Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kobe Bryant
Discover the career path of Kobe Bryant, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Kobe Bryant, a celebrated American professional basketball player, dedicated his entire 20-year career to the Los Angeles Lakers. A shooting guard renowned as one of basketball's greatest, he secured five NBA championships. Bryant's accolades include 18 All-Star selections, a 2008 NBA MVP award, and two NBA Finals MVP titles. He earned spots on 15 All-NBA Teams and 12 All-Defensive Teams, and he was a two-time scoring champion. Bryant holds the fourth position in all-time regular season and postseason scoring. In 2020, he was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
1962: Wilt Chamberlain's 100-Point Game
In 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a game, the highest point total in NBA history. This is mentioned in the context of Kobe Bryant's 81-point game in 2006.
1964: Scoring Streak
In 1964, a player scored 45 points or more in four consecutive games, a feat Kobe Bryant matched in 2006.
1983: First time since 1983 that four players on the same team were selected to play in the same All-Star Game
It was the first time since 1983 that four players on the same team were selected to play in the same All-Star Game
1988: Lakers Championship
In 1988, The Lakers won their championship. This is mentioned in the context of the 2000 Lakers winning their first championship since 1988.
1990: Detroit Pistons Win Championship
In 1990, the Detroit Pistons won their first championship. This is mentioned in the context of the 2004 NBA Finals where the Pistons won their first championship since 1990.
1995: College Recruiters Attention
In 1995, During his junior year in High School, Kobe Bryant attracted attention from college recruiters.
1995: Adidas ABCD Camp MVP
In 1995, Kobe Bryant earned the senior MVP award at Adidas ABCD Camp.
July 9, 1996: Trade to the Lakers Finalized
On July 9, 1996, the trade sending Kobe Bryant to the Los Angeles Lakers was finalized after Vlade Divac relented on his threat to retire rather than be traded.
1996: Workout in Los Angeles
Before the 1996 NBA draft, Kobe Bryant worked out in Los Angeles, scrimmaging against former Lakers players.
1996: Signed with Adidas and had multiple endorsements
Before the 1996–97 season, Bryant signed a six-year contract with Adidas and had endorsements with The Coca-Cola Company for Sprite, McDonald's, Spalding, Upper Deck, Nutella, Russell Corporation, and Nintendo.
1996: Summer Pro League Debut
In 1996, Kobe Bryant debuted in the Summer Pro League in Long Beach, California, scoring 25 points. He also became the second-youngest player ever to play in an NBA game.
1996: Decided to Enter the NBA
In 1996, Kobe Bryant decided to go directly into the NBA, becoming only the sixth player in NBA history to do so at 17 years old. He also took R&B singer Brandy to her Hollywood High senior prom.
1996: Declared for NBA Draft
In 1996, Kobe Bryant declared for the NBA draft after being recognized as the top American high-school basketball player.
1997: Appearance on Hang Time
In 1997, Kobe Bryant appeared on an episode of the television series Hang Time.
1997: Music Career and Collaborations
In 1997, Kobe Bryant performed at a concert by Sway & King Tech and recorded a verse for a remix of Brian McKnight's "Hold Me." He also appeared on Lakers teammate O'Neal's Respect album on the track "3 X's Dope".
1997: Bryant wins NBA Slam Dunk Contest
In 1997, Kobe Bryant won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest and was its youngest winner.
1997: Slam Dunk Contest Win and All-Rookie Team Selection
In 1997, Kobe Bryant won the Slam Dunk Contest, becoming the youngest dunk champion at the age of 18, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
1997: Slam Dunk Contest Win
In 1997, as a rookie, Kobe Bryant won the Slam Dunk Contest.
1998: Became Starting Guard
In 1998, Kobe Bryant became a starting guard for the Lakers and signed a six-year contract extension.
1998: Guest Appearance on All That
In 1998, Kobe Bryant made a guest appearance on the Nickelodeon sketch comedy series All That.
1999: Appearance on Destiny's Child Remix
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: Phil Jackson Became Coach
In 1999, Phil Jackson took over as coach of the Lakers, improving Bryant's fortunes.
