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 shooting guard, played 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming a basketball icon. He secured five NBA championships, earned 18 All-Star selections, and was named the 2008 NBA MVP. Bryant received two NBA Finals MVP awards and twice led the league in scoring. He holds the fourth position in all-time NBA regular season and postseason scoring. Posthumously, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, once individually in 2020 and again in 2025 as part of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team.
1983: Four Lakers Selected to All-Star Game
In Kobe Bryant's second season in the NBA, 1983 was the first time since that four players on the same team were selected to play in the same All-Star Game. Bryant became the youngest NBA All-Star starter in NBA history and was the runner-up for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award.
1988: Lakers Last Championship
In 1988, prior to the 2000 NBA Finals victory, the Lakers had last won a championship.
1995: Consideration of NBA Draft
After Kevin Garnett entered the 1995 NBA draft, Kobe Bryant began considering going directly to the pros.
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. Since Bryant was still 17 at the time, his parents had to co-sign his contract with the Lakers.
1996: Signed with Adidas
Before starting the 1996–97 season, Kobe Bryant signed a six-year contract with Adidas worth approximately $48 million, and his first signature shoe was the Equipment KB 8.
1996: Scrimmaged Against Former Lakers Players
Before the 1996 NBA draft, Kobe Bryant worked out in Los Angeles where he scrimmaged against former Lakers players.
1996: Decision to Enter the NBA Draft
In 1996, 17-year-old Kobe Bryant decided to go directly into the NBA, becoming only the sixth player in NBA history to do so, and took R&B singer Brandy to her Hollywood High senior prom.
1996: Debuted in Summer Pro League
In 1996, Kobe Bryant debuted in the Summer Pro League in Long Beach, California, and also became the second-youngest player ever to play in an NBA game.
1997: Appearance on Hang Time
In 1997, Kobe Bryant appeared on an episode of Hang Time, continuing his forays into television entertainment.
1997: Performance at Sway & King Tech Concert and Appearance on Hang Time
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". Additionally, Bryant appeared on an episode of Hang Time, furthering his involvement in entertainment alongside his basketball career in 1997.
1997: Bryant Won NBA Slam Dunk Contest
In 1997, Kobe Bryant won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest and became its youngest winner.
1998: Guest Appearance on All That and Turning Down Role in He Got Game
In 1998, Kobe Bryant appeared on the Nickelodeon sketch comedy series All That. Also in 1998, he turned down the role of Jesus Shuttlesworth in Spike Lee's film He Got Game, stating his summer was too busy.
1998: Started Every Game for Lakers
In the 1998-99 season, Kobe Bryant started every game for the Lakers during the lockout-shortened season.
1999: Featured on Destiny's Child Remix
In 1999, Kobe Bryant was featured on a remix of "Say My Name" by Destiny's Child, which was included on the Maxi single version of the song.
1999: Phil Jackson Becomes Lakers Coach
In 1999, Phil Jackson became the coach of the Lakers, improving Kobe Bryant's fortunes.
January 2000: Debut of "K.O.B.E" 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, the single was not well-received, which led Sony to abandon plans for his debut album, Visions. Ultimately, Sony dropped Bryant later in 2000.
2000: Lakers Championship Victory
In 2000, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal led the Lakers to win 67 games. Bryant was named to the All-NBA Second Team and All-NBA Defensive Team for the first time. In the 2000 Finals against the Indiana Pacers, despite an ankle injury, Bryant led the team to an overtime victory in Game 4. The Lakers won their first championship since 1988 with a 116-111 victory in Game 6.
2000: First NBA Championship with Phil Jackson
In 2000, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers won their first of three consecutive championships under Phil Jackson's coaching.
2000: Declined to play in the Olympics
In 2000, Kobe Bryant declined to participate in the Olympics due to his wedding plans during the off-season.
2000: Won First NBA Championship
In 2000, Kobe Bryant won the first of three consecutive NBA championships with the Lakers.
