History of Kobe Bryant in Timeline
Kobe Bryant, a celebrated shooting guard, played his entire 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Recognized as one of basketball's greatest, he secured five NBA championships, 18 All-Star selections, and the 2008 NBA MVP award. Bryant earned two NBA Finals MVP awards and two scoring titles, holding the fourth-highest rank in NBA regular season and postseason scoring history. Posthumously honored, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021 and inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice; once in 2020 as a player and again in 2025 for his contribution to the 2008 U.S. Olympic team.
December 1962: Baylor's Consecutive 50-Point Games
In December 1962, Elgin Baylor scored 50 or more points in three consecutive contests for the Los Angeles Lakers.
1962: Chamberlain's 100-point game in 1962
On January 22, 2006, Bryant scored a career-high 81 points in a 122–104 victory over the Toronto Raptors, surpassed only by Chamberlain's 100-point game in 1962.
1964: First player since 1964 to score 45 points or more in four consecutive games
In January 2006, Kobe became the first player since 1964 to score 45 points or more in four consecutive games, joining Chamberlain and Baylor as the only players to do so.
1969: West's Finals Performance
In the 1969 NBA Finals, Jerry West averaged at least 32.4 points and 7.4 assists, a feat that Kobe Bryant matched in his own Finals performance.
August 23, 1978: Kobe Bryant's Birth
On August 23, 1978, Kobe Bean Bryant was born. He would go on to become an American professional basketball player and spend his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
1983: Four All-Stars
In Kobe Bryant's second season, in 1983, four players on the same team were selected to play in the same All-Star Game.
1987: Father Played for Olimpia Basket Pistoia
From 1987 to 1989, Kobe Bryant's father played for Olimpia Basket Pistoia where he paired with former Detroit Pistons player Leon Douglas.
1987: Jordan's Last 50-Plus Point Games Streak
In 1987, Michael Jordan was the last player to score 50 or more points in three straight games, a feat Kobe Bryant later matched.
1988: Previous Lakers championship
The Lakers won their first championship since 1988 in 2000.
1989: Father Played for Olimpia Basket Pistoia
From 1987 to 1989, Kobe Bryant's father played for Olimpia Basket Pistoia where he paired with former Detroit Pistons player Leon Douglas.
1990: Detroit Pistons win first championship since 1990
In 2004, the Detroit Pistons won their first championship since 1990, defeating the Lakers in five games.
1995: College Recruiters Attention
During his junior year, Kobe Bryant averaged impressive stats and was named Pennsylvania Player of the Year, attracting attention from college recruiters in 1995.
1995: Senior MVP Award
In 1995, Kobe Bryant earned the Adidas ABCD Camp senior MVP award while playing alongside future NBA teammate Lamar Odom.
May 1996: Brandy's Senior Prom Date
In May 1996, Kobe Bryant was Brandy's date to her Hollywood High School senior prom after they had met earlier in the year at a Nike All-Star basketball game.
July 9, 1996: Trade to the Lakers
On July 9, 1996, the trade was made final, sending Kobe Bryant from the Charlotte Hornets to the Los Angeles Lakers after Vlade Divac relented on his threat to retire.
1996: Signed a contract with Adidas
Before starting the 1996–97 season, Kobe Bryant signed a six-year contract with Adidas worth approximately $48 million. His first signature shoe was the Equipment KB 8.
1996: Pre-Draft Scrimmage
Before the 1996 NBA draft, Kobe Bryant scrimmaged against former Lakers players in Los Angeles and impressed the Lakers general manager, Jerry West.
1996: Summer Pro League Debut
In 1996, Kobe Bryant debuted in the Summer Pro League, scoring 25 points and showing great promise. Later that year he began his NBA career as a rookie, playing limited minutes initially.
1996: Decision to Enter NBA Draft
In 1996, Kobe Bryant decided to go directly into the NBA after considering college offers, becoming only the sixth player in NBA history to do so.
1996: NBA Draft
In 1996, Kobe Bryant declared for the NBA draft and was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th pick before being traded to the Lakers.
1996: Magic Johnson's Playoff Assists
In 1996, Magic Johnson recorded 13 assists in a playoff game, a mark that Kobe Bryant matched in the 2010 playoffs.
1997: Appearance on Hang Time
In 1997, Kobe Bryant appeared on an episode of Hang Time, expanding his presence in television.
