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 was a celebrated American professional basketball player, renowned as one of the greatest and most influential figures in the sport. Spending his entire 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, he achieved remarkable success, securing five NBA championships. Bryant's exceptional skills and dedication earned him numerous accolades, including 18 All-Star selections, 15 All-NBA Team honors, and 12 All-Defensive Team selections. He was named the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player and twice earned the title of NBA Finals MVP. Bryant's scoring prowess is evident in his fourth-place ranking in both regular season and postseason league history. Posthumously, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020 and recognized as part of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1964: Consecutive 45-Point Games

In January 2006, Kobe Bryant became the first player since 1964 to score 45 points or more in four consecutive games.

1983: All-Star Game

In 1983, four players on the same team were selected to play in the same All-Star Game.

1995: Contemplating Going to the NBA

After high schooler Kevin Garnett went in the first round of the 1995 NBA draft, Bryant also began contemplating going directly to the pros.

July 9, 1996: Trade Finalized with Lakers

On July 9, 1996, the trade sending Kobe Bryant to the Los Angeles Lakers was finalized after Divac relented on his threat to retire.

1996: Adidas Contract

Before starting the 1996–97 season, Kobe Bryant signed a six-year contract with Adidas worth approximately $48 million.

1996: Pre-Draft Scrimmages

Before the 1996 NBA draft, Bryant worked out in Los Angeles and scrimmaged against former Lakers players.

1996: NBA Draft

In 1996, Kobe Bryant declared for the NBA draft and was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th pick, later traded to the Lakers.

1996: NBA Rookie Season

In 1996, Kobe Bryant started his NBA rookie season with the Lakers, mostly coming off the bench.

1997: Performance with Sway & King Tech

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."

1997: Won 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, as a rookie, Bryant won 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. He also turned down the role of Jesus Shuttlesworth in Spike Lee's film He Got Game in 1998.

1998: Premier Guard

The 1998-99 season marked Kobe Bryant's emergence as a premier guard in the NBA league.

1999: Featured on Destiny's Child Remix

In 1999, Kobe Bryant appeared on a remix of "Say My Name" by Destiny's Child.

1999: Phil Jackson became coach of the Lakers

In 1999, Phil Jackson took over as coach of the Lakers, improving Bryant's fortunes.

January 2000: Debut of "K.O.B.E."

In January 2000, Kobe Bryant's first single, "K.O.B.E.", featuring Tyra Banks, debuted and was performed at NBA All-Star Weekend.

2000: NBA Championship

In 2000, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal led the Lakers to their first of three consecutive NBA championships.

2000: First Championship

In 2000, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers won their first NBA championship since 1988, defeating the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the Finals.

2000: NBA Championship

In 2000, The Lakers won NBA championship.

2000: Bryant's Performance

Statistically, the 2000-01 season saw Bryant perform similarly to the previous year, but he averaged six more points per game (28.5).

2001: NBA Championship

In 2001, The Lakers won NBA championship.

2001: Season

In the 2001-02 season, Bryant played 80 games for the first time in his career.

January 14, 2002: Career-High 56 Points

On January 14, 2002, Kobe Bryant scored a then career-high 56 points against the Memphis Grizzlies.

2002: NBA Championship

In 2002, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal led the Lakers to their third of three consecutive NBA championships.

2002: NBA Championship

In 2002, The Lakers won NBA championship.

2002: Third Championship

In the 2002 Finals against the New Jersey Nets, Bryant averaged 26.8 points, 51.4% shooting, 5.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists per game, which included scoring a quarter of the team's points. At age 23, he became the youngest player to win three championships.

January 7, 2003: 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.

2003: Leading All-Star Vote-Getter

In 2003, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star game.

2003: First meeting between Shaq and Yao Ming

In 2003, the first head-to-head meeting between Shaquille O'Neal and Yao Ming became the most-watched game, highlighting Kobe Bryant's era.

2003: Six-Year Contract Extension

In 2003-04 season, Bryant signed a six-year contract extension worth $70 million.

2004: Loss to the Pistons

In 2004, the Lakers, with a star-studded lineup, reached the NBA Finals but were upset by the Detroit Pistons in five games.

December 20, 2005: 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.

2005: End of Season

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 Leading Scorer

In the 2005-06 season, Bryant led the NBA in scoring.

January 22, 2006: Career-High 81 Points

On January 22, 2006, Bryant scored a career-high 81 points, the second-most in a single NBA game.

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.

2006: 81-point performance against Toronto

In 2006, Kobe Bryant had an 81-point performance against Toronto which was the second-highest in NBA history, behind only Chamberlain's 100.

December 23, 2007: Youngest to Reach 20,000 Points

On December 23, 2007, Kobe Bryant became the youngest player at 29 years, 122 days old to reach 20,000 career points, in a game against the New York Knicks.

2007: Filming for "Kobe Doin' Work" documentary during the 2007-08 NBA season

In 2007, filming began for Spike Lee's documentary film Kobe Doin' Work, which chronicled Bryant during the 2007-08 NBA season.

June 23, 2008: Named to USA Olympic 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 Olympic appearance.

August 24, 2008: Olympic Gold Medal

On August 24, 2008, Kobe Bryant scored 20 points as Team USA defeated Spain 118–107 in the gold medal game at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

2008: NBA MVP Award

In 2008, Bryant was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).

2008: Guitar Hero World Tour Commercial

In 2008, Kobe Bryant appeared in commercials for the video game Guitar Hero World Tour.

2008: Donation to National Museum of African American History and Culture

In 2008, Kobe Bryant donated his uniform from the NBA Finals, the year he was named league MVP, to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where he and his wife were founding donors.

