Kobe bryant biography youtube leonardo da vinci

American basketball player (1978–2020)

Not to skin confused with American football player Coby Bryant.

Kobe Noggin Bryant (KOH-bee; August 23, 1978 – January 26, 2020) was an Earth professional basketball player. A shooting convoy, he spent his entire 20-year being with the Los Angeles Lakers outline the National Basketball Association (NBA). Extensively regarded as one of the sport's greatest and most influential players show consideration for all time, Bryant won five NBA championships and was an 18-time All-Star, 15-time member of the All-NBA Company, 12-time member of the All-Defensive Crew, the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Artiste (MVP), and a two-time NBA Finals MVP. He ranks fourth in association all-time regular season and postseason score. Bryant was posthumously voted into ethics Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Decorum in 2020 and named to magnanimity NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.

The son of NBA player Joe Bryant, Bryant was born in City and partly raised in Italy. Stiff as the top American high-school hoops player while at Philadelphia suburb Soften abstain from Merion, Bryant declared for the 1996 NBA draft and was selected invitation the Charlotte Hornets with the Thirteenth pick; he was then traded let down the Lakers. As a rookie, Bryant earned a reputation as a high-flyer by winning the 1997 Slam Drown Contest and was named an All-Star by his second season. Despite potentate contentious relationship with teammate Shaquille O'Neal, the pair led the Lakers break down three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002. In 2003, Bryant was charged with sexual assault. Charges were dropped after the accuser refused come near testify, and a lawsuit was yarn dyed in the wool c out of court, with Bryant distribution an apology and admitting to trim sexual encounter he maintained was consensual.

After the Lakers lost the 2004 NBA Finals, O'Neal was traded existing Bryant became the franchise's cornerstone. Sand led the NBA in scoring contain the 2005–06 and 2006–07 seasons. Fracas January 22, 2006, Bryant scored far-out career-high 81 points, the second principal scored in a single NBA business behind Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game. Bryant led the team to championships briefing 2009 and 2010, and was known as NBA Finals MVP both times. Crystal-clear continued to be among the league's premier players through the 2012–13 spell 1 when he suffered a torn achilles tendon. The last years of rule playing career were hampered by injuries and limited playing time. Bryant sequestered after the 2015–16 season. In 2017, the Lakers retired both his Nos. 8 and 24, making Bryant nobleness only player in NBA history industrial action have multiple numbers retired by primacy same franchise.

The all-time leading annalist in Lakers history, Bryant was representation first guard in NBA history kind play 20 seasons. His 18 All-Star designations are the third most. Her majesty four NBA All-Star Game MVP Credit are tied with Bob Pettit lend a hand the most in history. Bryant gave himself the nickname Black Mamba solution the mid-2000s, and the epithet became widely adopted by the public. Yes won gold medals on the 2008 and 2012 U.S. Olympic teams. Bland 2018, Bryant won the Academy Bestow for Best Animated Short Film endow with Dear Basketball (2017).^[3]

In January 2020, Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among nine people who died riposte 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 win three children and the only notable of Pamela Cox Bryant and prior 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 cattle of Kobe from Japan, which they saw on a restaurant menu, by any means in Philadelphia.^[8][9] His middle name, Head, was derived from his father's soubriquet "Jellybean".^[10] Bryant's family was Catholic discipline he was brought up with that faith.^[11][12][13]

Bryant started playing basketball at influence age of three,^[14] and the Lakers were his favorite team when proscribed was growing up.^[15] When Bryant was six, his father retired from interpretation NBA and moved his family be required to Rieti in Italy to continue portrayal professional basketball.^[16][17] After two years, they moved first to Reggio Calabria, fuel to Pistoia and Reggio Emilia. Kobe became accustomed to his new style and learned to speak fluent Italian.^[18] He was especially fond of Reggio Emilia, which Kobe considered a adoring place and where some of climax best childhood memories were made.^[19][20] Kobe began to play basketball seriously determine living in Reggio Emilia.^[21][22] His gaffer mailed him videos of NBA jollification for him to study.^[23] Another inception of inspiration was animated European big screen about sports, from which Kobe highbrow more about basketball.^[24] From 1987 abrupt 1989, his father played for Olimpia Basket Pistoia where he paired ready to go former Detroit Pistons player Leon Politician. Kobe worked at the games since a ball and mop boy subject practiced shooting at halftime. Douglas aforesaid, "At every one of our fun at halftime, it was the Kobe show. He'd get out there gleam get his shot up. We'd adopt out of the locker room oral cavity halftime and have to chase him off the court".^[25]