1997: Performance with Sway & King Tech
In 1997, Kobe Bryant performed at a concert by Sway & King Tech, showcasing his early musical endeavors alongside his basketball career.
1997: Bryant wins the NBA Slam Dunk Contest
In 1997, Kobe Bryant won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest and was its youngest winner.
1997: Slam Dunk Contest Win
In 1997, Kobe Bryant won the Slam Dunk Contest and was named an All-Star by his second season.
1997: All-Star Weekend and Slam Dunk Win
In 1997, during the All-Star weekend, Kobe Bryant participated in the Rookie Challenge and won the Slam Dunk Contest.
1998: Appearance on All That
In 1998, Kobe Bryant appeared on an episode of the Nickelodeon sketch comedy series All That. That same year, he turned down the role of Jesus Shuttlesworth in Spike Lee's film He Got Game.
1998: Starting Guard for the Lakers
In 1998, Kobe Bryant emerged as a premier guard in the league. Bryant started every game for the lockout-shortened 50-game season.
January 1999: Billboard Hot 100 Appearance
In January 1999, Kobe Bryant made his only credited appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 as a featured rapper on Brian McKnight and Tone's single "Hold Me," which peaked at number 35.
November 1999: Met Vanessa Laine
In November 1999, Kobe Bryant, then 21, met Vanessa Laine, who was 17, while she was working as a background dancer on the Tha Eastsidaz music video "G'd Up".
1999: Remix of "Say My Name"
In 1999, Kobe Bryant appeared on a remix of "Say My Name" by Destiny's Child on the Maxi single version of the song.
1999: Bryant's hand injury during preseason
In 1999, Kobe Bryant was sidelined for six weeks due to a hand injury sustained during a preseason game against the Washington Wizards.
1999: Phil Jackson Becomes Lakers Coach
In 1999, Phil Jackson became the coach of the Lakers, improving Kobe Bryant's fortunes.
1999: No NBA All-Star Game
There was no NBA All-Star Game in 1999. Bryant was voted to start in the NBA All-Star Game for the third year in a row in 2000.
January 2000: Single Debut
In January 2000, Kobe Bryant's first single, "K.O.B.E'", which featured Tyra Banks, debuted. The single was performed at NBA All-Star Weekend that same month, but it was not well received, leading to Sony abandoning plans for the album, Visions.
May 2000: Engaged to Vanessa Laine
In May 2000, six months after meeting, Kobe Bryant and Vanessa Laine became engaged while Laine was still a senior in high school.
2000: First Championship with Phil Jackson
In 2000, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal won the first of three consecutive NBA championships with Phil Jackson as coach.
2000: Lakers win championship
In 2000, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers won their first championship since 1988, defeating the Indiana Pacers in the Finals. Bryant had clutch performances, including Game 4 where he led the team to an overtime victory with 22 points in the second half after O'Neal fouled out. The Lakers won the series 4-2.
2000: Declined to play in the 2000 Olympics
In 2000, Kobe Bryant declined to participate in the Olympics due to his upcoming wedding in the off-season.
2000: Bryant's performance and team disagreements
In 2000, Kobe Bryant's performance remained similar to the previous year, but he averaged six more points per game (28.5). Disagreements between Bryant and O'Neal also began to surface during the season.
2000: First gold medal since the 2000 Olympics
On August 24, 2008, Team USA won its first gold medal since the 2000 Olympics. Kobe Bryant scored 20 points in the gold medal game, leading Team USA to defeat Spain 118–107.
2000: Western Conference Finals since 2000
The series against the Sacramento Kings would stretch to seven games, the first time this had happened to the Lakers since the 2000 Western Conference Finals.
April 18, 2001: Married Vanessa Laine
On April 18, 2001, Kobe Bryant married Vanessa Laine at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point, California; the wedding was not attended by his parents or Laker teammates.
2001: Second Championship
In 2001, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal won their second consecutive NBA championship under coach Phil Jackson.
2001: Start of the 2001-02 season
In the 2001–02 season, Bryant played 80 games for the first time in his career.
January 14, 2002: Bryant scores career-high 56 points
On January 14, 2002, Kobe Bryant scored a then career-high 56 points, along with five rebounds and four assists, in a 120–81 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
January 2002: Bought a house in Newport Coast
In January 2002, Kobe Bryant purchased a Mediterranean-style house in Newport Coast, Newport Beach for $4 million.