2008: Hyperdunk Promotion

In 2008, Kobe Bryant promoted Nike's Hyperdunk shoes, which featured a stunt of him jumping over a speeding Aston Martin.

2008: Named League MVP and Led Team to NBA Finals

In 2008, Kobe Bryant was voted the league MVP and led his team to the 2008 NBA Finals as the first seed in the Western Conference. In the 2008 Summer Olympics, Bryant won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. men's basketball team.

2008: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2008, Kobe Bryant won a gold medal with the U.S. Olympic team.

February 2, 2009: Scoring Record at Madison Square Garden

On February 2, 2009, Kobe Bryant set a record for the most points scored at Madison Square Garden, with 61 points against the Knicks.

December 4, 2009: Game-Winning Shot Against Miami

On December 4, 2009, Kobe Bryant made a buzzer-beating, one-legged three-pointer over Dwyane Wade, leading to the Lakers' victory over the Miami Heat.

2009: NBA Championship

In 2009, Bryant led the Lakers to an NBA championship and was named NBA Finals MVP.

2009: Led Lakers to Championship and Won Finals MVP

In 2009, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to another championship and won the Finals MVP award.

2009: Release of "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: 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 donation

On November 4, 2010, Kobe Bryant and Zach Braff presented a $1 million check to the Call of Duty Endowment at the Call of Duty: Black Ops launch event, aiding veterans' transition to civilian careers.

December 13, 2010: Turkish Airlines Endorsement

On December 13, 2010, Kobe Bryant signed a two-year endorsement deal with Turkish Airlines.

2010: NBA Championship and Finals MVP

In 2010, Bryant led the Lakers to another NBA championship and was again named NBA Finals MVP.

2010: Call of Duty Commercial

In 2010, Kobe Bryant appeared in commercials for the video game Call of Duty: Black Ops.

2010: Youngest to Reach 25,000 Points

In 2010, Kobe Bryant became the youngest player at 31 years, 151 days old to reach 25,000 career points, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain.

2010: Led Lakers to Championship and Won Finals MVP

In 2010, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to another championship, winning the Finals MVP award.

January 30, 2011: Youngest to Score 27,000 Points

On January 30, 2011, Kobe Bryant became the youngest player to score 27,000 points.

2011: Collaboration with Jay Chou for "The Heaven and Earth Challenge"

In 2011, Kobe Bryant collaborated with Taiwanese singer Jay Chou on the single "The Heaven and Earth Challenge", with proceeds benefiting impoverished schools. Bryant also appeared in the music video, and the song was used in a Sprite marketing campaign in China during 2011.

2011: Leading All-Star Vote-Getter

In 2011, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star game.

January 10, 2012: Kobe Bryant scores 48 points against the Phoenix Suns

On January 10, 2012, Kobe Bryant scored 48 points against the Phoenix Suns, following a preseason ranking that placed him as the seventh-best player in the league.

September 2012: Commercial with Lionel Messi

In September 2012, Kobe Bryant shot a commercial for Turkish Airlines with FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

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, surpassing Magic Johnson to become the Lakers' career leader in steals. Despite Bryant's achievement, the Lakers lost the game to the Clippers.

2012: "Vino" Nickname

During the 2012 NBA season, Kobe Bryant began referring to himself as "vino" to describe how his play had been aging like a fine wine.

2012: Clutch Player Recognition

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 the game on the line.

2012: Won Gold Medal at Summer Olympics

In 2012, Kobe Bryant won another gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

2012: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2012, Kobe Bryant won another gold medal with the U.S. Olympic team.

March 30, 2013: Bryant surpasses 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: Bryant achieves unique stat line

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: Launch of Granity Studios

In 2013, Kobe Bryant launched Granity Studios, a production company focused on developing various media projects.

2013: Leading All-Star 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 his initial investment, acquiring a 10% stake in Bodyarmor SuperDrink for $6 million.

November 30, 2014: Bryant records 20th career triple-double

On November 30, 2014, Kobe Bryant recorded his 20th career triple-double, scoring 31 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds in an overtime victory against the Toronto Raptors. At 36, he became the oldest NBA player to achieve 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game.

November 29, 2015: Bryant announces his retirement

On November 29, 2015, Kobe Bryant announced his retirement from the NBA at the end of the 2015-16 season in a poem titled "Dear Basketball" published in The Players' Tribune.

August 22, 2016: Launch of Bryant-Stibel venture capital firm

On August 22, 2016, Kobe Bryant and Jeff Stibel launched Bryant-Stibel, a venture capital firm with $100 million in funding focused on media, data, gaming, and technology businesses.

2016: Leading All-Star Vote-Getter

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 numbers Kobe Bryant wore during his career, 8 and 24.

2017: Lakers Retire Bryant's Numbers

In 2017, the Lakers retired both of Kobe Bryant's numbers, 8 and 24, a unique honor in NBA history.

August 2018: Coca-Cola's investment in Bodyarmor

In August 2018, The Coca-Cola Company purchased a minority stake in Bodyarmor SuperDrink, increasing the valuation of Kobe 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, which reflects on his career with photos and reflections, was published.

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.

2018: Beginning of Detail television series

In 2018, Kobe Bryant began writing, producing, and hosting the television series Detail, which aired on ESPN and ESPN+.

2018: Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film

In 2018, Kobe Bryant won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for his film Dear Basketball, becoming the first African-American to win in this category. The film also won the Annie Award for Best Animated Short Subject and a Sports Emmy Award in 2018.

2019: FIBA Ambassador

In 2019, Kobe Bryant was one of the global ambassadors of the FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.

March 2020: Posthumous release of "The Wizenard Series: Season One"

In March 2020, Kobe Bryant's fourth novel, The Wizenard Series: Season One, was released posthumously and topped the New York Times middle-grade hardcover list.