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 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.

Sections (6)

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

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.

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.

1988: Previous Lakers championship

The Lakers won their first championship since 1988 in 2000.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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: 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.

The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul

Check it on Amazon

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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: 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: 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.

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.

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: 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: 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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

The Mamba Mentality: How I Play

Check it on Amazon

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: 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.