Kobe Bryant's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A closer look at the biggest achievements of Kobe Bryant. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.
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.
December 1962: Baylor's 50-plus point streak
In December 1962, Elgin Baylor scored 50+ points in three consecutive contests before Kobe Bryant matched the feat.
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.
1969: West's NBA Finals performance
In the 1969 NBA Finals, Jerry West averaged at least 32.4 points and 7.4 assists in the series, a feat that Kobe Bryant later matched.
1987: Jordan's last 50-plus point streak
In 1987, Michael Jordan was the last player before Kobe Bryant to score 50-plus points in three straight games.
1988: Lakers' Previous Championship
In 2000, The Los Angeles Lakers won their first championship since 1988.
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.
1996: Johnson's Assists in Playoffs
In Game 2 of the 2010 Playoffs, Kobe Bryant finished the game with 13 assists. It was the most assists by a Laker in the playoffs since Magic Johnson had 13 in 1996.
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: 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.
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.
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.
2001: NBA Championship
In 2001, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal secured their second consecutive NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.
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.
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: Bryant receives leading vote-getter honor for All-Star game
In 2003, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star game.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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: ESPN ranks Bryant as second-greatest shooting guard
In 2008, ESPN ranked Kobe Bryant the second-greatest shooting guard of all time after Michael Jordan.
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: Olympic Gold Medal
In 2008, Kobe Bryant won an Olympic gold medal as part of the U.S. Olympic team.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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: Forbes' List of World's Highest-Paid Athletes
In 2010, Kobe Bryant was ranked third in Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid athletes, with $48 million.
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: 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.
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: Honored as McDonald's All-American
In 2012, Kobe Bryant was honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans for his exceptional high school play and subsequent accomplishments.
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.
2013: Fifth-Highest Paid Sports Star
In 2013, Forbes listed Kobe Bryant as the fifth-highest paid sports star in the world.
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.
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.
2016: ESPN reaffirms Bryant's status as second-greatest shooting guard
In 2016, ESPN reaffirmed their ranking of Kobe Bryant as the second-greatest shooting guard of all time after Michael Jordan.
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.
2017: Release of Dear Basketball
In 2017, Kobe Bryant released "Dear Basketball", which he later won an academy award for in 2018.
2017: Lakers Retire Both Numbers
In 2017, the Los Angeles Lakers retired both of Kobe Bryant's jersey numbers, 8 and 24, a unique honor in NBA history.
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.
2018: Kobe Bryant appears at the Academy Awards
In 2018, Kobe Bryant appeared at the start of the In Memoriam segment of the 92nd Academy Awards following his Oscar win for Dear Basketball.
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 for his film Dear Basketball.
April 2020: Bryant elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In April 2020, Kobe Bryant was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a couple of months after being named a finalist in his first year of eligibility.
2020: Lakers win NBA championship
In 2020, after the Lakers beat the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Snoop Dogg paid homage to Bryant with a full forearm tattoo.
October 2021: Bryant named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In October 2021, Kobe Bryant was honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
2021: Posthumous induction into Basketball Hall of Fame
In 2021, Kobe Bryant was posthumously inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, with Vanessa Bryant delivering the acceptance speech on his behalf.
2021: Posthumous selection to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2021, Kobe Bryant was posthumously named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, honoring him as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
2022: The Athletic ranks Bryant as 10th-greatest NBA player
In 2022, The Athletic ranked Kobe Bryant as the 10th-greatest player in NBA history and the second-highest shooting guard on the list, behind only Michael Jordan.
February 28, 2023: Settlement in photos lawsuit
On February 28, 2023, Vanessa Bryant was awarded a $28.85 million settlement from Los Angeles County to conclude legal proceedings over graphic photos of the helicopter crash that were shared without the permission of the family.
2023: Lakers announce unveiling date of Kobe Bryant statue
In 2023, the Lakers announced that Kobe Bryant's statue outside of Crypto.com Arena would be unveiled on February 8, 2024.
February 8, 2024: Unveiling date of Kobe Bryant statue outside Crypto.com Arena
In 2023, the Lakers announced Kobe Bryant's statue outside of Crypto.com Arena would be unveiled on February 8, 2024, to honor his two numbers with the Lakers, 8 and 24, and 2 for the number of his daughter Gianna.
August 2, 2024: Statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant unveiled outside of Crypto.com Arena
On August 2, 2024, the Lakers unveiled a statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant outside of Crypto.com Arena.
2024: LeBron James Broke Bryant's Record
In 2024, LeBron James broke Kobe Bryant's record for missing the most field goal attempts in NBA history.
February 2025: Bryant to get a statue in the proposed National Garden of American Heroes
In February 2025, Donald Trump announced that Kobe Bryant would get a statue in the proposed National Garden of American Heroes.
2025: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction
In 2025, Kobe Bryant will be inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team.
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