In 2006, he scored a career-high 81 points the second most points scored in a single game in league history, behind Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game in 1962. He led the NBA in scoring during the 2005––07 seasons. Bryant denied the assault charge, but admitted to a sexual encounter and issued a public apology.Īfter the Lakers lost the 2004 NBA Finals, O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat and Bryant became the cornerstone of the Lakers.
Criminal charges were brought and then dropped after the accuser refused to testify, with a civil suit later settled out of court.
In 2003, Bryant was accused of sexual assault by a 19-year-old hotel clerk. Despite a feud with teammate Shaquille O'Neal, the pair led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002. As a rookie, Bryant earned himself a reputation as a high-flyer and a fan favorite by winning the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest, and he was named an All-Star by his second season. Upon graduation, he declared for the 1996 NBA Draft and was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick the Hornets then traded him to the Lakers. He attended Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania, where he was recognized as the top high-school basketball player in the country. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, he led the NBA in scoring during two seasons, ranks fourth on the league's all-time regular season scoring and all-time postseason scoring lists.īryant was the son of former NBA player Joe Bryant. Bryant won many accolades: five NBA championships, 18-time All-Star, 4 All-Star MVPs, 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team, 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), two-time Finals MVPs, and two Olympic gold medals.
Kobe Bean Bryant (AugJanuary 26, 2020) was an American former professional basketball player.Īs a shooting guard, Bryant entered the National Basketball Association (NBA) directly from high school, and played his entire 20-season professional career in the league with the Los Angeles Lakers. 8 and 24 retired by the Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Lakers all-time leading scorer.