Espn kobe bryant biography nba

American basketball player (1978–2020)

Not to give somebody the job of confused with American football player Coby Bryant.

Kobe Bonce Bryant (KOH-bee; August 23, 1978 – January 26, 2020) was an Land professional basketball player. A shooting defend, he spent his entire 20-year occupation with the Los Angeles Lakers pulsate the National Basketball Association (NBA). Outside regarded as one of the sport's greatest and most influential players break into all time, Bryant won five NBA championships and was an 18-time All-Star, 15-time member of the All-NBA Setup, 12-time member of the All-Defensive Group, the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Trouper (MVP), and a two-time NBA Finals MVP. He ranks fourth in contemporary all-time regular season and postseason marking. Bryant was posthumously voted into character Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Praise in 2020 and named to blue blood the gentry NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.

The son of NBA player Joe Bryant, Bryant was born in Metropolis and partly raised in Italy. Familiar as the top American high-school hoops player while at Philadelphia suburb Lessen Merion, Bryant declared for the 1996 NBA draft and was selected surpass the Charlotte Hornets with the Thirteenth pick; he was then traded abrupt the Lakers. As a rookie, Bryant earned a reputation as a high-flyer by winning the 1997 Slam Souse Contest and was named an All-Star by his second season. Despite sovereign contentious relationship with teammate Shaquille O'Neal, the pair led the Lakers pact three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002. In 2003, Bryant was charged with sexual assault. Charges were dropped after the accuser refused simulation testify, and a lawsuit was inveterate out of court, with Bryant circulation an apology and admitting to regular sexual encounter he maintained was consensual.

After the Lakers lost the 2004 NBA Finals, O'Neal was traded unacceptable Bryant became the franchise's cornerstone. Fair enough led the NBA in scoring acquire the 2005–06 and 2006–07 seasons. Hold up January 22, 2006, Bryant scored unornamented career-high 81 points, the second eminent scored in a single NBA recreation behind Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game. Bryant led the team to championships revel in 2009 and 2010, and was christened NBA Finals MVP both times. Elegance continued to be among the league's premier players through the 2012–13 occasion when he suffered a torn achilles tendon. The last years of tiara playing career were hampered by injuries and limited playing time. Bryant stop working after the 2015–16 season. In 2017, the Lakers retired both his Nos. 8 and 24, making Bryant interpretation only player in NBA history pass away have multiple numbers retired by interpretation same franchise.

The all-time leading annalist in Lakers history, Bryant was honourableness first guard in NBA history kind play 20 seasons. His 18 All-Star designations are the third most. Queen four NBA All-Star Game MVP Brownie points are tied with Bob Pettit pay money for the most in history. Bryant gave himself the nickname Black Mamba ton the mid-2000s, and the epithet became widely adopted by the public. Subside won gold medals on the 2008 and 2012 U.S. Olympic teams. Call a halt 2018, Bryant won the Academy Furnish for Best Animated Short Film hope against hope Dear Basketball (2017).^[3]

In January 2020, Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among nine people who died adjust a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.^[4] A number of tributes and memorials were issued, and the All-Star Player Award was renamed in Bryant's honor.^[5]

Early life

Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia,^[6] the youngest order three children and the only youth of Pamela Cox Bryant and plague NBA player Joe Bryant. He was also the maternal nephew of NBA player John "Chubby" Cox.^[7] Bryant's parents named him after the famous meat of Kobe from Japan, which they saw on a restaurant menu, god willing in Philadelphia.^[8][9] His middle name, Attic, was derived from his father's code name "Jellybean".^[10] Bryant's family was Catholic obscure he was brought up with that faith.^[11][12][13]

Bryant started playing basketball at interpretation age of three,^[14] and the Lakers were his favorite team when filth was growing up.^[15] When Bryant was six, his father retired from high-mindedness NBA and moved his family respect Rieti in Italy to continue fulfilment professional basketball.^[16][17] After two years, they moved first to Reggio Calabria, proof to Pistoia and Reggio Emilia. Kobe became accustomed to his new mode and learned to speak fluent Italian.^[18] He was especially fond of Reggio Emilia, which Kobe considered a plug place and where some of coronate best childhood memories were made.^[19][20] Kobe began to play basketball seriously extent living in Reggio Emilia.^[21][22] His old stager mailed him videos of NBA party for him to study.^[23] Another start of inspiration was animated European flicks about sports, from which Kobe cultured more about basketball.^[24] From 1987 in front of 1989, his father played for Olimpia Basket Pistoia where he paired get the gist former Detroit Pistons player Leon Pol. Kobe worked at the games by the same token a ball and mop boy dominant practiced shooting at halftime. Douglas alleged, "At every one of our desirouss at halftime, it was the Kobe show. He'd get out there sit get his shot up. We'd build out of the locker room downy halftime and have to chase him off the court".^[25]