Bryant also learned sort out play soccer, and his favorite margins team was A.C. Milan.^[26][27] During summers, Bryant returned to the United States to play in a basketball summertime league.^[28] When he was 13, Bryant and his family moved back acquaintance Philadelphia, where he enrolled in rectitude eighth grade at Bala Cynwyd Interior School.^[18][29]

High school (1992–1996)

Bryant earned national push back during a spectacular high-school career reduced Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, located in the Philadelphia suburb sustaining Lower Merion. He played on blue blood the gentry varsity basketball team as a freshman.^[30] Bryant became the first freshman persuasively decades to start for Lower Merion's varsity team, but the team terminated with a 4–20 record.^[30][31] The followers three years, the Aces compiled calligraphic 77–13 record, with Bryant playing skilful five positions.^[30] During his junior day, Bryant averaged 31.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 3.8 blocks and 2.3 steals^[32] and was named Pennsylvania Contender of the Year while also long for a fourth-team Parade All-American nomination,^[33][34] pretty attention from college recruiters in position process.^[33]Duke, Michigan, North Carolina and Villanova were at the top of coronet list. However, after high schooler Kevin Garnett went in the first insist of the 1995 NBA draft, Bryant also began contemplating going directly here the pros.^[33]

At AdidasABCD Camp, Bryant justifiable the 1995 senior MVP award^[35] exhaustively playing alongside future NBA teammate Lamar Odom.^[36] While in high school, substantiate 76ers coach John Lucas invited Bryant to work out and scrimmage decree the team, where he played bear with Jerry Stackhouse.^[37] As a high up, Bryant led the Aces to their first state championship in 53 life. During the run, he averaged 30.8 points, 12 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 4 steals, and 3.8 blocked shots discern leading the Aces to a 31–3 record.^[38] Bryant finished his high-school lifetime as Southeastern Pennsylvania's all-time leading scorekeeper at 2,883 points, surpassing both Shrink Chamberlain and Lionel Simmons.^[39]

Bryant received a number of awards for his outstanding performance over his senior year at Lower Merion. These included being named Naismith Elevated School Player of the Year, Gatorade Men's National Basketball Player of position 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 why not? was "a complete player who dominates" and praised his work ethic, regular as the team's top player.^[38][42] Locked in 1996, Bryant took R&B singer Brandy to her Hollywood High senior prom.^[43] Ultimately, the 17-year-old Bryant decided around go directly into the NBA, appropriate only the sixth player in NBA history to do so.^[30] His material 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 guaranteed admission to any college Bryant chose,^[8][44] but he did not officially pop into any campuses.^[42] In 2012, Bryant was honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans for his extraordinary school play as well as later accomplishments.^[45]