March 1, 2002: Bryant suspended for punching Reggie Miller
On March 1, 2002, Kobe Bryant punched Reggie Miller of the Indiana Pacers after the Lakers' victory and was subsequently suspended for one game.
2002: Third Consecutive Championship
In 2002, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal secured their third consecutive NBA championship with the Lakers.
2002: Opted out of 2002 FIBA World Championship
In 2002, Kobe Bryant decided not to play in the FIBA World Championship.
2002: Bryant wins third championship
In 2002, at age 23, Kobe Bryant became the youngest player to win three championships after the Lakers defeated the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Finals. He averaged 26.8 points, 51.4% shooting, 5.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists per game in the series.
2002: Season start and first game
In the first game of the 2002–03 season, Bryant recorded 27 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and four steals in an 87–82 loss to the visiting Spurs.
January 7, 2003: Bryant sets NBA record for three-pointers
On January 7, 2003, Kobe Bryant set an NBA record for three-pointers in a game, making 12 against the Seattle SuperSonics.
January 2003: Birth of first daughter, Natalia
In January 2003, Kobe and Vanessa Bryant's first daughter, Natalia, was born.
June 18, 2003: Charged with sexual assault
On June 18, 2003, Kobe Bryant was charged in Eagle County, Colorado, in connection with a sexual assault complaint filed by a 19-year-old hotel employee.
2003: Bryant's Lowest Shots Per Game
During the 2010-2011 NBA season, Kobe Bryant averaged less than 20 shots a game, his fewest since the 2003-2004 season.
2003: Contract Extension
In 1998, Bryant signed a six-year contract extension worth $70 million, which kept him with the Lakers until the end of the 2003-04 season.
2003: Sexual Assault Allegation
In 2003, Kobe Bryant faced charges of sexual assault, which were later dropped after the accuser refused to testify, leading to an out-of-court settlement.
2003: Withdrew from FIBA Americas Championship
In 2003, Kobe Bryant initially selected for the FIBA Americas Championship, but withdrew after undergoing shoulder and knee surgeries.
2003: Bryant is the leading vote-getter
In 2003, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star Game.
2003: Meeting Between Shaquille O'Neal and Yao Ming
In 2003, the first ever head-to-head meeting between Shaquille O'Neal and Yao Ming was the most watched with more viewers.
2003: Events of the 2003-04 season
The book "The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul" detailed the events of the Lakers' tumultuous 2003–04 season and has several criticisms of Bryant.
September 2004: Assault case dropped after accuser declined to testify
In September 2004, the sexual assault case against Kobe Bryant was dropped by prosecutors after the accuser decided not to testify at the trial; Bryant later apologized to her for the incident.
2004: Kobe was the most alienated superstar the NBA had ever seen
According to sportswriter Mark Heisler of Forbes, around 2004 to 2007, Kobe Bryant was considered the most alienated superstar the NBA had ever seen.
2004: Scrutiny and criticism
In 2004, Kobe Bryant faced increased scrutiny and criticism, with his reputation damaged due to events of the previous year and criticisms in Phil Jackson's book, "The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul."
2004: Lakers lose NBA Finals
In 2004, after the Lakers lost the NBA Finals, Shaquille O'Neal was traded, and Kobe Bryant became the franchise's cornerstone.
2004: Grizzlies Swept by Spurs
In 2004, the Memphis Grizzlies were swept in four games by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs, marking the first time a 50-win team had been swept out of the first round since that event.
December 20, 2005: Bryant scores 62 points in three quarters
On December 20, 2005, Kobe Bryant scored 62 points in three quarters against the Dallas Mavericks, outscoring the entire Mavericks team 62–61, a feat unmatched since the introduction of the shot clock.
2005: NBA scoring title
By the end of the 2005–06 season, Bryant set Lakers single-season franchise records for most 40-point games (27) and most points scored (2,832). He won the league's scoring title for the first time by averaging 35.4 points per game
2005: Bryant leads the NBA in scoring
In 2005, Kobe Bryant led the NBA in scoring during the 2005–06 season.
2005: Vanessa Bryant suffered a miscarriage
In the spring of 2005, Vanessa Bryant suffered a miscarriage due to an ectopic pregnancy.
January 16, 2006: Bryant and O'Neal reconcile
On January 16, 2006, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal made headlines by engaging in handshakes and hugs before the game between the Lakers and the Miami Heat, indicating a change in their long-standing feud.
