Kobe Bryant. One of the greatest player of all-time. A player that changed the game. The next thing to Michael Jordan. Second greatest shooting guard of all-time. That's how you define who Kobe Bryant is.
Kobe Bryant also known as "The Black Mamba" was born on August 23, 1978. Kobe played his entire 20-year career with only one team, the Los Angeles Lakers and he finished his magnificent 20-year career with style. He was one of the greatest players. One who changed the game of basketball. Idolize by many kids and being compared to the greatest of all-time (Michael Jordan). Kobe was drafted 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 NBA Draft but immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe was the first guard to play at least 20 seasons and he holds the record for the most seasons played in only one franchise.
Kobe is an 18-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA Team and 12-time All-Defensive team. He led the NBA in scoring during two seasons and ranks third on the NBA's all-time regular season scoring and fourth on the all-time playoffs scoring list. Kobe won 5 NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe was drafted directly from high school. He played high school basketball in Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania. During his high school stint, he was recognized as the top high school basketball player in the country.
In the early years of Kobe's career, he has shown the league that he was something. He became a fan favorite during his rookie year because of his athleticism and highlight dunks. He won the 1997 dunk contest and in his second year in the league, he was immediately became an all-star. Kobe and Shaquille O'Neal led the Los Angeles Lakers to three straight NBA championships from year 2000 to 2002.
Kobe have faced many challenges in his life inside and outside the basketball court. in 2003, he was accused of sexual assault but doesn't have enough evidence that's why the charges was dropped. In the 2004 NBA season, the Lakers lost to the finals and resulted to the Shaquille O'Neal trade to the Miami Heat. After the trade Kobe became more aggressive offensively and he became the only franchise player of the Los Angeles Lakers and the team's go-to-guy. Kobe led the league in scoring during the 2005–2006 and 2006–2007 seasons. He scored his career high 81 points against Toronto in 2006 and recorded the second most points scored in the history of the NBA behind Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game.
Kobe continued to dominate the league and was awarded the Most Valuable Player in 2008 but the Lakers was defeated in the 2008 finals. After losing the Finals, he led the Lakers to two consecutive championships in 2009 and 2010 together with the Spaniard big man Pau Gasol. Kobe seems to be better with a dominant big around him. Gasol was one of the best big men during his prime. The Lakers won both the 2009 and 2010 championships and Kobe was awarded the Finals MVP in both occasions.
Kobe continued to be one of the top players in the league through 2013 until injuries hits him hard. Kobe suffered a torn achilles tendon at the age of 34. He recovered from his injuries but he was never been able to comeback to his true form. His game changed and never been able to get his game back. And then the time comes that he realizes it was enough. His heart wants to continue but his body cannot continue. He knew it was over. He then announced that he would retire after the 2015-2016 season. During his last season he was surprise by the love he received from every single game he played that season.
In 2018, Kobe won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for his film "Dear Basketball" Here it is:
If you love basketball, you will feel all Kobe's emotions in this film. It was very heartfelt and true. His love for the game was exceptional. His passion, his hard-work, his competitiveness and his love for the game of basketball would be pass down now to the next generation and it will be an inspiration for the next generations.
Now, Kobe Bryant turns 40 years old and here are some words from Kobe:
"I found a lot of comfort since I realized that my goal is to be the best player I can be. What that means is - it means helping my team mates to be the best players they can be and once I figure that out then my game went to another level"
It was an amazing career for Kobe. He will be remembered forever for sure. And before I end this, let's celebrate Kobe's birthday with the top 40 plays of his career! Enjoy!
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