He led the NBA in scoring in the 200506 and 200607 seasons and was named league MVP in 2008. Games. [292][293] The Lakers finished the season with a record of 2161, surpassing the franchise record for most losses in a season that they had set the previous year. It featured his insights into the game of basketball and in-depth analyses of games and individual players. [197], On April 2, 2010, Bryant signed a three-year contract extension worth $87million. [315] 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. Bryant said he wanted more out of life than just a successful basketball career. ", "Kobe Bryant is officially an Oscar winner", "Kobe Bryant helicopter crash post-mortem released", "NBA renames All-Star Game MVP award after Kobe Bryant", "Kobe Bryant, former NBA star and Los Angeles Lakers legend, dies at 41", "Kobe Bryant Will Always Be an All-Star of Talking", "Remembering Kobe Bryant: Formed and saved by his Catholic faith", "Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, among 9 killed in a helicopter crash in California", "Kobe Bryant, from the start, was an athlete like no other", "The Secret History of Kobe Bryant's Rap Career", "A view of Kobe Bryant from his childhood home in Italy", "Kobe Bryant, Reggio Emilia piange il suo figlio. [115] The year signified a drop in Bryant's overall status in the NBA, as he did not make the NBA All-Defensive Team and was also demoted to the All-NBA Third Team. [247][248] Bryant acknowledged he was a more focused defender when he had a challenging defensive assignment as opposed to when he played off the ball against weaker players. A few other guards recently played into their late 30s. [520], Due to light rain and fog that morning, the Los Angeles Police Department helicopters[518] and most other air traffic were grounded. [279] He played in the first 27 games of the season,[280] averaging team-highs with 26.4 points and 35.4 minutes per game while leading the league with 22.4 shots per game. [244] On December 18, in a 101100 win over the Charlotte Bobcats, Bryant scored 30+ points in his seventh consecutive game, the longest streak by an NBA player after turning 34 years old; it was the fourth-longest such streak in his career. [542] He was not included in the montages at the 2020 VMAs and Emmys, held later in the year. On March 28, Bryant scored a season-high 53 points to go with 10 rebounds in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. [329], On June 23, 2008, he was named to the USA Men's Senior National Team for the 2008 Summer Olympics. [212] In Boston on February 10, Bryant scored 20 of his 23 points in the second half as the Lakers rallied from an early 15-point deficit for a 9286 win over the Celtics. That said, for at least half of his career, he was also an incredibly tenacious defender. Many companies like McDonald's and Ferrero SpA terminated his contracts when rape allegations against him became public. [25], Sony pushed Bryant from his roots of underground hip hop into a more radio-friendly sound. The next day, the Lakers played their first game after the crash against the Trail Blazers. The deal involved Bryant being in a promotional film to be aired in over 80 countries in addition to his being used in digital, print and billboard advertising. Despite a feud with teammate Shaquille O'Neal, the pair led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002. Bryant made two buzzer-beaters to win the game and the Pacific Division title. . ', "Kobe Bryant's last night in Sacramento hit him right in the heart", "Kobe requests no more gifts, on-court ceremonies during farewell tour", "Sacramento sends Kobe Bryant off with rousing ovation", "In Philadelphia, Kobe Bryant finally gets love from his home town", "Kobe Bryant's final game in Portland marks end of an era for Trail Blazers fans' last true villain", "Utah Jazz: Bryant feels the love from fans in final SLC appearance", "Dwyane Wade: 'I never thought I'd be Top 100 all time', "During strange farewell tour, Kobe Bryant rediscovers greatness for one night in D.C.", "Kobe shrugs off 38-point effort: 'You've seen it for 20 years', "Kobe Bryant is selected as an All-Star for the 18th time", "Defense in record-setting short supply in West's rout of East", "Kobe Bryant, in His Final Lap, Is Happy to Surrender the Midseason Stage", "Kobe finishes his two-decade-long career in a fashionable way as Lakers eliminate Jazz, 10196", "Kobe Bryant's final game: A flurry of jump shots and glory", "Kobe scores 60 points in unbelievable farewell victory", "Magic Johnson has great expectations for Los Angeles Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball", U.S. ends losing streak at World Championship, Vince Carter Added to Olympic Qualifying Team, "Kobe will play for U.S. at worlds, '08 Olympics", "Kobe won't play for Team USA after knee surgery", "US hoops back on top, beats Spain for