Bryant also learned able play soccer, and his favorite weaken team was A.C. Milan.^[26][27] During summers, Bryant returned to the United States to play in a basketball season league.^[28] When he was 13, Bryant and his family moved back appendix Philadelphia, where he enrolled in nobility eighth grade at Bala Cynwyd Mean School.^[18][29]

High school (1992–1996)

Bryant earned national execute during a spectacular high-school career at the same height Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, located in the Philadelphia suburb show evidence of Lower Merion. He played on glory varsity basketball team as a freshman.^[30] Bryant became the first freshman happening decades to start for Lower Merion's varsity team, but the team finish with a 4–20 record.^[30][31] The adjacent three years, the Aces compiled adroit 77–13 record, with Bryant playing recoil five positions.^[30] During his junior epoch, Bryant averaged 31.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 3.8 blocks and 2.3 steals^[32] and was named Pennsylvania Artiste of the Year while also implore a fourth-team Parade All-American nomination,^[33][34] luring attention from college recruiters in righteousness process.^[33]Duke, Michigan, North Carolina and Villanova were at the top of king list. However, after high schooler Kevin Garnett went in the first rounded of the 1995 NBA draft, Bryant also began contemplating going directly enrol the pros.^[33]

At AdidasABCD Camp, Bryant due the 1995 senior MVP award^[35] long-standing playing alongside future NBA teammate Lamar Odom.^[36] While in high school, next 76ers coach John Lucas invited Bryant to work out and scrimmage reach an agreement the team, where he played wrestle with with Jerry Stackhouse.^[37] As a superior, Bryant led the Aces to their first state championship in 53 period. During the run, he averaged 30.8 points, 12 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 4 steals, and 3.8 blocked shots instruct in leading the Aces to a 31–3 record.^[38] Bryant finished his high-school calling as Southeastern Pennsylvania's all-time leading historian at 2,883 points, surpassing both Evaporate Chamberlain and Lionel Simmons.^[39]

Bryant received various awards for his outstanding performance via his senior year at Lower Merion. These included being named Naismith Embellished School Player of the Year, Gatorade Men's National Basketball Player of honourableness Year, a McDonald's All-American, a first-team Parade All-American and a USA Today All-USA First Team player.^[40][41] Bryant's squad coach, Greg Downer, commented that stylishness was "a complete player who dominates" and praised his work ethic, smooth as the team's top player.^[38][42] Consider it 1996, Bryant took R&B singer Brandy to her Hollywood High senior prom.^[43] Ultimately, the 17-year-old Bryant decided lambast go directly into the NBA, sycophantic only the sixth player in NBA history to do so.^[30] His advice was met with a significant advertising at a time when prep-to-pro NBA players were not very common (Garnett being the only exception in 20 years).^[30] His basketball skills and SAT score of 1080 would have assured admission to any college Bryant chose,^[8][44] but he did not officially call in any campuses.^[42] In 2012, Bryant was honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans for his towering school play as well as dominion later accomplishments.^[45]

Professional career

1996 NBA draft

Before the 1996 NBA plan, Bryant had worked out in Los Angeles, where he scrimmaged against stool pigeon Lakers players Larry Drew and Archangel Cooper and, according to then-Laker usual manager Jerry West, "marched over these people."^[47]

The Lakers were looking to recede their starting centerVlade Divac for expert player's draft rights to free large salary cap space to make trivial offer to free-agent center Shaquille O'Neal. Bill Branch, the Charlotte Hornets' purpose scout at the time, said defer the Hornets agreed to trade their No. 13 pick to the Lakers the day before the draft. Already the trade agreement, the Hornets not till hell freezes over considered drafting Bryant. During the author, the Lakers told the Hornets whom to select minutes before the catalogue was made.^[48] Bryant was the eminent guard drafted directly out of soaring school. After the draft, the profession was put in jeopardy when Divac threatened to retire rather than substance traded from Los Angeles. However, fend for June 30, Divac relented on realm threat and the trade was unchanging final on July 9, 1996, what because the league's off-season moratorium ended.^[49] By reason of Bryant was still 17 at distinction time, his parents had to present his contract with the Lakers unsettled Bryant was able to sign rulership own when he turned 18 earlier the season began.^[50] Bryant signed shipshape and bristol fashion three-year rookie contract totaling $3.5 million.^[51]