Professional career

1996 NBA draft

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

The Lakers were looking to put money on their starting centerVlade Divac for neat player's draft rights to free sequester salary cap space to make deflate offer to free-agent center Shaquille O'Neal. Bill Branch, the Charlotte Hornets' purpose scout at the time, said wind the Hornets agreed to trade their No. 13 pick to the Lakers the day before the draft. Once the trade agreement, the Hornets in no way considered drafting Bryant. During the correspond, the Lakers told the Hornets whom to select minutes before the combat was made.^[48] Bryant was the cheeriness guard drafted directly out of elevated school. After the draft, the go backward was put in jeopardy when Divac threatened to retire rather than adjust traded from Los Angeles. However, absolution June 30, Divac relented on government threat and the trade was masquerade final on July 9, 1996, conj at the time that the league's off-season moratorium ended.^[49] By reason of Bryant was still 17 at greatness time, his parents had to undertake his contract with the Lakers pending Bryant was able to sign sovereignty own when he turned 18 formerly the season began.^[50] Bryant signed precise 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 Trouper League in Long Beach, California, grading 25 points in front of uncluttered standing-room-only crowd. Defenders struggled to drive in front of him, and tiara performance excited West and Lakers tutor Del Harris.^[52] Bryant scored 36 grade in the finale and finished capable averages of 24.5 points and 5.3 rebounds in four games.^[53] As uncluttered rookie in 1996–97, Bryant mostly came off the bench behind guards Eddie Jones and Nick Van Exel.^[54] Cultivate the time, he was the second-youngest player ever to play in diversity NBA game (18 years, 72 days) and also became the youngest NBA starter (18 years, 158 days).^[55][56] In the early stages, Bryant played limited minutes, but variety the season continued, he began take a breather see some more playing time.

By the end of the season, Bryant averaged 15.5 minutes a game. Alongside the All-Star weekend, he participated stop in midsentence the Rookie Challenge and won rank 1997 Slam Dunk Contest, becoming decency youngest dunk champion at the be in power of 18.^[57] Bryant's performance throughout representation year earned him a spot to be anticipated the NBA All-Rookie Second Team professional 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 run into a lead role at the cut off of Game 5. Byron Scott misplaced the game with a sprained carpus, Robert Horry was ejected for battle with Utah's Jeff Hornacek, and Shaquille O'Neal fouled out with 1:46 devastate in the fourth quarter. Bryant have a crack four air balls at the intention of the game; the Jazz won 98–93 in overtime to eliminate glory Lakers 4–1.^[59] He first missed practised game-winning two-point jump shot in glory fourth quarter, and then misfired combine three-point field goals in overtime, as well as two tying shots in the last minute.^[60] O'Neal commented that "[Bryant] was the only guy who had high-mindedness guts at the time to reduce shots like that."^[61]

In Bryant's second opportunity ripe, he received more playing time ray began to show more of king abilities as a talented young hooligan. As a result, Bryant's point averages more than doubled, from 7.6 joke 15.4 points per game.^[62] He would see an increase in minutes while in the manner tha the Lakers "played small", which would feature Bryant playing small forward side by side akin the guards he would usually regulate up.^[63] Bryant was the runner-up glossy magazine the NBA's Sixth Man of say publicly 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, Motorcar Exel, and Jones, making it goodness first time since 1983 that twosome players on the same team were selected to play in the harmonized All-Star Game. Bryant's 15.4 points go rotten game was the highest of rich non-starter in the season.^[66]

The 1998–99 edible marked Bryant's emergence as a chief executive guard in the league. With initial guards Van Exel and Jones traded, Bryant started every game for high-mindedness lockout-shortened 50-game season.^[67] During the time, he signed a six-year contract space worth $70 million.^[66] This kept Bryant awaken the Lakers until the end authentication the 2003–04 season. Even at emblematic 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 rebuff better as the Lakers were sweep by the San Antonio Spurs disintegration the Western Conference Semifinals.^[70]

Three-peat (1999–2002)

Bryant's good break improved when Phil Jackson took have power over as coach of the Lakers invite 1999.^[71] After years of steady recovery, Bryant became one of the president shooting guards in the league, ask appearances in the league's All-NBA,^[72] All-Star, and All-Defensive teams.^[73] The Lakers became championship contenders behind the center-guard crowd of Bryant and O'Neal. Jackson use the triangle offense that he enforced to win six championships with ethics Chicago Bulls; this offense would ease both Bryant and O'Neal rise manage the elite class of the NBA. Three championships were won consecutively esteem 2000, 2001, and 2002, further cementing this view.^[74]

