *Winston-Salem Journal*. Archived from [the original](https://www2.journalnow.com/content/2008/jun/18/lakers-trade-for-bryant-has-been-misconstrued/) on August 22, 2010. Retrieved October 30, 2010.
55. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-57)**
Howard-Cooper, Scott (July 1, 1996). ["Divac's OK Has Lakers Buzzing"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-07-01-sp-20210-story.html). *Los Angeles Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211209012005/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-07-01-sp-20210-story.html) from the original on December 9, 2021. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
56. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-complex.com_58-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-complex.com_58-1)
Ecko, Marc. ["Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101009113352/http://www.complex.com/CELEBRITIES/Cover-Story/Kobe-Bryant). Complex.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.complex.com/CELEBRITIES/Cover-Story/Kobe-Bryant) on October 9, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
57. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Career_Earnings_59-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Career_Earnings_59-1)
Badenhausen, Kurt (November 30, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant Will Retire With Record \$680 Million In Career Earnings"](https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2015/11/30/kobe-bryant-will-retire-with-record-680-million-in-career-earnings). *Forbes*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230713070735/https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2015/11/30/kobe-bryant-will-retire-with-record-680-million-in-career-earnings/) from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 17, 2018.
58. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-60)**
Whicker, Mark (November 29, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant's farewell season has been painful to watch"](http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151129/whicker-kobe-bryants-farewell-season-has-been-painful-to-watch). *Los Angeles Daily News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151203072224/http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151129/whicker-kobe-bryants-farewell-season-has-been-painful-to-watch) from the original on December 3, 2015.
59. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-61)**
Rafferty, Scott (July 7, 2015). ["How Kobe, LeBron and other NBA stars fared in Summer League debuts"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160105102000/http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4649202-summer-league-kobe-duncan-lebron-carmelo-wade-harden-durant/slide/336932). *Sporting News*. Archived from [the original](http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4649202-summer-league-kobe-duncan-lebron-carmelo-wade-harden-durant/slide/336932) on January 5, 2016. Retrieved December 5, 2015.
60. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Contemporary_Black_Biography_62-0)**
Henderson, Ashyia, ed. (2008). ["Kobe Bryant"](http://0-galenet.galegroup.com.sapl.sat.lib.tx.us/servlet/BioRC?vrsn=149&OP=contains&locID=txshrpub100334&srchtp=name&ca=1&c=1&AI=U13015572&NA=Kobe+Bryant&ste=12&tbst=prp&tab=1&docNum=K1606001949&bConts=59). *Contemporary Black Biography*. **31**. Gale Group, 2001; Reproduced in Biography Resource Center. Farmington Hills, Mich.: Gale, 2008. Retrieved December 6, 2008.
`{{cite journal}}`: CS1 maint: url-status ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_url-status "Category:CS1 maint: url-status"))
61. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-63)**
["The Youngest NBA Basketball Player Records"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100124090925/http://basketballdaily.today.com/2009/01/30/the-youngest-nba-basketball-player-records/). *Basketball Daily*. January 30, 2009. Archived from [the original](http://basketballdaily.today.com/2009/01/30/the-youngest-nba-basketball-player-records/) on January 24, 2010.
62. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-64)**
["Kobe Bryant 1996–97 Game Log"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210126075025/https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01/gamelog/1997). Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from [the original](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01/gamelog/1997/) on January 26, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
63. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-65)**
Holmes, Baxter (February 11, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant: Perfect time for All-Star break as 'everything' aches"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14758418/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-relieved-all-star-break-amid-myriad-aches). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160212165217/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14758418/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-relieved-all-star-break-amid-myriad-aches) from the original on February 12, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
64. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-66)**
["All-Rookie Teams"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080725172621/http://www.nba.com/history/awards_allrookieteams.html). [NBA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association "National Basketball Association").com. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/history/awards_allrookieteams.html) on July 25, 2008. Retrieved January 27, 2008.
65. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-67)**
["1997 NBA Western Conference Semifinals - Lakers vs. Jazz"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-western-conference-semifinals-lakers-vs-jazz.html). *Basketball-Reference.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230204233549/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-western-conference-semifinals-lakers-vs-jazz.html) from the original on February 4, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
66. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-68)**
Medina, Mark (January 15, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant's 'airball game' in 1997 was as defining moment in his career"](https://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160115/kobe-bryants-airball-game-in-1997-was-as-defining-moment-in-his-career). *Los Angeles Daily News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160129140251/http://www.dailynews.com/article/20160115/SPORTS/160119637) from the original on January 29, 2016.
67. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-69)**
Jackson, Scoop (May 11, 2009). ["Kobe Bryant's top ten moments"](https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?id=4152884). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210111033424/https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?id=4152884) from the original on January 11, 2021. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
68. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-70)**
["Kobe Bryant Career Stats Page"](https://web.archive.org/web/20091222132730/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/career_stats.html). *NBA.com*. August 23, 1978. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/career_stats.html) on December 22, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
69. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-71)**
Howard-Cooper, Scott (May 4, 1998). ["NBA Playoffs; A Dilemma for Kobe; NBA playoffs: The Lakers can still go small with Bryant in the frontcourt, but it could come at a price against the bigger Schrempf"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130722111147/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/29194361.html?dids=29194361:29194361&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Archived from [the original](https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/29194361.html?dids=29194361:29194361&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS) on July 22, 2013. Retrieved December 5, 2009.
70. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-6thManVoting1998_72-0)**
["1997-98 NBA Awards Voting"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210111041507/https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1998.html#smoy). *Basketball-Reference.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1998.html) on January 11, 2021. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
71. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-AllStarProfile_73-0)**
["All-Star Player Profile : Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110628211313/http://www.nba.com/allstar2008/players/kobe_bryant.html). [NBA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association "National Basketball Association"). Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/allstar2008/players/kobe_bryant.html) on June 28, 2011. Retrieved December 7, 2008.
72. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Contract_74-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Contract_74-1)
["Basketball: N.B.A. Roundup - Los Angeles; Lakers' Bryant Signs for \$71 million"](https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/30/sports/basketball-nba-roundup-los-angeles-lakers-bryant-signs-for-71-million.html). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. January 30, 1999. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210111033454/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/30/sports/basketball-nba-roundup-los-angeles-lakers-bryant-signs-for-71-million.html) from the original on January 11, 2021. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
73. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-75)**
["1998-99 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1999.html). *Basketball-Reference.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211009042914/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1999.html) from the original on October 9, 2021. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
74. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-76)**
Smith, Sam (January 27, 2009). ["Kobe Bryant: The Air Apparent?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130724084140/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/23936063.html?dids=23936063:23936063&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS). basketball-reference.com. Archived from [the original](https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/23936063.html?dids=23936063:23936063&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS) on July 24, 2013. Retrieved January 27, 2009.
75. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-77)**
Thomsen, Ian (January 27, 2009). ["Showtime!"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080709011057/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1012689/index.htm). *Sports Illustrated*. Archived from [the original](http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1012689/index.htm) on July 9, 2008. Retrieved January 27, 2009.
76. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-78)**
["1998–99 Los Angeles Lakers Statistics"](https://web.archive.org/web/20211009042914/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1999.html). basketball-reference.com. Archived from [the original](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1999.html) on October 9, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2008.
77. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-79)**
["1999-00 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats"](https://web.archive.org/web/20211009074216/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/2000.html). *Basketball-Reference.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/2000.html) on October 9, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
78. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-BryantAllNBA_80-0)**
["Bryant, McGrady Highlight All-NBA Selections"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100511182141/http://www.nba.com/news/all_nba_team_020501.html). [NBA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association "National Basketball Association"). May 1, 2002. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/news/all_nba_team_020501.html) on May 11, 2010. Retrieved December 7, 2008.
79. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-BryantAllDefensive_81-0)**
["Garnett, Bryant top NBA All-Defensive selections"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080905214649/http://rawstory.com/news/afp/Garnett_Bryant_top_NBA_All_Defensiv_05122008.html). *The Raw Story*. Agence France-Presse. May 12, 2008. Archived from [the original](http://rawstory.com/news/afp/Garnett_Bryant_top_NBA_All_Defensiv_05122008.html) on September 5, 2008.
80. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-82)**
["LAKERS: Los Angeles Lakers History"](http://www.nba.com/lakers/history/lakers_history_new.html). *NBA.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120217202906/http://www.nba.com/lakers/history/lakers_history_new.html) from the original on February 17, 2012. Retrieved June 23, 2008.
81. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-83)**
Martin, Susan (October 15, 1999). ["Lakers lose bryant at least six weeks to broken hand"](https://buffalonews.com/1999/10/15/lakers-lose-bryant-at-least-six-weeks-to-broken-hand/). *[The Buffalo News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Buffalo_News "The Buffalo News")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200509045024/https://buffalonews.com/1999/10/15/lakers-lose-bryant-at-least-six-weeks-to-broken-hand/) from the original on May 9, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
82. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-84)**
["LAKERS: Los Angeles Lakers History"](http://www.nba.com/lakers/history/lakers_history_new.html#35). NBA. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120217202906/http://www.nba.com/lakers/history/lakers_history_new.html#35) from the original on February 17, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
83. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-85)**
["Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, June 4, 2000"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200006040LAL.html). Basketball-Reference.com. June 4, 2000. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210111033545/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200006040LAL.html) from the original on January 11, 2021. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
84. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-86)**
Bresnahan, Mike (March 14, 2013). ["Kobe Bryant sprains left ankle in Lakers loss, out indefinitely"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-xpm-2013-mar-13-la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-sprains-ankle-20130313-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130314210424/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-sprains-ankle-20130313,0,4756531.story) from the original on March 14, 2013.
85. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-87)**
Ryan, Chris (March 14, 2013). ["Jalen Rose on That Time He Intentionally Tried to Injure Kobe Bryant"](http://grantland.com/the-triangle/jalen-rose-on-that-time-he-intentionally-tried-to-injure-kobe-bryant/). *grantland.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130317102308/http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/54156/jalen-rose-on-that-time-he-intentionally-tried-to-injure-kobe-bryant) from the original on March 17, 2013.
86. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-88)**
["NBA Finals: Pacers vs. Lakers"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100306102508/http://www2.indystar.com/library/factfiles/sports/basketball/indiana_pacers/2000/pacers2000.html). *Indianapolis Star*. June 20, 2000. Archived from [the original](http://www2.indystar.com/library/factfiles/sports/basketball/indiana_pacers/2000/pacers2000.html) on March 6, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
87. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-89)**
[Plaschke, Bill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Plaschke "Bill Plaschke") (June 15, 2000). ["That Was No Dream, That Was Kobe -"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jun-15-sp-41173-story.html). *Los Angeles Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211209011952/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jun-15-sp-41173-story.html) from the original on December 9, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
88. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-90)**
["Article: No doubt: It's Bryant's team"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110507070844/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-6829909_ITM). *Chicago Tribune*. May 22, 2002. Archived from [the original](http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-8847419_ITM) on May 7, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2010 – via AccessMyLibrary.
89. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-91)**
["Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings Box Score, May 13, 2001"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200105130SAC.html). Basketball-Reference. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210111033623/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200105130SAC.html) from the original on January 11, 2021. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
90. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-92)**
["Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, January 14, 2002"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210111033711/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200201140LAL.html). Basketball-Reference. Archived from [the original](https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200201140LAL.html) on January 11, 2021. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
91. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-93)**
["Lou Williams-led 76ers spoil Kobe Bryant's milestone night"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151208130215/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320206020). *[ESPN.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN.com "ESPN.com")*. Associated Press. February 6, 2012. Archived from [the original](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320206020) on December 8, 2015.
92. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-smallwood_02062012_94-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-smallwood_02062012_94-1)
Smallwood, John (February 6, 2012). ["Love him or not, Kobe Bryant a Philly player"](https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/sixers/20120206_John_Smallwood_.html). *Philly.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151208062956/http://articles.philly.com/2012-02-06/sports/31030484_1_philadelphia-and-bryant-nba-mvp-gregg-downer) from the original on December 8, 2015.
93. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-95)**
Springer, Steve (March 3, 2002). ["Bryant Fight Remains a No Decision"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-mar-03-sp-lakers03-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210111033708/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-mar-03-sp-lakers03-story.html) from the original on January 11, 2021. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
94. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-96)**
Beck, Howard (March 2, 2002). ["Punch-uation Mark"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190412124830/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/PUNCH-UATION+MARK+KOBE%2C+REGGIE+MILLER+BRAWL+AFTER+LAKERS%27+VICTORY...-a083463621). *Los Angeles Daily News*. Archived from [the original](http://www.thefreelibrary.com/PUNCH-UATION+MARK+KOBE,+REGGIE+MILLER+BRAWL+AFTER+LAKERS%27+VICTORY...-a083463621) on April 12, 2019. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
95. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Finals_97-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Finals_97-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Finals_97-2)
["Bryant's heroics, deference pay off for Lakers"](https://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/02playoffs/2002-06-14-kobe.htm). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. June 14, 2002. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120827045118/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/02playoffs/2002-06-14-kobe.htm) from the original on August 27, 2012. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
96. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-98)**
["Los Angeles Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs May 12, 2002 Game Summary"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100809235342/http://www.nba.com/games/20020512/LALSAS/recap.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-sas-0040100234) on August 9, 2010. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
97. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-99)**
["San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, October 29, 2002"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200210290LAL.html). Basketball-Reference. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191028102502/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200210290LAL.html) from the original on October 28, 2019. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
98. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-100)**
["Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers Box Score, November 1, 2002"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200211010LAC.html). Basketball-Reference. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191028103016/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200211010LAC.html) from the original on October 28, 2019. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
99. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-101)**
["NBA Single Game Leaders and Records for 3-Pt Field Goals"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/fg3_game.html). basketball-reference.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190626193119/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/fg3_game.html) from the original on June 26, 2019. Retrieved June 8, 2019.
100. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-102)**
["NBA Playoffs 2003 – Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs"](https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2003/series?series=lalsas). [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171210072018/http://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2003/series?series=lalsas) from the original on December 10, 2017. Retrieved June 23, 2008.
101. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-103)**
["Lakers Sign Free Agents Gary Payton and Karl Malone"](https://www.nba.com/lakers/news/payton_malone_030716.html). NBA. July 16, 2003. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100706215415/http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/payton_malone_030716.html) from the original on July 6, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
102. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-104)**
["Kobe Bryant Arrested For Alleged Sexual Assault"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080430073753/http://www.thedenverchannel.com/sports/2314127/detail.html). [KMGH-TV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KMGH-TV "KMGH-TV"). Associated Press. July 6, 2003. Archived from [the original](http://www.thedenverchannel.com/sports/2314127/detail.html) on April 30, 2008. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
103. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-105)**
Saraceno, Jon (April 21, 2004). ["Bryant's, Lakers' survival go hand in hand"](https://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/saraceno/2004-04-21-saraceno-bryant_x.htm). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100524084132/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/saraceno/2004-04-21-saraceno-bryant_x.htm) from the original on May 24, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
104. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Portland_106-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Portland_106-1)
["Kobe sends game to OT, wins it in 2OT"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170810051514/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=240414022). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. April 15, 2004. Archived from [the original](http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=240414022) on August 10, 2017.
105. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-107)**
["Minnesota Timberwolves (1) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (2)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070620090447/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2004/series_minlal.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/playoffs2004/series_minlal.html) on June 20, 2007. Retrieved June 23, 2008.
106. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-108)**
Boucher, Ric (June 15, 2004). ["Lakers' wrongs making things right"](https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2004/columns/story?columnist=bucher_ric&id=1822275). *ESPN.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171210123648/http://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2004/columns/story?columnist=bucher_ric&id=1822275) from the original on December 10, 2017.
107. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-109)**
["Finals 2004"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120209133348/http://www.nba.com/finals2004/). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/finals2004/) on February 9, 2012. Retrieved June 23, 2008.
108. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-110)**
["Rudy Tomjanovich Coach Info"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160629040031/http://www.nba.com/coachfile/rudy_tomjanovich/). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/coachfile/rudy_tomjanovich/) on June 29, 2016. Retrieved June 23, 2008.
109. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-111)**
DuPree, David (July 14, 2004). ["It's Official: Shaq traded to Heat for three players, draft pick"](https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2004-07-14-shaq-trade_x.htm). [USAToday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USAToday "USAToday"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080603072740/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2004-07-14-shaq-trade_x.htm) from the original on June 3, 2008. Retrieved June 23, 2008.
110. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-112)**
["Kobe remains with Lakers"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1840336). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. July 15, 2004. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200310025512/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1840336) from the original on March 10, 2020.
111. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-113)**
Kent, Milton (July 16, 2004). ["Bryant decides to remain a Laker"](https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2004-07-16-0407160249-story.html). *[The Baltimore Sun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Baltimore_Sun "The Baltimore Sun")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210711195003/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2004-07-16-0407160249-story.html) from the original on July 11, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
112. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-114)**
Beck, Howard (May 6, 2006). ["Coach and Star Savor Success in Collaboration"](https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/06/sports/basketball/06lakers.html). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20060917144342/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/06/sports/basketball/06lakers.html) from the original on September 17, 2006. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
113. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-115)** Associated Press. [Decision was made Monday](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1982487) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200405233511/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1982487) April 5, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), ESPN, February 3, 2005. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
114. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-116)**
["Lakers Announce Coaching Change"](http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/coaching_change_050202.html). NBA. February 2, 2005. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080620004840/http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/coaching_change_050202.html) from the original on June 20, 2008. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
115. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-117)**
Hoffman, Benjamin (January 12, 2013). ["Off the Dribble: Bryant Now Deals with Mediocrity"](https://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/12/bryant-now-deals-with-mediocrity/). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130115031217/http://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/12/bryant-now-deals-with-mediocrity/) from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved January 14, 2013.
116. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-KobeBryantStatistics_118-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-KobeBryantStatistics_118-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-KobeBryantStatistics_118-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-KobeBryantStatistics_118-3)
["Kobe Bryant"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html). *basketball-reference.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240210184134/https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html) from the original on February 10, 2024. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
117. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-119)** Hughes, Frank. [Allen primed for Kobe showdown](https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hughes_frank&id=1945983) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200306163839/https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hughes_frank&id=1945983) March 6, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), ESPN, December 14, 2004. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
118. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-120)** Associated Press. [Kobe 'upset' about Malone's comments to wife](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1944994) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225039/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1944994) January 26, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), ESPN, December 15, 2004. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
119. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-121)**
["Phil Jackson"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101201035612/http://www.nba.com/coachfile/phil_jackson/). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/coachfile/phil_jackson/) on December 1, 2010. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
120. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-122)**
["Basketball: Kobe Bryant Profile and Information"](http://www.authenticbasketball.com/top_players/kobe_bryant.htm). authenticbasketball.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080607002420/http://www.authenticbasketball.com/top_players/kobe_bryant.htm) from the original on June 7, 2008. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
121. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-123)**
["How the Shaq-Kobe feud began"](https://www.news.com.au/sport/american-sports/how-the-shaquille-onealkobe-bryant-feud-began/news-story/d79d50f47dd2985078e4d8817d9000f8). *NewsComAu*. March 30, 2016. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180513195324/http://www.news.com.au/sport/american-sports/how-the-shaquille-onealkobe-bryant-feud-began/news-story/d79d50f47dd2985078e4d8817d9000f8) from the original on May 13, 2018. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
122. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-124)**
["O'Neal Squashes Feud With Bryant"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/17/AR2006011701377_pf.html). *The Washington Post*. January 18, 2006. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110629022413/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/17/AR2006011701377_pf.html) from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved January 17, 2009.
123. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-125)**
Wurst, Matthew D. (February 19, 2006). ["55 Things About the 55th All-Star Game"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100411001805/http://www.nba.com/allstar2006/allstar_game/55things_as06.html). *Nba.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/allstar2006/allstar_game/55things_as06.html) on April 11, 2010. Retrieved July 28, 2010. "What happened after Shaq and Kobe got entangled in the lane during the first quarter? Nothing but laughter all around."
124. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-126)** basketball-reference.com, [2005–06 NBA Season Summary](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2006.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110903002424/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2006.html) September 3, 2011, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), accessed, December 8, 2007.
125. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-127)**
["Eighty-One! Bryant Erupts as Lakers Roll"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120125091621/http://www.nba.com/games/20060122/TORLAL/recap.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.nba.com/game/tor-vs-lal-0020500591) on January 25, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
126. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-128)**
["Bam Adebayo points tonight: Heat star scores second-most points in NBA history"](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2026/03/10/bam-adebayo-miami-heat-record-points/89091864007/). March 10, 2026. Retrieved March 10, 2026.
`{{cite news}}`: CS1 maint: url-status ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_url-status "Category:CS1 maint: url-status"))
127. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-129)** NBA.com (February 1, 2006). [Billups, Bryant Named Players of the Month](http://www.nba.com/news/pom_060201.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110628211903/http://www.nba.com/news/pom_060201.html) June 28, 2011, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). Retrieved May 25, 2007
128. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-130)**
["Kobe's big month sets high expectations"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080609215020/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/11123899/site/21683474/). MSNBC. Archived from [the original](http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/11123899/site/21683474/) on June 9, 2008. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
129. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-131)**
["Basketball: Kobe Bryant Profile and Information"](http://www.authenticbasketball.com/top_players/kobe_bryant.htm). Authenticbasketball.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080607002420/http://www.authenticbasketball.com/top_players/kobe_bryant.htm) from the original on June 7, 2008. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
130. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-132)**
["LAKERS: \#24 Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090308150651/http://www.nba.com/lakers/roster/0607_24bryant.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/lakers/roster/0607_24bryant.html) on March 8, 2009. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
131. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-133)**
Povtak, Tim (April 9, 2006). ["Billups brushes off MVP chatter"](https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2006/04/09/billups-brushes-off-mvp-chatter/). *Orlando Sentinel*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100709003955/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2006-04-09/sports/NBAINSIDER09_1_chauncey-billups-kobe-bryant-player-in-league) from the original on July 9, 2010.
132. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_12142014_134-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_12142014_134-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_12142014_134-2)
["Bryant passes Jordan, has shot to be No. 1"](https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/100032/bryant-passes-jordan-has-shot-to-be-no-1). ESPN. December 14, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141215084246/http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/100032/bryant-passes-jordan-has-shot-to-be-no-1) from the original on December 15, 2014.
133. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-136)**
["Suns' Steve Nash Wins Second Consecutive MVP Award"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170316004727/http://www.nba.com/news/nash_mvp_05-06.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/news/nash_mvp_05-06.html) on March 16, 2017. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
134. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-137)**
["From 8 to 24"](http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/8_2_24.html). Los Angeles Lakers. November 16, 2006. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160817091959/http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/8_2_24.html) from the original on August 17, 2016. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
135. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-HangUpOldJersey_138-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-HangUpOldJersey_138-1)
Rovell, Darren (April 26, 2006). ["Bryant will hang up his No. 8 jersey, sources say"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2421874). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170819145105/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2421874) from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved May 25, 2007.
136. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-phxlal_139-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-phxlal_139-1)
["Phoenix Suns (2) vs. Los Angeles lakers (7)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080724154728/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2006/series_phxlal.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/playoffs2006/series_phxlal.html) on July 24, 2008. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
137. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-140)**
McMenamin, Dave (May 17, 2010). ["Unfounded stigma still following Bryant"](https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?id=5195953). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180106225029/http://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?id=5195953) from the original on January 6, 2018. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
138. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-141)**
Kang, Jay Capian (January 23, 2012). ["Person of Interest: Kobe Bryant"](http://grantland.com/features/person-interest/). *Grantland*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160215220955/http://grantland.com/features/person-interest/) from the original on February 15, 2016.
139. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-142)**
["NBA All-Star Game"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151016041541/http://www.nba.com/allstar2007/allstar_game/index.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/allstar2007/allstar_game/index.html) on October 16, 2015. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
140. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-flailed_143-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-flailed_143-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-flailed_143-2)
["Bryant assessed flagrant foul for elbow in Philly"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2795315). [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN"). March 12, 2007. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210419094549/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2795315) from the original on April 19, 2021. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
141. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-144)**
[Sheridan, Chris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Sheridan_\(sportswriter\) "Chris Sheridan (sportswriter)") (January 30, 2007). ["Kobe serves suspension against Knicks"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2748084). *[ESPN.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN.com "ESPN.com")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210419050948/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2748084) from the original on April 19, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
142. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-145)**
[Sheridan, Chris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Sheridan_\(sportswriter\) "Chris Sheridan (sportswriter)") (March 8, 2007). ["Kobe serves one-game suspension against Bucks"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2790534). *[ESPN.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN.com "ESPN.com")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210419084004/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2790534) from the original on April 19, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
143. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-146)**
["Bryant Scores NBA Season-Best 65 in Lakers Win"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080511215117/http://www.nba.com/games/20070316/PORLAL/recap.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.nba.com/game/por-vs-lal-0020600977) on May 11, 2008. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
144. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-147)**
["Kobe Scores 50 to Lead Lakers Past Wolves"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080625075756/http://www.nba.com/games/20070318/MINLAL/recap.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-lal-0020600994) on June 25, 2008. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
145. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Scoring_148-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Scoring_148-1)
["Bryant Scores 60 as Lakers Defeat Grizzlies"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080623190503/http://www.nba.com/games/20070322/LALMEM/recap.html). *NBA.com*. Associated Press. March 23, 2007. Archived from [the original](https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-mem-0020601016) on June 23, 2008. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
146. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-149)**
Thomsen, Ian (March 24, 2007). ["Kobe's 50-point run more important because of wins"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121104015518/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/ian_thomsen/03/24/kobe.50/index.html). *[Sports Illustrated](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_Illustrated "Sports Illustrated")*. Archived from [the original](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/ian_thomsen/03/24/kobe.50/index.html) on November 4, 2012. Retrieved July 1, 2011.
147. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-151)**
["Statistics"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080409144443/http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/Scoring.jsp?league=00&season=22006&conf=OVERALL&position=0&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=N&yearsExp=-1&splitDD=). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/Scoring.jsp?league=00&season=22006&conf=OVERALL&position=0&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=N&yearsExp=-1&splitDD=) on April 9, 2008. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
148. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-top-sellchina_152-0)** NBA.com. [Kobe Bryant has Top-Selling Jersey in China](http://www.nba.com/news/chinajerseys.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100809115238/http://www.nba.com/news/chinajerseys.html) August 9, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), nba.com, March 20, 2007, Retrieved May 25, 2007.
149. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-153)**
Oller, Rob (February 12, 2007). ["A star is reborn: Bryant's stats, dunks have made him marketable again"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140921121926/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-159203511.html). *The Columbus Dispatch*. Archived from [the original](http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-159203511.html) on September 21, 2014.
150. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-154)** Denver Post (March 15, 2007). [For Kobe, turnaround is flair play](http://www.bonham.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NID=279) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090113224818/http://www.bonham.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NID=279) January 13, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). *The Bonham Group*. Retrieved May 25, 2007.
151. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-155)**
["Suns Top Lakers, Move On to Second Round"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080625032754/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/series/series_w1s2.html). *NBA.com*. May 3, 2007. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/series/series_w1s2.html) on June 25, 2008. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
152. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_kobe_west_2_156-0)**
["Kobe says he's just suggesting West return"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2884792). *ESPN.com*. May 28, 2007. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210618055547/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2884792) from the original on June 18, 2021. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
153. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-157)**
["Bryant asks for trade, then backtracks slightly"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2886927). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. July 31, 2007. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200306153814/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2886927) from the original on March 6, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020. "...as a Lakers insider notes, it was Bryant's insistence on getting away from Shaquille O'Neal that got them in this mess."
154. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-gazette_retracts_trade_158-0)**
["NBA: Kobe retracts his trade request"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070928010446/http://www.gazette.com/sports/bryant_23036___article.html/don_phil.html). *Gazette.com*. Associated Press. May 31, 2007. Archived from [the original](http://www.gazette.com/sports/bryant_23036___article.html/don_phil.html) on September 28, 2007. Retrieved October 16, 2007.
155. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-159)**
[Markazi, Arash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arash_Markazi "Arash Markazi") (July 19, 2007). ["Playing the video game: Underground Kobe film ain't all it's cracked up to be"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070920152058/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/arash_markazi/06/19/kobe/). *SI.com*. CNN. Archived from [the original](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/arash_markazi/06/19/kobe/) on September 20, 2007. Retrieved July 18, 2010. "Are you kidding me? Andrew Bynum? F—ing ship his ass out."
156. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-160)**
Witz, Billy (May 17, 2010). ["Suns Can Still Bring Out Snarl in Bryant and Lakers"](https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/17/sports/basketball/17lakers.html). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100520020238/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/17/sports/basketball/17lakers.html) from the original on May 20, 2010. Retrieved August 1, 2010. "There was the infamous video by the self-described Kobe Video Guys when Bryant profanely vented to a couple of men at a Newport Beach shopping mall, who happened to be recording it, about the Lakers holding on to Andrew Bynum when they could have dealt him for Jason Kidd."
157. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-161)**
["Kobe Bryant youngest to hit 20,000 points"](https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-youngest-to-hit-20-000-points-1.655827). CBC Sports. December 23, 2007. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130724105509/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/story/2007/12/23/bryant-youngest-record.html) from the original on July 24, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
158. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-162)**
["Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks Box Score, December 23, 2007"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200712230NYK.html). Basketball Reference. December 23, 2007. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190627230615/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200712230NYK.html) from the original on June 27, 2019. Retrieved January 17, 2020.
159. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-163)**
["Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, March 28, 2008"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200803280LAL.html). Basketball Reference. March 28, 2008. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200529195405/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200803280LAL.html) from the original on May 29, 2020. Retrieved January 17, 2020.
160. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-injuryupdate_164-0)**
["Kobe Byrant Injury Update"](http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/080214kobeinjury.html). *[NBA.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA.com "NBA.com")*. February 14, 2008. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080421101012/http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/080214kobeinjury.html) from the original on April 21, 2008. Retrieved May 9, 2008.
161. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-KobeWinsMVPbyNBA_165-0)** NBA Staff. [Kobe Bryant Wins Most Valuable Player Award](http://www.nba.com//news/kobe_mvp_080506.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100901171948/http://www.nba.com/news/kobe_mvp_080506.html) September 1, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), nba.com, May 7, 2008. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
162. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-166)**
Bresnahan, Mike (May 7, 2008). ["Finally, Lakers' Bryant is an MVP"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080510093704/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers7-2008may07,0,4349778,full.story). *Los Angeles Times*. Archived from [the original](http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers7-2008may07,0,4349778,full.story) on May 10, 2008. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
163. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Krikorian1_167-0)**
Krikorian, Doug (May 8, 2008). ["Kobe's MVP award not a surprise to West"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130730202329/http://www.presstelegram.com/moresports/ci_9200340). *Press-Telegram*. Archived from [the original](http://www.presstelegram.com/moresports/ci_9200340) on July 30, 2013.
164. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-168)** [Bryant, Garnett, Paul, Howard, James voted to first team](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3387097) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200306160600/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3387097) March 6, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), ESPN, Retrieved February 27, 2020
165. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-169)** [Kobe, Garnett Headline All-Defensive Team](http://www.nba.com/news/defensive_team_080512.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100726070624/http://www.nba.com/news/defensive_team_080512.html) July 26, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), [NBA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association "National Basketball Association"). Retrieved January 17, 2009.
166. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-170)**
["Bryant Scores 38 as Lakers Beat Jazz in Game 1"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080624052059/http://www.nba.com/games/20080504/UTALAL/recap.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.nba.com/game/uta-vs-lal-0040700221) on June 24, 2008. Retrieved June 18, 2008.
167. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-LALUTA_171-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-LALUTA_171-1)
["NBA.com: Bryant Lifts Lakers Into Conference Finals"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080612180849/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2008/series/series_w2s1.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/playoffs2008/series/series_w2s1.html) on June 12, 2008. Retrieved June 18, 2008.
168. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-172)**
["San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Lakers May 29, 2008 Game Summary"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080617092020/http://www.nba.com/games/20080529/SASLAL/gameinfo.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.nba.com/game/sas-vs-lal-0040700315) on June 17, 2008. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
169. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-173)**
["Celtics Capture 17th NBA Title With Record Win Over Lakers"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120122065829/http://www.nba.com/games/20080617/LALBOS/recap.html). NBA.com Kobe Bryant now holds four NBA titles. Archived from [the original](https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-bos-0040700406) on January 22, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
170. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-174)**
["Bryant: No surgery on pinkie finger"](https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=3578292). Associated Press. September 9, 2008. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225338/https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=3578292) from the original on January 26, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
171. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-175)**
["Los Angeles Lakers – Schedule – NBA – Yahoo! Sports"](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/lal/schedule?v=cal&m=11&y=2008). Sports.yahoo.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110629063349/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/lal/schedule?v=cal&m=11&y=2008) from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
172. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-176)**
["Lakers equal best 19-game start in franchise history"](https://web.archive.org/web/20111002045326/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gamecenter/recap/NBA_20081207_MIL%40LAL). [CBSSports.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CBSSports.com "CBSSports.com"). December 8, 2008. Archived from [the original](http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gamecenter/recap/NBA_20081207_MIL@LAL) on October 2, 2011. Retrieved January 25, 2009.
173. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-177)** [Kobe's steady pace lands him top spot in rankings](http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/rob_peterson/02/27/kobe_tops.mvp.20090227/index.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090302061400/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/rob_peterson/02/27/kobe_tops.mvp.20090227/index.html) March 2, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") By Rob Peterson, NBA.com – March 2, 2009
174. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-178)**
["Lakers' Bryant, Magic's Howard named Players of the Week"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110628213122/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/01/12/players.week/). *NBA.com*. January 12, 2009. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/2009/news/01/12/players.week/) on June 28, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
175. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-179)** Mahoney, Brian. [Garden party: Kobe's 61 sets MSG record](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2009020218) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131214171804/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2009020218) December 14, 2013, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), sports.yahoo.com, February 2, 2009. Retrieved September 9, 2009.
176. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-180)**
["Shaq, Kobe lead freestyling West All-Stars past East"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100501125959/http://www.nba.com/2009/allstar2009/02/16/main.20090215/index.html). *NBA.com*. February 16, 2009. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/2009/allstar2009/02/16/main.20090215/index.html) on May 1, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
177. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-181)** Official Release. [James outdistances Bryant in winning Kia MVP award](http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/04/mvp.release.20090504/index.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090507190209/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/04/mvp.release.20090504/index.html) May 7, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), nba.com, May 4, 2009. Retrieved July 14, 2010.
178. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-c156_182-0)**
[Adande, J. A.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._A._Adande "J. A. Adande") (June 15, 2009). ["Daily Dime: Kobe named MVP as Lakers win NBA title"](https://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-090615). *ESPN.com*. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
179. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-183)**
["Kobe Bryant 2008–09 Game Log"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01/gamelog/2009/). Basketball-Reference.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110528101915/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01/gamelog/2009/) from the original on May 28, 2011. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
180. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-184)**
Zillgitt, Jeff (June 14, 2009). ["Man on a mission: Bryant revels in victory, Finals MVP"](https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2009-06-15-bryant-finals-mvp_N.htm). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090617203301/https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2009-06-15-bryant-finals-mvp_N.htm) from the original on June 17, 2009. Retrieved June 15, 2009.
181. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-185)**
["Kobe Bryant Bio – NBA Finals"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110424062800/http://espndb.go.com/nba/research/profile/_/id/110/type/player/kobe-bryant). Espndb.go.com. Archived from [the original](http://espndb.go.com/nba/research/profile/_/id/110/type/player/kobe-bryant) on April 24, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
182. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-186)**
["Watch: Kobe Bryant hits game-winner over Dwyane Wade as the Staples Centre erupts in this iconic video from 12 years ago By Christopher Eluemuno"](https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/watch-kobe-bryant-hits-game-winner-dwyane-wade-staples-centre-erupts-iconic-video-12-years-ago). *Sportskeeda*. December 5, 2021. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211205131725/https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/watch-kobe-bryant-hits-game-winner-dwyane-wade-staples-centre-erupts-iconic-video-12-years-ago) from the original on December 5, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
183. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-187)**
[Adande, J. A.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._A._Adande "J. A. Adande") (December 5, 2009). ["Kobe Bryant, making the best of bad situations"](https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/11256/kobe-bryant-making-the-best-of-bad-situations). [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170901064238/http://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/11256/kobe-bryant-making-the-best-of-bad-situations) from the original on September 1, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2009.
184. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-sports.yahoo.com_188-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-sports.yahoo.com_188-1) Beacham, Greg. [Lakers win 11th straight, Bryant injures finger](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2009121113) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140812012429/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2009121113) August 12, 2014, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), sports.yahoo.com, December 12, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
185. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-189)** Fly, Colin. [Kobe's jumper at OT buzzer lifts Lakers over Bucks](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=AgS.y6ONBr1GQesWKE3tvGy8vLYF?gid=2009121615) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150319090608/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=AgS.y6ONBr1GQesWKE3tvGy8vLYF?gid=2009121615) March 19, 2015, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), sports.yahoo.com, December 17, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
186. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-190)** Associated Press. [Bryant joins 14 others with 25,000 points](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4847254) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200306154830/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4847254) March 6, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), ESPN, January 22, 2010. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
187. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-191)**
["Kobe's 3-pointer at buzzer gives Lakers win – NBA – Yahoo! Sports"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150319085706/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap%3B_ylt%3DAlPw372uPqShjYE24OAV48G8vLYF?gid=2010010113). Sports.yahoo.com. January 2, 2010. Archived from [the original](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=AlPw372uPqShjYE24OAV48G8vLYF?gid=2010010113) on March 19, 2015. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
188. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-192)** Golen, Jimmy. [Beat LA? Not this time for Celtics](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=Aiz4y0_CZDBjwr0jykuwGeq8vLYF?gid=2010013102) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150319085207/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=Aiz4y0_CZDBjwr0jykuwGeq8vLYF?gid=2010013102) March 19, 2015, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), sports.yahoo.com, December 17, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
189. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-193)** Associated Press, [Kobe passes West as Lakers' scoring leader in loss to Grizzlies](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300201029) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225514/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300201029) January 26, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), ESPN, February 1, 2010. Retrieved July 15, 2010.
190. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-194)** Medina, Mark. [Kobe Bryant's game winner in 99–98 victory over Memphis Grizzlies shows clutchness can't be duplicated](http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2010/02/kobe-bryants-game-winner-in-9998-victory-over-memphis-grizzlies-shows-clutchness-cant-be-duplicated.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100227032427/http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2010/02/kobe-bryants-game-winner-in-9998-victory-over-memphis-grizzlies-shows-clutchness-cant-be-duplicated.html) February 27, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), sports.yahoo.com, February 23, 2010. Retrieved June 21, 2010.
191. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-195)** Beacham, Greg. [Lakers snap 3-game skid on Bryant's late jumper](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=AlE2BVZ0w4mrHxy_lzrfziy8vLYF?gid=2010030913) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150319090741/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=AlE2BVZ0w4mrHxy_lzrfziy8vLYF?gid=2010030913) March 19, 2015, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), sports.yahoo.com, March 10, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
192. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-196)** Markazi, Arash. [Bryant signs for 3 years, nearly \$90M](https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5050933) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200306151912/https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5050933) March 6, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), ESPN, April 3, 2010. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
193. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-197)** Helin, Kurt. [Lakers to Face Thunder in the First Round](http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/Lakers-will-face-Thunder-in-the-first-round-90767524.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110714161134/http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/Lakers-will-face-Thunder-in-the-first-round-90767524.html) July 14, 2011, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), *[NBC Los Angeles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBC_Los_Angeles "NBC Los Angeles")*, April 13, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
194. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-198)** Bresnahan, Mike. [Follow Classic](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-may-01-la-sp-lakers-thunder-20100501-story.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100611101249/http://articles.latimes.com/2010/may/01/sports/la-sp-lakers-thunder-20100501) June 11, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*, May 1, 2010. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
195. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-199)** Hughes, Frank. [Fast Breaks: Lakers-Jazz, Game 4](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/frank_hughes/05/11/lakers.jazz.game4/index.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100515121820/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/frank_hughes/05/11/lakers.jazz.game4/index.html) May 15, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), Sports Illustrated, May 11, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
196. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-200)** McMenamin, Dave. [Gasol plays closer with monster finish](https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5203784) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225301/https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5203784) January 26, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), ESPN, May 20, 2010. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
197. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-201)** Associated Press. [Lakers beat Suns to set up rematch with Boston](http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/article/2010-05-29/lakers-beat-suns-set-rematch-boston), *[Sporting News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sporting_News "Sporting News")*, May 11, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100602133918/http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/article/2010-05-29/lakers-beat-suns-set-rematch-boston) June 2, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")
198. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-202)** Smith, Sekou. [No Doubt About The MVP](http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2010/06/18/no-doubt-about-the-mvp/?ls=iref:nbahpt1) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120530133832/http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2010/06/18/no-doubt-about-the-mvp/?ls=iref%3Anbahpt1) May 30, 2012, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), nba.com, June 18, 2010. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
199. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-203)** Adande, J.A. [1\. Lakers Capture Franchise Title No. 16](https://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-100618/daily-dim), ESPN, June 18, 2010. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
200. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-204)**
McMenamin, Dave (October 27, 2010). ["Lakers' rings feature leather from Game 7 ball"](https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5731600). *ESPN.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200306163837/https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5731600) from the original on March 6, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
201. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-205)**
Wojnarowski, Adrian (November 30, 2015). ["Why Kobe Bryant decided it was time to retire"](https://sports.yahoo.com/news/why-kobe-bryant-decided-it-was-time-to-retire-070605697.html). *Yahoo! Sports*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151206083734/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/why-kobe-bryant-decided-it-was-time-to-retire-070605697.html) from the original on December 6, 2015.
202. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-206)** Beacham, Greg. [Lakers hold off Timberwolves, improve to 8–0](https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-lakers-hold-off-timberwolves-to-improve-to-8-0-2010nov09-story.html), San Diego Union-Tribune, November 10, 2010, Retrieved February 27, 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20101110203030/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/40102216/ns/sports-nba/) November 10, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")
203. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-207)**
["Celtics win Finals rematch despite Kobe Bryant's 41 points"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110202173944/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=310130013). ESPN. Associated Press. January 30, 2011. Archived from [the original](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=310130013) on February 2, 2011. Retrieved January 30, 2011. "Bryant became the youngest player to reach 27,000 points on a 3-pointer late in the third quarter, but he frequently was a one-man show on offense."
204. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Mood_208-0)**
["Kobe in the giving mood on Tuesday"](https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/24423/kobe-in-the-giving-mood-on-tuesday). *ESPN.com*. February 2, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225650/https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/24423/kobe-in-the-giving-mood-on-tuesday) from the original on January 26, 2020.
205. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-209)**
["Kobe Bryant has big second half to help Lakers rally by Celtics"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110213061149/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=310210002). ESPN. February 10, 2011. Archived from [the original](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=310210002) on February 13, 2011.
206. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-210)**
[Plaschke, Bill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Plaschke "Bill Plaschke") (February 11, 2011). ["Lakers win is something to yell about"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2011-feb-10-la-sp-plaschke-20110211-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110217100806/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-plaschke-20110211,0,2972210.column) from the original on February 17, 2011. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
207. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-211)**
["NBA.com: Kobe is top vote-getter in 2011 All-Star balloting"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110210162206/http://www.nba.com/2011/allstar/2011/01/27/starters-release/index.html). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/2011/allstar/2011/01/27/starters-release/index.html) on February 10, 2011. Retrieved February 7, 2011.
208. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-212)**
Bresnahan, Mike (February 20, 2011). ["Bryant feeds off energy as West beats East in All-Star game, 148–143"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110224061040/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-nba-all-stars-20110221,0,6056869.story). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Archived from [the original](https://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-nba-all-stars-20110221,0,6056869.story) on February 24, 2011.
209. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-213)**
Kamenetzky, Andy (March 9, 2011). ["Kobe Bryant passes Moses Malone for 6th on the NBA all-time scoring list"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/16818/kobe-bryant-passes-moses-malone-for-6th-on-the-nba-all-time-scoring-list). *ESPN.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231119220111/https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/16818/kobe-bryant-passes-moses-malone-for-6th-on-the-nba-all-time-scoring-list) from the original on November 19, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
210. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-214)**
["How long can Kobe Bryant stay on top?"](https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?id=6349178). ESPN. April 14, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200306154120/https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?id=6349178) from the original on March 6, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
211. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-215)**
Beacham, Greg (April 14, 2011). ["Kobe Bryant fined \$100,000 for gay slur"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110416111037/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-lakers-bryantslur). *yahoo.com*. [Associated Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Associated_Press "Associated Press"). Archived from [the original](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-lakers-bryantslur) on April 16, 2011.
212. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-216)**
[Wojnarowski, Adrian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrian_Wojnarowski "Adrian Wojnarowski") (April 14, 2011). ["Kobe's fury: blessing and curse"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110418015816/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-wojnarowski_kobe_bryant_temper_concerns_lakers_041411). *yahoo.com*. Archived from [the original](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-wojnarowski_kobe_bryant_temper_concerns_lakers_041411) on April 18, 2011.
213. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-217)**
[Plaschke, Bill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Plaschke "Bill Plaschke") (April 13, 2011). ["Kobe Bryant needs to say more after slur"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110416105948/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-plaschke-kobe-bryant-20110414,0,7666495.column). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Archived from [the original](https://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-plaschke-kobe-bryant-20110414,0,7666495.column) on April 16, 2011.
214. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-218)**
Bresnahan, Mike (April 13, 2011). ["Lakers' Kobe Bryant is fined \$100,000 by NBA for anti-gay slur to referee"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2011-apr-13-la-sp-kobe-bryant-lakers-20110414-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130724094143/http://articles.latimes.com/print/2011/apr/13/sports/la-sp-kobe-bryant-lakers-20110414) from the original on July 24, 2013. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
215. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-219)**
Litke, Jim (April 18, 2011). ["Kobe's \$100K fine didn't buy Lakers' best effort"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120120224103/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=txjimlitke041811). *Yahoo! Sports*. [Associated Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Associated_Press "Associated Press"). Archived from [the original](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=txjimlitke041811) on January 20, 2012.
216. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-220)**
[Amaechi, John](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Amaechi "John Amaechi") (April 15, 2011). ["A Gay Former N.B.A. Player Responds to Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190308081628/https://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/15/a-gay-former-player-responds-to-kobe-bryant/?scp=1&sq=john%20amaechi&st=cse/). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. Archived from [the original](https://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/15/a-gay-former-player-responds-to-kobe-bryant/?scp=1&sq=john%20amaechi&st=cse/) on March 8, 2019. Retrieved March 9, 2019.
217. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-221)**
["Kobe Bryant sorry; Lakers make plan"](https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=6361970). *ESPN*. April 15, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110419000207/http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=6361970&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines) from the original on April 19, 2011.
218. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-222)**
Falgoust, J. Michael (April 14, 2011). ["Bryant to appeal \$100K fine for slur, but takes responsibility"](https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/2011-04-13-BRYANTSLUR_N.htm). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110418215210/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/2011-04-13-bryantslur_n.htm) from the original on April 18, 2011. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
219. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-223)**
["Kobe Bryant, Lakers teammates appear in PSA touting diversity"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110424112318/http://aol.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2011-04-21/kobe-bryant-lakers-teammates-appear-in-psa-touting-diversity). *SportingNews.com*. April 21, 2011. Archived from [the original](http://aol.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2011-04-21/kobe-bryant-lakers-teammates-appear-in-psa-touting-diversity) on April 24, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
220. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-224)**
["Dallas Mavericks sweep Lakers from NBA playoffs"](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dallas-mavericks-sweep-lakers-from-nba-playoffs/). *CBS News*. Associated Press. May 8, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200127123729/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dallas-mavericks-sweep-lakers-from-nba-playoffs/) from the original on January 27, 2020. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
221. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-225)**
["Report: Kobe Bryant saw German doc"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7387602/report-los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-revisited-german-doctor-ankle). ESPN. December 25, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120108055831/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/7387602/report-los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-revisited-german-doctor-ankle) from the original on January 8, 2012.
222. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-226)**
Hale, Mark (December 29, 2011). ["Yankees say A-Rod had shoulder treatment, too"](http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/rod_shoulder_had_treatment_too_Xm56jA8eHibHuKvzdBhcxM). *New York Post*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120110111654/http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/rod_shoulder_had_treatment_too_Xm56jA8eHibHuKvzdBhcxM) from the original on January 10, 2012.
223. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-227)**
Gordon, Jeremy (January 12, 2011). ["Kobe to the World: 'I'm Still Kobe'"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120112194749/http://blogs.wsj.com/dailyfix/2012/01/12/nba-kobe-bryant-to-the-world-im-still-kobe/). *The Wall Street Journal*. Archived from [the original](https://blogs.wsj.com/dailyfix/2012/01/12/nba-kobe-bryant-to-the-world-im-still-kobe/) on January 12, 2012.
224. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-228)**
Arthur, Bruce (January 12, 2012). ["Lakers' Kobe Bryant won't give in to age"](https://nationalpost.com/sports/basketball/nba/kobe-bryant-wont-give-in-to-age). *National Post*.
`{{cite news}}`: CS1 maint: url-status ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_url-status "Category:CS1 maint: url-status"))
225. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-229)**
["Chris Paul-led Clips win L.A. clash despite Kobe Bryant's 42"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225158/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320114012). ESPN. Associated Press. January 14, 2012. Archived from [the original](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320114012) on January 26, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
226. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-230)**
Haberstroh, Tom (January 16, 2012). ["Can Kobe catch Kareem?"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7466514/can-kobe-bryant-catch-kareem-abdul-jabbar-all-time-scoring-title-nba). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225545/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7466514/can-kobe-bryant-catch-kareem-abdul-jabbar-all-time-scoring-title-nba) from the original on January 26, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
(subscription required)
227. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-231)**
McCann, Zach (February 27, 2012). ["Kobe Bryant sets ASG points mark"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7619144/los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-tops-michael-jordan-mark-career-asg-points). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225802/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7619144/los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-tops-michael-jordan-mark-career-asg-points) from the original on January 26, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
228. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-232)**
McMenamin, Dave (February 29, 2012). ["Kobe Bryant also has concussion"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7626903/los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-sent-mri-suffering-broken-nose). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170917032742/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7626903/los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-sent-mri-suffering-broken-nose) from the original on September 17, 2017. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
229. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-233)**
CBSSports.com wire reports. ["NBA Recap – Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs – Apr 20, 2012"](http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20120420_LAL@SA). CBSSports.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130406185111/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20120420_LAL@SA) from the original on April 6, 2013. Retrieved January 14, 2013.
230. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-234)**
Bolch, Ben (April 27, 2012). ["Kobe Bryant chooses not to go for NBA scoring title"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20120427,0,5357946.story). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120512202253/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20120427,0,5357946.story) from the original on May 12, 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
231. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-235)**
Beck, Howard (May 22, 2012). ["Bryant Raises Bar, but Thunder Clear It Easily"](https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/22/sports/basketball/thunder-race-past-lakers-and-into-conference-finals.html). *The New York City*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120525073233/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/22/sports/basketball/thunder-race-past-lakers-and-into-conference-finals.html) from the original on May 25, 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
232. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-236)**
["Chris Paul, Clippers deal Lakers third straight loss to open season"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277745). ESPN. Associated Press. November 2, 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121104115133/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277745) from the original on November 4, 2012.
233. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-237)**
Bresnahan, Mike (November 9, 2012). ["Lakers fire Mike Brown as coach"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-coach-mike-brown-fired-replaced-20121109,0,4845829.story). *Los Angeles Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121120175925/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-coach-mike-brown-fired-replaced-20121109,0,4845829.story) from the original on November 20, 2012. Retrieved January 14, 2013.
234. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-238)**
Beck, Howard (November 12, 2012). ["The Lakers Change Direction and Hire D'Antoni as Coach"](https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/13/sports/the-lakers-change-direction-and-hire-mike-dantoni-as-coach.html). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121114145157/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/13/sports/the-lakers-change-direction-and-hire-mike-dantoni-as-coach.html) from the original on November 14, 2012.
235. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-breshnahan_11122012_239-0)**
Bresnahan, Mike (November 12, 2012). ["Mike D'Antoni to be next coach of the Lakers"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-hire-mike-dantoni-20121112,0,7850509.story?track=rss). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121112131321/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-hire-mike-dantoni-20121112,0,7850509.story?track=rss) from the original on November 12, 2012.
236. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-240)**
Trudell, Mike (December 5, 2012). ["Kobe Bryant 30,000 Points"](http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/121205kobebryant30K). *NBA.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121208162123/http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/121205kobebryant30K) from the original on December 8, 2012.
237. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-241)**
["Kobe Bryant (30 pts.), Lakers need comeback to top woeful Bobcats"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278084). ESPN. Associated Press. December 18, 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170819145327/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278084) from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
238. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-242)**
["Dwight Howard powers surging Lakers past Blazers"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278155). ESPN. Associated Press. December 28, 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170819145504/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278155) from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
239. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-243)**
McMenamin, Dave (January 15, 2013). ["Bigger defensive role for Kobe Bryant"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8844744/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-take-more-important-defensive-role-mike-dantoni-says). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130121220347/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8844744/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-take-more-important-defensive-role-mike-dantoni-says) from the original on January 21, 2013.
240. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-pincus_01162013_244-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-pincus_01162013_244-1)
Pincus, Eric (January 16, 2013). ["Kobe Bryant recognizes he's better defending on the ball"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130120072012/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-better-defending-on-ball-20130116,0,33000.story). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Archived from [the original](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-better-defending-on-ball-20130116,0,33000.story) on January 20, 2013.
241. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-245)**
Mahoney, Rob (January 14, 2013). ["Mike D'Antoni minces words when describing Kobe Bryant's defense"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130121014040/http://nba.si.com/2013/01/14/mike-dantoni-minces-words-when-describing-kobe-bryants-defense/). *SI.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.si.com/nba/point-forward/2013/01/15/mike-dantoni-minces-words-when-describing-kobe-bryants-defense) on January 21, 2013.
242. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-246)**
McMenamin, Dave (January 26, 2013). ["Lakers found formula, can they repeat it?"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35592/lakers-found-the-formula-can-they-repeat-it). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130130054635/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35592/lakers-found-the-formula-can-they-repeat-it) from the original on January 30, 2013.
243. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-247)**
McMenamin, Dave (February 2, 2013). ["Bryant chasing triple-doubles?"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35655/bryant-chasing-triple-doubles). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130206152857/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35655/bryant-chasing-triple-doubles) from the original on February 6, 2013.
244. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-248)**
Schuhmann, John (January 24, 2013). ["L.A. Recovery Wouldn't Be Unprecedented"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130126092705/http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2013/01/24/l-a-recovery-wouldnt-be-unprecedented/). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2013/01/24/l-a-recovery-wouldnt-be-unprecedented/) on January 26, 2013. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
245. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-verrier_01302013_249-0)**
Verrier, Justin (January 30, 2013). ["1. Lakers Just Trying To Keep It Simple"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131007054239/http://espn.go.com/nba/notebook?w=1ckk4&i=TOP&id=8895996). ESPN. Archived from [the original](http://espn.go.com/nba/notebook?w=1ckk4&i=TOP&id=8895996) on October 7, 2013.
246. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-mcmenamin_01272013_250-0)**
McMenamin, Dave (January 27, 2013). ["Lakers rise as D'Antoni's offense ditched"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35614/lakers-rise-as-dantonis-offense-ditched). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130202210334/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35614/lakers-rise-as-dantonis-offense-ditched) from the original on February 2, 2013.
247. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-shelburne_01282013_251-0)**
Shelburne, Ramona (January 28, 2013). ["Have the Lakers found their groove?"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8889009/have-lakers-found-their-groove). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130131133929/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8889009/have-lakers-found-their-groove) from the original on January 31, 2013.
248. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-252)**
["Lakers hold on despite late surge from Hornets"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278389). ESPN. Associated Press. January 29, 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130216024408/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?id=400278389) from the original on February 16, 2013.
249. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-253)**
["Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash help Lakers hold on for 2nd straight win"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400278373). ESPN. Associated Press. January 27, 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130204000843/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?id=400278373) from the original on February 4, 2013.
250. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-254)**
["Kobe Bryant's heroics help Lakers rally, edge Raptors in OT"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278645). ESPN. Associated Press. March 8, 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130312222549/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278645) from the original on March 12, 2013.
251. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-mcmenamin_05062013_255-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-mcmenamin_05062013_255-1)
McMenamin, Dave (May 6, 2013). ["2012–13 Lakers Report Card: Starting five"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36646/2012-13-lakers-report-card-starting-five). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130508205753/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36646/2012-13-lakers-report-card-starting-five) from the original on May 8, 2013.
252. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-256)**
["Mark Cuban: I used Kobe as example"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8980568/mark-cuban-says-comments-kobe-bryant-amnesty-were-hypothetical). *ESPN*. February 24, 2013. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
253. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-257)**
McMenamin, Dave (April 9, 2013). ["Metta World Peace details his recovery"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36349/metta-world-peace-details-his-recovery). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130412120650/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36349/metta-world-peace-details-his-recovery) from the original on April 12, 2013.
254. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-258)**
Plaschke, Bill (April 13, 2013). ["Lakers weren't strong enough to protect Kobe Bryant from himself"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-apr-13-la-sp-plaschke-kobe-20130414-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151017154334/http://articles.latimes.com/print/2013/apr/13/sports/la-sp-plaschke-kobe-20130414) from the original on October 17, 2015.
255. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-259)**
Martin, Jillian; Moon, Jason (April 13, 2013). ["Kobe Bryant tears Achilles, sidelined for months"](http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/13/sport/kobe-bryant-injury/index.html). *CNN.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130413214822/http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/13/sport/kobe-bryant-injury/index.html) from the original on April 13, 2013.
256. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-260)**
Cacciola, Scott (April 14, 2013). ["Bryant Goes Away, but Not Quietly"](https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/15/sports/basketball/lakers-trudge-on-as-kobe-bryant-recovers-from-surgery.html?_r=0). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201026214239/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/15/sports/basketball/lakers-trudge-on-as-kobe-bryant-recovers-from-surgery.html?_r=0) from the original on October 26, 2020.
257. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-261)**
Pincus, Eric (April 28, 2013). ["Spurs sweep Lakers out of the playoffs"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-xpm-2013-apr-28-la-sp-sn-lakers-vs-spurs-game-4-updates-20130428-story.html). *Los Angeles Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200127120018/https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-xpm-2013-apr-28-la-sp-sn-lakers-vs-spurs-game-4-updates-20130428-story.html) from the original on January 27, 2020. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
258. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-262)**
Helin, Kurt (November 25, 2013). ["Lakers sign Kobe Bryant to two-year, \$48.5 million contract extension"](http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/11/25/lakers-sign-kobe-bryant-to-two-year-contract-extension/). [NBC Sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBC_Sports "NBC Sports"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131126190338/http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/11/25/lakers-sign-kobe-bryant-to-two-year-contract-extension/) from the original on November 26, 2013. Retrieved November 27, 2013.
259. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-263)**
Pincus, Eric (November 25, 2013). ["Lakers sign Kobe Bryant to a two-year contract extension"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-sign-kobe-bryant-2-year-extension-20131125,0,2809465.story#ixzz2lgvzE5No). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131126061128/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-sign-kobe-bryant-2-year-extension-20131125,0,2809465.story#ixzz2lgvzE5No) from the original on November 26, 2013.
260. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-264)**
Berger, Ken (October 14, 2014). ["Kobe Bryant does not want to hear that he is overpaid"](http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer/ken-berger/24752384/kobe-bryant-does-not-want-to-hear-that-he-is-overpaid). *CBS Sports*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141128151243/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer/ken-berger/24752384/kobe-bryant-does-not-want-to-hear-that-he-is-overpaid) from the original on November 28, 2014.
261. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-265)**
Dwyer, Kelly (November 13, 2014). ["Kobe Bryant on the difference between Tim Duncan's contract and his: 'It's a different market, man'"](https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-bryant-on-the-difference-between-tim-duncan-s-contract-and-his---it-s-a-different-market--man-205127573.html). *Yahoo! Sports*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141116144427/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-bryant-on-the-difference-between-tim-duncan-s-contract-and-his---it-s-a-different-market--man-205127573.html) from the original on November 16, 2014.
262. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-266)**
Amick, Sam (November 13, 2014). ["As Kobe faces Duncan for 78th time, comparison unavoidable"](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/11/12/kobe-bryant-tim-duncan-los-angeles-lakers-san-antonio-spurs-gregg-popovich/18932075/). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141115103543/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/11/12/kobe-bryant-tim-duncan-los-angeles-lakers-san-antonio-spurs-gregg-popovich/18932075/) from the original on November 15, 2014.
263. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-267)**
Shelburne, Ramona (December 20, 2013). ["Lakers lose Kobe Bryant again"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10167684/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-likely-six-weeks-injured-knee). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131223095348/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/10167684/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-likely-six-weeks-injured-knee) from the original on December 23, 2013.
264. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-268)**
Joseph, Adi (December 20, 2013). ["Lakers' Kobe Bryant breaks bone in knee, out 6 weeks"](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2013/12/19/kobe-bryant-injury-knee-lateral-tibial-plateau-los-angeles/4130603/). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131224200407/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2013/12/19/kobe-bryant-injury-knee-lateral-tibial-plateau-los-angeles/4130603/) from the original on December 24, 2013.
265. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_03122014_269-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_03122014_269-1)
McMenamin, Dave; Rovell, Darren (March 12, 2014). ["Lakers: Kobe injury not healed"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10594350/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-rest-season). *ESPN.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140312214921/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/10594350/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-rest-season) from the original on March 12, 2014.
266. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-270)**
McMenamin, Dave (January 23, 2014). ["Kobe: Won't play All-Star Game"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10341555/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-says-sitting-all-star-game-right-thing). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140128053838/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/10341555/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-says-sitting-all-star-game-right-thing) from the original on January 28, 2014.
267. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-271)**
Helin, Kurt (February 7, 2014). ["Anthony Davis selected to fill Kobe Bryant's All-Star slot in West"](http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/07/anthony-davis-selected-to-fill-kobe-bryants-all-star-slot-in-west/). *NBCSports.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140217080131/http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/07/anthony-davis-selected-to-fill-kobe-bryants-all-star-slot-in-west/) from the original on February 17, 2014. Retrieved February 17, 2014.
268. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-272)**
["Rockets rout Lakers 108–90 in Kobe's return"](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/10/29/rockets-rout-lakers-108-90-in-kobes-return/18101049/). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. Associated Press. October 29, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141030044031/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/10/29/rockets-rout-lakers-108-90-in-kobes-return/18101049/) from the original on October 30, 2014.
269. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-273)**
Bresnahan, Mike (December 26, 2014). ["Byron Scott assured Kobe Bryant he had his best interests at heart"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20141227-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141227185334/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20141227-story.html) from the original on December 27, 2014.
270. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-274)**
Resnick, Joe (December 26, 2021). ["Bryant leads Lakers over Toronto 129–122 in OT"](https://web.archive.org/web/20141202210704/http://www.nba.com/games/20141130/TORLAL/gameinfo.html?ls=slt). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.nba.com/game/tor-vs-lal-0021400248) on December 2, 2014. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
271. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-275)**
["ELIAS: TOP 5 QUESTIONS FROM SUNDAY, NOV. 30"](http://stats.nba.com/featured/elias_top_5_questions_2014_11_30.html). *NBA.com*. November 30, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141214074119/http://stats.nba.com/featured/elias_top_5_questions_2014_11_30.html) from the original on December 14, 2014.
272. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-277)**
Pincus, Eric (December 14, 2014). ["Kobe Bryant becomes NBA's No. 3 all-time scorer in Lakers' win"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-timberwolves-updates-20141214-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141215022702/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-timberwolves-updates-20141214-story.html) from the original on December 15, 2014. Retrieved December 14, 2014.
273. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-freeman_12232014_278-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-freeman_12232014_278-1)
Freeman, Eric (December 23, 2014). ["Kobe Bryant misses Lakers vs. Warriors for rest"](https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-bryant-misses-lakers-vs--warriors-for-rest-031440460.html). *Yahoo.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141224073013/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-bryant-misses-lakers-vs--warriors-for-rest-031440460.html) from the original on December 24, 2014.
274. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-holmes_12232014_279-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-holmes_12232014_279-1)
Holmes, Baxter (December 23, 2014). ["Kobe Bryant to rest vs. Warriors"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12074218/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-sit-vs-golden-state-warriors). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141224073115/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/12074218/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-sit-vs-golden-state-warriors) from the original on December 24, 2014.
275. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-dwyer_12232014_280-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-dwyer_12232014_280-1)
Dwyer, Kelly (December 22, 2014). ["Kobe Bryant has to stop"](https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-bryant-has-to-stop-172044604.html). *Yahoo.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141224073153/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-bryant-has-to-stop-172044604.html) from the original on December 24, 2014.
276. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-281)**
["Suns win 6th straight by spoiling Kobe Bryant's return to Lakers lineup"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578750). ESPN. Associated Press. December 28, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141229192418/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578750) from the original on December 29, 2014.
277. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-282)**
Oram, Bill (December 26, 2014). ["Bryant's ailments likely reflect new reality for Lakers"](https://www.ocregister.com/2014/12/27/bryants-ailments-likely-reflect-new-reality-for-lakers/). *Orange County Register*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141227110807/http://www.ocregister.com/articles/lakers-646413-mavericks-ocregister.html) from the original on December 27, 2014. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
278. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-283)**
Medina, Mark (December 23, 2014). ["Lakers' Byron Scott to handle Kobe Bryant's playing time on game-by-game basis"](https://www.dailynews.com/2014/12/24/lakers-byron-scott-to-handle-kobe-bryants-playing-time-on-game-by-game-basis/). *Los Angeles Daily News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141227112347/http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20141223/lakers-byron-scott-to-handle-kobe-bryants-playing-time-on-game-by-game-basis) from the original on December 27, 2014. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
279. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-medina_10272015_284-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-medina_10272015_284-1)
Medina, Mark (October 27, 2015). ["How will Kobe Bryant fare in his 20th NBA season?"](http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151027/how-will-kobe-bryant-fare-in-his-20th-nba-season). *Los Angeles Daily News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151203200830/http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151027/how-will-kobe-bryant-fare-in-his-20th-nba-season) from the original on December 3, 2015.
280. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-285)**
Bresnahan, Mike (January 11, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant rests again, Lakers fall to Trail Blazers, 106–94"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-blazers-20150112-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150124130116/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-blazers-20150112-story.html) from the original on January 24, 2015.
281. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-286)**
["Kobe Bryant notches triple-double as Lakers hold off Nuggets"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578763). ESPN. December 30, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150101041204/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578763) from the original on January 1, 2015.
282. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-288)**
["Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has torn rotator cuff in right shoulder"](https://www.si.com/nba/2015/01/22/lakers-kobe-bryant-mri-injured-shoulder). *[Sports Illustrated](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_Illustrated "Sports Illustrated")*. January 22, 2015. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150123051858/http://www.si.com/nba/2015/01/22/lakers-kobe-bryant-mri-injured-shoulder) from the original on January 23, 2015. Retrieved January 23, 2015.
283. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-bresnahan_01222015_289-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-bresnahan_01222015_289-1)
Bresnahan, Mike (January 22, 2015). ["Lakers' Kobe Bryant has torn rotator cuff; severity to be determined"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-kobe-bryant-injury-20150123-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150123144633/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-kobe-bryant-injury-20150123-story.html) from the original on January 23, 2015.
284. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-290)**
Bresnahan, Mike (January 26, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant to undergo season-ending surgery for torn rotator cuff"](https://www.deseret.com/2015/1/26/20476603/kobe-bryant-to-undergo-season-ending-surgery-for-torn-rotator-cuff/). *Deseret News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151208104043/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765667199/Kobe-Bryant-to-undergo-season-ending-surgery-for-torn-rotator-cuff.html) from the original on December 8, 2015.
285. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-ap_01262015_291-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-ap_01262015_291-1)
["Kobe Bryant to have shoulder surgery"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12232146/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-shoulder-surgery). ESPN. Associated Press. January 26, 2015. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150128113120/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/12232146/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-shoulder-surgery) from the original on January 28, 2015.
286. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-292)**
Medina, Mark (January 28, 2015). ["Lakers star Kobe Bryant out for season after shoulder surgery"](http://www.dailynews.com/20150128/lakers-star-kobe-bryant-out-for-season-after-shoulder-surgery). *Los Angeles Daily News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150130010800/http://www.dailynews.com/20150128/lakers-star-kobe-bryant-out-for-season-after-shoulder-surgery) from the original on January 30, 2015.
287. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-293)**
Holmes, Baxter (April 16, 2015). ["Lakers, Knicks close out worst seasons in franchise history"](https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/12699832/los-angeles-lakers-new-york-knicks-finish-worst-seasons-franchise-history). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180125015308/http://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/12699832/los-angeles-lakers-new-york-knicks-finish-worst-seasons-franchise-history) from the original on January 25, 2018. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
288. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-294)**
Holmes, Baxter (October 14, 2015). ["Byron Scott says Kobe Bryant likely OK for next game"](https://www.espn.com/losangeles/nba/story/_/id/13883635/kobe-bryant-losangeles-lakers-leaves-preseason-game-lower-leg-contusion). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151115175411/http://espn.go.com/losangeles/nba/story/_/id/13883635/kobe-bryant-losangeles-lakers-leaves-preseason-game-lower-leg-contusion) from the original on November 15, 2015.
289. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-295)**
Helin, Kurt (November 2, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant on his play so far: "I freaking suck""](https://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/11/02/kobe-bryant-on-his-play-so-far-i-freaking-suck/). *NBCSports.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151105145828/http://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/11/02/kobe-bryant-on-his-play-so-far-i-freaking-suck/) from the original on November 5, 2015.
290. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-296)**
Beacham, Greg (October 29, 2015). ["Two decades in: Kobe Bryant clears another milestone with start of 20th Lakers season"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032819/http://www.startribune.com/kobe-clears-another-milestone-begins-20th-lakers-season/338509901/). *Star Tribune*. Associated Press. Archived from [the original](http://www.startribune.com/kobe-clears-another-milestone-begins-20th-lakers-season/338509901/) on November 17, 2015.
291. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-297)**
Holmes, Baxter (November 25, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant's possible farewell tour hits new low"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14222749/kobe-bryant-possible-farewell-tour-hits-new-low). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151126105944/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14222749/kobe-bryant-possible-farewell-tour-hits-new-low) from the original on November 26, 2015.
292. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-holmes_11252015_defined_298-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-holmes_11252015_defined_298-1)
Holmes, Baxter (November 25, 2015). ["Kobe's shooting struggles not putting 'pretty defined' role in jeopardy"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14226300/los-angeles-lakers-coach-byron-scott-not-considered-reducing-kobe-bryant-role-minutes). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*.
293. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-299)**
Seltzer, Brian (December 1, 2015). ["Game Recap: 76ers 103, Lakers 91"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151205155401/http://www.nba.com/sixers/game-recap-76ers-103-lakers-91). *Philadelphia 76ers*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/sixers/game-recap-76ers-103-lakers-91) on December 5, 2015. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
294. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Retire_300-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Retire_300-1)
Holmes, Baxter; Stein, Marc; Shelburne, Ramona (November 29, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant to retire after this season"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14254236/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-announces-retire-season). *[ESPN.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN.com "ESPN.com")*. Associated Press. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160708001336/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14254236/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-announces-retire-season) from the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
295. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-lakers_11292015_301-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-lakers_11292015_301-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-lakers_11292015_301-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-lakers_11292015_301-3)
["Los Angeles Lakers (2-13) Vs. Indiana Pacers (10–5)"](http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/lakers.pdf?ls=nav_news&cid=nav_news) (PDF). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. November 29, 2015. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151202075142/http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/lakers.pdf?ls=nav_news&cid=nav_news) (PDF) from the original on December 2, 2015.
296. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-302)**
Bresnahan, Mike; Turner, Broderick (November 26, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant's struggles cause some in NBA circles to say it's time he retires"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-kobe-decline-20151127-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151127235732/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-kobe-decline-20151127-story.html) from the original on November 27, 2015.
297. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-303)**
Ding, Kevin (November 30, 2015). ["With Flair for the Dramatic, Kobe Spins Frustrating End into Emotional Final Act"](http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2594308-with-flair-for-the-dramatic-kobe-spins-frustrating-end-into-emotional-final-act). *Bleacher Report*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151208165448/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2594308-with-flair-for-the-dramatic-kobe-spins-frustrating-end-into-emotional-final-act) from the original on December 8, 2015.
298. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-304)**
Helin, Kurt (November 30, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant: 'Do I want to play again or don't I... the reality is no, I don't.'"](http://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/11/30/kobe-bryant-do-i-want-to-play-again-or-dont-i-the-reality-is-no-i-dont/comment-page-1/). *Pro Basketball Talk*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151208120859/http://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/11/30/kobe-bryant-do-i-want-to-play-again-or-dont-i-the-reality-is-no-i-dont/comment-page-1/) from the original on December 8, 2015.
299. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-cacciola_12162015_305-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-cacciola_12162015_305-1)
Cacciola, Scott (December 16, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant's Long Goodbye"](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/17/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-lakers-goodbye.html?_r=0). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151220082849/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/17/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-lakers-goodbye.html?_r=0) from the original on December 20, 2015.
300. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-306)**
Berger, Ken (January 8, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant's last night in Sacramento hit him right in the heart"](http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer/ken-berger/25442423/kobe-bryants-last-night-in-sacramento-hit-him-right-in-the-heart). *CBSSports.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160117111331/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer/ken-berger/25442423/kobe-bryants-last-night-in-sacramento-hit-him-right-in-the-heart) from the original on January 17, 2016.
301. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-307)**
Holmes, Baxter (December 4, 2015). ["Kobe requests no more gifts, on-court ceremonies during farewell tour"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-lakers/post/_/id/42302/kobe-requests-no-more-gifts-on-court-ceremonies-from-teams-during-farewell-tour). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160313060535/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles-lakers/post/_/id/42302/kobe-requests-no-more-gifts-on-court-ceremonies-from-teams-during-farewell-tour) from the original on March 13, 2016.
302. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-308)**
Jones, Jason (January 7, 2016). ["Sacramento sends Kobe Bryant off with rousing ovation"](https://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article53661515.html). *The Sacramento Bee*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160207050034/http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article53661515.html) from the original on February 7, 2016.
303. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-309)**
Bontemps, Tim (December 1, 2015). ["In Philadelphia, Kobe Bryant finally gets love from his home town"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2015/12/01/in-philadelphia-kobe-bryant-finally-gets-love-from-his-home-town/). *The Washington Post*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191007194144/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2015/12/01/in-philadelphia-kobe-bryant-finally-gets-love-from-his-home-town/) from the original on October 7, 2019. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
304. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-310)**
Richman, Mike (January 24, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant's final game in Portland marks end of an era for Trail Blazers fans' last true villain"](https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2016/01/kobe_bryants_final_game_in_portland_villain.html). *Oregonlive.com*. The Oregonian. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230224061931/https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2016/01/kobe_bryants_final_game_in_portland_villain.html) from the original on February 24, 2023. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
305. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-311)**
Jones, Tony (March 28, 2016). ["Utah Jazz: Bryant feels the love from fans in final SLC appearance"](https://web.archive.org/web/20191007195239/https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2016/03/29/utah-jazz-bryant-feels-the-love-from-fans-in-final-slc-appearance/). *The Salt Lake Tribune*. Archived from the original on October 7, 2019. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
`{{cite news}}`: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_bot:_original_URL_status_unknown "Category:CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown"))
306. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-jackson_02022016_312-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-jackson_02022016_312-1)
Jackson, Scoop (February 2, 2016). ["Dwyane Wade: 'I never thought I'd be Top 100 all time'"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14695748/dwyane-wade-place-nba-history). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160204225932/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14695748/dwyane-wade-place-nba-history) from the original on February 4, 2016.
307. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-brewer_12022015_313-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-brewer_12022015_313-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-brewer_12022015_313-2)
Brewer, Jerry (December 2, 2015). ["During strange farewell tour, Kobe Bryant rediscovers greatness for one night in D.C."](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/kobe-bryants-complicated-farewell-tour-makes-latest-awkward-stop-in-washington/2015/12/02/264b8e3e-9941-11e5-94f0-9eeaff906ef3_story.html) *The Washington Post*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160213121852/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/kobe-bryants-complicated-farewell-tour-makes-latest-awkward-stop-in-washington/2015/12/02/264b8e3e-9941-11e5-94f0-9eeaff906ef3_story.html) from the original on February 13, 2016.
308. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Shrug38_314-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Shrug38_314-1)
Holmes, Baxter (February 3, 2016). ["Kobe shrugs off 38-point effort: 'You've seen it for 20 years'"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14702918/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-scores-season-high-38-points-help-team-snap-10-game-losing-streak). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160204093347/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14702918/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-scores-season-high-38-points-help-team-snap-10-game-losing-streak) from the original on February 4, 2016.
309. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-316)**
Bresnahan, Mike (January 21, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant is selected as an All-Star for the 18th time"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-nba-all-stars-20160121-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160125055243/http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-nba-all-stars-20160121-story.html) from the original on January 25, 2016.
310. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-ap_02152016_317-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-ap_02152016_317-1)
["Defense in record-setting short supply in West's rout of East"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400829482). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. Associated Press. February 15, 2016. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160215232331/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400829482) from the original on February 15, 2016.
311. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-318)**
Cacciola, Scott (February 14, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant, in His Final Lap, Is Happy to Surrender the Midseason Stage"](https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/15/sports/basketball/bryant-in-his-final-lap-is-happy-to-cede-spotlight-at-all-star-game.html?_r=0). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160218104903/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/15/sports/basketball/bryant-in-his-final-lap-is-happy-to-cede-spotlight-at-all-star-game.html?_r=0) from the original on February 18, 2016.
312. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-ESPNFinalGame_319-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-ESPNFinalGame_319-1)
["Kobe calls it a career: 'You can't write something better than this'"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/15199998/kobe-bryant-given-royal-send-ahead-last-game-los-angeles-lakers). *ESPN*. April 13, 2016. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
313. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-320)**
Beacham, Greg (April 28, 2016). ["Kobe scores 60 points in unbelievable farewell victory"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170831050549/http://www.nba.com/2016/news/04/14/kobe-farewell-performance.ap/). *NBA.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/2016/news/04/14/kobe-farewell-performance.ap/) on August 31, 2017. Retrieved August 30, 2017.
314. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-321)**
["Magic Johnson has great expectations for Los Angeles Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball"](http://www.news.com.au/sport/basketball/magic-johnson-has-great-expectations-for-los-angeles-lakers-rookie-lonzo-ball/news-story/1d0e00fd86f1bfac47a8e592dfbb070d). *News.com.au*. October 15, 2017. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
315. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-322)**
Wise, Mike (June 19, 2000). ["Bryant Sets His Priorities"](https://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/19/sports/nba-finals-lakers-vs-pacers-notebook-bryant-sets-his-priorities.html). *New York Times*. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
316. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-323)**
["U.S. ends losing streak at World Championship"](https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=20020907&slug=hoop07). *The Seattle Times*. Associated Press. September 7, 2002. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
317. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-324)**
["Vince Carter on Olympic Qualifying Team"](http://www.insidehoops.com/carter-olympic-072903.shtml). *InsideHoops.com*. July 29, 2003. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
318. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-325)**
Brown, Tim (May 2, 2004). ["Bryant Not Discussing Olympics"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-may-02-sp-lakerep2-story.html). *Los Angeles Times*. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
319. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-326)**
["Kobe will play for U.S. at worlds, '08 Olympics"](https://www.espn.com/olympics/news/story?id=2300053). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. January 21, 2006. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
320. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-327)**
["Kobe won't play for Team USA after knee surgery"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2520373). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. July 15, 2006. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
321. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-328)**
["USA Basketball"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080702194340/http://www.usabasketball.com/men_team.php?bios=bryant_kobe). USABasketball.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.usabasketball.com/men_team.php?bios=bryant_kobe) on July 2, 2008. Retrieved June 18, 2008.
322. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-329)**
["James, Bryant to lead US team"](https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=oly&id=3457017). *[ESPN.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN.com "ESPN.com")*. Associated Press. June 23, 2008. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
323. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-330)**
Mahoney, Brian (August 24, 2008). ["US hoops back on top, beats Spain for gold medal"](http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2008-08-24-1012609106_x.htm). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*.
324. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-331)**
["2008 Stats - United States"](https://www.basketball-reference.cominternational/teams/united-states/2008.html). *Basketball-Reference.com*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
325. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-332)**
["Kobe commits to Team USA"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130724083736/http://www.foxsportswest.com/11/02/10/Kobe-commits-to-Team-USA/landing_lakers.html?blockID=344392&feedID=3657). *Fox Sports*. Associated Press. November 2, 2010. Archived from [the original](http://www.foxsportswest.com/11/02/10/Kobe-commits-to-Team-USA/landing_lakers.html?blockID=344392&feedID=3657) on July 24, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
326. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-333)**
["USA Basketball Wins Gold Over Spain, Rio Next in 2016"](https://www.foxnews.com/sports/usa-basketball-wins-gold-over-spain-rio-next-in-2016). *Fox News*. August 13, 2012. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
327. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-334)**
Whitfield, Nick (October 31, 2018). ["Kobe Bryant and USA Basketball – Whatever It Takes"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200207073915/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/fiba/news/kobe-bryant-and-usa-basketball-whatever-it-takes/1woyvmlziow1p1i9xcyyxq7yhl). *Sporting News*. Archived from [the original](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/fiba/news/kobe-bryant-and-usa-basketball-whatever-it-takes/1woyvmlziow1p1i9xcyyxq7yhl) on February 7, 2020. Retrieved February 6, 2020.
328. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Reference_335-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Reference_335-1)
["Kobe Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120501221509/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html). *Basketball-Reference.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html) on May 1, 2012. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
329. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-336)**
DuPree, David (January 24, 2006). ["Anyone up for 100?"](https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2006-01-23-100-points_x.htm). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
330. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-337)**
Pelton, Kevin (September 26, 2013). ["Los Angeles Lakers: 2013–14 roster (Subscription Required)"](https://www.espn.com/nba/preview2013/story/_/page/2013-14-lal-preview/los-angeles-lakers-player-profiles). ESPN Insider. Retrieved October 12, 2013.
331. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-338)**
["Michael Jordan eases off talk"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9764802/michael-jordan-says-kobe-bryant-lebron-james). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. October 3, 2013. Retrieved October 12, 2013.
332. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-339)**
[Stein, Marc](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Stein_\(reporter\) "Marc Stein (reporter)") (October 29, 2001). ["Kobe, Hill deal with being the next Michael"](https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=1270487&type=columnist). *[ESPN.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN.com "ESPN.com")*. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
333. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-hoffman_12132014_340-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-hoffman_12132014_340-1)
Hoffman, Benjamin (December 13, 2014). ["Kobe Bryant Is Nearly an Equal of Michael Jordan, Except in Fan Adoration"](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-is-nearly-an-equal-of-michael-jordan-except-in-fan-adoration.html). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150324150619/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-is-nearly-an-equal-of-michael-jordan-except-in-fan-adoration.html) from the original on March 24, 2015. Retrieved December 14, 2014.
334. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-341)**
Holmes, Baxter (December 14, 2014). ["Kobe Bryant rises up before falling away"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40621/kobe-bryant-rises-up-before-falling-away). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141215122603/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40621/kobe-bryant-rises-up-before-falling-away) from the original on December 15, 2014.
335. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-342)**
Ballard, Chris (May 27, 2008). ["Kobe's Killer Instinct"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100217183232/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/chris_ballard/05/27/kobe0602/1.html). *SI.com*. Archived from [the original](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/chris_ballard/05/27/kobe0602/1.html) on February 17, 2010.
336. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-343)**
Joseph, Adi (April 4, 2016). ["Hakeem Olajuwon says Kobe Bryant was his greatest success as a coach"](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/hakeem-olajuwon-houston-rockets-post-moves-kobe-bryant-anthony-davis/1jcboker9fbqz12h04gtyuef7a). *[The Sporting News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sporting_News "The Sporting News")*. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
337. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-344)**
Holmes, Baxter (December 20, 2014). ["Kobe Bryant delivers the final miss again"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40674/kobe-bryant-delivers-the-final-miss-again). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141222233716/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40674/kobe-bryant-delivers-the-final-miss-again) from the original on December 22, 2014.
338. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-345)**
Harper, Zach (December 20, 2014). ["Lakers' Jeremy Lin on game winners: 'I would love to shoot some'"](http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24904469/lakers-jeremy-lin-on-game-winners-i-would-love-to-shoot-some). *CBSSports.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141223092347/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24904469/lakers-jeremy-lin-on-game-winners-i-would-love-to-shoot-some) from the original on December 23, 2014.
339. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-346)**
Jenkins, Bruce (December 20, 2014). ["Jenkins on NBA: Bryant becomes more gunner than top gun"](http://www.sfgate.com/sports/jenkins/article/Jenkins-on-NBA-Bryant-becomes-more-gunner-than-5971200.php). *SFGate.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141222160009/http://www.sfgate.com/sports/jenkins/article/Jenkins-on-NBA-Bryant-becomes-more-gunner-than-5971200.php) from the original on December 22, 2014.
340. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-pingue_11302015_347-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-pingue_11302015_347-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-pingue_11302015_347-2)
Pingue, Frank (November 30, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant to retire at end of season"](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nba-bryant-idUSKBN0TJ00B20151130#bK9r5HY9zI03wKtQ.97). *Reuters*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151201060507/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/30/us-nba-bryant-idUSKBN0TJ00B20151130) from the original on December 1, 2015.
341. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-348)**
McMenamin, Dave (March 11, 2010). ["McMenamin: Kobe Bryant legend? Just the facts"](https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?id=4983889). *ESPN.com*. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
342. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-349)**
["2011–12 NBA.com GM Survey Results"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120529092138/http://www.nba.com/news/features/2012-gm-survey/index.html). *NBA.com*. January 17, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/news/features/2012-gm-survey/index.html) on May 29, 2012.
343. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Crunch_350-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Crunch_350-1)
Abbott, Henry (January 28, 2011). ["The truth about Kobe Bryant in crunch time"](https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/24200/the-truth-about-kobe-bryant-in-crunch-time). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20111207101802/http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/24200/the-truth-about-kobe-bryant-in-crunch-time) from the original on December 7, 2011. Retrieved October 12, 2013.
344. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-351)**
Beck, Howard (November 9, 2015). ["Amid the Points and Applause, One Single Shot Ignited Love Story of Kobe, NYC"](http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2587406-amid-the-points-and-applause-one-single-shot-ignited-love-story-of-kobe-nyc). *Bleacher Report*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151202115224/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2587406-amid-the-points-and-applause-one-single-shot-ignited-love-story-of-kobe-nyc) from the original on December 2, 2015.
345. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_sg_rank_2016_352-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_sg_rank_2016_352-1)
["All-Time \#NBArank: Michael Jordan tops list of best shooting guards"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarankSGs/ranking-top-10-shooting-guards-ever). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. January 19, 2016. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160215153412/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarankSGs/ranking-top-10-shooting-guards-ever) from the original on February 15, 2016.
346. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-lowe_top100_353-0)**
Lowe, Zach. ["Top 100 NBA Players — Nos. 1–10"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131005010519/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/blogs/nba-point-forward/2011/08/16/top-100-nba-players-nos-1-10/). *Sports Illustrated*. Archived from [the original](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/blogs/nba-point-forward/2011/08/16/top-100-nba-players-nos-1-10/) on October 5, 2013. Retrieved October 12, 2013.
347. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-354)**
Moore, Tom (November 30, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant set to play final game in Philadelphia"](http://www.mcall.com/sports/basketball/sixers/mc-kobe-final-game-in-philly-1130-20151130-story.html). *The Morning Call*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151208163417/http://www.mcall.com/sports/basketball/sixers/mc-kobe-final-game-in-philly-1130-20151130-story.html) from the original on December 8, 2015.
348. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-355)**
Holmes, Baxter (November 11, 2014). ["Misses add up to big part of Kobe's legacy"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40363/misses-add-up-to-big-part-of-kobes-legacy). *ESPN*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141113010653/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40363/misses-add-up-to-big-part-of-kobes-legacy) from the original on November 13, 2014.
349. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-357)**
Bresnahan, Mike (May 16, 2013). ["Phil Jackson throws the book at Kobe Bryant"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-may-16-la-sp-phil-jackson-kobe-20130516-story.html). *The Los Angeles Times*. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
350. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-hoffman_11302015_358-0)**
Hoffman, Benjamin (November 30, 2015). ["In Most Areas, Good or Bad, Kobe Bryant Has Simply Done More"](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/01/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-retire.html?_r=0). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151204160816/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/01/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-retire.html?_r=0) from the original on December 4, 2015.
351. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-359)**
Pelton, Kevin (November 7, 2005). ["Every Play Counts: Kobe Bryant"](http://www.82games.com/pelton8.htm). *82games.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141126102127/http://www.82games.com/pelton8.htm) from the original on November 26, 2014.
352. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-360)**
McMenamin, Dave (May 17, 2012). ["Kobe Bryant: Charges carry big risk"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7935166/2012-nba-playoffs-los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-cites-injury-risk-drawing-charges). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120702075613/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/7935166/2012-nba-playoffs-los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-cites-injury-risk-drawing-charges) from the original on July 2, 2012.
353. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-medina_05092011_361-0)**
Medina, Mark (May 9, 2011). ["Kobe Bryant named to NBA's all-defensive first team for ninth time"](http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2011/05/kobe-bryant-named-to-nbas-all-defensive-team-for-ninth-time.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150511011803/http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2011/05/kobe-bryant-named-to-nbas-all-defensive-team-for-ninth-time.html) from the original on May 11, 2015.
354. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-lowe_05262013_362-0)**
Lowe, Zach (May 26, 2013). ["An Open Letter to Kobe Bryant About His Defense"](http://grantland.com/the-triangle/an-open-letter-to-kobe-bryant-about-his-defense/). *Grantland*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141223093226/http://grantland.com/the-triangle/an-open-letter-to-kobe-bryant-about-his-defense/) from the original on December 23, 2014.
355. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-363)**
Paine, Neal (December 12, 2014). ["Once And For All: Michael Jordan Was Way Better Than Kobe Bryant"](https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/michael-jordan-kobe-bryant/). *FiveThirtyEight*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141223100652/http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/michael-jordan-kobe-bryant/) from the original on December 23, 2014.
356. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-364)**
Woike, Dan (May 14, 2021). ["How Kobe Bryant influenced the next generation of NBA stars"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2021-05-14/kobe-bryant-influence-next-generation-nba-stars). *Los Angeles Times*. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
357. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-365)**
Shelburne, Ramona (April 13, 2013). ["Kobe and L.A. tradition will be tested"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9167365/los-angeles-lakers-guard-kobe-bryant-achilles-injury-signal-end-lakers-era). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130413162452/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9167365/los-angeles-lakers-guard-kobe-bryant-achilles-injury-signal-end-lakers-era) from the original on April 13, 2013.
358. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-366)**
Adande, J. A. (January 26, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant pays price for greatness"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12222849/kobe-bryant-pays-price-greatness-requires). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150128113141/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/12222849/kobe-bryant-pays-price-greatness-requires) from the original on January 28, 2015.
359. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-367)**
Ballard, Chris (August 26, 2014). ["Examining Kobe Bryant's legendary pain tolerance and road to recovery"](https://www.si.com/edge/2014/08/28/kobe-bryant-recovery-lakers-judy-seto-knee-injury). *Sports Illustrated*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150404094721/http://www.si.com/edge/2014/08/28/kobe-bryant-recovery-lakers-judy-seto-knee-injury) from the original on April 4, 2015.
360. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-368)**
Phillips, Brian (January 8, 2015). ["Wolf on the Rock: The Ludicrous, Glorious Doom of Kobe Bryant"](http://grantland.com/the-triangle/wolf-on-the-rock-the-ludicrous-glorious-doom-of-kobe-bryant/). *Grantland*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160215210728/http://grantland.com/the-triangle/wolf-on-the-rock-the-ludicrous-glorious-doom-of-kobe-bryant/) from the original on February 15, 2016.
361. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-369)**
Ryan, Chris; Concepcion, Jason (February 17, 2015). ["Six Seconds to Perfection: The Best NBA Vines of the Season"](http://grantland.com/the-triangle/six-seconds-to-perfection-the-best-nba-vines-of-the-season/). *Grantland*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160215210203/http://grantland.com/the-triangle/six-seconds-to-perfection-the-best-nba-vines-of-the-season/) from the original on February 15, 2016.
362. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-ding_102202014_370-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-ding_102202014_370-1)
Ding, Kevin (October 22, 2014). ["Julius Randle's Development Poses Final Leadership Test for Kobe Bryant"](http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2240663-julius-randles-development-poses-final-leadership-test-for-kobe-bryant). *BleacherReport.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141025022835/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2240663-julius-randles-development-poses-final-leadership-test-for-kobe-bryant) from the original on October 25, 2014.
363. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-371)**
Markazi, Arash (October 12, 2014). ["Long a tough, chilly teammate, Kobe Bryant has mellowed and now is a mentor"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40163/long-a-tough-chilly-teammate-kobe-bryant-has-mellowed-and-now-is-a-mentor). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141022051805/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40163/long-a-tough-chilly-teammate-kobe-bryant-has-mellowed-and-now-is-a-mentor) from the original on October 22, 2014.
364. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-372)**
Abbott, Henry (October 20, 2014). ["Kobe"](https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/11717596/is-kobe-bryant-reason-los-angeles-lakers-downfall). *ESPN The Magazine*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141024135336/http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/11717596/is-kobe-bryant-reason-los-angeles-lakers-downfall) from the original on October 24, 2014.
365. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-heisler_10222014_373-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-heisler_10222014_373-1)
Heisler, Mark (October 22, 2014). ["Who Killed Lakers? ESPN Says It Was Someone on Inside With the Initials Kobe Bryant"](https://www.forbes.com/sites/markheisler/2014/10/22/who-killed-lakers-espn-says-it-was-someone-on-inside-with-the-initials-kobe-bryant/). *Forbes.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141023023732/http://www.forbes.com/sites/markheisler/2014/10/22/who-killed-lakers-espn-says-it-was-someone-on-inside-with-the-initials-kobe-bryant/) from the original on October 23, 2014.
366. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-374)**
Bresnahan, Mike (May 16, 2013). ["Phil Jackson's new book focuses a lot on (who else?) Kobe Bryant"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-xpm-2013-may-16-la-sp-ln-phil-jackson-new-book-kobe-bryant-20130515-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
367. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-375)**
Terrell, Ashley (February 1, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant's sisters issue statement after tragic death: 'Our lives are forever changed'"](https://thegrio.com/2020/02/01/kobe-bryants-sisters-issue-statement-after-tragic-death-our-lives-are-forever-changed/). *TheGrio*. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
368. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-376)**
Clarke, Ryan. ["With his choice of number, Oregon football freshman honors late NBA superstar uncle"](https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2026/03/with-his-choice-of-number-oregon-football-freshman-honors-late-nba-superstar-uncle.html). *[OregonLive.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OregonLive.com "OregonLive.com")*. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
369. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-rap_377-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-rap_377-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-rap_377-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-rap_377-3)
["Everything You Need to Know About Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060219203516/http://www.eonline.com/On/Holly/Shows/Bryant/facts.html). Archived from [the original](http://www.eonline.com/On/Holly/Shows/Bryant/facts.html) on February 19, 2006. Retrieved October 16, 2007.
– Wayback Machine cache from February 19, 2006
370. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-378)**
Hubler, Shawn. ["Kobe's costar Vanessa Laine was just another sheltered teenager in Orange County. Then she fell in love with a phenomenon"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070406105500/http://allstarz.hollywood.com/kobe/vanessa02.htm). Archived from [the original](http://allstarz.hollywood.com/kobe/vanessa02.htm) on April 6, 2007. Retrieved October 16, 2007.
– Wayback Machine cache from April 6, 2007
371. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-379)**
Keown, Tim (September 1, 2003). ["Isolation Play"](https://www.espn.com/espnmag/story?id=3248290). ESPN. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
372. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-380)**
Hubler, Shawn (February 15, 2005). ["Kobe's costar"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170427003658/http://articles.latimes.com/2005/feb/15/entertainment/et-vanessa15/3). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Archived from [the original](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-feb-15-et-vanessa15-story.html) on April 27, 2017. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
373. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-381)** [Cupcake Magazine interview with Vanessa Bryant](http://www.cupcakemag.com/2012/07/behind-the-famous-name-our-chat-with-vanessa-bryant/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130701005437/http://www.cupcakemag.com/2012/07/behind-the-famous-name-our-chat-with-vanessa-bryant/) July 1, 2013, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") July 17, 2012
374. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-383)**
["Kobe Bryant Divorce: Kobe and Vanessa Through the Years \[PHOTOS\]"](https://www.ibtimes.com/kobe-bryant-divorce-kobe-and-vanessa-through-years-photos-553607). *International Business Times*. December 17, 2011. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
375. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-384)**
Brown, Tim; Terry, Mike (January 20, 2003). ["Kobe's Wife Gives Birth to Daughter"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jan-20-sp-lakerep20-story.html). *Los Angeles Times*.
376. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-385)**
["Shaq is a Dad Six Minutes After Kobe"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090416235742/http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/shaq%20is%20a%20dad%20six%20minutes%20after%20kobe_02_05_2006). *Contact Music*. May 2, 2006. Archived from [the original](http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/shaq%20is%20a%20dad%20six%20minutes%20after%20kobe_02_05_2006) on April 16, 2009. Retrieved May 25, 2007.
377. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-386)**
Kim, Victoria (December 16, 2011). ["Kobe Bryant divorce: Vanessa cites 'irreconcilable differences'"](http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/12/kobe-bryant-divorce-vanessa-cites-irreconcilable-difference.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved December 16, 2011.
378. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-387)**
["L.A. Now"](http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/12/kobe-bryant-divorce-vanessa-lakers-star-will-share-custody-of-daughters.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. December 16, 2011.
379. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-388)**
["Kobe Bryant, wife Vanessa call off their divorce"](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kobe-bryant-wife-vanessa-call-off-their-divorce/). *CBS News*. January 11, 2013. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
380. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-389)**
Drysdale, Jennifer (December 8, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant and Wife Vanessa Welcome Third Child"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170422050625/https://www.yahoo.com/celebrity/kobe-bryant-wife-vanessa-welcome-234000119.html). *Yahoo\!*. Archived from [the original](https://www.yahoo.com/celebrity/kobe-bryant-wife-vanessa-welcome-234000119.html) on April 22, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2016.
381. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-390)**
Harris, Sarah Jane (December 8, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant welcomes his third child"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180626220448/http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/news/kobe-bryant-welcomes-his-3rd-child/vlxtknrf27fjz9igcw4l4mb9). *sportingnews.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/news/kobe-bryant-welcomes-his-3rd-child/vlxtknrf27fjz9igcw4l4mb9) on June 26, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2016.
382. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-391)**
Chiu, Melody (January 1, 2019). ["'Mambacita!' Kobe Bryant Announces Fourth Daughter on the Way with Wife Vanessa"](https://people.com/parents/kobe-bryant-wife-vanessa-pregnant-expecting-fourth-child/). *People*. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
383. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-392)**
Adams, Char (July 4, 2019). ["Meet Baby 'KoKo!' Kobe Bryant Officially Introduces His 'Little Princess' — Daughter Capri Kobe"](https://people.com/parents/kobe-bryant-daughter-capri-kobe-first-photo/). *People*.
384. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-393)**
["Kobe Bryant's Wife Vanessa Gives Birth, Welcomes Fourth Daughter"](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/kobe-bryants-wife-vanessa-gives-birth-welcomes-4th-daughter/). *Us Weekly*. June 21, 2019.
385. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-394)**
["Remembering Kobe Bryant at the Church Where He Prayed Before Helicopter Crash"](https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/kobe-bryant-church-helicopter-crash-newport-beach/2299173/). *NBC Los Angeles*. January 27, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
386. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-395)**
["Before fatal flight, Kobe and daughter attended California church, took communion, priest says"](https://abc7news.com/5884317/). *ABC7 San Francisco*. January 28, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
387. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-396)**
["Kobe Bryant's private funeral service likely at same Catholic church he went before boarding chopper"](https://meaww.com/kobe-bryant-private-funeral-service-likely-same-catholic-church-he-went-before-boarding-chopper). *meaww.com*. February 7, 2020.
388. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-397)**
Archived at [Ghostarchive](https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/0gmGOZkIzN8) and the [Wayback Machine](https://web.archive.org/web/20200217185037/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gmGOZkIzN8&gl=US&hl=en):
[*Una scuola di basket per futuri campioni: la promessa di Kobe Bryant nell'intervista a Reggio Emilia*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gmGOZkIzN8), January 27, 2020, retrieved January 29, 2020
389. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-398)**
Archived at [Ghostarchive](https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/lEojYCnn9Zs) and the [Wayback Machine](https://web.archive.org/web/20200220181336/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEojYCnn9Zs&gl=US&hl=en):
[*Kobe Bryant agradece a los latinos en español*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEojYCnn9Zs), April 14, 2016, retrieved January 29, 2020
390. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-399)**
Aguirregomezcorta, Gonzalo (December 2014). ["Kobe: "No imaginé este nivel""](https://www.espn.com.mx/los-angeles/nota/_/id/2243842/kobe-no-imagine-este-nivel). *ESPN Mexico*. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
391. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-400)**
Aguirregomezcorta, Gonzalo (November 30, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant tras anunciar su retiro: "Ahora me siento relajado""](https://www.espn.com.mx/los-angeles/nota/_/id/2539723/kobe-bryant-tras-anunciar-su-retiro-ahora-me-siento-relajado). *ESPN Mexico*. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
392. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-401)**
McGrath, Ben (March 24, 2014). ["The Fourth Quarter"](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/03/31/the-fourth-quarter). *[The New Yorker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_Yorker "The New Yorker")*. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
393. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-LATimes2008_402-0)**
Crowe, Jerry (May 23, 2008). ["Text messages from press row ..."](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-may-23-sp-crowe23-story.html) *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
394. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-403)**
Olivarez-Giles, Nathan (January 31, 2011). ["Kobe Bryant and, Robert Rodriguez talk about Black Mamba Nike ads, six-minute film"](https://web.archive.org/web/20181023120135/http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2011/01/kobe-bryant-and-robert-rodriguez-hype-ads-6-minute-film-at-nike-vault-1.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Archived from [the original](http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2011/01/kobe-bryant-and-robert-rodriguez-hype-ads-6-minute-film-at-nike-vault-1.html) on October 23, 2018.
395. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-404)**
McMenamin, Dave (April 11, 2013). ["Rapid Reaction: Lakers 113, Trail Blazers 106"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36373/rapid-reaction-lakers-113-trail-blazers-106). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130414044636/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36373/rapid-reaction-lakers-113-trail-blazers-106) from the original on April 14, 2013.
396. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-405)**
Bresnahan, Mike (March 3, 2013). ["Kobe Bryant and Lakers soar to new heights (or at least .500)"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-mar-03-la-sp-0304-lakers-hawks-20130304-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130305081756/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/mar/03/sports/la-sp-0304-lakers-hawks-20130304) from the original on March 5, 2013.
397. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-406)**
["Kobe Bryant Buys Home For More Than \$4 million"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZNAdAAAAIBAJ&pg=6703,744809). Retrieved June 16, 2011.
398. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-407)**
["Kobe Bryant sets price record with Newport Coast home sale"](https://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-kobe-bryant-sale-20150529-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. May 29, 2015.
399. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-408)**
["Kobe Bryant, mom in court battle"](https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9238503/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-battles-mom-nj-business-auction). ESPN. May 3, 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130505094921/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9238503/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-battles-mom-nj-business-auction) from the original on May 5, 2013.
400. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-409)**
Stamm, Dan. ["Kobe Wins Battle to Prevent Mom From Auctioning His Stuff"](http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Kobe-Bryant-Goldin-Auction-Settlement-210820051.html). NBC 10 Philadelphia. Associated Press. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
401. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-410)**
Rovell, Darren (June 10, 2013). ["Deal reached in Kobe Bryant case"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9360162/kobe-bryant-memorabilia-lawsuit-settled-parents-apologize). ESPN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130613070915/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9360162/kobe-bryant-memorabilia-lawsuit-settled-parents-apologize) from the original on June 13, 2013.
402. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-411)**
["Kobe auction suit settled; parents apologize"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9360162/kobe-bryant-memorabilia-lawsuit-settled-parents-apologize). *ESPN.com*. June 10, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
403. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-412)**
Carr, Janis (August 30, 2010). ["Kobe and family cheer on Angels"](https://www.ocregister.com/2010/08/30/kobe-and-family-cheer-on-angels/). *Orange County Register*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190721210401/https://www.ocregister.com/2010/08/30/kobe-and-family-cheer-on-angels/) from the original on July 21, 2019.
404. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-413)**
Diunte, Nick, ed. (January 27, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant Shared A Love Affair With MLB Throughout His Career"](https://www.forbes.com/sites/nickdiunte/2020/01/27/kobe-bryant-shared-a-love-affair-with-mlb-throughout-his-career/). *[Forbes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes "Forbes")*. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
405. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-414)**
Fischer, Mark, ed. (January 28, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant's death 'hits home' for his Mets idol Darryl Strawberry"](https://nypost.com/2020/01/28/kobe-bryants-death-hits-home-for-his-mets-idol-darryl-strawberry/). [New York Post](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Post "New York Post"). Retrieved October 13, 2024.
406. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-415)**
["Kobe: I'm staying an Eagles fan despite L.A. team \| PhillyVoice"](https://www.phillyvoice.com/kobe-im-staying-eagles-fan-despite-la-team/). January 17, 2016.
407. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-416)**
Ahmed, Sahahan (January 9, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant credits soccer for his extraordinary basketball court vision"](https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-fc-yahoo/kobe-bryant-credits-court-vision-to-soccer-171433623.html). *sports.yahoo.com*. [Yahoo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahoo "Yahoo").
408. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-417)**
["Mamba Mentality"](https://mobile.twitter.com/mancity/status/923862364570771464?lang=en). *twitter.com*. [Manchester City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchester_City_F.C. "Manchester City F.C.").
409. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-418)**
Gonzalez, A. J. (September 8, 2021). ["Laker News: Former Laker In ICU Fighting Covid-19"](https://www.si.com/nba/lakers/news/laker-news-former-laker-in-icu-fighting-covid-19). *All Lakers \| News, Rumors, Videos, Schedule, Roster, Salaries And More*. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
410. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-419)**
SI Staff (December 23, 2003). ["Bryant distracted, scared amid sex assault case"](https://web.archive.org/web/20040906074827/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2003/basketball/nba/12/26/kobe.interview.ap/index.html?cnn-yes). *Sports Illustrated*. Associated Press. Archived from [the original](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2003/basketball/nba/12/26/kobe.interview.ap/index.html?cnn-yes) on September 6, 2004. Retrieved February 25, 2007.
411. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-420)**
Moore, David Leon (February 12, 2004). ["Shaq, Kobe still main keys to Lakers' fortunes"](https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/2004-02-12-shaq-kobe_x.htm). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. Retrieved February 25, 2007.
412. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-421)**
Draper, Kevin (January 27, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant and the Sexual Assault Case That Was Dropped but Not Forgotten"](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/27/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-rape-case.html). *The New York Times*. [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0362-4331](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0362-4331). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200128020025/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/27/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-rape-case.html) from the original on January 28, 2020. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
413. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-422)**
Wise, Mike; Markels, Alex (July 18, 2003). ["Kobe Bryant Charged With Felony Sexual Assault"](https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/18/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-charged-with-felony-sexual-assault.html). *The New York Times*. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
414. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-423)**
["Fans Shunning Kobe Bryant's Jersey – Celebrity Gossip \| Entertainment News"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100523093402/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,143646,00.html). Fox News. January 7, 2005. Archived from [the original](http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,143646,00.html) on May 23, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
415. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-sfgate_dismissal_424-0)**
Reid, T.R. (September 2, 2004). ["Bryant rape case ends in dismissal"](https://web.archive.org/web/20040929004753/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/09/02/MNG6E8IB861.DTL). *[San Francisco Chronicle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_Chronicle "San Francisco Chronicle")*. Archived from [the original](http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/09/02/MNG6E8IB861.DTL) on September 29, 2004. Retrieved October 16, 2007.
416. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-425)**
Johnson, Kirk (September 2, 2004). ["Prosecutors Drop Kobe Bryant Rape Case"](https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/02/national/02kobe.html). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20050422020542/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/02/national/02kobe.html) from the original on April 22, 2005. Retrieved July 2, 2011.
417. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-426)**
["Suit Settlement Ends Bryant Saga"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120126085517/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/7019659/ns/bryant_sexual_assault_lawsuit/). Associated Press via[NBC Sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBC_Sports "NBC Sports"). March 3, 2005. Archived from [the original](http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/7019659/ns/bryant_sexual_assault_lawsuit//) on January 26, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
418. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-427)**
Jensen, Mike (June 16, 2000). ["Article: Basketball Star Leaps into Global Ventures"](http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-7226901_ITM). AccessMyLibrary. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
419. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-428)**
["Information and results for 'Adidas, Basketball Star Kobe Bryant Part Ways.'"](http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-8828547_ITM). AccessMyLibrary. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
420. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-429)**
["Adidas Airs Out New Kobe Bryant Shoe, Ad Campaign"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100306202348/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/article/35398). Sportsbusinessdaily.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/article/35398) on March 6, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
421. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-430)**
Badenhausen, Kurt (March 9, 2004). ["Kobe Bryant's Sponsorship Will Rebound"](https://www.forbes.com/2004/09/03/cz_kb_0903kobe.html). *Forbes*. Retrieved December 6, 2008.
422. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-431)**
Johnson, Greg (June 22, 2008). ["Bryant will lose out again to Big Three"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jun-22-sp-kobe22-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
423. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-432)**
["Kobe Bryant's Endorsement Deals"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101203153519/http://advertising.about.com/od/kobebryant/a/bryantsendorse.htm). Advertising.about.com. April 15, 2010. Archived from [the original](http://advertising.about.com/od/kobebryant/a/bryantsendorse.htm) on December 3, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
424. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Nike_433-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Nike_433-1)
["Kobe Bryant resumes endorsement career"](https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-07-10-kobe-bryant_x.htm). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. July 10, 2005. Retrieved July 2, 2011.
425. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-434)**
Salazar-Moreno, Quibian (May 12, 2008). ["Endorsements Coming Back to Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130727100859/http://www.bvonsports.com/2008/05/12/endorsements-coming-back-to-kobe-bryant/). Blackvoices. Archived from [the original](http://www.bvonsports.com/2008/05/12/endorsements-coming-back-to-kobe-bryant/) on July 27, 2013. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
426. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-COD_435-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-COD_435-1)
Devine, Dan (November 5, 2010). ["Kobe Bryant shoots 'em up in new 'Call of Duty' ad"](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Kobe-Bryant-shoots-em-up-in-new-Call-of-Duty-?urn=nba-282854). *[Sports.Yahoo.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahoo!_Sports "Yahoo! Sports")*. Retrieved July 2, 2011.
427. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-436)**
["No, Kobe Bryant Did Not Jump Over a Car"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110724180926/http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/daily-news/080415-120429/). *[U.S. News & World Report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._News_%26_World_Report "U.S. News & World Report")*. rankingsandreviews.com. April 15, 2008. Archived from [the original](http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/daily-news/080415-120429/) on July 24, 2011.
428. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-437)**
["Nike launches Nike Zoom Kobe V with Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101218220052/http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/2711325/). TradingMarkets.com. December 9, 2009. Archived from [the original](http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/2711325/) on December 18, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
429. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-438)**
["Kobe Bryant Wearing Nubeo Black Mamba MVP Watch "UpscaleHype"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100623110051/http://www.upscalehype.com/2009/10/kobe-bryant-wearing-nubeo-black-mamba-mvp-watch/). Upscalehype.com. October 19, 2009. Archived from [the original](http://www.upscalehype.com/2009/10/kobe-bryant-wearing-nubeo-black-mamba-mvp-watch/) on June 23, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
430. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-439)**
["Kobe Bryant ESPN The Magazine Fan Issue"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090531085241/http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/fanissue). *ESPN The Magazine*. Archived from [the original](http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/fanIssue) on May 31, 2009. Retrieved May 15, 2009.
431. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-440)**
["Top 10 endorsement superstars"](https://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/fortune/0711/gallery.endorsements.fortune/6.html). CNN. December 31, 2008. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
432. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-441)** Kritchever, Patrick. [The Forbes Celebrity 100](https://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/53/celeb-100-10_Kobe-Bryant_OKPF.html), *[Forbes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes "Forbes")*, June 28, 2010, Retrieved July 13, 2010.
433. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-442)**
Rovell, Darren (December 13, 2010). ["Kobe Bryant To Endorse Turkish Airlines"](https://www.cnbc.com/2010/12/13/kobe-bryant-to-endorse-turkish-airlines.html). *[CNBC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNBC "CNBC")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121015015604/https://www.cnbc.com/id/40641746/Kobe_Bryant_To_Endorse_Turkish_Airlines) from the original on October 15, 2012. Retrieved February 23, 2011. "It's a two-year deal that will involve Bryant starring in a promotional film that will be aired on international television channels and in movie theatres in more than 80 countries next year."
434. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-443)**
Li, Shan (December 16, 2010). ["Kobe Bryant's Turkish Airlines deal outrages Armenian Americans"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-dec-16-la-me-kobe-bryant-armenian-20101216-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved December 8, 2011.
435. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-444)**
["The first Kobe Bryant Turkish Airlines commercial has landed"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110303071204/http://offthebench.nbcsports.com/2011/02/28/the-first-kobe-bryant-turkish-airlines-commercial-has-landed/). *NBC Sports*. February 28, 2011. Archived from [the original](http://offthebench.nbcsports.com/2011/02/28/the-first-kobe-bryant-turkish-airlines-commercial-has-landed/) on March 3, 2011. Retrieved February 23, 2011.
436. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-445)**
["Kobe vs Messi: Legends on Board – Turkish Airlines"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121206212738/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruav0KvQOOg). Turkish Airlines. December 6, 2012. Archived from [the original](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruav0KvQOOg) on December 6, 2012. Retrieved December 6, 2012.
437. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-446)**
["LeBron James announces Cavaliers return"](https://www.bbc.com/sport/basketball/28272054). *BBC Sport*. July 12, 2014. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
438. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-447)**
["Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside for Nintendo 64"](http://www.mobygames.com/game/kobe-bryant-in-nba-courtside). *MobyGames*. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
439. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-448)**
["NBA Courtside 2 Featuring Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100726183851/http://archives.cnn.com/1999/TECH/computing/12/08/courtside2/index.html). CNN. Archived from [the original](http://archives.cnn.com/1999/TECH/computing/12/08/courtside2/index.html) on July 26, 2010. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
440. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-449)**
["NBA Courtside 2002 (cube) reviews at"](https://web.archive.org/web/20091101083510/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/cube/nbacourtside2002). Metacritic.com. January 14, 2002. Archived from [the original](https://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/cube/nbacourtside2002#critics) on November 1, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
441. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-450)**
["NBA 3 on 3 Featuring Kobe Bryant for GBC"](https://web.archive.org/web/20050219210429/http://www.gamespot.com/gbc/sports/nba3on3featuringkb/index.html). Gamespot.Com. December 7, 1999. Archived from [the original](http://www.gamespot.com/gbc/sports/nba3on3featuringkb/index.html) on February 19, 2005. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
442. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-451)**
Surette, Tim (August 21, 2006). ["Kobe covers Sony's NBA 07"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130724110932/http://www.gamespot.com/news/kobe-covers-sonys-nba-07-6156109). *GameSpot*. Archived from [the original](http://www.gamespot.com/news/kobe-covers-sonys-nba-07-6156109) on July 24, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
443. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-452)**
["Sony Debuts SIX Cover Athletes for NBA 09: The Inside"](https://web.archive.org/web/20081117120223/http://www.dailygame.net/news/archives/008110.php). DailyGame. August 18, 2008. Archived from the original on November 17, 2008.
444. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-2K1017_453-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-2K1017_453-1)
S. Good, Owen (April 13, 2016). ["NBA 2K17 honors Kobe Bryant with 'Legend Edition' this fall"](https://www.polygon.com/2016/4/13/11420642/kobe-bryant-nba-2k17-cover-legend-edition-ps4-xbox-one). Polygon. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
445. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-454)**
Gay, Carlan (May 16, 2019). ["FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019: Dirk Nowitzki named as third global ambassador joining Kobe Bryant and Yao Ming"](https://in.nba.com/news/fiba-basketball-world-cup-2019-dirk-nowitzki-named-as-third-global-ambassador-joining-kobe-bryant-and-yao-ming/114s1jn4cbtm91w5f2ufq8zg6b). *NBA.com*. Retrieved May 24, 2019.
446. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-455)**
["Brian McKnight chart history"](https://www.billboard.com/artist/brian-mcknight/chart-history/hsi/). *billboard.com*. May 9, 2025.
447. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-456)**
Platon, Adelle (April 13, 2016). ["Revisiting Kobe Bryant's (Super Brief) Rap Career, Including That Time He Remixed Destiny's Child"](https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kobe-bryant-rap-career-7333081/). *Billboard*. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
448. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-457)**
["CRI.com: Kobe Bryant Works with Jay Chou in New Song"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110226193235/http://english.cri.cn/6666/2011/02/23/1261s622251.htm). *CRI.cn*. February 23, 2011. Archived from [the original](http://english.cri.cn/6666/2011/02/23/1261s622251.htm) on February 26, 2011. Retrieved June 16, 2011.
449. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-458)**
["Jay Chou releases MV with Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120324154348/http://www.popasia.net/jay-chou-releases-mv-with-kobe-bryant/). PopAsia. Archived from [the original](http://www.popasia.net/jay-chou-releases-mv-with-kobe-bryant/) on March 24, 2012. Retrieved June 16, 2011.
450. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-459)**
Gilroy, Daniel (February 23, 2011). ["ChinaSmack: Sprite China – Kobe Bryant and Jay Chou music video " 天地一鬥 " ("Tian Di Yi Dou") with Jay Chou feat. Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110423150042/http://advertising.chinasmack.com/2011/sprite-china-kobe-bryant-jay-chou-music-video.html). Advertising.chinasmack.com. Archived from [the original](http://advertising.chinasmack.com/2011/sprite-china-kobe-bryant-jay-chou-music-video.html) on April 23, 2011. Retrieved June 16, 2011.
451. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-460)**
P, Anthony (June 5, 2009). ["Lil Wayne Releases New Song Titled 'Kobe Bryant'"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130217012447/http://www.totalprosports.com/2009/06/04/lil-wayne-releases-new-song-titled-kobe-bryant/). TotalProSports.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.totalprosports.com/2009/06/04/lil-wayne-releases-new-song-titled-kobe-bryant/) on February 17, 2013. Retrieved June 23, 2012. "Just in time for the championship matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic, Lil' Wayne has released a song titled "Kobe Bryant.""
452. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-461)**
["Kobe Bryant On'em- Sho Baraka"](http://www.lecrae.net/kobe-bryant-onem-sho-baraka-photo-clip-montage-lyrics-included). [Lecrae](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lecrae "Lecrae"). July 16, 2010. Retrieved June 23, 2012.
453. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-462)**
Fu, Eddie (January 30, 2020). ["Chief Keef's "Kobe" Saw A 13,000 Percent Increase In Genius Pageviews After Kobe Bryant's Death"](https://genius.com/a/chief-keef-s-kobe-saw-a-13-000-percent-increase-in-genius-pageviews-after-kobe-bryant-s-death). *Genius*. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
454. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-463)**
Zaru, Deena (January 28, 2020). ["Hip-hop mourns Kobe Bryant — an icon in rap lyrics for decades"](https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/hip-hop-mourns-kobe-bryant-icon-rap-lyrics/story?id=68560786). *ABC News*. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
455. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-464)**
Martins, Chris (November 12, 2012). ["Chief Keef Thinks He's 'Kobe' in New Video"](https://www.spin.com/2012/11/chief-keef-kobe-video-swish/). *Spin*. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
456. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-465)**
["Chief Keef – Finally Rich (2012, Best Buy Deluxe Edition, CD)"](https://www.discogs.com/Chief-Keef-Finally-Rich/release/4229888). *Discogs.com*. December 18, 2012. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
457. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-466)**
Price, Joe (September 11, 2020). ["Damian Lillard Shares Kobe Bryant Tribute Track Featuring Snoop Dogg"](https://www.complex.com/sports/a/backwoodsaltar/damian-lillard-kobe-bryant-tribute-track-snoop-dogg). *Complex*. Retrieved August 24, 2023.
458. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-467)**
Heller, Corinne (January 31, 2020). ["Brandy Mourns Death of Kobe Bryant, Her Prom Date"](https://www.eonline.com/news/1118264/brandy-mourns-death-of-kobe-bryant-her-prom-date). *E! Online*. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
459. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-468)**
Fromal, Adam (October 17, 2013). ["Kobe Bryant Declined Jesus Shuttlesworth Role Before It Was Given to Ray Allen"](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1814813-kobe-bryant-declined-jesus-shuttlesworth-role-before-it-was-given-to-ray-allen). *Bleacher Report*. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
460. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-469)**
Breznican, Anthony (January 26, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant Was Building an Entertainment Empire"](https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/01/kobe-bryant-oscar-hollywood-dear-basketball). *Vanity Fair*. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
461. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-470)**
Rottenberg, Josh (June 21, 2018). ["Kobe Bryant is denied membership into the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences"](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-kobe-bryant-academy-membership-denied-20180620-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
462. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-471)**
FitzPatrick, Hayley (February 9, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant honored at 2020 Oscars"](https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/kobe-bryant-honored-2020-oscars-68777844). *Good Morning America*. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
463. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-variety_472-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-variety_472-1)
Littleton, Cynthia (January 28, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant's Death Cuts Short a Promising Second Act in Entertainment"](https://variety.com/2020/film/features/kobe-bryant-hollywood-entertainment-granity-studios-dear-basketball-1203483095/). *Variety*. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
464. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-473)**
Wit, Alex Dudok de (February 18, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant Was Planning To Launch An Animation Studio; Sergio Pablos And Bruce Smith Involved"](https://www.cartoonbrew.com/studios/kobe-bryant-was-planning-to-launch-an-animation-studio-sergio-pablos-and-bruce-smith-involved-186423.html). *Cartoon Brew*.
465. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-474)**
["Jazz's Mitchell taking analysis of Kobe to heart"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23386451/donovan-mitchell-utah-jazz-taking-analysis-kobe-bryant-heart). *ESPN.com*. May 2, 2018. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
466. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-475)**
["Kobe Bryant explains his 'Detail' show on ESPN"](https://247sports.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/Article/Kobe-Bryant-explains-in-depth-his-Detail-show-on-ESPN-119060353/). *247Sports.com*. June 14, 2018. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
467. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-476)**
Bryant, Kobe \[@Kobebryant\] (March 13, 2019). ["Catch me on a NEW episode of \#Ridiculousness tonight at 8/7c on @mtv! You don't want to miss it!"](https://twitter.com/Kobebryant/status/1105934950967074816) ([Tweet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tweet_\(social_media\) "Tweet (social media)")) – via [Twitter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twitter "Twitter").
468. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-tv_477-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-tv_477-1)
Simon, Jordan (February 4, 2020). ["Remember When Kobe Bryant Was On 'Moesha' And 'Sister, Sister'?"](https://blavity.com/entertainment/remember-when-kobe-bryant-was-on-moesha-and-sister-sister). *Blavity News & Politics*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
469. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-478)**
["What About the Fans – Arli\$ (Season 1, Episode 5) - Apple TV (CA)"](https://tv.apple.com/ca/episode/what-about-the-fans/umc.cmc.3qeifq2prz32l4opt4x5u4pko?showId=umc.cmc.6yzacdn2cexpkujhuodne2tua). *Apple TV*. September 4, 1996. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
470. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Guglielmi_479-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Guglielmi_479-1)
Guglielmi, Jodi (January 27, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant: Looking Back at the Late L.A. Lakers Legend's Most Memorable TV Appearances"](https://people.com/tv/kobe-bryant-most-memorable-television-appearances/). *People.com*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
471. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-480)**
Augustine, Bernie (April 13, 2016). ["That time Kobe Bryant was a guest star on a very special episode of NBC's 'Hang Time'"](https://www.nydailynews.com/2016/04/13/that-time-kobe-bryant-was-a-guest-star-on-a-very-special-episode-of-nbcs-hang-time/). *New York Daily News*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
472. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-481)**
["Remember When: Kobe Bryant Attended a Philadelphia Area Prom with Brandy?"](https://wpst.com/kobe-bryant-once-said-philly-school-made-him-who-he-was/). *94\.5 PST*. January 27, 2020. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
473. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-482)**
Elchlepp, Kimberly (January 29, 2020). ["Honoring a Legend: ESPN Films and Spike Lee's Kobe Doin' Work to Air on ESPN, Thursday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. ET, on ESPN"](https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2020/01/honoring-a-legend-espn-films-and-spike-lees-kobe-doin-work-to-re-air-on-espn-thursday-jan-30-at-7-p-m-et-on-espn/). *ESPN Press Room U.S*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
474. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-483)**
Daley, Kaitee. ["Kobe Bryant to appear on ABC's "Modern Family""](https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/index/_/id/5198397). *ESPN.com*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
475. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-484)**
Herrera, Joseph Carlo (February 26, 2011). ["Nike Basketball's Kobe Bryant: 'The Black Mamba' Movie Recap"](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/620757-kobe-bryant-is-the-black-mamba-movie-recap). *Bleacher Report*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
476. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-485)**
["A review of the Dirk documentary"](https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2014/10/3/6902411/a-review-of-dirks-documentary-the-perfect-shot). *Mavs Moneyball*. SB Nation. October 3, 2014. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
477. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-486)**
Nemiroff, Perri (December 21, 2015). ["Daddy's Home Interview: How They Shot the Lakers Game Scene"](https://collider.com/daddys-home-interview-sean-anders-john-morris-brian-burns/). *Collider*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
478. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-487)**
Ross, Terrance F. (February 28, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant's 'Muse': A Honest Look at an NBA Legend"](https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/02/kobe-bryant-muse-a-honest-look-at-an-nba-legend/386453/). *The Atlantic*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
479. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-488)**
["Remembering Kobe Bryant and His Oscar-Winning Short Film 'Dear Basketball'"](https://aframe.oscars.org/news/post/remembering-kobe-bryant-and-his-oscar-winning-short-film-dear-basketball). *Oscars.com*. August 24, 2022. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
480. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-489)**
Langmann, Brady (January 27, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant's 'Musecage' Is the Most Unique View of the Mamba Mentality We Have Left"](https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/a30677589/kobe-bryant-post-retirement-business-musecage/). *Esquire*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
481. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-490)**
Bontemps, Tim (June 11, 2018). ["Kobe Bryant on his ESPN show 'Detail': It's 'not for simple-minded people'"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2018/06/11/kobe-bryant-on-his-espn-show-detail-its-not-for-simple-minded-people/). *Washington Post*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
482. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-491)**
Wells, Adam (May 31, 2019). ["Kobe Bryant on Motivating Metta World Peace in Quiet Storm: The Ron Artest Story"](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2838953-kobe-bryant-on-motivating-metta-world-peace-in-quiet-storm-the-ron-artest-story). *Bleacher Report*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
483. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-492)**
John, Caroline (August 4, 2023). [""Master of the Mind": Kobe Bryant's "War" Antics to Rattle Teammates Leaves Fan's Jaw Dropped"](https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-legends-basketball-news-master-of-the-mind-kobe-bryants-war-antics-to-rattle-teammates-leaves-fans-jaw-dropped). *EssentiallySports*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
484. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-493)**
Golliver, Michael (May 3, 2020). ["'The Last Dance' Episode 5 recap: Michael Jordan was Kobe Bryant's 'big brother'"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/05/03/michael-jordan-documentary-episode-five-recap/). *Washington Post*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
485. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-494)**
["Here's Everything You Need to Know About 'The Redeem Team'"](https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/redeem-team-trailer). *Netflix Tudum*. September 27, 2022. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
486. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-495)**
[""KOBE - UNA STORIA ITALIANA", IL DOCUMENTARIO SUL LEGAME TRA BRYANT E L'ITALIA ESCE IL 15 SETTEMBRE"](https://www.eurosport.it/basket/kobe-una-storia-italiana-il-documentario-sul-legame-tra-bryant-e-l-italia-esce-il-15-settembre_sto9144444/story.shtml). *eurosport.it* (in Italian). September 13, 2022. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
487. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-496)**
["Kobe Bryant's Charity Work, Events and Causes"](http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/840-kobe-bryant). looktothestars.org. Retrieved April 1, 2010.
488. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-nextconquest_497-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-nextconquest_497-1)
Paul, Alan (July 16, 2009). ["Kobe Bryant Conquers China"](https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204556804574258222289862830). *The Wall Street Journal*. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
489. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Lee2020_498-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Lee2020_498-1)
Lee, Lauren (February 21, 2020). ["Honor Kobe Bryant's legacy through the charities he supported"](https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/27/us/honoor-kobe-bryant-charity-iyw-trnd/index.html). *CNN*. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
490. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-499)**
["Statement on the Death of Basketball Icon and Museum Founding Donor Kobe Bryant"](https://nmaahc.si.edu/about/news/statement-death-basketball-icon-and-museum-founding-donor-kobe-bryant). *National Museum of African American History and Culture*. January 28, 2020. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
491. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-500)**
Hahn, Jason (January 29, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant Granted Over 200 Make-A-Wish Requests During Career: It Was the 'Highlight of My Life'"](https://people.com/sports/kobe-bryant-granted-over-200-make-a-wish-requests/). *PEOPLE.com*. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
492. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-501)**
Nicolai, Megan (January 9, 2015). ["We're excited to be your neighbors"](https://www.ocregister.com/2015/01/09/kobe-inc-gets-no-answer-on-zoning-request-but-finds-community-support-in-newport-beach/). *[The Orange County Register](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Orange_County_Register "The Orange County Register")*. sec. Local, pp. 1, 6. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150111231345/http://www.ocregister.com/articles/kobe-647571-inc-building.html) from the original on January 11, 2015.
493. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-502)**
Rovell, Darren (August 15, 2018). ["Kobe's \$6M drink investment has \$200M return"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24384862/kobe-bryant-6m-investment-sports-drink-now-worth-200m). *[ESPN.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN.com "ESPN.com")*. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
494. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-503)**
Berman, Dennis K. (August 22, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant and Jeff Stibel Unveil \$100 Million Venture Capital Fund"](https://www.wsj.com/articles/kobe-bryant-and-jeff-stibel-unveil-100-million-venture-capital-fund-1471838403). *[The Wall Street Journal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wall_Street_Journal "The Wall Street Journal")*. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
495. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-504)**
Williams, Janice (August 22, 2016). ["What Is Bryant Stibel, Venture Capitalist Fund? Kobe Unveils Investment Fund With Business Partner Jeff"](http://www.ibtimes.com/what-bryant-stibel-venture-capitalist-fund-kobe-unveils-investment-fund-business-2405314). *[International Business Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Business_Times "International Business Times")*. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
496. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-spears_05122020_505-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-spears_05122020_505-1)
Spears, Marc J. (May 12, 2020). ["Sports Academy retires 'Mamba' name out of respect to Kobe Bryant"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29165808/sports-academy-retires-mamba-name-respect-kobe-bryant). *ESPN.com*. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
497. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-506)**
Bryant, Kobe (October 24, 2018). ["Inside the Mamba Mentality"](https://www.si.com/nba/2018/10/24/kobe-bryant-photos-mamba-mentality-book-excerpt-jordan). *Sports Illustrated*. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
498. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-507)**
Ward, Ryan (October 29, 2018). ["Legendary photographer Andrew Bernstein talks collaboration with Kobe Bryant on Mamba Mentality"](https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-exclusive-legendary-photographer-andrew-bernstein-talks-collaboration-with-kobe-bryant-on-mamba-mentality/). Clutch Points. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
499. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-508)**
Savarese, Mauricio (January 27, 2020). ["Author deletes children's book co-written with Kobe Bryant"](https://apnews.com/a8142da782f41686f7b93984c8700ed1). *Associated Press*. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
500. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-509)**
Pinho, Faith E. (January 29, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant brought sports to page, podcast and film through Costa Mesa production company Granity Studios"](https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2020-01-29/kobe-bryant-granity-studios). *Los Angeles Times*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
501. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-510)**
Haring, Bruce (April 9, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant Book For Children And Young Adults Hits No. 1 On NY Times Bestseller List"](https://deadline.com/2020/04/kobe-bryant-book-for-children-young-adults-hits-no-1-on-ny-times-bestseller-list-1202904300/). *Deadline*. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
502. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Winton2020_511-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Winton2020_511-1)
Winton, Richard; Woike, Dan; Kohli, Sonali; Ganguli, Tania; Poston, Ben (January 26, 2020). ["Federal investigators look for answers in Kobe Bryant helicopter crash"](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-01-26/aircraft-slams-into-hillside-explodes-in-flames-near-calabasas). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
503. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-9_on_board_512-0)**
Winton, Richard (January 26, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna among nine dead in helicopter crash in Calabasas"](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-01-26/aircraft-slams-into-hillside-explodes-in-flames-near-calabasas). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
504. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Death-CNBC_513-0)**
Newburger, Emma; Young, Jabari (January 26, 2020). ["NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna killed in LA-area helicopter crash"](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/26/kobe-bryant-killed-in-helicopter-crash-reports-say.html). *CNBC*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
505. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Alfonso2020_514-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Alfonso2020_514-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Alfonso2020_514-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Alfonso2020_514-3)
Alfonso, Fernando; Vera, Amir (January 26, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant was one of five people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California"](https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/kobe-bryant-dies-in-helicopter-crash/index.html). *CNN*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
506. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-515)**
Martin, Will (January 27, 2020). ["This map shows the exact path of Kobe Bryant's helicopter before it crashed, killing all 9 people on board"](https://www.businessinsider.com/kobe-bryant-death-map-shows-flight-path-before-fatal-crash-2020-1). *Business Insider*. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
507. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-TMZ2020_516-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-TMZ2020_516-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-TMZ2020_516-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-TMZ2020_516-3)
["Kobe Bryant & Daughter Die in Helicopter Crash, Photos from Her Last Game"](https://www.tmz.com/2020/01/26/kobe-bryant-killed-dead-helicopter-crash-in-calabasas/). *TMZ*. January 27, 2020. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
508. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-517)**
["Kobe Bryant: Pilot warned 'you're too low' seconds before helicopter crashed in fog"](https://www.skysports.com/nba/news/36226/11919276/kobe-bryant-pilot-warned-youre-too-low-seconds-before-helicopter-crashed-in-fog). *Sky Sports*. January 28, 2020. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
509. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-LATDeath_518-0)**
Winton, Richard; Woike, Dan (January 26, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant is killed in helicopter crash in Calabasas"](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-01-26/aircraft-slams-into-hillside-explodes-in-flames-near-calabasas). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
510. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-519)**
Wojnarowski, Adrian; McMenamin, Dave (January 26, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna die in helicopter crash"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/kobe-bryant-dead-helicopter-crash). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
511. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-520)**
["Autopsies show Kobe, all in crash died instantly"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29180785/kobe-bryant-helicopter-pilot-had-no-drugs-alcohol-system-autopsy-shows). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. May 15, 2020. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
512. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-521)**
["Coroner officials confirm IDs of five more people killed in crash of Kobe Bryant's helicopter"](https://www.dailynews.com/coroner-officials-confirm-ids-of-five-more-people-killed-in-crash-of-kobe-bryants-helicopter). *DailyNews.com*. January 30, 2020. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
513. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-522)**
Gaydos, Ryan (January 26, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant among those killed in California helicopter crash"](https://www.foxnews.com/sports/california-helicopter-crash-calabasas-brush-fire-fatalities-reported). *Fox News*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
514. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-523)**
Bacon, John (January 26, 2020). ["Investigation underway to determine cause of helicopter Calabasas, California, crash that killed Kobe Bryant"](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/01/26/helicopter-crash-california-kills-5/4581709002/). *[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
515. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-BBC51256756_524-0)**
["Kobe Bryant: Basketball legend dies in helicopter crash"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-51256756). *BBC News*. January 26, 2020. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
516. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-525)**
Dazio, Stefanie; Melley, Brian (February 9, 2021). ["Investigators report Kobe Bryant's pilot got disoriented in clouds"](https://www.nba.com/news/investigators-report-bryants-pilot-got-disoriented-in-clouds). *NBA.com*. Associated Press. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
517. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-526)**
Dionne, Zach (February 28, 2023). ["Vanessa Bryant Settles Lawsuit Against L.A. County for Almost \$29 Million"](https://www.complex.com/sports/vanessa-bryant-settles-lawsuit-la-county-29-million). *Complex.com*. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
518. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-527)**
Abrams, Jonathan (February 28, 2023). ["Vanessa Bryant Settles Helicopter Crash Photos Lawsuit for \$28.85 Million"](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/28/sports/basketball/vanessa-bryant-kobe-helicopter-crash-lawsuit.html). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
519. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Boren_528-0)**
Boren, Cindy (February 12, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were buried near their home in a private service last week"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/02/12/kobe-bryant-burial-service/). *The Washington Post*. Washington, D.C.: WP Company LLC. Retrieved February 13, 2020.
520. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-529)**
Turner, Broderick (February 7, 2020). ["Vanessa Bryant announces 'A Celebration of Life' for Kobe and Gianna"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2020-02-07/vanessa-bryant-announces-a-celebration-of-life-for-kobe-and-gian). *[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")*. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
521. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-530)**
Bieler, Desmond (February 7, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant public memorial service set for Feb. 24 at Staples Center"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/02/07/kobe-bryant-memorial-service-staples-center/). *[Washington Post](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Post "Washington Post")*. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
522. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-531)**
Almasy, Steve; Melas, Chloe (February 7, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant memorial service will be held February 24 at Staples Center"](https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/06/us/kobe-bryant-memorial-service/index.html). CNN. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
523. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-532)**
["NBA reschedules postponed Lakers, Clippers game for April 9 at Staples Center"](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-reschedules-postponed-lakers-clippers-game-for-april-9-at-staples-center/). *CBS Sports*. February 21, 2020. Retrieved December 6, 2024.
524. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-533)**
Youngmisuk, Ohm (January 28, 2020). ["NBA postpones Clippers-Lakers game after Kobe Bryant's death"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28577888/nba-postpones-clippers-lakers-game-kobe-bryant-death). *[ESPN.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN.com "ESPN.com")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200129004716/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28577888/nba-postpones-clippers-lakers-game-kobe-bryant-death) from the original on January 29, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
525. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-534)**
["Kobe Bryant Memorial:Lakers Nation Sinks in an Emotional Arena"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200219084420/https://mirrorherald.com/kobe-bryant-memorial-lakers-nation-sinks-in-an-emotional-arena/). *Mirror Herald*. Archived from [the original](https://mirrorherald.com/kobe-bryant-memorial-lakers-nation-sinks-in-an-emotional-arena/) on February 19, 2020. Retrieved February 1, 2020.
526. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-535)**
["Kobe Bryant Tribute Game 2nd Most Watched in ESPN NBA History"](https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/kobe-bryant-tribute-game-2nd-most-watched-in-espn-nba-history/2303341/). *NBCLosAngeles.com*. Associated Press. February 3, 2020. Retrieved April 24, 2020.
527. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-536)**
Lewis, Jon (February 3, 2020). ["Large audience for Lakers' first game since Kobe tragedy"](https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2020/02/lakers-blazers-ratings-viewership-espn/#:~:text=Friday%27s%20Blazers-Lakers%20NBA%20regular,\(dating%20back%20to%202002\).). *Sports Media Watch*. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
528. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-537)**
Blackburn, Pete (January 26, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant death: NBA teams honor Lakers legend with 24-second, 8-second violations to start games"](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kobe-bryant-death-nba-teams-honor-lakers-legend-with-24-second-8-second-violations-to-start-games/). *CBSSports.com*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
529. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-538)**
Bontemps, Tim (February 16, 2020). ["NBA All-Star Game MVP award named in honor of Kobe Bryant"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28710867/nba-all-star-game-mvp-award-named-honor-kobe-bryant). *ESPN.com*. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
530. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-540)**
Whitten, Sarah (January 27, 2020). ["'Heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built': Lakers legend remembered at Grammys"](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/26/grammys-2020-kobe-bryant-remembered-at-grammy-performers.html). CNBC. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
531. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-541)**
Vanderhoof, Erin (January 26, 2020). ["Grammys 2020: Lil Nas X, DJ Khaled, the Jonas Brothers, and More Pay Tribute to Kobe Bryant"](https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/01/grammy-awards-tribute-to-kobe-bryant). *Vanity Fair*. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
532. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-542)**
["Grammys 2020: Billie Eilish's triumph overshadowed but well-deserved"](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jan/27/2020-grammys-billie-eilish-recording-academy). *The Guardian*. January 27, 2020. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
533. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-543)**
["Kobe Bryant remembered at Oscars ceremony"](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/feb/10/kobe-bryant-remembered-at-oscars-ceremony). *The Guardian*. February 10, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
534. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-544)**
Lavin, Will (August 31, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant fans upset he wasn't included in 2020 MTV VMAs 'in memoriam' segment"](https://www.nme.com/news/music/kobe-bryant-fans-upset-he-wasnt-included-in-2020-mtv-vmas-in-memoriam-segment-2741860). *NME*. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
535. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-545)**
Tailor, Leena (August 30, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant Fans Outraged at His Absence From 2020 MTV VMAs Tribute"](https://www.etonline.com/kobe-bryant-fans-outraged-at-his-absence-from-2020-mtv-vmas-in-memoriam-segment-152245). *Entertainment Tonight*. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
536. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-546)**
Nugent, Annabel (September 21, 2020). ["Fans shocked as Kobe Bryant and Nick Cordero excluded from Emmys 'In Memoriam' tribute"](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/emmys-2020-kobe-bryant-memoriam-nick-cordero-kelly-preston-chi-chi-de-vayne-b512177.html). *The Independent*. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
537. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-547)**
Shewfelt, Raechal (September 21, 2020). ["Chadwick Boseman and Naya Rivera among those honoured during Emmys 'in memoriam' segment"](https://news.yahoo.com/emmys-in-memoriam-chadwick-boseman-naya-rivera-104619027.html). *Yahoo! News*. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
538. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-548)**
Newby, John (August 29, 2020). ["Chadwick Boseman's Passing Has Fans Mourning His and Kobe Bryant's Deaths"](https://popculture.com/sports/news/chadwick-bosemans-passing-fans-mourning-kobe-bryant/). *Pop Culture*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200831012116/https://popculture.com/sports/news/chadwick-bosemans-passing-fans-mourning-kobe-bryant/) from the original on August 31, 2020. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
539. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-549)**
["Famosos lamentam morte de Chadwick Boseman, o 'Pantera Negra', aos 42 anos"](https://www.terra.com.br/diversao/gente/purepeople/famosos-lamentam-morte-de-chadwick-boseman-o-pantera-negra-aos-42-anos,b3927c057d6e0eb0a8735580ed04b3dfw9r2kiaf.html). *Terra* (in Brazilian Portuguese). August 29, 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200831012118/https://www.terra.com.br/diversao/gente/purepeople/famosos-lamentam-morte-de-chadwick-boseman-o-pantera-negra-aos-42-anos,b3927c057d6e0eb0a8735580ed04b3dfw9r2kiaf.html) from the original on August 31, 2020. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
540. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-550)**
Mendoza Daza, Javier (August 30, 2020). ["Adiós a Chadwick Boseman, Wakanda se viste de luto"](https://www.elheraldo.co/famosos/adios-chadwick-boseman-wakanda-se-viste-de-luto-754572). *EL HERALDO* (in Spanish). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200831012122/https://www.elheraldo.co/famosos/adios-chadwick-boseman-wakanda-se-viste-de-luto-754572) from the original on August 31, 2020. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
541. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-551)**
Egedegbe, Gracious (August 31, 2020). ["Chadwick Boseman Married His Longtime Love before His Death, His Family Reveals"](https://news.amomama.com/225848-chadwick-boseman-married-his-longtime-lo.html). *Amo Mama*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200906191851/https://news.amomama.com/225848-chadwick-boseman-married-his-longtime-lo.html) from the original on September 6, 2020. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
542. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-552)**
Sung, Morgan (September 19, 2020). ["Honestly, I'm just tired"](https://mashable.com/article/honestly-im-tired-hell-zone/). *Mashable*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201120000735/https://mashable.com/article/honestly-im-tired-hell-zone/) from the original on November 20, 2020. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
543. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-553)**
["Chadwick Boseman, Naya Rivera, Alex Trebek and more celebs we lost in 2020"](https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/celebrity-deaths-2020-stars-weve-lost-182526735.html). *Yahoo*. December 15, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
544. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-554)**
Gibson, Kelsie (December 23, 2020). ["All the Celebrities We've Said Farewell to in 2020"](https://www.popsugar.co.uk/celebrity/celebrities-who-died-in-2020-47085916). *POPSUGAR Celebrity UK*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201023112104/https://www.popsugar.co.uk/celebrity/celebrities-who-died-in-2020-47085916) from the original on October 23, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
545. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-555)**
["Celebrity Deaths in 2020: Stars We've Lost"](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/celebrity-deaths-in-2020-stars-weve-lost/). *Us Weekly*. January 1, 2021. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201211031848/https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/celebrity-deaths-in-2020-stars-weve-lost/) from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
546. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-556)**
["Famosos que fallecieron en 2020 dejando al mundo de luto"](https://www.telemundo.com/entretenimiento/latinx-now-espanol/famosos/famosos-que-fallecieron-en-2020-dejando-al-mundo-entero-de-luto-tmna3851109). *TELEMUNDO* (in Spanish). December 3, 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201205193619/https://www.telemundo.com/entretenimiento/latinx-now-espanol/famosos/famosos-que-fallecieron-en-2020-dejando-al-mundo-entero-de-luto-tmna3851109) from the original on December 5, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
547. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-557)**
Spangler, Todd (December 9, 2020). ["Google Top Trending Searches 2020: Kobe Bryant, Naya Rivera, Chadwick Boseman Among Most Popular Queries"](https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/google-top-trending-2020-searches-1234849323/). *Variety*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201209120158/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/google-top-trending-2020-searches-1234849323/) from the original on December 9, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
548. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-559)**
DiRocco, Michael (January 26, 2020). ["Pro Bowl becomes tribute to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant"](https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/305565/pro-bowl-becomes-tribute-to-lakers-legend-kobe-bryant). *ESPN.com*. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
549. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-560)**
Archived at [Ghostarchive](https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/4aY3CnaNY6k) and the [Wayback Machine](https://web.archive.org/web/20200128033638/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aY3CnaNY6k):
["The NFL Pays Respects to Fallen Legend Kobe Bryant"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aY3CnaNY6k). *YouTube.com*. NFL. January 26, 2020. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
550. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-561)**
Hays, Graham (April 17, 2020). ["Gianna among 3 named honorary WNBA picks"](https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/29050684/gianna-bryant-alyssa-altobelli-payton-chester-honorary-picks-wnba-draft). *ESPN.com*. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
551. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-562)**
Amatulli, Jenna (October 13, 2020). ["Snoop Dogg Honors Kobe Bryant, Lakers With Massive Arm Tattoo"](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/snoop-dogg-kobe-bryant-tribute-tattoo_n_5f85e128c5b6c4bb54706254). *Huffington Post*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230412023632/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/snoop-dogg-kobe-bryant-tribute-tattoo_n_5f85e128c5b6c4bb54706254) from the original on April 12, 2023. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
552. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-563)**
Aschburner, Steve (May 15, 2021). ["Long-delayed Hall of Fame Class of 2020 ceremony finally arrives"](https://www.nba.com/news/long-delayed-hall-of-fame-class-of-2020-ceremony-finally-on-the-cusp). *NBA.com*. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
553. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-keh_11292015_564-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-keh_11292015_564-1)
Keh, Andrew (November 29, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant Announces Retirement"](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/30/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-announces-retirement.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=1). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210308211805/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/30/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-announces-retirement.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=1) from the original on March 8, 2021.
554. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-565)**
Kar, Meena (February 15, 2010). ["Kobe Bryant Elected As The NBA Player Of The Decade"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100609142228/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sports/kobe-bryant-elected-as-the-nba-player-of-the-decade_100320608.html). Thaindian.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sports/kobe-bryant-elected-as-the-nba-player-of-the-decade_100320608.html) on June 9, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
555. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-566)**
["Sporting News' NBA Athlete of the Decade: Kobe Bryant, SG, Lakers"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100412122936/http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/article/2009-09-24/sporting-news-nba-athlete-decade-kobe-bryant-sg-lakers). *Sporting News*. Archived from [the original](http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/article/2009-09-24/sporting-news-nba-athlete-decade-kobe-bryant-sg-lakers) on April 12, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
556. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-ESPN_567-0)**
["Special Dime: Greatest shooting guards of all time"](https://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-GreatestSGs). ESPN. March 11, 2008. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
557. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-568)**
Amick, Sam (February 7, 2022). ["NBA 75: At No. 10, Kobe Bryant let his work ethic and devotion to the game define his iconic career with Lakers"](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3111712/2022/02/07/nba-75-at-no-10-kobe-bryant-let-his-work-ethic-and-devotion-to-the-game-define-his-iconic-career-with-lakers/). *The New York Times*. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
558. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-569)**
Young, Royce (December 1, 2015). ["Kevin Durant frustrated by media's handling of Kobe Bryant"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14261276/kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-discusses-idolizing-treatment-retiring-kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160201025607/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14261276/kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-discusses-idolizing-treatment-retiring-kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers) from the original on February 1, 2016.
559. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-570)**
Holmes, Baxter (January 27, 2016). ["Kobe will miss talking trash with Dirk Nowitzki"](https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/42641/kobe-bryant-recalls-18-seasons-of-facing-dirk-nowitzki). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160129182958/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/42641/kobe-bryant-recalls-18-seasons-of-facing-dirk-nowitzki) from the original on January 29, 2016.
560. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-571)**
Friedell, Nick (January 28, 2016). ["Rose: Kobe is the Jordan of our generation"](https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/bulls/post/_/id/22848/derrick-rose-kobe-is-the-jordan-of-our-generation). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160130085121/http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bulls/post/_/id/22848/rose-kobe-is-the-jordan-of-our-generation) from the original on January 30, 2016.
561. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-572)**
Hoffman, Benjamin (November 15, 2014). ["To the End, Kobe Bryant Is a Shooting Guard, Hot or Cold"](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/16/sports/basketball/to-the-end-kobe-bryant-is-a-shooting-guard-hot-or-cold.html?_r=0). *[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141121164316/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/16/sports/basketball/to-the-end-kobe-bryant-is-a-shooting-guard-hot-or-cold.html?_r=0) from the original on November 21, 2014.
562. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-573)**
Woike, Dan (November 29, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant announces plans to retire following this season"](https://www.pe.com/2015/11/29/lakers-kobe-bryant-announces-plans-to-retire-following-this-season/). *The Press-Enterprise*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151201022329/http://www.pe.com/articles/season-787798-bryant-retire.html) from the original on December 1, 2015.
563. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_11292015_574-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_11292015_574-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_11292015_574-2)
["Top stats to know: Kobe Bryant's statistical legacy"](https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/112016/top-stats-to-know-kobe-bryants-statistical-legacy). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. November 29, 2015. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151201032946/http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/112016/top-stats-to-know-kobe-bryants-statistical-legacy) from the original on December 1, 2015.
564. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-575)**
Arnovitz, Kevin (December 19, 2017). ["Kobe Bryant has numbers 8 and 24 retired by the Lakers"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/21811693/nba-kobe-bryant-gets-8-24-retired-close-warriors-lakers-matchup). *ESPN*. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
565. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-576)**
Ganguli, Tania (February 14, 2020). ["Kobe Bryant leads Hall of Fame finalists during somber day"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2020-02-14/kobe-bryant-leads-hall-of-fame-finalist-list-for-2020). *Los Angeles Times*. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
566. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-577)**
Woike, Dan (April 4, 2020). ["Lakers legend Kobe Bryant to be inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2020-04-04/lakers-legend-kobe-bryant-officially-2020-basketball-hall-of-fame-class). *Los Angeles Times*. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
567. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-578)**
["Kobe Bryant inducted posthumously into Basketball Hall of Fame"](https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210516-kobe-bryant-inducted-posthumously-into-basketball-hall-of-fame). *France24.com*. AFP. May 16, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2021.
568. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-579)**
["NBA 75th Anniversary Team announced"](https://www.nba.com/news/nba-75th-anniversary-team-announced). *[NBA.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA.com "NBA.com")*. October 21, 2021.
569. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-580)**
["NBA Honors 75th Anniversary Team With Touching Ceremony at 2022 All-Star Game"](https://www.si.com/nba/2022/02/21/nba-75th-anniversary-team-2022-all-star-game). *Sports Illustrated*.
570. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-hh_581-0)** HoopsHype.com. [NBA Players – Kobe Bryant](http://hoopshype.com/players/kobe_bryant.htm). Accessed May 8, 2007
571. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-582)**
Turner, Broderick (May 15, 2021). ["Magic Johnson: Young Kobe Bryant showed maturity during failure"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2021-05-15/kobe-bryant-hall-of-fame-magic-johnson). *Los Angeles Times*. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
572. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-LeBron_passes_Kobe_583-0)**
["LeBron James Surpasses Kobe Bryant in NBA's All-Time Scoring List"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/basketball/51254093). BBC. January 26, 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126070302/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/basketball/51254093) from the original on January 26, 2020. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
573. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-holmes_11302014_585-0)**
Holmes, Baxter (November 30, 2014). ["Kobe gets milestone on 6,000th assist"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11961944/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-becomes-first-player-nba-history-30000-points-6000-assists). ESPN. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
574. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-586)**
Holmes, Baxter (November 30, 2015). ["Kobe Bryant says he knew from onset that 2015–16 would be final season"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14257274/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-says-knew-2015-16-final-season). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151204135106/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14257274/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-says-knew-2015-16-final-season) from the original on December 4, 2015.
575. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-tor_587-0)**
["Kobe's 81-point game second only to Wilt"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170418161909/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260122013). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. January 12, 2006. Archived from [the original](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260122013) on April 18, 2017. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
576. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-martin_11292015_588-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-martin_11292015_588-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-martin_11292015_588-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-martin_11292015_588-3)
Martin, Brian (November 29, 2015). ["KOBE BY THE NUMBERS"](http://stats.nba.com/featured/kobe_by_the_numbers_2015_11_29.html). *NBA.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151203020100/http://stats.nba.com/featured/kobe_by_the_numbers_2015_11_29.html) from the original on December 3, 2015.
577. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-Kobe_MVP_590-0)**
["Kobe Bryant Wins Most Valuable Player Award"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100901171948/http://www.nba.com/news/kobe_mvp_080506.html). *NBA.com*. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. May 6, 2008. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com//news/kobe_mvp_080506.html) on September 1, 2010. Retrieved May 6, 2008.
578. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-RedeemTeambySheridan_591-0)**
Sheridan, Chris (August 25, 2008). ["Redeem Team proves worthy of Dream Team comparison"](https://www.espn.com/olympics/summer08/basketball/columns/story?columnist=sheridan_chris&page=DreamRedeem-080825). ESPN. Retrieved December 6, 2008.
579. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_01212016_592-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_01212016_592-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-espn_01212016_592-2)
Holmes, Baxter; Coon, Larry (January 21, 2016). ["Kobe Bryant top vote-getter for 18th and final All-Star Game"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14622192/top-vote-getter-kobe-bryant-gets-start-final-all-star-game). ESPN. Associated Press. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160122053006/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14622192/top-vote-getter-kobe-bryant-gets-start-final-all-star-game) from the original on January 22, 2016.
580. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-593)**
["All-Time \#NBArank: Players 11–15"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarank160205/all-nbarank-11-15). *[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN "ESPN")*. February 10, 2016. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160211141003/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarank160205/all-nbarank-11-15) from the original on February 11, 2016.
581. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-594)**
Trudell, Mike (May 23, 2013). ["Kobe Named All-NBA First Team ... Again"](http://blog.lakers.com/lakers/2013/05/23/kobe-named-all-nba-first-team-again/). *Lakers.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130607092459/http://blog.lakers.com/lakers/2013/05/23/kobe-named-all-nba-first-team-again/) from the original on June 7, 2013.
582. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-bryanko01_595-0)**
["Kobe Bryant"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120501221509/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html). *basketball-reference.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html) on May 1, 2012. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
583. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-596)**
Helin, Kurt (September 21, 2020). ["Anthony Davis yelled 'Kobe' after he sank game winner"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200924010422/https://sports.yahoo.com/anthony-davis-yelled-kobe-sank-120027067.html). *Yahoo! Sports*. Archived from [the original](https://sports.yahoo.com/anthony-davis-yelled-kobe-sank-120027067.html) on September 24, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
584. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-q916_597-0)**
Baer, Jack (October 7, 2020). ["Lakers switch to Kobe Bryant-designed 'Black Mamba' jerseys for potential NBA Finals finisher"](https://sports.yahoo.com/lakers-switch-kobe-bryant-black-mamba-jerseys-nba-finals-222706761.html). *Yahoo! Sports*. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
585. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-598)**
["Statue of Kobe, daughter placed at site of crash"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33154467/statue-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-placed-crash-site-2-year-anniversary-deaths). *ESPN.com*. Associated Press. January 27, 2022. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
586. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-599)**
["NBA unveils reimagined Kobe Bryant Trophy for Kia All-Star Game MVP"](https://www.nba.com/news/new-nba-all-star-trophies). *NBA.com*. February 3, 2022. Retrieved February 20, 2022.
587. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-600)**
["Lakers to unveil Kobe Bryant statue in 2024"](https://www.nba.com/news/lakers-to-unveil-kobe-bryant-statue-2024). *NBA.com*. August 25, 2023. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
588. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-601)**
[Plaschke, Bill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Plaschke "Bill Plaschke") (February 9, 2024). ["Plaschke: Kobe Bryant statue a perfect portrayal of Lakers legend's inclusiveness and defiance"](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2024-02-08/kobe-bryant-statue-unveiling-plaschke). *Los Angeles Times*. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
589. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-602)**
Haring, Bruce (August 2, 2024). ["Kobe And Gianna Bryant Statue Joins Pantheon Of Lakers Greats Outside Crypto.com Arena"](https://deadline.com/2024/08/kobe-gianna-bryant-statue-crypto-com-arena-1236030620/). *Deadline*. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
590. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-603)**
Nettuno, Tyler (August 2, 2024). ["See the beautiful Kobe and Gigi Bryant statue the Lakers unveiled outside their arena"](https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2024/08/02/lakers-unveil-beautiful-kobe-gigi-bryant-statue-outside-arena/74653542007/). *For The Win*. USA Today. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
591. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#cite_ref-604)**
McMenamin, Dave (August 2, 2024). ["Statue of Kobe with Gigi unveiled in Los Angeles"](https://www.espn.com.au/nba/story/_/id/40699837/sources-2nd-kobe-bryant-statue-unveiled-lakers-arena). *ESPN.com*. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
Further reading
- McGrath, Ben (March 31, 2014). ["The fourth quarter : Kobe Bryant confronts a long—and possibly painful—goodbye"](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/03/31/the-fourth-quarter). The Sporting Scene. *The New Yorker*. Vol. 90, no. 6. pp. 38–49. Retrieved May 16, 2018.
External links
- Career statistics from [NBA.com](https://stats.nba.com/player/977/) · [Basketball Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html)
- [Official website](http://kobebryant.com/) [](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25369#P856 "Edit this at Wikidata")
- [Kobe Bryant](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1101483/) at [IMDb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMDb_\(identifier\) "IMDb (identifier)") |
| Shard | 152 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 17790707453426894952 |
| Unparsed URL | org,wikipedia!en,/wiki/Kobe_Bryant s443 |