Los Angeles Lakers (1996–2016)

Adjusting to the NBA (1996–1999)

Bryant debuted in the Summer Favoring League in Long Beach, California, grading 25 points in front of dexterous standing-room-only crowd. Defenders struggled to bamboo in front of him, and ruler performance excited West and Lakers guardian Del Harris.^[52] Bryant scored 36 outcome in the finale and finished own averages of 24.5 points and 5.3 rebounds in four games.^[53] As uncut rookie in 1996–97, Bryant mostly came off the bench behind guards Eddie Jones and Nick Van Exel.^[54] Attractive the time, he was the second-youngest player ever to play in brainchild NBA game (18 years, 72 days) and also became the youngest NBA starter (18 years, 158 days).^[55][56] At or in the beginning, Bryant played limited minutes, but chimp the season continued, he began appoint see some more playing time.

By the end of the season, Bryant averaged 15.5 minutes a game. Nigh the All-Star weekend, he participated pride the Rookie Challenge and won representation 1997 Slam Dunk Contest, becoming decency youngest dunk champion at the ferret of 18.^[57] Bryant's performance throughout position year earned him a spot divide up the NBA All-Rookie Second Team get a feel for fellow bench teammate Travis Knight.^[58]

The Lakers advanced to the Western Conference semifinals in the playoffs against the Utah Jazz, when Bryant was pressed be liked a lead role at the conduit of Game 5. Byron Scott mislaid the game with a sprained carpus, Robert Horry was ejected for enmity with Utah's Jeff Hornacek, and Shaquille O'Neal fouled out with 1:46 blow in the fourth quarter. Bryant utensils four air balls at the urge of the game; the Jazz won 98–93 in overtime to eliminate interpretation Lakers 4–1.^[59] He first missed elegant game-winning two-point jump shot in class fourth quarter, and then misfired pair three-point field goals in overtime, inclusive of two tying shots in the finishing minute.^[60] O'Neal commented that "[Bryant] was the only guy who had integrity guts at the time to engage in shots like that."^[61]

In Bryant's second interval, he received more playing time standing began to show more of government abilities as a talented young thug. As a result, Bryant's point averages more than doubled, from 7.6 tell between 15.4 points per game.^[62] He would see an increase in minutes in the way that the Lakers "played small", which would feature Bryant playing small forward analogous the guards he would usually rein in up.^[63] Bryant was the runner-up arrangement the NBA's Sixth Man of primacy Year Award,^[64] and through fan ballot, he also became the youngest NBA All-Star starter in NBA history.^[65] Bryant was joined by teammates O'Neal, Forerunner Exel, and Jones, making it class first time since 1983 that connect players on the same team were selected to play in the different All-Star Game. Bryant's 15.4 points filling game was the highest of woman in the street non-starter in the season.^[66]

The 1998–99 period marked Bryant's emergence as a pm guard in the league. With imaginative guards Van Exel and Jones traded, Bryant started every game for class lockout-shortened 50-game season.^[67] During the period, he signed a six-year contract margin worth $70 million.^[66] This kept Bryant understand the Lakers until the end incline the 2003–04 season. Even at address list early stage of his career, sportswriters were comparing Bryant's skills to those of Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson.^[50][68][69] However, the playoff results were ham-fisted better as the Lakers were sweep by the San Antonio Spurs access the Western Conference Semifinals.^[70]

Three-peat (1999–2002)

Bryant's success rate improved when Phil Jackson took insurance as coach of the Lakers sight 1999.^[71] After years of steady mending, Bryant became one of the chief executive shooting guards in the league, aspiration appearances in the league's All-NBA,^[72] All-Star, and All-Defensive teams.^[73] The Lakers became championship contenders behind the center-guard union of Bryant and O'Neal. Jackson make use of the triangle offense that he enforced to win six championships with depiction Chicago Bulls; this offense would long-suffering both Bryant and O'Neal rise combat the elite class of the NBA. Three championships were won consecutively plentiful 2000, 2001, and 2002, further cementing this view.^[74]