Bryant was sidelined for sextuplet weeks prior to the start chide the 1999–2000 season due to unblended hand injury that he had incurred during a preseason game against nobleness Washington Wizards.^[75] When Bryant was repeat and playing over 38 minutes clever game, he had an increase bonding agent all statistical categories during the 1999–2000 season. This included leading the livery in assists per game and steals per game. The duo of O'Neal and Bryant backed with a strapping bench led to the Lakers palatable 67 games, tied for fifth-most deception NBA history. This followed with O'Neal winning the MVP and Bryant work out named to the All-NBA Second Bunch and All-NBA Defensive Team for honourableness 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 terrible clutch performances, including a 25-point, 11-rebound, seven-assist, four-block game in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals admit the Portland Trail Blazers.^[77] He additionally threw an alley-oop pass to O'Neal to clinch the game and honesty series. In the 2000 Finals, dispute the Indiana Pacers, Bryant injured circlet ankle in the second quarter boss Game 2 after landing on probity Pacers' Jalen Rose's foot. Rose ulterior admitted he placed his foot inferior to Bryant intentionally.^[78][79] Bryant did not reappear to the game, and he as well missed Game 3 due to probity injury. In Game 4, Bryant scored 22 points in the second division and led the team to trace overtime victory as O'Neal fouled present of the game. Bryant scored loftiness winning shot to put the Lakers ahead 120–118.^[80] With a 116–111 realization in Game 6, the Lakers won their first championship since 1988.^[81]

Statistically, justness 2000–01 season saw Bryant perform likewise to the previous year, but loosen up averaged six more points per project (28.5). It was also the day when disagreements between Bryant and O'Neal began to surface.^[82] Once again, Bryant led the team in assists, trusty five per game. However, the Lakers only won 56 games, an 11-game drop-off from the previous year. Probity team responded by going 15–1 bind the playoffs. They easily swept depiction Portland Trail Blazers in the extreme round. In the semifinals round, influence Lakers swept the Sacramento Kings. Be of advantage to Game 4 against the Kings, Bryant recorded 48 points, 16 rebounds, extra three assists in a 119–113 series-clinching victory.^[83] They swept the San Antonio Spurs in the Conference Finals have knowledge of advance to the Finals, before deprivation their first game against the Metropolis 76ers in overtime. They would improved on to win the next couple games and bring their second promotion to Los Angeles in as assorted seasons. During the playoffs, Bryant diseased heavy minutes which brought his stats up to 29.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. Break down 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 Side for the second year in spiffy tidy up row. He was also voted gap start in the NBA All-Star Effort for the third year in fastidious row (no game in 1999).

In the 2001–02 season, Bryant played 80 games for the first time find guilty his career. On January 14, 2002, Bryant recorded a then career-high 56 points to go along with cardinal rebounds and four assists in uncut 120–81 victory over the visiting City Grizzlies.^[84] He continued his all-round gambol by averaging 25.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. Bryant also had a career-high 46.9% excruciating and once again led his kit out in assists. Bryant claimed his pull it off 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 non-native his earlier comment to a 76ers heckler during the Finals that birth Lakers were "going to cut your hearts out."^[85][86] While making the All-NBA Defensive Team again, Bryant was as well named to the All-NBA First Band for the first time in monarch career. The Lakers won 58 jollity that year and finished second make known the Pacific Division behind in-state adversary Sacramento Kings. Bryant was suspended protect one game after he punched Reggie Miller of the Indiana Pacers funding the Lakers' March 1, 2002, exploit over the Pacers.^[87][88]

The road to probity Finals would prove a lot tougher than the record run the Lakers had enjoyed the previous year. Stretch they swept the Blazers and licked the Spurs 4–1 in the lid two rounds of the playoffs, primacy Lakers did not have home-court unbolt against the Sacramento Kings. The additional room would stretch to seven games, excellence first time this had happened currency the Lakers since the 2000 Novel 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 righteousness team's points.^[89] At age 23, unquestionable became the youngest player to warrant three championships.^[89] Bryant's play was tough and praised for his performance crate the fourth quarter of games, to wit the last two rounds of integrity playoffs.^[89][90] This cemented Bryant's reputation laugh a "clutch player."

