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 legendary shooting guard, dedicated his 20-year NBA career to the Los Angeles Lakers. Widely considered one of basketball's all-time greats, he secured five NBA championships, earned 18 All-Star selections, and received the 2008 NBA MVP award. Bryant also claimed two NBA Finals MVP titles and two scoring championships, holding the fourth position in all-time regular season and postseason scoring. Posthumously honored on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, he was a two-time inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
1962: Chamberlain's 100-point Game
On January 22, 2006, Kobe Bryant scored a career-high 81 points, which was surpassed only by Chamberlain's 100-point game in 1962.
1964: Scoring 45+ points in four consecutive games
In January 2006, Kobe became the first player since 1964 to score 45 points or more in four consecutive games.
1983: Four All-Stars Selected on the Same Team
In Kobe Bryant's second season, along with teammates O'Neal, Van Exel, and Jones, the Lakers had four players selected to play in the same All-Star Game for the first time since 1983.
1988: Lakers' Previous Championship
In 2000, The Los Angeles Lakers won their first championship since 1988.
1990: Detroit Pistons Championship Win
In 2004, The Detroit Pistons won their first championship since 1990.
1995: Adidas ABCD Camp MVP
In 1995, Kobe Bryant earned the senior MVP award at Adidas ABCD Camp while playing alongside future NBA teammate Lamar Odom, further showcasing his talent.
1995: Considering Going Pro
In 1995, after Kevin Garnett's successful entry into the NBA, Kobe Bryant began contemplating going directly to the pros from high school.
July 9, 1996: Trade to the Los Angeles Lakers Finalized
On July 9, 1996, the trade sending Kobe Bryant from the Charlotte Hornets to the Los Angeles Lakers was finalized. Bryant signed a three-year rookie contract totaling $3.5 million.
1996: Signed with Adidas
Before starting the 1996–97 season, Kobe Bryant signed a six-year contract with Adidas worth approximately $48 million, leading to the release of his first signature shoe, the Equipment KB 8.
1996: Pre-Draft Scrimmage
Before the 1996 NBA draft, Kobe Bryant worked out in Los Angeles, where he scrimmaged against former Lakers players, impressing Jerry West with his performance.
1996: Summer Pro League Debut
In 1996, Kobe Bryant debuted in the Summer Pro League, scoring 25 points and showcasing his skills, followed by his rookie season in the NBA.
1996: NBA Draft Entry
In 1996, Kobe Bryant declared for the NBA draft out of high school and was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th pick before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
1996: Decision to enter NBA directly
In 1996, Kobe Bryant, at 17 years old, decided to enter the NBA directly from high school, becoming only the sixth player in NBA history to do so.
1997: Appearance on Hang Time
In 1997, Kobe Bryant appeared on an episode of Hang Time.
1997: All-Star Weekend and Slam Dunk Title
In 1997, Kobe Bryant participated in the Rookie Challenge and won the Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star weekend, and he earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
1997: Performance at Sway & King Tech Concert
In 1997, Kobe Bryant performed at a concert by Sway & King Tech, and he also recorded a verse for a remix of Brian McKnight's "Hold Me."
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
In 1997, during his rookie season, Kobe Bryant solidified his reputation as a high-flyer by winning the Slam Dunk Contest.
1998: Guest appearance on All That
In 1998, Kobe Bryant made a guest appearance on the Nickelodeon sketch comedy series All That.
1998: Featured on Brian McKnight and Tone's single
In 1998, 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."
1998: Emergence as a Premier Guard
The 1998-99 season marked Kobe Bryant's emergence as a premier guard in the league. With starting guards Van Exel and Jones traded, Bryant started every game for the lockout-shortened 50-game season.
January 1999: "Hold Me" peaked at number 35
In January 1999, Kobe Bryant's only credited appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 was as a featured rapper on Brian McKnight and Tone's single "Hold Me," which peaked at number 35.
1999: Start of Scoring Dominance
From the 1999-00 season, Kobe Bryant was the leading scorer of the 2000s decade, accumulating 21,065 points in regular season play through the 2008-09 season.
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: Hand Injury Sidelining
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 Hired as Lakers Coach
In 1999, Phil Jackson became the coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, marking a turning point in Kobe Bryant's career.
January 2000: Debut of "K.O.B.E."