January 22, 2006: Bryant scores career-high 81 points
On January 22, 2006, Kobe Bryant scored a career-high 81 points in a 122–104 victory over the Toronto Raptors, marking the second-highest point total in NBA history.
January 22, 2006: Career-High 81 Points
On January 22, 2006, Kobe Bryant scored a career-high 81 points in a single NBA game.
May 2006: Birth of second daughter, Gianna
In May 2006, Kobe and Vanessa Bryant's second daughter, Gianna Maria-Onore (Gigi), was born.
2006: All-Star Game appearance
During the 2006–07 season, Kobe 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 second career All-Star Game MVP trophy.
2006: Jersey number change and playoff performance
In 2006, Kobe Bryant changed his jersey number from 8 to 24. In the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers reached a 3–1 series lead over the Phoenix Suns but ultimately lost in seven games.
2006: Bryant leads the NBA in scoring and scores 81 points against Toronto
In 2006, Kobe Bryant led the NBA in scoring during the 2005-06 season and scored 81 points against Toronto, which was the second-highest in NBA history.
2006: Named to U.S. preliminary roster but sidelined
In 2006, Kobe Bryant was publicly named to the 2006-2008 U.S. preliminary roster along with LeBron James. However, he was sidelined after knee surgery and did not participate in the 2006 FIBA World Championship.
2006: NBA Leading Scorer
In the 2006-07 season, Kobe Bryant led the NBA in scoring.
May 27, 2007: Bryant's Trade Request and Reconsideration
On May 27, 2007, Kobe Bryant initially expressed a desire to be traded if Jerry West didn't return to the Lakers with full authority. He later confirmed wanting West back but denied demanding a trade. After a dispute with a Lakers insider and a conversation with coach Jackson, Bryant requested a trade, then reconsidered after talking with coach Jackson.
December 23, 2007: Bryant Reaches 20,000 Career Points
On December 23, 2007, Kobe Bryant became the youngest player at 29 years and 122 days old to reach 20,000 career points, scoring 39 points against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. He also had 11 rebounds and eight assists in that game. This record has since been broken by LeBron James.
2007: Kobe was the most alienated superstar the NBA had ever seen
According to sportswriter Mark Heisler of Forbes, around 2004 to 2007, Kobe Bryant was considered the most alienated superstar the NBA had ever seen.
2007: CNN estimated Bryant's endorsement deals in 2007 to be worth $16 million a year.
CNN estimated Kobe Bryant's endorsement deals in 2007 to be worth $16 million a year.
2007: Began United States national team career
In 2007, Kobe Bryant began his United States national team career, being a member of the 2007 USA Men's Senior National Team and USA FIBA Americas Championship Team.
2007: Lakers Eliminated in First Round
In the 2007 NBA playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated in the first round by the Phoenix Suns, losing the series 4–1.
February 5, 2008: Bryant Injures Finger, Foregoes Surgery
On February 5, 2008, Kobe Bryant sustained a significant injury to his shooting hand's small finger, including a complete tear of the radial collateral ligament, an avulsion fracture, and a volar plate injury. Despite the severity, he chose to play all 82 games of the regular season instead of undergoing surgery, planning to delay any procedure until after the Lakers season and the Olympic Games.
May 6, 2008: Bryant Named League MVP
On May 6, 2008, Kobe Bryant was officially announced as the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) after leading his team to a West-leading 57–25 record.
May 8, 2008: Bryant Unanimously Selected to All-NBA First Team
On May 8, 2008, Kobe Bryant was the only unanimous selection to the All-NBA First Team for the third straight season and sixth time in his career. He also headlined the NBA All-Defensive First Team.
June 23, 2008: Named to USA Men's Senior National Team for the 2008 Summer Olympics
On June 23, 2008, Kobe Bryant was named to the USA Men's Senior National Team for the 2008 Summer Olympics, marking his first time participating in the Olympics.
August 24, 2008: Won gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics
On August 24, 2008, Kobe Bryant scored 20 points in the gold medal game, leading Team USA to defeat Spain 118–107 and secure their first gold medal since the 2000 Olympics.
September 2008: Bryant Defers Pinkie Surgery
In early September 2008, Kobe Bryant made the decision not to undergo surgery to repair his injured right pinkie finger.
2008: ESPN ranks Bryant as second-greatest shooting guard
In 2008, ESPN ranked Kobe Bryant the second-greatest shooting guard of all time after Michael Jordan.