Bryant was sidelined for scandalize weeks prior to the start addict the 1999–2000 season due to spruce hand injury that he had incurred during a preseason game against prestige Washington Wizards.^[75] When Bryant was swing and playing over 38 minutes simple game, he had an increase pustule all statistical categories during the 1999–2000 season. This included leading the plan in assists per game and steals per game. The duo of O'Neal and Bryant backed with a strapping bench led to the Lakers heavenly 67 games, tied for fifth-most unadorned NBA history. This followed with O'Neal winning the MVP and Bryant establish named to the All-NBA Second Bunch and All-NBA Defensive Team for rank first time in his career (the youngest player to receive All-Defensive honors).^[76] While playing second fiddle to O'Neal in the playoffs, Bryant had tedious clutch performances, including a 25-point, 11-rebound, seven-assist, four-block game in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals wreck the Portland Trail Blazers.^[77] He along with threw an alley-oop pass to O'Neal to clinch the game and righteousness series. In the 2000 Finals, refuse to comply the Indiana Pacers, Bryant injured top ankle in the second quarter faux Game 2 after landing on blue blood the gentry Pacers' Jalen Rose's foot. Rose afterwards admitted he placed his foot on the bottom of Bryant intentionally.^[78][79] Bryant did not come back to the game, and he very missed Game 3 due to birth injury. In Game 4, Bryant scored 22 points in the second division and led the team to effect overtime victory as O'Neal fouled give of the game. Bryant scored illustriousness winning shot to put the Lakers ahead 120–118.^[80] With a 116–111 hurt somebody's feelings in Game 6, the Lakers won their first championship since 1988.^[81]

Statistically, rectitude 2000–01 season saw Bryant perform in like manner to the previous year, but recognized averaged six more points per attempt (28.5). It was also the harvest when disagreements between Bryant and O'Neal began to surface.^[82] Once again, Bryant led the team in assists, identify five per game. However, the Lakers only won 56 games, an 11-game drop-off from the previous year. Depiction team responded by going 15–1 develop the playoffs. They easily swept character Portland Trail Blazers in the premier round. In the semifinals round, dignity Lakers swept the Sacramento Kings. Ploy Game 4 against the Kings, Bryant recorded 48 points, 16 rebounds, essential three assists in a 119–113 series-clinching victory.^[83] They swept the San Antonio Spurs in the Conference Finals secure advance to the Finals, before forfeiture their first game against the Metropolis 76ers in overtime. They would travel on to win the next three games and bring their second espousal to Los Angeles in as multitudinous seasons. During the playoffs, Bryant contrived heavy minutes which brought his stats up to 29.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. Take away the playoffs, teammate O'Neal declared Bryant the best player in the league.^[38] Bryant ended up making the All-NBA Second Team and All-NBA Defensive Band for the second year in organized row. He was also voted coinage start in the NBA All-Star Effort for the third year in first-class row (no game in 1999).

In the 2001–02 season, Bryant played 80 games for the first time consider it his career. On January 14, 2002, Bryant recorded a then career-high 56 points to go along with fivesome rebounds and four assists in spiffy tidy up 120–81 victory over the visiting Metropolis Grizzlies.^[84] He continued his all-round guide by averaging 25.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. Bryant also had a career-high 46.9% incisive and once again led his setup in assists. Bryant claimed his leading All-Star MVP trophy after a 31-point performance in Philadelphia when he was loudly booed by fans as they had throughout the game, stemming deviate his earlier comment to a 76ers heckler during the Finals that honourableness Lakers were "going to cut your hearts out."^[85][86] While making the All-NBA Defensive Team again, Bryant was further named to the All-NBA First Plan for the first time in climax career. The Lakers won 58 frivolity that year and finished second compel the Pacific Division behind in-state opponent Sacramento Kings. Bryant was suspended be after one game after he punched Reggie Miller of the Indiana Pacers tail end the Lakers' March 1, 2002, shake-up over the Pacers.^[87][88]

The road to significance Finals would prove a lot tougher than the record run the Lakers had enjoyed the previous year. Ultimately they swept the Blazers and cowed the Spurs 4–1 in the foremost two rounds of the playoffs, class Lakers did not have home-court emphasize against the Sacramento Kings. The mound would stretch to seven games, excellence first time this had happened be acquainted with the Lakers since the 2000 Glamour Conference Finals. However, the Lakers were able to beat their division rivals and make their third consecutive NBA Finals appearance. 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 justness team's points.^[89] At age 23, soil became the youngest player to standin three championships.^[89] Bryant's play was imposing and praised for his performance shut in the fourth quarter of games, ie the last two rounds of position playoffs.^[89][90] This cemented Bryant's reputation orangutan a "clutch player."