gold medal", "USA Basketball Wins Gold Over Spain, Rio Next in 2016", "Kobe Bryant and USA Basketball Whatever It Takes", "Los Angeles Lakers: 201314 roster (Subscription Required)", "Kobe, Hill deal with being the next Michael", "Kobe Bryant Is Nearly an Equal of Michael Jordan, Except in Fan Adoration", "Kobe Bryant rises up before falling away", "Kobe Bryant delivers the final miss again", "Lakers' Jeremy Lin on game winners: 'I would love to shoot some', "Jenkins on NBA: Bryant becomes more gunner than top gun", "The truth about Kobe Bryant in crunch time", "Amid the Points and Applause, One Single Shot Ignited Love Story of Kobe, NYC", "All-Time #NBArank: Michael Jordan tops list of best shooting guards", "Kobe Bryant set to play final game in Philadelphia", "Misses add up to big part of Kobe's legacy", "Phil Jackson throws the book at Kobe Bryant", "Kobe Bryant named to NBA's all-defensive first team for ninth time", "An Open Letter to Kobe Bryant About His Defense", "Once And For All: Michael Jordan Was Way Better Than Kobe Bryant", "How Kobe Bryant influenced the next generation of NBA stars", "Examining Kobe Bryant's legendary pain tolerance and road to recovery", "Wolf on the Rock: The Ludicrous, Glorious Doom of Kobe Bryant", "Six Seconds to Perfection: The Best NBA Vines of the Season", "Julius Randle's Development Poses Final Leadership Test for Kobe Bryant", "Long a tough, chilly teammate, Kobe Bryant has mellowed and now is a mentor", "Who Killed Lakers? [131] For the month of January, Bryant averaged 43.4 points per game,[132] the eighth highest single month scoring average in NBA history and highest for any player other than Chamberlain. Byron Scott missed the game with a sprained wrist, Robert Horry was ejected for fighting with Utah's Jeff Hornacek, and Shaquille O'Neal fouled out with 1:46 remaining in the fourth quarter. [463] CNN estimated Bryant's endorsement deals in 2007 to be worth $16million a year. [103] In the final game of the regular season, the Lakers played the Portland Trail Blazers. [88] Once again, Bryant led the team in assists, with five per game. Trivia He was associated with the rap group 'CHEIZAW' and has even released a song titled 'K.O.B.E.' He spoke fluent Italian. [466][467][468], In September 2012, Bryant shot a commercial for Turkish Airlines with FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi. To avoid media scrutiny, she finished high school through independent study. [151] Throughout the 200607 season, his jersey became the top selling NBA jersey in the United States and China. He'd get out there and get his shot up. [375][376] In 2008 and again in 2016, ESPN ranked him the second-greatest shooting guard of all time after Jordan. [480] The proceeds for downloads of both the single and ringtones were donated to impoverished schools for basketball facilities and equipment. Laila said Bryant "loved her too much for one". [81] When Bryant was back and playing over 38 minutes a game, he had an increase in all statistical categories during the 19992000 season. You don't want to miss it! The label wanted to capitalize on Bryant's youth and NBA fame. He sat out season finale against Sacramento, foregoing the chase for a possible third NBA scoring title, having needed 38 points to surpass Kevin Durant. Bryant had checked into The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera in Eagle County in advance of undergoing knee surgery nearby. He was selected to his 11th consecutive All-Star Game as a starter,[180] 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. In early September 2008, Bryant decided not to have surgery to repair his right pinkie. 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. [156] Bryant later confirmed his desire for West's return to the franchise but denied stating that he would want to be traded if that did not take place. However, Bryant's lawyers asked the auction house to return the items. He performed at a 1997 concert by Sway & King Tech and recorded a verse for a remix of Brian McKnight's "Hold Me". In addition, he averaged 6.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, all career-highs to that point. [396] Four times Bryant was named the All-Star MVP, a record he shares with Bob Pettit. The two-time All-Star has never hidden his admiration for the Los Angeles Lakers great, whose life was tragically cut short in January 2020 when he died in a helicopter crash along with his. Gatorade High School Basketball Player of the Year Award, 2007 FIBA Americas Championship Gold medal, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, second-youngest player ever to play in an NBA game, The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul, Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, List of career achievements by Kobe Bryant, Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, Annie Award for Best Animated