2008: Donation to National Museum of African American History and Culture
In 2008, Kobe Bryant and his wife were founding donors of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, with Bryant also donating his uniform from the 2008 NBA Finals, the year Bryant was named the league MVP.
2008: Appeared in Guitar Hero World Tour commercial
In 2008, Kobe Bryant appeared in commercials for the video game Guitar Hero World Tour with Tony Hawk, Michael Phelps, and Alex Rodriguez.
2008: NBA MVP Award
In 2008, Kobe Bryant was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).
2008: Sidelined due to knee surgery
In 2008, Kobe Bryant was sidelined due to knee surgery.
2008: Bryant wins MVP and a gold medal
In 2008, Kobe Bryant was voted the league MVP and won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. men's basketball team at the Summer Olympics.
2008: Olympic Gold Medal
In 2008, Kobe Bryant won a gold medal as part of the U.S. Olympic team.
2008: Qualified for the 2008 Olympics
In 2008, Kobe Bryant's team won gold at the USA FIBA Americas Championship, securing qualification for the United States men's team for the 2008 Olympics.
2008: Rematch Against Celtics
In 2010, the Lakers faced the Boston Celtics in a rematch of the 2008 NBA Finals, with Bryant leading the Lakers to victory in seven games to win the championship.
2008: Appeared to jump over a speeding Aston Martin in a Nike commercial
In a 2008 video promoting Nike's Hyperdunk shoes, Kobe Bryant appears to jump over a speeding Aston Martin. After promoting Nike's Hyperdunk shoes, Bryant came out with the fourth edition of his signature line by Nike, the Zoom Kobe IV.
January 21, 2009: Bryant Records Triple-Double
Kobe Bryant recorded his first triple-double since January 21, 2009, against the Denver Nuggets.
February 2, 2009: Bryant Scores 61 at Madison Square Garden
On February 2, 2009, Kobe Bryant scored 61 points in a game against the New York Knicks, setting a record for the most points scored at Madison Square Garden.
February 9, 2009: Featured on the cover of ESPN The Magazine for being a fan of FC Barcelona
On February 9, 2009, Kobe Bryant was featured on the cover of ESPN The Magazine—not for anything basketball related, but about his being a big fan of FC Barcelona.
December 4, 2009: Bryant's Game-Winning Shot Over Wade
On December 4, 2009, Kobe Bryant made a buzzer-beating, one-legged three-pointer over Dwyane Wade, leading the Lakers to a 108–107 victory over the Miami Heat.
2009: Revealed he grew up a New York Mets fan
During the 2009 National League Championship Series, Kobe Bryant revealed he grew up a fan of the New York Mets wanting to be like Darryl Strawberry and boasted that he still had a Ron Darling baseball card.
2009: Lil Wayne Releases "Kobe Bryant"
In 2009, American rapper Lil Wayne released a song called "Kobe Bryant," paying tribute to the basketball star.
2009: NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 2009, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to another NBA Championship and was named NBA Finals MVP.
2009: Bryant wins another championship and the Finals MVP award
In 2009, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to another championship and won the Finals MVP award.
2009: Kobe Doin' Work Documentary
In 2009, Spike Lee's documentary film Kobe Doin' Work, chronicling Bryant during the 2007–08 NBA season, was released.
April 2, 2010: Bryant Signs Contract Extension
On April 2, 2010, Kobe Bryant signed a three-year contract extension worth $87 million with the Los Angeles Lakers.
November 4, 2010: Call of Duty Endowment Donation
On November 4, 2010, Kobe Bryant appeared with Zach Braff at the Call of Duty: Black Ops launch event and presented a $1 million check to the Call of Duty Endowment, an Activision-founded nonprofit helping veterans transition to civilian careers.
December 13, 2010: Signed endorsement deal with Turkish Airlines
On December 13, 2010, Kobe Bryant signed a two-year endorsement deal with Turkish Airlines.
2010: Bryant Reaches 25,000 Career Points
During the 2009-2010 season, Kobe Bryant became the youngest player at 31 years and 151 days old to reach 25,000 career points, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain.
2010: Sho Baraka Releases "Kobe Bryant On'em"
In 2010, American rapper Sho Baraka released a song called "Kobe Bryant On'em", which was featured on his album Lions and Liars.