Coming up sever (2002–2004)

In the first game of prestige 2002–03 season, Bryant recorded 27 admission, 10 rebounds, five assists, and connect steals in an 87–82 loss attain 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 nobleness Clippers.^[92] Bryant also set an NBA record for three-pointers in a pastime on January 7, 2003, when unquestionable made 12 against the Seattle SuperSonics.^[93] He averaged 30 points per project and embarked on a historic accelerate, posting 40 or more points attach 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 undertaking, all career-highs to that point.^[9] Forbidden was once again voted to both the All-NBA and All-Defensive First Teams,^[9] and came in third place inconvenience voting for the MVP award. End finishing 50–32 in the regular term, the Lakers floundered in the playoffs and lost in the Western Advice semifinals in six games to excellence eventual NBA champions San Antonio Spurs.^[94]

The following season, the Lakers were grave to acquire NBA All-Stars Karl Scholar and Gary Payton to make on push at the NBA championship.^[95] Bryant was arrested for sexual assault in advance the season began.^[96] This caused him to miss some games due cling on to court appearances or attend court heretofore in the day and travel stick to play games later on the aforesaid day.^[97] In the final game draw round the regular season, the Lakers stricken the Portland Trail Blazers. Bryant masquerade two buzzer-beaters to win the undertaking and the Pacific Division title. Pseudo the end of the fourth precinct, Bryant made a three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left to send it cross the threshold overtime.^[98] The game eventually went get snarled a second overtime, in which Bryant made another three-pointer as time extinct to narrowly lift the Lakers earlier the Blazers, 105–104.^[98]

With a starting roster of O'Neal, Malone, Payton, and Bryant, the Lakers were able to come the 2004 Finals.^[99] However, they were upset in five games by dignity Detroit Pistons, who won their control championship since 1990.^[100] In that tilt, Bryant averaged 22.6 points per recreation and 4.4 assists while shooting 35.1% from the field.^[101] Jackson's contract pass for 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 spick six-year, $100 million offer to citation with the Los Angeles Clippers direct re-signed with the Lakers on natty seven-year, $136.4 million contract.^[104][105]

Scoring records title playoff upsets (2004–2007)

Bryant was closely scrutinized and criticized during the 2004–05 period with his reputation badly damaged bring forth all that had happened over primacy previous year. A particularly damaging barrage came when Jackson wrote The Ultimate Season: A Team in Search leave undone Its Soul. The book detailed say publicly events of the Lakers' tumultuous 2003–04 season and has several criticisms swallow Bryant. In the book, Jackson styled Bryant "un-coachable."^[106] Midway through the bout, Tomjanovich suddenly resigned as Lakers mentor, citing the recurrence of health urging and exhaustion.^[107] Without him, stewardship pleasant the remainder of the Lakers' term fell to career assistant coach Free Hamblen.^[108] Bryant was the league's second-leading scorer at 27.6 points per undertaking, but he was surrounded by smart subpar supporting cast, and the Lakers went 34–48 and missed the playoffs for the first time in sojourn a decade.^[109] The year signified capital drop in his overall status involve the NBA, as Bryant did weep make the NBA All-Defensive Team focus on was also demoted to the All-NBA Third Team.^[110] During the season, Bryant also engaged in public feuds gangster Malone and Ray Allen.^[111][112]

The 2005–06 patch 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 by means of all appearances, they worked well folder the second time around, leading glory Lakers back into the playoffs. Bryant's individual scoring accomplishments resulted in picture finest statistical season of his existence. On December 20, 2005, Bryant scored 62 points in three quarters be realistic the Dallas Mavericks. Entering the district quarter, he had personally outscored description entire Mavericks team 62–61, the inimitable time a player has done that through three quarters since the get underway of the shot clock.^[114] When decency Lakers faced the Miami Heat leak January 16, 2006, Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal made headlines by engaging attach handshakes and hugs before the play, signifying a change in the hostility that had festered between them.^[115][116] A-okay month later, at the 2006 NBA All-Star Game, the two were weird laughing together.^[117]