In January 2000, the first single from Kobe Bryant's unreleased album "Visions," titled "K.O.B.E", featuring Tyra Banks, debuted and was performed at NBA All-Star Weekend, receiving a poor reception.
2000: Championship Victory
In 2000, Bryant and O'Neal led the Lakers to win 67 games. Bryant was named to the All-NBA Second Team and All-NBA Defensive Team. The Lakers won their first championship since 1988, defeating the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the 2000 NBA Finals, with Bryant scoring 22 points in the second half of Game 4 to lead the team to victory as O'Neal fouled out.
2000: Declined to play in Olympics
In 2000, Kobe Bryant declined to participate in the Olympics due to his upcoming wedding during the off-season.
2000: Bryant's Performance and Team Success
In the 2000-01 season, Kobe Bryant's performance was similar to the previous year, averaging 6 more points per game. He led the team in assists, but the Lakers only won 56 games.
2001: NBA Championship
In 2001, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal secured their second consecutive NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.
2001: Season Performance
In the 2001-02 season, Bryant played 80 games for the first time in his career.
January 14, 2002: Career-High Scoring Game
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.
2002: Third NBA Championship
In 2002, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal won their third consecutive NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.
2002: Third Consecutive NBA Finals Appearance
In 2002, the Lakers beat their division rivals and made their third consecutive NBA Finals appearance against the New Jersey Nets. Bryant averaged 26.8 points. At age 23, he became the youngest player to win three championships.
2002: First Game of the 2002-03 Season
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: 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: Contract Extension
In 1998 Kobe Bryant signed a six-year contract extension worth $70 million. This kept Bryant with the Lakers until the end of the 2003-04 season.
2003: Bryant receives leading vote-getter honor for All-Star game
In 2003, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star game.
2003: Fewest shots per game since 2003-04 season
Kobe Bryant finished the 2010-11 season averaging less than 20 shots a game, his fewest since the 2003–04 season.
2004: Loss in the NBA Finals
In 2004, the Los Angeles Lakers lost the NBA Finals, leading to Shaquille O'Neal being traded and Kobe Bryant becoming the franchise's cornerstone.
2004: Loss to the Detroit Pistons in the 2004 NBA Finals
In 2004, with a starting lineup including O'Neal, Malone, and Payton, the Lakers reached the NBA Finals but lost in five games to the Detroit Pistons. Following this, Jackson's contract was not renewed, O'Neal was traded, and Bryant re-signed with the Lakers.
December 20, 2005: Scoring 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.
2005: Lakers Single-Season Franchise 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: NBA Scoring Leader
In the 2005-06 NBA season, Kobe Bryant led the league in scoring, establishing himself as the primary offensive force for the Lakers.
2005: Bryant leads the NBA in scoring.
In the 2005-06 season, Kobe Bryant led the NBA in scoring.
January 22, 2006: 81-Point Game
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, the second-most in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game.
2006: All-Star Game MVP
During the 2006-07 season, on February 18, Kobe Bryant logged 31 points, six assists, and six steals, earning his second career All-Star Game MVP trophy.
2006: Bryant's 81-point game against Toronto
In 2006, Kobe Bryant had an 81-point performance against Toronto, which was the second-highest in NBA history.
2006: Bryant's jersey sales increase
Throughout the 2006-07 season, Kobe Bryant's jersey became the top selling NBA jersey in the United States and China, attributed to his new number and performance.
May 27, 2007: Trade request and reconsideration
On May 27, 2007, Kobe Bryant initially expressed a desire to be traded if Jerry West did not return to the team. After denying these statements, he later stated "I want to be traded" on Stephen A. Smith's radio program. Following a conversation with head coach Jackson, Bryant reconsidered and backed off his trade request.
December 23, 2007: Youngest to reach 20,000 points
On December 23, 2007, Kobe Bryant became the youngest player (29 years, 122 days) to reach 20,000 career points in a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, scoring 39 points, with 11 rebounds and eight assists. This record has since been broken by LeBron James.
2007: Endorsement Deals
In 2007, CNN estimated Kobe Bryant's endorsement deals to be worth $16 million a year.
2007: Joined USA Men's Senior National Team
In 2007, Kobe Bryant's 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 and securing a gold medal, which qualified the United States men for the 2008 Olympics.