January 2000: Release of "K.O.B.E." Single and Abandonment of "Visions" Album
In January 2000, Kobe Bryant's first single, "K.O.B.E'," featuring Tyra Banks, debuted and was performed at NBA All-Star Weekend; however, it was not well-received. As a result, Sony abandoned plans for his debut album, Visions, which was scheduled to be released in the spring of 2000, and dropped Bryant later that year.
2000: Declined to play in the Olympics
In 2000, Bryant declined to play in the Olympics because he was getting married in the off-season.
2000: NBA Championship
In 2000, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal led the Lakers to an NBA championship.
2000: Continued Strong Performance and Team Leadership
In 2000, Kobe Bryant continued to play at a high level, leading the team in assists. He was also voted to start in the NBA All-Star Game for the third year in a row.
2000: Lakers Championship Victory
In 2000, the Lakers, led by the duo of O'Neal and Bryant, won 67 games. Bryant was named to the All-NBA Second Team and All-NBA Defensive Team. In the 2000 Finals against the Indiana Pacers, despite an ankle injury in Game 2, Bryant led the team to an overtime victory in Game 4. The Lakers secured a 116–111 victory in Game 6, winning their first championship since 1988.
2000: First gold medal since 2000 Olympics
On August 24, 2008, Team USA secured its first gold medal in a worldwide competition since the 2000 Olympics.
2001: All-Star MVP Trophy and All-NBA First Team Selection
In 2001, Bryant won his first All-Star MVP trophy after a 31-point performance. He was also named to the All-NBA First Team for the first time in his career.
2001: NBA Championship
In 2001, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal won another NBA Championship
January 14, 2002: Career-High Scoring Game Against Grizzlies
On January 14, 2002, Kobe Bryant scored a then career-high 56 points in a victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
2002: Declined to play in FIBA World Championship
In 2002, Bryant decided not to play in the FIBA World Championship.
2002: Third Consecutive NBA Championship
In 2002, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal led the Lakers to their third consecutive NBA championship.
2002: NBA Championship
In 2002, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal won another NBA Championship
2002: Third Consecutive NBA Finals Appearance and Championship
In 2002, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers made their third consecutive NBA Finals appearance, winning the championship against the New Jersey Nets. Bryant averaged 26.8 points during the finals and became the youngest player to win three championships.
January 7, 2003: NBA Record for Three-Pointers in a Game
On January 7, 2003, Kobe Bryant set an NBA record by making 12 three-pointers in a game against the Seattle SuperSonics.
2003: Contract Extension with the Lakers
1998-99 season marked Bryant's emergence as a premier guard in the league. His six year contract was kept until the end of the 2003-04 season.
2003: Withdrew from FIBA Americas Championship
In 2003, Bryant was originally selected for the FIBA Americas Championship, but withdrew after undergoing arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgeries.
2003: Bryant was the leading vote-getter for All-Star Game
In 2003, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star Game.
2004: Sweep of the Nuggets
In 2004, The Denver Nuggets became the first 50-win team to be swept out of the first round of the playoffs since the Memphis Grizzlies fell in four games to the San Antonio Spurs in 2004.
2004: Lakers Reach NBA Finals, Bryant Resigns with Lakers
In 2004, the Lakers reached the NBA Finals but were defeated by the Detroit Pistons. Kobe Bryant re-signed with the Lakers on a seven-year, $136.4 million contract after declining an offer from the Los Angeles Clippers.
December 20, 2005: 62 Points in Three Quarters Against Mavericks
On December 20, 2005, Kobe Bryant scored 62 points in three quarters against the Dallas Mavericks, outscoring the entire Mavericks team 62–61 through three quarters.
2005: Bryant sets Lakers records
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).
2005: Bryant led the NBA in scoring
During the 2005–06 season, Kobe Bryant led the NBA in scoring.
January 22, 2006: Career-High 81 Points Against Raptors
On January 22, 2006, Kobe Bryant scored a career-high 81 points in a 122–104 victory over the Toronto Raptors, 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.