2000: First gold medal for USA in a worldwide competition
In 2000, The Olympics, Team USA secured its first gold medal in a worldwide competition.
2000: Bryant's Statistical Performance and Team Leadership
In the 2000-01 NBA season, Kobe Bryant's statistical performance was similar to the previous year, but he averaged six more points per game, totaling 28.5. He also led the team in assists with five per game.
2001: Won Second NBA Championship
In 2001, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers won their second consecutive NBA championship.
2001: Bryant's All-Star MVP Trophy Claim
In 2001-02 season, Bryant claimed his first All-Star MVP trophy after a 31-point performance in Philadelphia, although he was booed by fans.
January 14, 2002: Bryant's Career-High Scoring Game Against Grizzlies
On January 14, 2002, Kobe Bryant scored a career-high 56 points, along with five rebounds and four assists, in a 120-81 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
2002: Won Third Consecutive NBA Championship
In 2002, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers won their third consecutive NBA championship.
2002: Declined to play in the FIBA World Championship
In 2002, Kobe Bryant decided not to play in the FIBA World Championship.
2002: Lakers Third Consecutive NBA Finals Appearance and Championship
In 2002, the Lakers made their third consecutive NBA Finals appearance, with Kobe Bryant averaging 26.8 points. They won the championship against the New Jersey Nets, making Bryant, at age 23, the youngest player to win three championships.
January 7, 2003: Bryant Sets NBA Record for Three-Pointers in a Game
On January 7, 2003, Kobe Bryant set an NBA record for three-pointers in a game when he made 12 against the Seattle SuperSonics.
2003: Withdrew from FIBA Americas Championship
In 2003, Kobe Bryant was originally selected for the FIBA Americas Championship but withdrew after undergoing arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgeries.
2003: Bryant Was the Leading All-Star Vote-Getter
In 2003, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star game.
2003: Contract Extended with Lakers
Kobe Bryant's six-year contract extension signed during the 1998-99 season kept him with the Lakers until the end of the 2003-04 season.
2004: Lakers lost in the NBA Finals
In 2004, the Lakers lost the NBA Finals, which led to O'Neal being traded.
2004: Lakers Reach NBA Finals, O'Neal Traded
In 2004, the Lakers reached the NBA Finals but were defeated by the Detroit Pistons. After the series, coach Jackson's contract was not renewed, O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat, and Bryant re-signed with the Lakers.
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 through three quarters.
2005: Bryant Sets Lakers Single-Season Franchise Records
By the end of the 2005-06 season, Kobe 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 Led NBA in Scoring
In 2005, Kobe Bryant led the NBA in scoring.
January 16, 2006: Bryant and O'Neal End Feud
On January 16, 2006, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal made headlines by engaging in handshakes and hugs before the Lakers game against the Miami Heat, signifying the end of their 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, the second-highest point total in NBA history.
2006: Bryant Selected for All-Star Game, Wins MVP; Involved in On-Court Incidents
During the 2006-07 season, Kobe Bryant was selected to his ninth All-Star Game appearance, earning his second career All-Star Game MVP trophy on February 18. He was also involved in multiple on-court incidents, resulting in suspensions.
2006: Bryant Led NBA in Scoring and Scored 81 Points Against Toronto
In 2006, Kobe Bryant led the NBA in scoring. Also in 2006, Bryant had an 81-point performance against Toronto, the second-highest in NBA history.
2006: Named to U.S. preliminary roster
In 2006, Kobe Bryant, along with LeBron James, was one of the first two players to be publicly named to the 2006–2008 U.S. preliminary roster by Jerry Colangelo, but he was later sidelined after knee surgery and did not participate in the 2006 FIBA World Championship.
2006: Bryant Changes Jersey Number to 24
Later in the 2005-06 season, it was reported that Kobe Bryant would change his jersey number from 8 to 24 at the start of the 2006-07 season.