2007: Lakers Season Finish
In 2007-08, the Lakers finished the regular season with a 57–25 record, finishing first in the Western Conference and setting up themselves for a first-round contest against the Denver Nuggets.
2007: Lakers eliminated from playoffs
In the 2007 NBA playoffs, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round by the Phoenix Suns, losing the series 4–1.
May 6, 2008: League MVP Award
On May 6, 2008, Kobe Bryant was officially announced as the league MVP, leading his team to a West-leading 57–25 record. He expressed pride in representing the organization and the city.
May 8, 2008: All-NBA and All-Defensive First Team selections
On May 8, 2008, Kobe Bryant was unanimously selected 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 with Kevin Garnett, earning his eighth selection.
June 23, 2008: Named to USA Men's Senior National Team for 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 Olympic appearance.
August 24, 2008: Team USA Defeats Spain for Gold Medal
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 for its first gold medal in a worldwide competition since the 2000 Olympics.
2008: Second Straight NBA Finals Trip
By finishing off the Denver Nuggets in the 2008-09 Conference Finals in six games, the Lakers earned their second straight trip to the NBA Finals.
2008: Nike Hyperdunk shoes promotion
In 2008, Kobe Bryant appeared in a video promoting Nike's Hyperdunk shoes, featuring a stunt of jumping over a speeding Aston Martin, and later released the Zoom Kobe IV.
2008: 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: 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, the year he was named league MVP.
2008: Qualified for Olympics
In 2008, Kobe Bryant participated in the Olympics, contributing to the USA Men's Senior National Team that had qualified in 2007.
2008: NBA Most Valuable Player
In 2008, Kobe Bryant was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP). This was a significant milestone in his career, recognizing his exceptional performance during the season.
2008: Bryant wins league MVP and Olympic gold medal
In 2008, Kobe Bryant was voted the league MVP and led his team to the 2008 NBA Finals. He also won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. men's basketball team at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
2008: Rematch against the Celtics in the NBA Finals
In 2010, in a rematch against the 2008 Champion Boston Celtics, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers back from a 13-point third-quarter deficit in Game 7 to win the championship; he scored 10 of his game-high 23 points in the fourth quarter and finished the game with 15 rebounds, tying an NBA Finals record.
January 21, 2009: First triple-double since 2009
During the 2010-11 season, in his ninth game against the Denver Nuggets, Kobe Bryant recorded his first triple-double since January 21, 2009.
February 2, 2009: Record at Madison Square Garden
On February 2, 2009, Kobe Bryant scored 61 points in a game against the Knicks, setting a record for the most points scored at Madison Square Garden.
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, leading the Lakers to a 108–107 victory over the Miami Heat. Bryant considered the shot "one of the luckiest he has made."
2009: Bryant leads Lakers to championship, wins Finals MVP
In 2009, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to a championship, winning the Finals MVP award.
2009: NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 2009, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to an NBA championship and was named the NBA Finals MVP, marking a significant achievement in his career.
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 with Lakers
On April 2, 2010, Kobe Bryant signed a three-year contract extension with the Lakers worth $87 million.
November 4, 2010: Call of Duty: Black Ops launch event
On November 4, 2010, Kobe Bryant appeared alongside Zach Braff at the Call of Duty: Black Ops launch event at the Santa Monica Airport, where they presented a $1 million check to the Call of Duty Endowment.
December 13, 2010: Signed Endorsement Deal with Turkish Airlines
On December 13, 2010, Kobe Bryant signed a two-year endorsement deal with Turkish Airlines and appeared in a promotional film aired in over 80 countries.
2010: Youngest to reach 25,000 points
During the 2009-10 season, Kobe Bryant became the youngest player (31 years, 151 days) to reach 25,000 points in his career, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain.
2010: 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 leads Lakers to another championship, wins Finals MVP again
In 2010, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to another championship, winning the Finals MVP award for the second consecutive year.
2010: NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 2010, Kobe Bryant secured another NBA championship and was again named the NBA Finals MVP, further solidifying his legacy with the Lakers.
2010: Start of 2010-11 Season
Kobe Bryant started the 2010-11 season by winning their first eight games.
January 30, 2011: Youngest to score 27,000 points
On January 30, 2011, Kobe Bryant became the youngest player to score 27,000 points in a game against the Celtics.