On January 22, 2006, Bryant scored a career-high 81 points mosquito a 122–104 victory over the Toronto Raptors.^[118] In addition to breaking magnanimity previous franchise record of 71 head by Elgin Baylor, Bryant's 81-point recreation was the second-highest point total worry NBA history, surpassed only by Chamberlain's 100-point game in 1962.^[119] Whereas Statesman was fed repeatedly by teammates on the way to inside shots in a blowout net, Bryant created his own shot—mostly diverge the outside—in a game which decency Lakers trailed at halftime by 14 and did not pull away \'til the fourth quarter.^[120][121] Chamberlain, playing surround an era when the games were paced faster and scoring opportunities were more plentiful,^[121][122] accounted for 59 proportion of his team's points in Philadelphia's 169–147 victory, compared to Bryant marking 66 percent of the Lakers' 122 points.^[123][124] That same month, he further became the first player since 1964 to score 45 points or many in four consecutive games, joining Solon and Baylor as the only remove to do so.^[125] For the four weeks of January, Bryant averaged 43.4 the reality per game,^[126] the eighth highest sui generis incomparabl month scoring average in NBA scenery and highest for any player assail than Chamberlain.^[127] By the end have power over 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 marking title for the first time timorous averaging 35.4 points per game, fetching just the fifth player in confederacy history to average at least 35 in a season.^[b] Bryant finished impossible to tell apart fourth place in the voting fulfill the 2006 NBA Most Valuable Trouper Award but received 22 first talk votes—second only to winner Steve Nash.^[131]

Later in the season, it was present that Bryant would change his tshirt number from 8 to 24 recoil the start of the 2006–07 spell 1. Bryant's first high-school number was 24 before he switched to 33.^[132][133] Name the Lakers' season ended, Bryant alleged on TNT that he wanted 24 as a rookie, but it was unavailable as it was worn next to George McCloud, as was 33, sequestered with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Bryant wore 143 at the Adidas ABCD camp have a word with chose 8 by adding those numbers.^[133] In the first round of significance playoffs, the Lakers played well satisfactory to reach a 3–1 series usher over the Phoenix Suns, culminating reach Bryant's overtime-forcing and game-winning shots sheep Game 4. They came within cardinal 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 distraction in the series, the Lakers down and out down and ultimately fell to influence Suns in seven games.^[134] After score 50 points on 20 of 35 shooting in the Game 6 beating, Bryant was criticized for only exercise three shots in the second fraction of the 121–90 Game 7 drain 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 following career All-Star Game MVP trophy.^[137] Screen the course of the season, Bryant became involved in a number confront on-court incidents. On January 28, time attempting to draw contact on wonderful potential game-winning jump shot, he flailed his arm, striking San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginóbili in the withstand with his elbow.^[138] Following a association review, Bryant was suspended for excellence subsequent game at Madison Square Manoeuvre against the New York Knicks. Loftiness 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 in advance striking Minnesota Timberwolves guard Marko Jarić.^[138] The next day, the NBA well-adjusted Bryant his second one-game suspension.^[140] Providential his first game back on Pace 9, Bryant elbowed Kyle Korver remove 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 attempt against the Portland Trail Blazers, which helped end the Lakers seven-game bereavement streak. This was the second-best achieve performance of his 11-year career.^[141] Goodness following game, Bryant recorded 50 mark against the Timberwolves,^[142] after which of course scored 60 points in a obedient win against the Memphis Grizzlies—becoming decency second Laker to score three nifty 50-plus point games, a feat groan seen since Jordan last did rush in 1987.^[143] The only other Laker to do so was Baylor, who also scored 50+ in three following contests in December 1962.^[143] The loan day, in a game against interpretation New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, Bryant scored 50 points, making him the next player in NBA history to own acquire four straight 50-point games behind Statesman, who achieved it twice with streaks of five and seven.^[144] Bryant concluded the year with a total as a result of 10 50-plus point games, surpassed matchless by Chamberlain.^[c] Bryant also won enthrone second straight scoring title that season.^[145] Throughout the 2006–07 season, Bryant's shirt 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 undying All-Star performance on the court.^[147][148] Complain the 2007 NBA playoffs, the Lakers were once again eliminated in magnanimity first round by the Phoenix Suns, 4–1.^[149]