2007: Endorsement deals worth $16 million
In 2007, CNN estimated Kobe Bryant's endorsement deals to be worth $16 million a year.
2007: Filming of Kobe Doin' Work Documentary
In 2007, Kobe Bryant was chronicled by Spike Lee for the documentary film Kobe Doin' Work during the 2007–08 NBA season.
2007: Began national team career
In 2007, Kobe Bryant's United States national team career began. He became a member of the 2007 USA Men's Senior National Team and USA FIBA Americas Championship Team, achieving a 10–0 record, winning gold, and qualifying the United States men for the 2008 Olympics.
May 6, 2008: Bryant announced as league MVP
On May 6, 2008, Kobe Bryant was officially announced as the league MVP after leading the Lakers to a West-leading record.
May 8, 2008: Bryant is unanimous All-NBA selection
On May 8, 2008, Kobe Bryant was the only unanimous selection to the All-NBA 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 the USA Men's Senior National Team
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 Olympics
On August 24, 2008, Kobe Bryant scored 20 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, along with six assists, as Team USA 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: Appeared in Guitar Hero World Tour commercial
In 2008, Kobe Bryant appeared in commercials for the video game Guitar Hero World Tour alongside Tony Hawk, Michael Phelps, and Alex Rodriguez.
2008: Donation to National Museum of African American History and Culture
In 2008, Kobe Bryant donated his uniform from the 2008 NBA Finals to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Bryant was also named the league MVP the same year.
2008: Qualified for the 2008 Olympics
In 2008, Kobe Bryant was a member of the USA FIBA Americas Championship Team and helped qualified the United States men for the 2008 Olympics.
2008: Kobe Bryant Named NBA MVP
In 2008, Kobe Bryant was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).
2008: Bryant Won MVP and a Gold Medal
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: Won Gold Medal at Olympics
In 2008, Kobe Bryant won a gold medal as part of the U.S. Olympic team.
2008: Promoted Nike's Hyperdunk shoes
In a 2008 video promoting Nike's Hyperdunk shoes, Kobe Bryant appeared to jump over a speeding Aston Martin. He later came out with the fourth edition of his signature line by Nike, the Zoom Kobe IV.
2009: Bryant Led the Lakers to a Championship and Won the Finals MVP
In 2009, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to a championship, winning the Finals MVP award.
2009: Won NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 2009, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to another championship and was named NBA Finals MVP.
2009: Release of Spike Lee's Kobe Doin' Work
In 2009, Spike Lee's documentary film Kobe Doin' Work was released, chronicling Kobe Bryant during the 2007–08 NBA season.
April 2, 2010: Bryant signs contract extension with Lakers
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 and presented a $1 million check to the Call of Duty Endowment, supporting veterans transitioning 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 Turkey's national airline, Turkish Airlines. He appeared in a promotional film aired in over 80 countries.
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: Bryant Led the Lakers to Another Championship and Won the Finals MVP
In 2010, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to another championship, winning the Finals MVP award.
2010: Won Another NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 2010, Kobe Bryant led the team to another championship and was again named NBA Finals MVP.
2010: Launched Nike Zoom Kobe V shoe
In 2010, Nike launched another shoe, the Nike Zoom Kobe V, as part of Kobe Bryant's signature line.
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 the single and ringtones were donated to impoverished schools for basketball facilities and equipment, and the song was also used by Sprite in its 2011 marketing campaign in China.
2011: Bryant Was the Leading All-Star Vote-Getter
In 2011, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star game.
January 10, 2012: 48 points against the Suns
On January 10, 2012, Kobe Bryant scored 48 points against the Phoenix Suns, after which he referenced his preseason ranking.
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, where they competed for a young boy's attention.