2011: Featured in "The Heaven and Earth Challenge"
In 2011, Kobe Bryant was featured in Taiwanese singer Jay Chou's single "The Heaven and Earth Challenge" (天地一鬥), with proceeds donated to impoverished schools for basketball facilities.
2011: Bryant receives leading vote-getter honor for All-Star game
In 2011, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star game.
January 10, 2012: Bryant Scores 48 Points Against Suns
On January 10, 2012, Kobe Bryant scored 48 points against the Phoenix Suns during a game.
September 2012: Commercial with Lionel Messi for Turkish Airlines
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 in Lakers Steals
On November 2, 2012, Kobe Bryant scored 40 points with two steals, passing Magic Johnson as the Lakers' career leader in steals. Despite his performance, the Lakers lost to the Clippers, marking their first 0-3 start in 34 years.
2012: Won Gold Medal at Summer Olympics and Retired from Team
In 2012, Kobe Bryant rejoined the national team for the Summer Olympics. After winning another gold medal, he decided to retire from the team.
2012: Bryant wins second Olympic gold medal
In 2012, Kobe Bryant won another gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics as a member of the U.S. men's basketball team.
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 Statistical Feat
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.
November 2013: Bryant Resumes Practicing and Signs Contract Extension
In November 2013, Kobe Bryant resumed practicing after recovering from injury and signed a two-year contract extension with the Lakers for an estimated $48.5 million.
2013: Launch of Granity Studios
In 2013, Kobe Bryant launched a production company called Granity Studios, which developed different media, ranging from films to television shows and novels.
2013: Bryant receives leading vote-getter honor for All-Star game
In 2013, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star game.
2013: Bryant Plays in First All-Star Game Since 2013
Kobe Bryant played in his first All-Star game since 2013, having 10 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.
March 12, 2014: Bryant Ruled Out for Remainder of Season
On March 12, 2014, the Lakers ruled Kobe Bryant out for the remainder of the season due to his need for more rehabilitation and the limited time remaining in the season.
March 2014: Initial investment in Bodyarmor SuperDrink company
In March 2014, Kobe Bryant's Kobe Inc. made its initial investment by acquiring a 10% stake in the Bodyarmor SuperDrink company for $6 million.
November 30, 2014: Bryant Records 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 age 36, he became the oldest NBA player to reach 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game.
January 21, 2015: Bryant Tears Rotator Cuff, undergoes season-ending surgery
On January 21, 2015, Kobe Bryant suffered a rotator cuff tear in his right shoulder during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans and underwent season-ending surgery for the injury. He finished the season averaging 22.3 points.
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."
2015: Retirement Announcement
In the 2015-16 season, Kobe Bryant announced his retirement, culminating in a final game where he scored 60 points.
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 with $100 million in funding.
2016: Bryant receives leading vote-getter honor for All-Star game
In 2016, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star game.
2016: Bryant Scores Season-High 38 Points
On February 3, 2016, Kobe Bryant made seven three-pointers and scored a season-high 38 points in a 119-115 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He became just the fourth NBA player over 37 years old to log at least 35 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a game.
December 18, 2017: Lakers retire Kobe Bryant's numbers
On December 18, 2017, the Los Angeles Lakers retired both numbers, 8 and 24, that Kobe Bryant wore during his career.
August 2018: Coca-Cola purchased stake in BodyArmor
In August 2018, The Coca-Cola Company purchased a minority stake in Bodyarmor SuperDrink company, increasing the valuation of Bryant's stake 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 was published, featuring photos and reflections on his career.
2018: Began hosting Detail on ESPN
Beginning in 2018, Kobe Bryant wrote, produced and hosted the television series Detail, which aired for multiple seasons on ESPN and ESPN+.
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 California.
2019: Appearance on MTV's Ridiculousness
In 2019, Kobe Bryant appeared on MTV's Ridiculousness.
2019: Global Ambassador of 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China
In 2019, Kobe Bryant was one of the global ambassadors of the FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.
2020: Lakers wear 'Black Mamba' jerseys in honor of Bryant
During the 2020 NBA playoffs, the Lakers' players wore 'Black Mamba' jerseys in honor of Kobe Bryant. The jerseys, designed by Bryant, feature a snakeskin pattern with yellow accents and 16 stars.
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