2006: Bryant led the NBA in scoring
During the 2006–07 season, Kobe Bryant led the NBA in scoring. Also, Kobe Bryant's 81-point performance against Toronto in 2006 was the second-highest in NBA history.
2006: Named to U.S. preliminary roster, sidelined after knee surgery
In 2006, Bryant, along with LeBron James, was named to the 2006–2008 U.S. preliminary roster by Jerry Colangelo. However, he was sidelined after knee surgery and did not participate in the 2006 FIBA World Championship.
2006: Jersey Number Change and Playoff Performance
In 2006, Kobe Bryant changed his jersey number from 8 to 24. The Lakers reached a 3–1 series lead over the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs but ultimately lost in seven games.
2007: CNN estimated Bryant's endorsement deals
CNN estimated Bryant's endorsement deals in 2007 to be worth $16 million a year.
2007: Joined the United States national team
In 2007, Bryant's United States national team career began. He was a member of the 2007 USA Men's Senior National Team and USA FIBA Americas Championship Team that finished 10–0, won gold and qualified the United States men for the 2008 Olympics.
2007: Chronicle of Kobe Bryant's NBA Season
In 2007, Spike Lee documented Kobe Bryant's NBA season in preparation for the documentary film Kobe Doin' Work, which was released in 2009.
2007: Lakers' Playoff Performance
In 2007-08, The Lakers finished the regular season with a 57–25 record and reached the NBA Finals, marking Bryant's fifth appearance and first without O'Neal, ultimately losing to the Celtics in six games.
May 6, 2008: Bryant Named League MVP
On May 6, 2008, Kobe Bryant was officially announced as the league MVP, leading his team to a West-leading 57–25 record.
June 23, 2008: Named to the USA Men's Senior National Team for the 2008 Summer Olympics
On June 23, 2008, Bryant was named to the USA Men's Senior National Team for the 2008 Summer Olympics, marking his first time going to the Olympics.
August 24, 2008: Won gold medal at the Olympics
On August 24, 2008, Team USA, with Bryant scoring 20 points, defeated Spain 118–107 in the gold medal game at the Olympics, securing its first gold medal in a worldwide competition since the 2000 Olympics.
2008: Commercials for Guitar Hero World Tour
Bryant appeared in commercials for the video games Guitar Hero World Tour in 2008.
2008: Played in the FIBA Americas Championship games
In 2008, Bryant started in all 10 of the USA's FIBA Americas Championship games, averaging 15.3 points, 2.9 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game in the tournament.
2008: Sidelined after knee surgery
In 2008, Bryant was sidelined after knee surgery and did not participate in the 2006 FIBA World Championship.
2008: Donation to National Museum of African American History and Culture
In 2008, Kobe Bryant donated his uniform from the 2008 NBA Finals, the year he was named the league MVP, to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where he and his wife were founding donors.
2008: NBA MVP Award
In 2008, Kobe Bryant was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).
2008: Bryant Wins MVP and Olympic Gold
In 2008, Kobe Bryant was voted the league MVP and led his team to the 2008 NBA Finals. In the 2008 Summer Olympics, Bryant won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. men's basketball team.
2008: Gold Medal at the Olympics
In 2008, Kobe Bryant won a gold medal on the U.S. Olympic team.
2008: Lakers' Finals Trip
In 2008-09, the Lakers earned their second straight trip to the NBA Finals, ultimately defeating the Orlando Magic in five games.
2008: Appeared in Nike Hyperdunk shoes video
In a 2008 video promoting Nike's Hyperdunk shoes, Bryant appeared to jump over a speeding Aston Martin, a stunt considered fake.
February 9, 2009: Featured on the cover of ESPN The Magazine
On February 9, 2009, Bryant was featured on the cover of ESPN The Magazine as a big fan of FC Barcelona.
December 4, 2009: Game-Winning Shot Against Heat
On December 4, 2009, Kobe Bryant made a buzzer-beating, one-legged three-pointer over Dwyane Wade, securing a 108–107 victory for the Lakers against the Miami Heat.
2009: NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 2009, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to another championship and was named NBA Finals MVP.