Coming up hence (2002–2004)

In the first game of honesty 2002–03 season, Bryant recorded 27 record, 10 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in an 87–82 loss space the visiting Spurs.^[91] On November 1, he recorded a triple-double of 33 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 108–93 victory over leadership Clippers.^[92] Bryant also set an NBA record for three-pointers in a undertaking on January 7, 2003, when stylishness made 12 against the Seattle SuperSonics.^[93] He averaged 30 points per undertaking and embarked on a historic people, posting 40 or more points welloff nine consecutive games while averaging 40.6 in the entire month of Feb. Bryant also averaged 6.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 2.2 steals per sport, all career-highs to that point.^[9] Soil was once again voted to both the All-NBA and All-Defensive First Teams,^[9] and came in third place teensy weensy voting for the MVP award. Fend for finishing 50–32 in the regular stint, the Lakers floundered in the playoffs and lost in the Western Debate semifinals in six games to rendering eventual NBA champions San Antonio Spurs.^[94]

The following season, the Lakers were exciting to acquire NBA All-Stars Karl Student and Gary Payton to make substitute push at the NBA championship.^[95] Bryant was arrested for sexual assault earlier the season began.^[96] This caused him to miss some games due enhance court appearances or attend court early in the day and travel back play games later on the outfit day.^[97] In the final game additional the regular season, the Lakers non-natural the Portland Trail Blazers. Bryant strenuous two buzzer-beaters to win the pastime and the Pacific Division title. Condescension the end of the fourth fourth, Bryant made a three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left to send it meet for the first time overtime.^[98] The game eventually went sort out a second overtime, in which Bryant made another three-pointer as time lapsed to narrowly lift the Lakers done the Blazers, 105–104.^[98]

With a starting roll of O'Neal, Malone, Payton, and Bryant, the Lakers were able to touch on the 2004 Finals.^[99] However, they were upset in five games by say publicly Detroit Pistons, who won their cardinal championship since 1990.^[100] In that additional room, Bryant averaged 22.6 points per enterprise and 4.4 assists while shooting 35.1% from the field.^[101] Jackson's contract despite the fact that coach was not renewed, and Rudy Tomjanovich took over.^[102] O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, and Brian Grant.^[103] The following day, Bryant declined skilful six-year, $100 million offer to indicator with the Los Angeles Clippers promote re-signed with the Lakers on excellent seven-year, $136.4 million contract.^[104][105]

Scoring records see playoff upsets (2004–2007)

Bryant was closely scrutinized and criticized during the 2004–05 bout with his reputation badly damaged raid all that had happened over say publicly previous year. A particularly damaging shelling came when Jackson wrote The Endure Season: A Team in Search pan Its Soul. The book detailed high-mindedness events of the Lakers' tumultuous 2003–04 season and has several criticisms dispense Bryant. In the book, Jackson alarmed Bryant "un-coachable."^[106] Midway through the seasoned, Tomjanovich suddenly resigned as Lakers mentor, citing the recurrence of health exigency and exhaustion.^[107] Without him, stewardship own up the remainder of the Lakers' stretch fell to career assistant coach Plain Hamblen.^[108] Bryant was the league's second-leading scorer at 27.6 points per affair, but he was surrounded by put in order subpar supporting cast, and the Lakers went 34–48 and missed the playoffs for the first time in manipulation a decade.^[109] The year signified a- drop in his overall status wonderful the NBA, as Bryant did yell make the NBA All-Defensive Team concentrate on was also demoted to the All-NBA Third Team.^[110] During the season, Bryant also engaged in public feuds tie in with Malone and Ray Allen.^[111][112]

The 2005–06 ready marked a crossroads in Bryant's sport career. Despite past differences with Bryant, Jackson returned to coach the Lakers.^[113] Bryant endorsed the move, and unwelcoming all appearances, they worked well trust the second time around, leading representation Lakers back into the playoffs. Bryant's individual scoring accomplishments resulted in high-mindedness finest statistical season of his life's work. On December 20, 2005, Bryant scored 62 points in three quarters clashing the Dallas Mavericks. Entering the thirteen weeks quarter, he had personally outscored picture entire Mavericks team 62–61, the exclusive time a player has done that through three quarters since the launching of the shot clock.^[114] When dignity Lakers faced the Miami Heat in the bag January 16, 2006, Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal made headlines by engaging break through handshakes and hugs before the amusement, signifying a change in the dispute that had festered between them.^[115][116] Dexterous month later, at the 2006 NBA All-Star Game, the two were quirky laughing together.^[117]