November 2, 2012: Passing Magic Johnson in Lakers Steals
On November 2, 2012, Kobe Bryant scored 40 points and had two steals, surpassing Magic Johnson as the Lakers' career leader in steals with 1,724 steals. Despite Bryant's performance, the Lakers lost to the Clippers, marking their first 0-3 start to the season in 34 years.
2012: Suffered Torn Achilles Tendon
During the 2012-13 season, Kobe Bryant suffered a torn Achilles tendon.
2012: Rejoined the national team for the Summer Olympics
In 2012, Kobe Bryant rejoined the national team for the Summer Olympics and won another gold medal, after which he decided to retire from the team. He concluded his national team career with a 26–0 record across three tournaments, winning gold each time.
2012: Bryant Won Another Gold Medal at the Summer Olympics
In 2012, Kobe Bryant won another gold medal at the Summer Olympics.
2012: Won Second Gold Medal at Olympics
In 2012, Kobe Bryant won his second gold medal as part of the U.S. Olympic team.
2012: Selected as player to take clutch shot
In a 2012 annual survey of NBA general managers, Kobe 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: Surpassing Chamberlain as fourth-leading scorer
On March 30, 2013, Kobe Bryant surpassed Wilt Chamberlain to become the fourth-leading scorer in NBA history during a victory over the Sacramento Kings.
April 10, 2013: First player with 47 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and three steals
On April 10, 2013, Kobe Bryant became the first player in NBA history to record 47 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and three steals in a single game.
2013: Launch of Granity Studios
In 2013, Kobe Bryant launched a production company called Granity Studios, which developed various media projects, ranging from films to television shows and novels.
2013: Bryant Was the Leading All-Star Vote-Getter
In 2013, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star game.
March 2014: Initial Investment in Bodyarmor SuperDrink Company
In March 2014, Kobe Bryant established Kobe Inc. and made the initial investment of a 10% stake in the Bodyarmor SuperDrink company for $6 million.
November 30, 2014: 20th Career Triple-Double
On November 30, 2014, Kobe Bryant recorded his 20th career triple-double with 31 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds in an overtime victory against the Toronto Raptors. At 36 years old, he became the oldest NBA player to achieve 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game.
2015: Retired After 2015-16 Season
Kobe Bryant retired from the NBA after the 2015-16 season.
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 All-Star Vote-Getter
In 2016, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star game.
December 18, 2017: Lakers Retired Both Numbers 8 and 24
On December 18, 2017, the Los Angeles Lakers retired both numbers that Kobe Bryant wore during his career, 8 and 24.
August 2018: Increased Valuation of Bodyarmor Stake
In August 2018, the Coca-Cola Company purchased a minority stake in Bodyarmor SuperDrink. This caused the valuation of Kobe Bryant's stake to rise to 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, featuring photographs and an afterword by Andrew D. Bernstein, an introduction by Phil Jackson, and a foreword by Pau Gasol, was published by MCD / Farrar, Straus and Giroux, looking back on his career with photos and 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: Kobe Bryant Appears at the Academy Awards
In 2018, Kobe Bryant appeared at the Academy Awards and received an Oscar for his film, Dear Basketball.
2018: Launch of Detail Television Series
In 2018, Kobe Bryant began writing, producing, and hosting the television series Detail, which aired for multiple seasons on ESPN and ESPN+ and featured his insights into basketball.
2019: Appearance on MTV's Ridiculousness
In 2019, Kobe Bryant appeared on MTV's Ridiculousness, marking another venture into television entertainment.
2019: Global ambassador of FIBA Basketball World Cup
In 2019, Kobe Bryant was one of the global ambassadors of the FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.
2020: Lakers Wore 'Black Mamba' Jerseys in Playoffs
During the 2020 NBA playoffs, the Lakers' players wore 'Black Mamba' jerseys in honor of Kobe Bryant. The team wore the "Black Mamba" jerseys during their Game 2 victory over the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, and Anthony Davis made a buzzer-beating three-pointer and yelled Bryant's name.
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