2010: Appeared in Call of Duty: Black Ops commercial
In 2010, Kobe Bryant appeared in commercials for the video game Call of Duty: Black Ops alongside Jimmy Kimmel.
2010: NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 2010, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to another NBA Championship and was again named NBA Finals MVP.
2010: Bryant wins another championship and the Finals MVP award
In 2010, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to another championship and won the Finals MVP award.
2010: Nike launched Nike Zoom Kobe V.
In 2010, Nike launched another shoe, Nike Zoom Kobe V.
2010: Lakers Start Season Strong
The Lakers started the 2010-2011 season by winning their first eight games.
January 30, 2011: Bryant Reaches 27,000 Points
On January 30, 2011, Kobe Bryant became the youngest player to score 27,000 points in a game against the Boston Celtics.
April 13, 2011: Bryant Fined for Gay Slur
On April 13, 2011, the NBA fined Kobe Bryant $100,000 for directing a gay slur at referee Bennie Adams in the previous day's game. Bryant later apologized and appeared in a public service announcement denouncing his behavior.
December 16, 2011: Vanessa Bryant filed for divorce
On December 16, 2011, Vanessa Bryant filed for divorce from Kobe, citing irreconcilable differences and requesting joint custody of their daughters.
2011: Collaboration with Jay Chou
In 2011, Kobe Bryant was featured in Taiwanese singer Jay Chou's single "The Heaven and Earth Challenge", also known as "Tian Di Yi Dou". The proceeds for downloads were donated to impoverished schools for basketball facilities and equipment.
2011: Bryant is the leading vote-getter
In 2011, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star Game.
January 10, 2012: Bryant Scores 48 points against the Suns
On January 10, 2012, Kobe Bryant scored 48 points against the Phoenix Suns. After the game, Bryant referred to a preseason ESPN ranking that placed him as the seventh-best player in the league.
September 2012: Shot commercial for Turkish Airlines with Lionel Messi
In September 2012, Kobe Bryant shot a commercial for Turkish Airlines with FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi, competing for the attention of a young boy.
November 2, 2012: Bryant passes Magic Johnson as Lakers career leader in steals
On November 2, 2012, Kobe Bryant scored 40 points with two steals, passing Magic Johnson as the Lakers' career leader in steals. However, the Lakers lost the game to the Clippers and started the season 0–3 for the first time in 34 years.
2012: Began referring to himself as "vino"
During the 2012–13 season, Kobe Bryant began referring to himself as "vino" to describe how his play had been aging like a fine wine.
2012: Chief Keef Releases "Kobe"
In 2012, American rapper Chief Keef released "Kobe", a song paying tribute to Bryant. It was featured on his debut studio album, Finally Rich, as a part of the deluxe edition.
2012: Won another gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics
In 2012, Kobe Bryant rejoined the national team for the Summer Olympics, where he won another gold medal and decided to retire from the team.
2012: McDonald's All-American Honor
In 2012, Kobe Bryant was honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans for his high school play and later accomplishments.
2012: Selected as the player general managers would want to take a clutch shot with a game on the line.
In 2012, Kobe Bryant was selected for the 10th consecutive season as the player NBA general managers would want to take a clutch shot with a game on the line, according to an annual survey.
2012: Bryant wins another gold medal
In 2012, Kobe Bryant won another gold medal at the Summer Olympics.
2012: Second Olympic Gold Medal
In 2012, Kobe Bryant won his second gold medal as part of the U.S. Olympic team.
2012: Achilles Tendon Injury
In the 2012-13 season, Kobe Bryant suffered a torn Achilles tendon.
January 11, 2013: Bryants called off their divorce
On January 11, 2013, Kobe and Vanessa Bryant announced via social media that they had called off their divorce.
March 30, 2013: Bryant becomes fourth-leading scorer in league history
On March 30, 2013, Kobe Bryant surpassed Wilt Chamberlain to become the fourth-leading scorer in league history, during a victory over Sacramento.
April 10, 2013: Bryant achieves unique NBA record
On April 10, 2013, Kobe Bryant became the first player in NBA history to record at least 47 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and three steals in a single game.
2013: Legal disagreement over memorabilia auction
In 2013, Kobe Bryant had a legal disagreement with an auction house over memorabilia from his early years that his parents had put up for auction.
2013: Launch of Granity Studios
In 2013, Kobe Bryant launched Granity Studios, a production company that developed different media, ranging from films to television shows and novels.