On January 22, 2006, Bryant scored a career-high 81 points beginning a 122–104 victory over the Toronto Raptors.^[118] In addition to breaking decency previous franchise record of 71 show by Elgin Baylor, Bryant's 81-point affair was the second-highest point total direction NBA history, surpassed only by Chamberlain's 100-point game in 1962.^[119] Whereas Statesman was fed repeatedly by teammates pick inside shots in a blowout stand-in, Bryant created his own shot—mostly vary the outside—in a game which goodness Lakers trailed at halftime by 14 and did not pull away unconfirmed the fourth quarter.^[120][121] Chamberlain, playing put it to somebody an era when the games were paced faster and scoring opportunities were more plentiful,^[121][122] accounted for 59 proportionality of his team's points in Philadelphia's 169–147 victory, compared to Bryant attain 66 percent of the Lakers' 122 points.^[123][124] That same month, he too became the first player since 1964 to score 45 points or bonus in four consecutive games, joining Solon and Baylor as the only lob to do so.^[125] For the thirty days of January, Bryant averaged 43.4 grade per game,^[126] the eighth highest unattached month scoring average in NBA legend and highest for any player alcove than Chamberlain.^[127] By the end comatose the 2005–06 season, Bryant set Lakers single-season franchise records for most 40-point games (27) and most points scored (2,832).^[128] He won the league's score title for the first time coarse averaging 35.4 points per game, chic just the fifth player in association history to average at least 35 in a season.^[b] Bryant finished misrepresent fourth place in the voting bring about the 2006 NBA Most Valuable Trouper Award but received 22 first badly chosen votes—second only to winner Steve Nash.^[131]

Later in the season, it was in circulation that Bryant would change his milker number from 8 to 24 miniature the start of the 2006–07 stretch. Bryant's first high-school number was 24 before he switched to 33.^[132][133] Afterward the Lakers' season ended, Bryant whispered on TNT that he wanted 24 as a rookie, but it was unavailable as it was worn building block George McCloud, as was 33, give up work with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Bryant wore 143 at the Adidas ABCD camp boss chose 8 by adding those numbers.^[133] In the first round of significance playoffs, the Lakers played well generous to reach a 3–1 series usher over the Phoenix Suns, culminating support Bryant's overtime-forcing and game-winning shots twist Game 4. They came within hexad seconds of eliminating the second-seeded Suns in Game 6, but the Lakers lost that game 126–118 in overtime.^[134] Despite Bryant's 27.9 points per business in the series, the Lakers distressed down and ultimately fell to interpretation Suns in seven games.^[134] After marking 50 points on 20 of 35 shooting in the Game 6 losing, Bryant was criticized for only captivating three shots in the second fraction of the 121–90 Game 7 privation to Phoenix.^[135][136]

During the 2006–07 season, Bryant was selected to his ninth All-Star Game appearance, and on February 18, he logged 31 points, six assists, and six steals, earning his specially career All-Star Game MVP trophy.^[137] Leader the course of the season, Bryant became involved in a number range on-court incidents. On January 28, determine attempting to draw contact on span potential game-winning jump shot, he flailed his arm, striking San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginóbili in the physiognomy with his elbow.^[138] Following a corresponding person review, Bryant was suspended for rendering subsequent game at Madison Square Park against the New York Knicks. Honourableness basis given for the suspension was that Bryant had performed an "unnatural motion" in swinging his arm backward.^[139] Later, on March 6, he seemed to repeat the motion, this period striking Minnesota Timberwolves guard Marko Jarić.^[138] The next day, the NBA neutral Bryant his second one-game suspension.^[140] Break open his first game back on Walk 9, Bryant elbowed Kyle Korver buy the face, which was retroactively re-classified as a Type 1 flagrant foul.^[138]

On March 16, Bryant scored a season-high 65 points in a home endeavour against the Portland Trail Blazers, which helped end the Lakers seven-game deprivation streak. This was the second-best marking performance of his 11-year career.^[141] Birth following game, Bryant recorded 50 numbers against the Timberwolves,^[142] after which good taste scored 60 points in a approach win against the Memphis Grizzlies—becoming leadership second Laker to score three on end 50-plus point games, a feat pule seen since Jordan last did take a turn in 1987.^[143] The only other Laker to do so was Baylor, who also scored 50+ in three successive contests in December 1962.^[143] The consequent day, in a game against rank New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, Bryant scored 50 points, making him the alternative player in NBA history to possess four straight 50-point games behind Solon, who achieved it twice with streaks of five and seven.^[144] Bryant finish the year with a total call up 10 50-plus point games, surpassed single by Chamberlain.^[c] Bryant also won coronet second straight scoring title that season.^[145] Throughout the 2006–07 season, Bryant's woolly became the top selling NBA milker in the United States and China.^[146] A number of journalists have attributed the improved sales to Bryant's spanking number, as well as his enduring All-Star performance on the court.^[147][148] In bad taste the 2007 NBA playoffs, the Lakers were once again eliminated in influence first round by the Phoenix Suns, 4–1.^[149]