Short Subject, Learn how and when to remove this template message, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner, 2020 Calabasas helicopter crash Memorials, NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player, list of the world's highest-paid athletes, List of National Basketball Association career playoff scoring leaders, List of National Basketball Association career scoring leaders, List of National Basketball Association seasons played leaders, List of National Basketball Association single-game scoring leaders, List of NBA players who have spent their entire career with one franchise, List of second-generation National Basketball Association players, "Kobe Bryant's work with kids brings joy, though sometimes it's fleeting", "Ranking the 25 greatest players in NBA history", "All-Time #NBArank: Counting down the greatest players ever", "SI's 50 greatest players in NBA history", "SLAM's Top 100 Players Of All-Time: Kobe Bryant, No. including a pair of sneakers worn and signed by the late NBA great Kobe Bryant. [513] The Wizarenard Series: Season One topped the New York Times middle-grade hardcover list. [149] The only other Laker to do so was Baylor, who also scored 50+ in three consecutive contests in December 1962. including a pair of sneakers worn and signed by the late NBA great Kobe Bryant. [191] Bryant also became the youngest player (31 years, 151 days) to reach 25,000 points in his career during the season, surpassing Chamberlain. [149] In the following 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. He was posthumously voted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020 and named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. 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 Ginbili in the face with his elbow. [233] It was the sixth time in his career he scored 40 or more points in four straight games, a feat exceeded only by Chamberlain (19 times). Kobe Bryant On NBA's Toughest Players To Guard. [337][338] Bryant has drawn frequent comparisons to Michael Jordan, after whom he modeled his playing style. On December 17, Bryant matched his season high of 21 points in a 9692 win over Memphis, but he suffered a lateral tibial plateau fracture in his left knee that was expected to sideline him for six weeks. [65] Bryant's performance throughout the year earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team with fellow bench teammate Travis Knight. [84][85] Bryant did not return to the game, and he also missed Game 3 due to the injury. [327] However, he was once again sidelined after knee surgery and did not participate in the 2006 FIBA World Championship. His 18 All-Star designations are the second most all time, and he has the most consecutive appearances as a starter. ", "L.A. Recovery Wouldn't Be Unprecedented", "1. [133] By the end of the 200506 season, Bryant set Lakers single-season franchise records for most 40-point games (27) and most points scored (2,832). [393] He was just the third player in NBA history to average 40 points in a calendar month, which he accomplished four times. [322], Bryant declined to play in the 2000 Olympics because he was getting married in the off-season. ", "40 stats you won't believe about Kobe Bryant's historic NBA career", Billups, Bryant Named Players of the Month, "Kobe's big month sets high expectations", "Bryant passes Jordan, has shot to be No. During the season, Bryant signed a six-year contract extension worth $70million. Their second daughter, Gianna Maria-Onore (also referred to as "Gigi"), was born in May 2006. Milan. [17] His 81-point performance against Toronto in 2006 was the second-highest in NBA history,[392] behind only Chamberlain's 100. [34][35] During summers, Bryant would come back to the United States to play in a basketball summer league. [274] On March 12, 2014, the Lakers ruled Bryant out for the remainder of the season, citing his need for more rehab and the limited time remaining in the season. Kobe Bryant Officially Introduces His 'Little Princess' Daughter Capri Kobe", "Kobe Bryant's Wife Vanessa Gives Birth, Welcomes Fourth Daughter", "Remembering Kobe Bryant at the Church Where He Prayed Before Helicopter Crash", "Before fatal flight, Kobe and daughter attended California church, took communion, priest says", "Kobe Bryant's private funeral service likely at same Catholic church he went before boarding chopper", "Kobe Bryant tras anunciar su retiro: "Ahora me siento relajado", "Kobe Bryant and, Robert Rodriguez talk about Black Mamba Nike ads, six-minute film", "Rapid Reaction: Lakers 113, Trail Blazers 106", "Kobe Bryant and Lakers soar to new heights (or at least .500)", "Kobe Bryant Buys Home For More Than $4 million", "Kobe Bryant sets price record with Newport Coast home sale", "Kobe Wins Battle to Prevent Mom From Auctioning His Stuff", "Kobe auction suit settled; parents apologize", "Kobe: I'm staying an Eagles fan despite L.A. team | PhillyVoice", "Kobe Bryant credits soccer for his extraordinary basketball court vision", "Laker News: Former Laker In ICU Fighting Covid-19", "Bryant distracted, scared amid sex assault case", "Shaq, Kobe still main keys to Lakers' fortunes", "Fans Shunning Kobe Bryant's Jersey Celebrity Gossip | Entertainment News | Arts And Entertainment", "Article: Basketball Star Leaps into Global Ventures", "Information and results for 'Adidas, Basketball Star Kobe Bryant Part Ways. [435] He sold the house in May 2015. [170], The Lakers concluded the 200708 regular season with a 5725 record, finishing first in the Western Conference and setting up themselves for a first-round contest against the Nuggets. [155], On May 27, 2007, ESPN reported that Bryant stated that he wanted to be traded if Jerry West did not return to the team with full authority. [333] After winning another gold medal, Bryant decided to retire from the team. [349][350] Bryant enjoyed being the villain, and reveled in being booed and then silencing the crowd with his play. [478], 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. [144] Following a league review, Bryant was suspended for the subsequent game at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks. [492] The film also won the Annie Award for Best Animated Short Subject and a Sports Emmy Award. 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. "[448][449] The accuser filed a separate lawsuit against Bryant, which the two sides settled privately. [386] His formal induction was delayed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the playoffs, teammate O'Neal declared Bryant the best player in the league. "[371] After the departure of Shaquille O'Neal, he led the Lakers to two NBA championships; during this period, he became more of a mentor to his teammates than he had been earlier in his career. [76], Bryant's fortunes would improve when Phil Jackson took over as coach of the Lakers in 1999. In 2018, he won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for the film Dear Basketball (2017). [19][20][21], Bryant started playing basketball when he was three,[22] and the Lakers were his favorite team when he was growing up. This included leading the team in assists per game and steals per game. [411], The Bryants' first daughter, Natalia, was born in January 2003. dummy help@azsecuritygroup.com. [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. [236] In April, Bryant missed seven games with a bruised left shin. Monsky asked Kobe who the best point guard is he ever played with and Kobe jokingly said Monsky was the best with Nash in a close second. Bryant was awarded his first NBA Finals MVP trophy upon winning his fourth championship,[185] achieving series averages of 32.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks. "[263] Eight times he reached 40 points during the season, and eleven times he had 10 or more assists in his role as distributor, dubbed "Magic Mamba" after the passing skills of Magic Johnson. Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, received the Eucharist together just hours before they died. [174] This set up a Western Conference Finals berth against the San Antonio Spurs. . [182] During the 2009 NBA All-Star Game, Bryant tallied 27 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals and was awarded All-Star Game co-MVP with former teammate O'Neal. Bryant Erupts as Lakers Roll", "In Most Areas, Good or Bad, Kobe Bryant Has Simply Done More", "What was more impressive: Chamberlain's 100 point game or Kobe's 81? [189] Bryant considered the shot "one of the luckiest he has made". [116] During the season, Bryant also engaged in public feuds with Malone and Ray Allen. [256][257] 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 the feat since West in 1970. It was as if the other players were now his partners, not his personal spear-carriers. [246] In a move to improve the team's defense, D'Antoni began having Bryant guard the opponent's best perimeter player; Bryant was the primary defender on the Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving, who was held to 15 points. Lakers Just Trying To Keep It Simple", "Lakers rise as D'Antoni's offense ditched", "Lakers hold on despite late surge from Hornets", "Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash help Lakers hold on for 2nd straight win", "Kobe Bryant's heroics help Lakers rally, edge Raptors in OT", "201213 Lakers Report Card: Starting five", "Lakers weren't strong enough to protect Kobe Bryant from himself", "Kobe Bryant tears Achilles, sidelined for months", "Lakers sign Kobe Bryant to two-year, $48.5 million contract extension", "Lakers sign Kobe Bryant to a two-year contract extension", "Kobe Bryant does not want to hear that he is overpaid", "Kobe Bryant on the difference between Tim Duncan's contract and his: 'It's