On January 26, 2020, the world woke up to the devastating news ofKobe Bryant’s death. The legendary Los Angeles Lakers player and his daughter, Gianna, passed away in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on their way to a basketball game. Here’s remembering the NBA player by looking back at his illustrious career:
Kobe Bryant played his first game as a Laker on November 3, 1996. He was 18 at the time, becoming the youngest NBA player ever.
Bryant stayed with the Lakers throughout his career. He helped the team win five NBA championships, earning the title of NBA Champion on all five occasions (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010).
In 1997, Bryant won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
Bryant was an NBA All-Star not once but 18 times, starting from 1998. Except for 1999, he was an All-Star until 2016.
Bryant was a four-time NBA All-Star Game MVP (2002, 2007, 2009, and 2011).
The Lakers star was a part of the All-NBA First Team 11 times, from 2002 to 2004 and then from 2006 to 2013.
He was also a two-time All-NBA Second Team member (2000 and 2001).
He was a player in the All-NBA Third Team twice (1999 and 2005).
Bryant played for the NBA All-Defensive First Team nine times (2000, 2003-2004, and 2006-2011).
Bryant was declared the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2008.
He was also the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player in 2009 and 2010.
Bryant is the fourth-highest NBA scorer with 33,643 career points and the all-time Lakers leading scorer.
Kobe Bryant won a gold medal at the Olympics twice, one in 2008 and another in 2012.
In 2018, Kobe Bryant won an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film.
The world lost a gem with Kobe Bryant’s demise. May his soul rest in peace.