Back on top (2007–2010)

On May 27, 2007, ESPN reported that Bryant purported that he wanted to be traded if Jerry West did not give back to the team with full authority.^[150] Bryant later confirmed his desire entertain West's return to the franchise, nevertheless denied stating that he would demand to be traded if that exact not take place.^[151] However, three life later, on Stephen A. Smith's ghettoblaster program, Bryant expressed anger over grand Lakers "insider" who claimed that Bryant was responsible for Shaquille O'Neal's diversification from the team, and publicly designated, "I want to be traded."^[152] Team a few hours after making that statement, Bryant stated in another interview that astern having a conversation with head omnibus Jackson, he had reconsidered his put an end to and backed off his trade request.^[153] Bryant was later shown in block up infamous amateur video saying that emotions Andrew Bynum should have been traded for All-Star Jason Kidd.^[154][155]

On December 23, 2007, Bryant became the youngest contender (29 years, 122 days) to stretch 20,000 points, in a game desecrate the New York Knicks, in President Square Garden, after scoring 39 numbers to go along with 11 rebounds and eight assists.^[156][157] This record has since been broken by LeBron Outlaw. On March 28, Bryant scored a-ok season-high 53 points to go future with 10 rebounds in a bereavement to the Memphis Grizzlies.^[158]

Despite an wrong to his shooting hand's small sip, described as "a complete tear past its best the radial collateral ligament, an avulsion fracture, and a volar plate wrong at the MCP joint" that occurred in a game on February 5, 2008, Bryant played all 82 jollity of the regular season instead avail yourself of opting for surgery. Regarding his wrong, Bryant stated, "I would prefer get at delay any surgical procedure until sustenance our Lakers season, and this summer's Olympic Games. But, this is be over injury that myself [sic] and the Lakers' medical staff will just have terminate continue to monitor on a day-by-day basis."^[159]

Aided by the trade for All-Star Pau Gasol, Bryant led his group to a West-leading 57–25 record. Grandeur Lakers swept the Denver Nuggets esteem the first round and on May well 6, 2008, Bryant was officially declared as the league MVP.^[160] He oral, "It's been a long ride. I'm very proud to represent this put up, to represent this city."^[161] West, who was responsible for bringing Bryant propose the Lakers, was on hand excel the press conference to observe Bryant receive his MVP trophy from NBA commissioner David Stern. Stern stated, "Kobe deserved it. He's had just regarding great season. Doesn't surprise me singular bit."^[162] In addition to winning enthrone MVP award, Bryant was the inimitable unanimous selection to the All-NBA livery on May 8, 2008, for integrity third straight season and sixth halt in its tracks in his career.^[163] Bryant would for that reason headline the NBA All-Defensive First Setup with Kevin Garnett, receiving 52 admission overall including 24 first-place nods, pining his eighth selection.^[164]

The Lakers finished goodness 2007–08 regular season with a 57–25 record, finishing first in the Legend Conference and setting up themselves funds a first-round contest against the Nuggets. In Game 1, Bryant, who aforesaid he made himself a decoy safe and sound most of the game, scored 18 of his 32 points in primacy final eight minutes to keep Los Angeles safely ahead.^[165] That made Denver the first 50-win team to snigger swept out of the first raise a fuss of the playoffs since the Metropolis Grizzlies fell in four games take in hand the San Antonio Spurs in 2004.^[166] In the first game of high-mindedness next round, against the Utah Nothingness, Bryant scored 38 points as excellence Lakers beat the Jazz in Undertaking 1.^[167] The Lakers won the catch on game as well, but dropped Frivolity 3 and 4, even with Bryant putting up 33.5 points per game.^[168] The Lakers then won the monitor two games to win the semifinals.^[168] This set up a Western Forum Finals berth against the Spurs. Loftiness Lakers won the series in fin games, sending themselves to the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. That marked the fifth time in Bryant's career, and the first time beyond O'Neal, that he made the NBA Finals.^[169] The Lakers then lost cause somebody to the Celtics in six games.^[170]

In trustworthy September 2008, Bryant decided not assume have surgery to repair his scrupulous pinkie.^[171] In the 2008–09 season, character Lakers opened the campaign by alluring their first seven games.^[172] Bryant with nothing on the team to tie the ballot record for most wins to initiate the season going 17–2,^[173] and gross the middle of December they compiled a 21–3 record. He was elite to his 11th consecutive All-Star Enterprise as a starter,^[174] and was first name the Western Conference Player of birth Month for December and January play a role addition to being named Western Symposium Player of the week three times.^[175] In a game against the Knicks on February 2, 2009, Bryant scored 61 points, setting a record take care of the most points scored at President Square Garden.^[176] During the 2009 NBA All-Star Game, Bryant tallied 27 the setup, four assists, four rebounds, and link steals and was awarded All-Star Sport co-MVP with former teammate O'Neal.^[177] Primacy Lakers finished the regular season agree with the best record in the Western (65–17). Bryant was runner-up in justness MVP voting behind James,^[178] and was selected to the All-NBA First Gang and All-Defensive First Team for primacy seventh time in his career.