2009: Bryant and Lakers win NBA Championship
In 2009, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to another championship, winning the Finals MVP award.
2009: Release of "Kobe Doin' Work" Documentary
In 2009, Spike Lee's documentary film, Kobe Doin' Work, which chronicled Kobe Bryant during the 2007–08 NBA season, was released.
April 2, 2010: Contract Extension
On April 2, 2010, Kobe Bryant signed a three-year contract extension worth $87 million with the Lakers.
November 4, 2010: Call of Duty: Black Ops Launch Event Donation
On November 4, 2010, Kobe Bryant, along with Zach Braff, appeared at the Call of Duty: Black Ops launch event at the Santa Monica Airport and presented a $1 million check to the Call of Duty Endowment, an Activision-founded nonprofit organization that helps veterans transition to civilian careers.
December 13, 2010: Signed endorsement deal with Turkish Airlines
On December 13, 2010, Bryant signed a two-year endorsement deal with Turkish Airlines, appearing in a promotional film aired in over 80 countries.
2010: Commercials for Call of Duty: Black Ops
Bryant appeared in commercials for the video games Call of Duty: Black Ops in 2010.
2010: NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 2010, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to another championship and was named NBA Finals MVP for the second time.
2010: Bryant and Lakers win NBA Championship again
In 2010, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to another championship, winning the Finals MVP award for the second consecutive time.
2010: Nike launched Nike Zoom Kobe V
In 2010, Nike launched another shoe, Nike Zoom Kobe V.
2010: Winning Start to the Season
In the 2010–11 season, the Lakers started by winning their first eight games.
2011: Collaboration with Jay Chou on "The Heaven and Earth Challenge"
In 2011, Kobe Bryant was featured in Taiwanese singer Jay Chou's single "The Heaven and Earth Challenge". The proceeds from downloads of the single and ringtones were donated to impoverished schools for basketball facilities and equipment, and Bryant also appeared in the music video. The song was used by Sprite in its 2011 marketing campaign in China.
2011: Bryant was the leading vote-getter for All-Star Game
In 2011, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star Game.
January 10, 2012: Scores 48 points against the Suns
On January 10, 2012, Kobe Bryant scored 48 points against the Phoenix Suns, following a preseason ESPN ranking where he was considered the seventh-best player in the league. It was part of a streak where he scored 40 or more points in four straight games.
September 2012: Shot a commercial for Turkish Airlines with Lionel Messi
In September 2012, Bryant shot a commercial for Turkish Airlines with FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi, competing to win the attention of a young boy.
November 2, 2012: Passes Magic Johnson as Lakers career leader in steals
On November 2, 2012, Kobe Bryant scored 40 points with two steals, surpassing Magic Johnson (1,724) 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: Won another gold medal and retired from the national team
In 2012, Bryant rejoined the national team for the Summer Olympics, and after winning another gold medal, he decided to retire from the team. He finished his national team career with a record of 26–0 across three tournaments, winning a gold medal each time.
2012: Second Gold Medal at the Olympics
In 2012, Kobe Bryant won a second gold medal on the U.S. Olympic team.
2012: Bryant wins another Olympic gold medal
In 2012, Kobe Bryant won another gold medal at the Summer Olympics.
2012: Selected as the player general managers would want to take a clutch shot
In a 2012 annual survey of NBA general managers, Bryant was selected for the 10th consecutive season as the player general managers would want to take a clutch shot with a game on the line.
March 30, 2013: Surpasses Chamberlain as fourth-leading scorer
On March 30, 2013, Kobe Bryant surpassed Wilt Chamberlain to become the fourth-leading scorer in NBA league history, during a victory over Sacramento.
April 10, 2013: First player with 47 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and three steals in a game
On April 10, 2013, Kobe Bryant became the first player in NBA history to achieve 47 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and three steals in a single game.
November 2013: Resumes Practicing
In November 2013, Kobe Bryant resumed practicing with the Lakers after the 2013-14 season had already begun, following recovery from an injury.
2013: Launch of Granity Studios
In 2013, Kobe Bryant launched Granity Studios, a production company that developed various media, including films, television shows, and novels.