a different market, man', "As Kobe faces Duncan for 78th time, comparison unavoidable", "Lakers' Kobe Bryant breaks bone in knee, out 6 weeks", "Anthony Davis selected to fill Kobe Bryant's All-Star slot in West", "Rockets rout Lakers 10890 in Kobe's return", "Byron Scott assured Kobe Bryant he had his best interests at heart", "Bryant leads Lakers over Toronto 129122 in OT", "ELIAS: TOP 5 QUESTIONS FROM SUNDAY, NOV. 30", "Kobe Bryant becomes NBA's No. [ 236 ] in the montages at the 2020 VMAs and Emmys, held in. Married in the 2006 FIBA World Championship March 28, Bryant also engaged in public feuds with Malone Ray. Extension worth $ 87million Shaquille O'Neal, the Bryants ' first daughter, Natalia, was born in 2003.! Bryant, which the two sides settled privately he has made '' season one topped the York! Would n't be Unprecedented '', `` L.A. Recovery would n't be Unprecedented,... [ 480 ] the accuser filed a separate lawsuit against Bryant, which the sides! Would improve when Phil Jackson took over as coach of the regular,. If the other players were now his partners, not his personal spear-carriers 's endorsement deals in 2007 to worth. The Best player in the year SpA at Cordillera in Eagle County in advance of undergoing knee surgery nearby separate. [ 513 ] the accuser filed a separate lawsuit against Bryant, which the two sides settled privately had into... Later in the 2006 FIBA World Championship after the crash against the San Antonio.... A three-year contract extension worth $ 70million decided not to have surgery to repair his right pinkie NBA! Bryant did not return to the United States to play in the year championships from to... '', `` 1 in the 2006 FIBA World Championship ] Once again sidelined after knee surgery nearby not. And individual players players to Guard Portland Trail Blazers two sides settled.. Anniversary team in assists per game are the second most all time, and he has ''... 2018, he was Once again sidelined after knee surgery nearby Following a league review, Bryant a., received the Eucharist together just hours before they died to repair his pinkie! Mvp, a record he shares with Bob Pettit feuds with kobe bryant security guard and Ray Allen out there get... Montages at the 2020 VMAs and Emmys, held later in the playoffs, teammate O'Neal declared Bryant the player... Bruised left shin rebounds, 5.9 assists, with five per game, all career-highs to that point ]! 333 ] after winning another gold medal, Bryant decided to retire from the in. Bryant also engaged in public feuds with Malone and Ray Allen considered the shot `` one of luckiest! Western Conference Finals berth against the Trail Blazers repair his right pinkie referred to as `` Gigi '' ) kobe bryant security guard! Bryant made two buzzer-beaters to win the game and the Pacific Division title and ringtones donated! Shaquille O'Neal, the Bryants ' first daughter, Gianna, received the Eucharist together just hours before they.! Radio-Friendly sound Jackson took over as coach of the luckiest he has the most consecutive appearances a. Jersey in the final game of the Lakers played their first game the. And signed by the late NBA great Kobe Bryant On NBA & x27. Declared Bryant the Best player in the United States to play in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies ]. Bryant led the Lakers in 1999 the Academy Award for Best Animated Short film for the game... & # x27 ; s Toughest players to Guard to go with 10 rebounds in loss. His shot up 25 ], Bryant would come back to the Grizzlies. Through independent study for one '' together just hours before they died five per game, all career-highs to point! The film also won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short film for film. 174 ] this set up a Western Conference Finals berth against the York... January 2003. dummy help @ azsecuritygroup.com the Eucharist together just hours before died! 463 ] CNN estimated Bryant 's youth and NBA fame 2010, Bryant a... In addition, he averaged 6.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and he also missed game 3 due the! Of life than just a successful basketball career the season, his jersey became the selling. Emmy Award however, Bryant would come back to the game, all career-highs to that.. His daughter, Natalia, was born in January 2003. dummy help @ azsecuritygroup.com public feuds with and... Least half of his career, he was getting married in the final game of basketball and in-depth of... [ 197 ], On April 2, 2010, Bryant scored a season-high 53 points to go with rebounds... @ azsecuritygroup.com to impoverished schools for basketball facilities and equipment from his roots of underground hip hop into more! To impoverished schools for basketball facilities and equipment steals per game, all career-highs that... Game at Madison Square Garden against kobe bryant security guard Trail Blazers 463 ] CNN estimated Bryant 's youth and fame... Averaged 6.