In the playoffs, the Lakers defeated significance Utah Jazz in five games come to rest the Houston Rockets in seven frivolity in the opening two rounds. Saturate finishing off the Denver Nuggets subordinate the Conference Finals in six boisterousness, the Lakers earned their second with good cause trip to the NBA Finals. Influence Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic prize open five games. Bryant was awarded king first NBA Finals MVP trophy drop in winning his fourth championship,^[179] achieving leanto averages of 32.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks.^[180] Bryant became the first sportswoman since West in the 1969 NBA Finals to average at least 32.4 points and 7.4 assists for cool Finals series^[181] and the first because Jordan to average 30 points, fin rebounds, and five assists for span title-winning team in the Finals.^[182] Bryant was the league's leading scorer everywhere the 2000s decade, accumulating 21,065 the reality in regular season play between birth 1999-00 and 2008–09 seasons.

During depiction 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' true 108–107 victory over the Miami Heat.^[183] Bryant considered the shot "one give an account of the luckiest he has made."^[184] Orderly week later, Bryant suffered an avulsion fracture in his right index get involved in in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.^[185] Despite the injury, Bryant determine to continue playing, rather than outlook any time off to rest dignity injury.^[185] Five days after his have a hand in injury, Bryant made another game-winning lead, after missing on an opportunity block out regulation, this time against the Metropolis Bucks in an overtime game.^[186] Bryant also became the youngest player (31 years, 151 days) to reach 25,000 points in his career during authority season, surpassing Chamberlain.^[187] Bryant continued consummate dominant clutch plays making yet substitute game-winning three-pointer against the Sacramento Kings,^[188] and what would be the game-winning field goal against the Boston Celtics.^[189] The following day, Bryant surpassed Westbound to become the all-time leading official in Lakers franchise history.^[190] After churn out sidelined for five games by propose 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 repay and made another clutch three-pointer tote up give the Lakers a one-point manipulate with four seconds remaining against grandeur Memphis Grizzlies.^[191] Two weeks later, noteworthy made his sixth game-winning shot endowment the season, against the Toronto Raptors.^[192]

On April 2, 2010, Bryant signed neat as a pin three-year contract extension worth $87 million.^[193] Bankruptcy finished the regular season missing one of the final five games, end to injuries to his knee take up finger. Bryant suffered multiple injuries all the way through the season and missed nine amusement as a result. The Lakers began the playoffs as the No. 1-seed in the Western Conference against goodness Oklahoma City Thunder,^[194] eventually defeating them in six games.^[195] The Lakers brush the Utah Jazz in the next round^[196] and advanced to the Flight of fancy Conference Finals, where they faced integrity Phoenix Suns. In Game 2, Bryant finished the game with 13 assists, setting a new playoff career-high; icon was the most assists by ingenious Laker in the playoffs since Necromancy Johnson had 13 in 1996.^[197] Say publicly Lakers went on to win leadership series in six games capturing honesty Western Conference Championship and advancing draw near the NBA Finals for a gear straight season.^[198] In a rematch conflicting the 2008 Champion Boston Celtics, Bryant, despite shooting 6-for-24 from the a lot, led the Lakers back from elegant 13-point third-quarter deficit in Game 7 to win the championship; he scored 10 of his game-high 23 doorway in the fourth quarter and fully grown the game with 15 rebounds, switching an NBA Finals record shared infant Sam Jones and Tom Gola supporting rebounds by a shooting guard. Bryant won his fifth championship and condign his second consecutive NBA Finals Player award.^[199] This marked the first gaining the Lakers won a Game 7 against the Celtics in the NBA Finals.^[200] Bryant said that this was the most satisfying of all sustaining his five championships.^[201]

Chasing a sixth encouragement (2010–2013)

Bryant wanted a sixth championship predict match Jordan's total.^[202] The Lakers under way the 2010–11 season by winning their first eight games.^[203] In his oneninth game of the season, playing clashing the Denver Nuggets, Bryant became depiction youngest player in NBA history tip reach 26,000 career points.^[204]