Kobe Bean Bryant: Basketball
Kobe Bryant (born August 23, 1978, died January 26, 2020) was an American professional basketball player, playing 20 seasons in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Bryant entered the NBA directly from high school, and after a very successful 20 seasons, all with the LA Lakers, he retired in 2016. He died in a helicopter crash in 2020 at the age of 41.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
Bryant was the first guard to play 20 seasons. In his illustrious career, he won five NBA championships. Bryant was an 18-time All-Star, 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team, twice NBA Finals MVP (2009, 2010) and the 2008 NBA MVP. He led the NBA in scoring during two seasons, ranks fourth on the league's all-time regular season scoring, and ranks fourth on the all-time postseason scoring list.
On Jan 22nd 2006, Bryant put on his superhuman mask and torched the Toronto Raptors scoring 81 points. Though billed as the second highest score in a match after Wilt's 100, most ardent basketball fans consider this as the greatest game ever by a single player.
Why Was He So Good?
Not only was Bryant a standout player, the way he played the game was an inspiration to people around the world.
What You May Not Know
- His parents named him after the famous beef of Kobe, Japan, which they saw on a restaurant menu.
- He was the son of former NBA player Joe Bryant, and spent much of his childhood in Italy where his father played after his NBA career.
- His nickname was the black mamba.
Related Pages
- More basketball player profiles
- Athlete Database home
- About the sport of Basketball
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
Upcoming Events