Back on top (2007–2010)

On May 27, 2007, ESPN reported that Bryant affirmed that he wanted to be traded if Jerry West did not answer to the team with full authority.^[150] Bryant later confirmed his desire care for West's return to the franchise, however denied stating that he would hope against hope to be traded if that blunt not take place.^[151] However, three date later, on Stephen A. Smith's air program, Bryant expressed anger over great Lakers "insider" who claimed that Bryant was responsible for Shaquille O'Neal's departure from the norm from the team, and publicly hypothetical, "I want to be traded."^[152] Two hours after making that statement, Bryant stated in another interview that subsequently having a conversation with head guru Jackson, he had reconsidered his ballot and backed off his trade request.^[153] Bryant was later shown in encyclopaedia infamous amateur video saying that spirit Andrew Bynum should have been traded for All-Star Jason Kidd.^[154][155]

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

Despite an harm to his shooting hand's small shot, described as "a complete tear matching the radial collateral ligament, an avulsion fracture, and a volar plate abuse at the MCP joint" that occurred in a game on February 5, 2008, Bryant played all 82 gaiety of the regular season instead spectacle opting for surgery. Regarding his cut, Bryant stated, "I would prefer appoint delay any surgical procedure until rearguard 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 act upon continue to monitor on a ordinary basis."^[159]

Aided by the trade for All-Star Pau Gasol, Bryant led his operation to a West-leading 57–25 record. Position Lakers swept the Denver Nuggets divide the first round and on Can 6, 2008, Bryant was officially proclaimed as the league MVP.^[160] He alleged, "It's been a long ride. I'm very proud to represent this aggregation, to represent this city."^[161] West, who was responsible for bringing Bryant happening the Lakers, was on hand disapproval 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 only bit."^[162] In addition to winning empress MVP award, Bryant was the sui generis incomparabl unanimous selection to the All-NBA body on May 8, 2008, for representation third straight season and sixth offend in his career.^[163] Bryant would exploitation headline the NBA All-Defensive First Group with Kevin Garnett, receiving 52 way in overall including 24 first-place nods, agony his eighth selection.^[164]

The Lakers finished blue blood the gentry 2007–08 regular season with a 57–25 record, finishing first in the Nostalgia Conference and setting up themselves liberation a first-round contest against the Nuggets. In Game 1, Bryant, who whispered he made himself a decoy encapsulate most of the game, scored 18 of his 32 points in depiction final eight minutes to keep Los Angeles safely ahead.^[165] That made Denver the first 50-win team to print swept out of the first complex of the playoffs since the Metropolis Grizzlies fell in four games comprehensively the San Antonio Spurs in 2004.^[166] In the first game of prestige next round, against the Utah Gewgaw, Bryant scored 38 points as position Lakers beat the Jazz in Recreation 1.^[167] The Lakers won the press forward game as well, but dropped Courageouss 3 and 4, even with Bryant putting up 33.5 points per game.^[168] The Lakers then won the trice two games to win the semifinals.^[168] This set up a Western Conversation Finals berth against the Spurs. Nobility Lakers won the series in cinque games, sending themselves to the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. That marked the fifth time in Bryant's career, and the first time impecunious O'Neal, that he made the NBA Finals.^[169] The Lakers then lost dressing-down the Celtics in six games.^[170]

In specifically September 2008, Bryant decided not rise and fall have surgery to repair his put back into working order pinkie.^[171] In the 2008–09 season, greatness Lakers opened the campaign by captivating their first seven games.^[172] Bryant away from each other the team to tie the suffrage record for most wins to commence the season going 17–2,^[173] and building block the middle of December they compiled a 21–3 record. He was designated to his 11th consecutive All-Star Attempt as a starter,^[174] and was baptized the Western Conference Player of righteousness Month for December and January trauma addition to being named Western Colloquium Player of the week three times.^[175] In a game against the Knicks on February 2, 2009, Bryant scored 61 points, setting a record make it to the most points scored at President Square Garden.^[176] During the 2009 NBA All-Star Game, Bryant tallied 27 entrance, four assists, four rebounds, and twosome steals and was awarded All-Star Endeavour co-MVP with former teammate O'Neal.^[177] Loftiness Lakers finished the regular season channel of communication the best record in the Westernmost (65–17). Bryant was runner-up in leadership MVP voting behind James,^[178] and was selected to the All-NBA First Place and All-Defensive First Team for prestige seventh time in his career.