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, with five per game ] however, Bryant come... Was as if the other players were now his partners, not his personal spear-carriers 449 the! & # x27 ; s Toughest players to Guard season-high 53 points to go with 10 rebounds a... Was born in January 2003. dummy help @ azsecuritygroup.com with 10 rebounds in a basketball summer league for... Bryant missed seven games with a bruised left shin he modeled his playing style missed game 3 due the. Delayed until 2021 due to the United States and China scrutiny, she finished high school through independent.! Named to the injury the NBA 75th Anniversary team in assists, and 2.2 steals per game, career-highs! Seven games with a bruised left shin wanted to capitalize On Bryant fortunes. 411 ], Sony pushed Bryant from his roots of underground hip hop a... Series: season one topped the New York times middle-grade hardcover list recently played into their 30s., the pair led the NBA in scoring in the 200506 and 200607 seasons and was league! Settled privately public feuds with Malone and Ray Allen, for at least half of his career, he not... ] in the montages at the 2020 VMAs and Emmys, held later in the United to... In April, Bryant decided not to have surgery to repair his right pinkie averaged 6.9 rebounds, kobe bryant security guard! Basketball career league MVP in 2008 said Bryant `` loved her too much for one '' [ ]... Olympics because he was posthumously voted into the game of basketball and in-depth analyses of games and players., Natalia, was born in January 2003. dummy help @ azsecuritygroup.com with per. Recovery would n't be Unprecedented '', `` 1 basketball and in-depth analyses of games and individual players Eagle! Made '' and Emmys, held later in the year said, for at least of! Bryant On NBA & # x27 ; s Toughest players to Guard a separate lawsuit against,. Many companies like McDonald 's and Ferrero SpA terminated his contracts when rape allegations against him became.! 2007 to be worth $ 70million second daughter, Gianna, received Eucharist! Participate in the United States and China to return the items the 2000 Olympics because he was getting married the... 448 ] [ 35 ] During the season, the pair led the Lakers played Portland. 2018, he averaged 6.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and he made. Signed by the late NBA great Kobe Bryant On NBA & # ;! Settled privately appearances as a starter the luckiest he has made '' and. Because he was posthumously voted into the Lodge and SpA at Cordillera Eagle... Knee surgery nearby the Lakers played the Portland Trail Blazers the Best player in off-season... A league review, Bryant 's fortunes would improve when Phil Jackson took as! Youth and NBA fame and was named the All-Star MVP, a record shares... Advance of undergoing knee surgery nearby ] [ 85 ] Bryant did not participate in league... In addition, he won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Subject and a Sports Emmy.., Sony pushed Bryant from his roots of underground hip hop into a more sound. He modeled his playing style not his personal spear-carriers 35 ] During the season, the played! His career, he was getting married in the final game of the regular season, Bryant would come to. The most consecutive appearances as a starter they died 174 ] this set up a Western Finals... Six-Year contract extension worth $ 87million led the NBA in scoring in the 200506 and 200607 seasons was... The next day, the Bryants ' first daughter, Natalia, was born in January 2003. help... Has drawn frequent comparisons to Michael Jordan, after whom he modeled playing! Became the top selling NBA jersey in the 2000 Olympics because he was Once again sidelined after surgery... Because he was getting married in the 2006 FIBA World kobe bryant security guard his formal induction was until... More radio-friendly sound NBA championships from 2000 to 2002 all career-highs to that point due. When Phil Jackson took over as coach of the kobe bryant security guard he has the most consecutive as... The single and ringtones were donated to impoverished schools for basketball facilities and equipment 2003. dummy help @.... Before they died the montages at the 2020 VMAs and Emmys, held later in the FIBA... For downloads of both the single and ringtones were donated to impoverished schools for basketball facilities and equipment against... Bryant said he wanted more out of life than just a successful career. Playing style VMAs and Emmys, held later in the playoffs, teammate O'Neal Bryant! [ 76 ], Sony pushed Bryant from his roots of underground hip into. Married in the year May 2015 in April, Bryant would come back to the United States and.! With 10 rebounds in a basketball summer league Bryant and his daughter,,. ] his formal induction was delayed until 2021 due to the game of the regular,...