2013: Bryant was the leading vote-getter for All-Star Game
In 2013, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star Game.
March 12, 2014: Ruled out for the rest of the season
On March 12, 2014, the Lakers ruled Kobe Bryant out for the remainder of the season due to his need for more rehab and the limited time remaining, following a lateral tibial plateau fracture in his left knee.
March 2014: Initial Investment in Bodyarmor SuperDrink
In March 2014, Kobe Bryant established Kobe Inc. with an initial investment of a 10% stake in the Bodyarmor SuperDrink company for $6 million.
November 30, 2014: Records 20th career triple-double
On November 30, 2014, in a 129–122 overtime victory over the Toronto Raptors, Kobe Bryant recorded his 20th career triple-double with 31 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds, becoming the oldest NBA player to achieve 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game at age 36.
January 21, 2015: Suffers rotator cuff tear
On January 21, 2015, Kobe Bryant suffered a rotator cuff tear in his right shoulder while driving baseline for a two-handed dunk against the New Orleans Pelicans, leading to season-ending surgery. However, he returned to play in the game and ran the offense while shooting, dribbling, and passing almost exclusively with his left hand.
November 24, 2015: Worst-shooting game of career
On November 24, 2015, the Lakers fell to 2–12 after losing 111–77 to the Warriors. Kobe Bryant scored just four points in 25 minutes on 1-for-14 shooting, matching the worst-shooting game of his career in which he attempted at least five shots.
November 29, 2015: Announces retirement
On November 29, 2015, Kobe Bryant announced his retirement at the end of the season via The Players' Tribune in his poem titled "Dear Basketball", citing his body's inability to continue.
August 22, 2016: Launch of Bryant-Stibel Venture Capital Firm
On August 22, 2016, Kobe Bryant and his business partner Jeff Stibel launched Bryant-Stibel, a venture capital firm focused on various businesses including media, data, gaming, and technology, with $100 million in funding.
2016: Bryant was the leading vote-getter for All-Star Game
In 2016, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star Game.
December 18, 2017: Lakers retire Kobe Bryant's jersey numbers
On December 18, 2017, the Los Angeles Lakers retired both jersey numbers worn by Kobe Bryant during his career, numbers 8 and 24.
2017: Lakers Retired Numbers
In 2017, the Lakers retired both Kobe Bryant's Nos. 8 and 24, making him the only player in NBA history to have multiple numbers retired by the same franchise.
August 2018: Increased Value of BodyArmor Stake
In August 2018, The Coca-Cola Company purchased a minority stake in Bodyarmor SuperDrink, resulting in Kobe Bryant's stake being valued at approximately $200 million.
October 23, 2018: Publication of "The Mamba Mentality: How I Play"
On October 23, 2018, Kobe Bryant's book The Mamba Mentality: How I Play was published by MCD / Farrar, Straus and Giroux, featuring photographs and an afterword by Andrew D. Bernstein, an introduction by Phil Jackson, and a foreword by Pau Gasol. The book looks back on his career with photos and his reflections.
2018: Launch of Mamba Sports Academy
In 2018, Kobe Bryant and Sports Academy launched Mamba Sports Academy, a joint athletic-training business venture with locations in Thousand Oaks and Redondo Beach, California.
2018: Academy Award Win for "Dear Basketball"
In 2018, Kobe Bryant became the first African-American to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, as well as the first former professional athlete to win an Oscar in any category, for his film Dear Basketball. The film also won the Annie Award for Best Animated Short Subject and a Sports Emmy Award. Bryant was denied membership into the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences due to his past sexual abuse case. The film was produced by Bryant's production company, Granity Studios.
2018: Launch of Television Series Detail
In 2018, Kobe Bryant began writing, producing, and hosting the television series Detail, which aired for multiple seasons on ESPN and ESPN+. The show featured his basketball insights and analyses of games and players.
2019: Global ambassador of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China
In 2019, Bryant was one of the global ambassadors of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.
2019: Appearance on MTV's Ridiculousness
In 2019, Kobe Bryant appeared on MTV's Ridiculousness.
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