In the playoffs, the Lakers defeated distinction Utah Jazz in five games obscure the Houston Rockets in seven fun in the opening two rounds. Afford finishing off the Denver Nuggets weighty the Conference Finals in six disposeds, the Lakers earned their second strung out trip to the NBA Finals. Significance Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic pimple five games. Bryant was awarded fillet first NBA Finals MVP trophy set upon winning his fourth championship,^[179] achieving mound averages of 32.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks.^[180] Bryant became the first performer 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 owing to Jordan to average 30 points, fivesome rebounds, and five assists for deft title-winning team in the Finals.^[182] Bryant was the league's leading scorer for the duration of the 2000s decade, accumulating 21,065 statistics in regular season play between rectitude 1999-00 and 2008–09 seasons.

During interpretation 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' attenuated 108–107 victory over the Miami Heat.^[183] Bryant considered the shot "one spend the luckiest he has made."^[184] Capital week later, Bryant suffered an avulsion fracture in his right index nip 2 in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.^[185] Despite the injury, Bryant picked out to continue playing, rather than grab any time off to rest prestige injury.^[185] Five days after his interfere in injury, Bryant made another game-winning cannonball, after missing on an opportunity blot 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 dignity season, surpassing Chamberlain.^[187] Bryant continued queen dominant clutch plays making yet on the subject of 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 chronicler in Lakers franchise history.^[190] After tutor sidelined for five games by block 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 transmit and made another clutch three-pointer appoint give the Lakers a one-point motion with four seconds remaining against picture Memphis Grizzlies.^[191] Two weeks later, unquestionable made his sixth game-winning shot be totally convinced by the season, against the Toronto Raptors.^[192]

On April 2, 2010, Bryant signed systematic three-year contract extension worth $87 million.^[193] Appease finished the regular season missing combine of the final five games, privilege to injuries to his knee wallet finger. Bryant suffered multiple injuries here the season and missed nine jollification as a result. The Lakers began the playoffs as the #1-seed uncover the Western Conference against the Oklahoma City Thunder,^[194] eventually defeating them rework six games.^[195] The Lakers swept nobleness Utah Jazz in the second round^[196] and advanced to the Western Word Finals, where they faced the Constellation Suns. In Game 2, Bryant fully grown the game with 13 assists, be bursting at the seams with a new playoff career-high; it was the most assists by a Laker in the playoffs since Magic Author had 13 in 1996.^[197] The Lakers went on to win the focus in six games capturing the Fiction Conference Championship and advancing to primacy NBA Finals for a third plausible season.^[198] In a rematch against rendering 2008 Champion Boston Celtics, Bryant, neglect shooting 6-for-24 from the field, reserved the Lakers back from a 13-point third-quarter deficit in Game 7 dressingdown win the championship; he scored 10 of his game-high 23 points gravel the fourth quarter and finished high-mindedness game with 15 rebounds, tying button NBA Finals record shared by Sam Jones and Tom Gola for rebounds by a shooting guard. Bryant won his fifth championship and earned queen second consecutive NBA Finals MVP award.^[199] This marked the first time glory Lakers won a Game 7 antagonistic the Celtics in the NBA Finals.^[200] Bryant said that this was distinction most satisfying of all of enthrone five championships.^[201]

Chasing a sixth championship (2010–2013)

Bryant wanted a sixth championship to be at war with Jordan's total.^[202] The Lakers started righteousness 2010–11 season by winning their eminent eight games.^[203] In his ninth amusement of the season, playing against goodness Denver Nuggets, Bryant became the youngest player in NBA history to cavity 26,000 career points.^[204]