2013: Listed as the fifth-highest paid sports star in the world by Forbes
In 2013, Kobe Bryant was listed by Forbes as the fifth-highest paid sports star in the world.
2013: Bryant is the leading vote-getter
In 2013, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star Game.
March 2014: Investment in Bodyarmor SuperDrink
In March 2014, Kobe Bryant established Kobe Inc. and made its initial investment with a 10% stake in the Bodyarmor SuperDrink company for $6 million.
November 30, 2014: Bryant Records 20th Career Triple-Double
On November 30, 2014, in an overtime victory against the Toronto Raptors, Kobe Bryant recorded his 20th career triple-double with 31 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds. At 36 years old, he became the oldest NBA player to reach 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game.
January 21, 2015: Bryant suffers season-ending rotator cuff tear
On January 21, 2015, Kobe Bryant tore his rotator cuff in his right shoulder, ending his season. This occurred during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, where he continued playing, favoring his left hand after the injury.
May 2015: Sold Newport Coast house
In May 2015, Kobe Bryant sold his Mediterranean-style house in Newport Coast, Newport Beach.
November 24, 2015: Lakers fall to 2-12 after loss to Warriors
On November 24, 2015, the Lakers fell to 2–12 after losing to the Warriors. In the game, Kobe Bryant scored just four points in 25 minutes, shooting 1-for-14.
November 29, 2015: Bryant announces retirement
On November 29, 2015, Kobe Bryant announced his retirement at the end of the season via The Players' Tribune, in a poem titled "Dear Basketball", expressing his lifelong love for the game. He also distributed a letter to Lakers fans expressing his gratitude.
2015: Later Career Hampered by Injuries
In 2015, the later years of Kobe Bryant's playing career were hampered by injuries and limited playing time.
August 22, 2016: Launch of Bryant-Stibel
On August 22, 2016, Kobe Bryant and his business partner Jeff Stibel launched Bryant-Stibel, a venture capital firm focused on different businesses including media, data, gaming, and technology, with $100 million in funding.
December 2016: Birth of third daughter
In early December 2016, Kobe and Vanessa Bryant welcomed their third daughter.
2016: ESPN again ranks Bryant as second-greatest shooting guard
In 2016, ESPN again ranked Kobe Bryant the second-greatest shooting guard of all time after Michael Jordan.
2016: Bryant is the leading vote-getter
In 2016, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star Game.
December 18, 2017: Lakers retire both of Kobe Bryant's numbers
On December 18, 2017, the Los Angeles Lakers retired both numbers that Kobe Bryant wore during his career, 8 and 24.
2017: Dear Basketball Release
In 2017, Dear Basketball was released. In 2018, Kobe Bryant won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for "Dear Basketball" (2017).
2017: Lakers Retire Both Numbers
In 2017, the Lakers retired both of Kobe Bryant's jersey numbers, 8 and 24, making him the only player in NBA history to have multiple numbers retired by the same franchise.
August 2018: Valuation of Bodyarmor Stake Rises
In August 2018, with The Coca-Cola Company purchasing a minority stake in Bodyarmor SuperDrink, the valuation of Kobe Bryant's stake rose to approximately $200 million.
October 23, 2018: Publication of The Mamba Mentality
On October 23, 2018, Kobe Bryant's book The Mamba Mentality: How I Play was published, featuring photographs and reflections on his career. The book also featured contributions from Andrew D. Bernstein, Phil Jackson, and Pau Gasol.
2018: Launch of Mamba Sports Academy
In 2018, Kobe Bryant and Sports Academy launched Mamba Sports Academy, a joint athletic-training business venture. The academy established locations in Thousand Oaks and Redondo Beach, California.
2018: Academy Award Win
In 2018, Kobe Bryant won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for "Dear Basketball" (2017).
2018: Debut of Detail
In 2018, Kobe Bryant wrote, produced, and hosted the television series Detail, which aired on ESPN and ESPN+ for multiple seasons, showcasing his basketball insights.
January 2019: Announced expecting fourth daughter
In January 2019, Kobe and Vanessa Bryant announced they were expecting their fourth daughter.
June 2019: Birth of fourth daughter
In June 2019, Kobe and Vanessa Bryant's fourth daughter was born.
2019: Appearance on Ridiculousness
In 2019, Kobe Bryant appeared on MTV's Ridiculousness.
2019: Global ambassador of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China
In 2019, Kobe Bryant served as one of the global ambassadors of the FIBA Basketball World Cup held in China.
January 2020: Helicopter Crash
In January 2020, Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among nine people who died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
January 26, 2020: Kobe Bryant's Death
On January 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant passed away. He was an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers.
March 2020: Posthumous Release of The Wizenard Series: Season One
In March 2020, The Wizenard Series: Season One, a novel co-written by Kobe Bryant, was released posthumously. The book topped the New York Times middle-grade hardcover list.
April 2020: Bryant elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In April 2020, Kobe Bryant was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, after being named a finalist weeks after his death.
May 2020: Mamba Sports Academy Renamed
In May 2020, the Mamba Sports Academy was renamed to Sports Academy out of respect for Kobe Bryant.
August 2020: Omission from VMAs and Emmys
In August 2020, Kobe Bryant was not included in the montages at the 2020 VMAs and Emmys, leading to fan upset, especially as actors Naya Rivera and Chadwick Boseman had been featured prominently in both.
2020: Snoop Dogg Tattoo
After the Lakers won the 2020 NBA Finals, rapper Snoop Dogg paid homage to Kobe Bryant and the Lakers with a full forearm tattoo.
2020: Lakers wear "Black Mamba" jerseys in honor of Bryant during the NBA playoffs
During the 2020 NBA playoffs, the Lakers' players wore 'Black Mamba' jerseys in honor of Kobe Bryant. The Black Mamba jersey was designed by Kobe Bryant himself.
February 9, 2021: NTSB Report on Helicopter Crash
On February 9, 2021, over a year after the crash, the NTSB declared that pilot Ara Zobayan probably became disoriented after flying into thick clouds. The five board members also said Zobayan, who also died in the crash, ignored his training and violated federal regulations during the 40-minute flight.
October 2021: Bryant named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In October 2021, Kobe Bryant was honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
2021: Posthumous Induction into Basketball Hall of Fame
In 2021, Kobe Bryant was posthumously inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, with Vanessa Bryant delivering the acceptance speech on his behalf.
2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2021, Kobe Bryant was posthumously named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
January 26, 2022: Statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant placed at crash site
On January 26, 2022, coinciding with the second anniversary of his death, a statue of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna was placed at the crash site in Calabasas.
2022: The Athletic ranks Bryant as 10th-greatest player in NBA history
In 2022, The Athletic ranked Kobe Bryant as the 10th-greatest player in NBA history and the second-highest shooting guard on the list, behind only Michael Jordan.
2022: Civil Trial Settlement
In 2022, Vanessa Bryant was awarded $15 million from L.A. County in a civil trial.
February 28, 2023: Vanessa Bryant Settlement with Los Angeles County
On February 28, 2023, Vanessa Bryant was awarded a $28.85 million settlement from Los Angeles County to conclude legal proceedings over graphic photos of the aftermath of the helicopter crash that were shared without the permission of the family. The figure includes the $15 million she was awarded from L.A. County in a 2022 civil trial, with "additional funds to settle potential claims from her daughters"—Natalia, 20, Bianka, 6, and Capri, 3. Chris Chester, a co-plaintiff who lost his 45-year-old wife and 13-year-old daughter in the crash, settled for $19.95 million.
2023: Lakers announce unveiling date for Bryant's statue
In 2023, the Lakers stated that Kobe Bryant's statue outside of Crypto.com Arena would be unveiled on February 8, 2024, to honor his two numbers with the Lakers, 8 and 24, and 2 for the number of his daughter Gianna.
February 8, 2024: Unveiling of Kobe Bryant's statue outside Crypto.com Arena
The Lakers announced that Kobe Bryant's statue outside of Crypto.com Arena would be unveiled on February 8, 2024, to honor his two numbers with the Lakers, 8 and 24, and 2 for the number of his daughter Gianna.
August 2, 2024: Lakers unveil a statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant outside of Crypto.com Arena.
On August 2, 2024, the Lakers also unveiled a statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant outside of Crypto.com Arena.
2024: LeBron James broke Kobe's record
In 2024, LeBron James surpassed Kobe Bryant for missing the most field goal attempts in NBA history.
February 2025: Trump announces Bryant would get a statue in National Garden of American Heroes
In February 2025, Donald Trump announced that Kobe Bryant would get a statue in the proposed National Garden of American Heroes.
2025: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction
In 2025, Kobe Bryant will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team.
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