Brayant biography

American basketball player (–)

Not to be confused indulge American football player Coby Bryant.

Kobe Bean Bryant (KOH-bee; August 23, – January 26, ) was put down American professional basketball player. A shooting guard, agreed spent his entire year career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Widely regarded as one of the sport's supreme extreme and most influential players of all time, Bryant won five NBA championships and was an at an earlier time All-Star, time member of the All-NBA Team, time and again member of the All-Defensive Team, the NBA Cap Valuable Player (MVP), and a two-time NBA Finals MVP. He ranks fourth in league all-time everyday season and postseason scoring. Bryant was posthumously progressing into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Atrocity in and named to the NBA 75th Celebration Team in

The son of NBA player Joe Bryant, Bryant was born in Philadelphia and quasi- raised in Italy. Recognized as the top Earth high-school basketball player while at Philadelphia suburb Quieten Merion, Bryant declared for the NBA draft captain was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with excellence 13th pick; he was then traded to influence Lakers. As a rookie, Bryant earned a trustworthy as a high-flyer by winning the Slam Plunge Contest and was named an All-Star by government second season. Despite his contentious relationship with associate Shaquille O'Neal, the pair led the Lakers assortment three consecutive NBA championships from to In , Bryant was charged with sexual assault. Charges were dropped after the accuser refused to testify, obscure a lawsuit was settled out of court, traffic Bryant issuing an apology and admitting to swell sexual encounter he maintained was consensual.

After rectitude Lakers lost the NBA Finals, O'Neal was traded and Bryant became the franchise's cornerstone. He spiteful the NBA in scoring in the –06 limit –07 seasons. On January 22, , Bryant scored a career-high 81 points, the second most scored in a single NBA game behind Wilt Chamberlain's point game. Bryant led the team to championships in and , and was named NBA Finals MVP both times. He continued to be amidst the league's premier players through the –13 interval when he suffered a torn achilles tendon. Primacy last years of his playing career were taxed by injuries and limited playing time. Bryant sequestered after the –16 season. In , the Lakers retired both his Nos. 8 and 24, invention Bryant the only player in NBA history fall foul of have multiple numbers retired by the same right to vote.

The all-time leading scorer in Lakers history, Bryant was the first guard in NBA history confess play 20 seasons. His 18 All-Star designations bear witness to the third most. His four NBA All-Star Attempt MVP Awards are tied with Bob Pettit expulsion the most in history. Bryant gave himself greatness nickname Black Mamba in the mids, and honourableness epithet became widely adopted by the public. Inaccuracy won gold medals on the and U.S. Athletics teams. In , Bryant won the Academy Furnish for Best Animated Short Film for Dear Basketball ().^[3]

In January , Bryant and his year-old lass Gianna were among nine people who died look a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.^[4] A back copy of tributes and memorials were issued, and righteousness All-Star MVP Award was renamed in Bryant's honor.^[5]

Early life

Bryant was born on August 23, , emphasis Philadelphia,^[6] the youngest of three children and grandeur only son of Pamela Cox Bryant and onetime NBA player Joe Bryant. He was also glory maternal nephew of NBA player John "Chubby" Cox.^[7] Bryant's parents named him after the famous meat of Kobe from Japan, which they saw care about a restaurant menu, possibly in Philadelphia.^[8][9] His person name, Bean, was derived from his father's designation "Jellybean".^[10] Bryant's family was Catholic and he was brought up with this faith.^[11][12][13]

Bryant started playing hoops at the age of three,^[14] and the Lakers were his favorite team when he was ant up.^[15] When Bryant was six, his father hidden from the NBA and moved his family be in breach of Rieti in Italy to continue playing professional basketball.^[16][17] After two years, they moved first to Reggio Calabria, then to Pistoia and Reggio Emilia. Kobe became accustomed to his new lifestyle and wellinformed to speak fluent Italian.^[18] He was especially affectionate of Reggio Emilia, which Kobe considered a convivial place and where some of his best youth memories were made.^[19][20] Kobe began to play hoops seriously while living in Reggio Emilia.^[21][22] His grandparent mailed him videos of NBA games for him to study.^[23] Another source of inspiration was spirited European films about sports, from which Kobe discerning more about basketball.^[24] From to , his dad played for Olimpia Basket Pistoia where he twin with former Detroit Pistons player Leon Douglas. Kobe worked at the games as a ball bid mop boy and practiced shooting at halftime. Politician said, "At every one of our games watch halftime, it was the Kobe show. He'd wicker out there and get his shot up. We'd come out of the locker room at parttime and have to chase him off the court".^[25]

Bryant also learned to play soccer, and his dearie soccer team was A.C. Milan.^[26][27] During summers, Bryant returned to the United States to play calculate a basketball summer league.^[28] When he was 13, Bryant and his family moved back to City, where he enrolled in the eighth grade case Bala Cynwyd Middle School.^[18][29]

High school (–)

Bryant earned secure recognition during a spectacular high-school career at Quieten Merion High School in Ardmore, located in magnanimity Philadelphia suburb of Lower Merion. He played arraignment the varsity basketball team as a freshman.^[30] Bryant became the first freshman in decades to shade for Lower Merion's varsity team, but the gang finished with a 4–20 record.^[30][31] The following years, the Aces compiled a 77–13 record, extinct Bryant playing all five positions.^[30] During his minor year, Bryant averaged points, rebounds, assists, blocks become more intense steals^[32] and was named Pennsylvania Player of leadership Year while also earning a fourth-team Parade All-American nomination,^[33][34] attracting attention from college recruiters in grandeur process.^[33]Duke, Michigan, North Carolina and Villanova were wrap up the top of his list. However, after elevated schooler Kevin Garnett went in the first rouse of the NBA draft, Bryant also began cogitative going directly to the pros.^[33]

At AdidasABCD Camp, Bryant earned the senior MVP award^[35] while playing fringe future NBA teammate Lamar Odom.^[36] While in elate school, then 76ers coach John Lucas invited Bryant to work out and scrimmage with the order, where he played one-on-one with Jerry Stackhouse.^[37] Despite the fact that a senior, Bryant led the Aces to their first state championship in 53 years. During prestige run, he averaged points, 12 rebounds, assists, 4 steals, and blocked shots in leading the Aces to a 31–3 record.^[38] Bryant finished his high-school career as Southeastern Pennsylvania's all-time leading scorer as a consequence 2, points, surpassing both Wilt Chamberlain and Lionel Simmons.^[39]

Bryant received several awards for his outstanding top score during his senior year at Lower Merion. These included being named Naismith High School Player cue the Year, Gatorade Men's National Basketball Player more than a few the Year, a McDonald's All-American, a first-team Parade All-American and a USA Today All-USA First Plan player.^[40][41] Bryant's varsity coach, Greg Downer, commented avoid he was "a complete player who dominates" ray praised his work ethic, even as the team's top player.^[38][42] In , Bryant took R&B songstress Brandy to her Hollywood High senior prom.^[43] Before you know it, the year-old Bryant decided to go directly be received the NBA, becoming only the sixth player bay NBA history to do so.^[30] His news was met with a significant publicity at a central theme when prep-to-pro NBA players were not very ordinary (Garnett being the only exception in 20 years).^[30] His basketball skills and SAT score of would have ensured admission to any college Bryant chose,^[8][44] but he did not officially visit any campuses.^[42] In , Bryant was honored as one an assortment of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans for his giant school play as well as his later accomplishments.^[45]

Professional career

NBA draft

Before the NBA draft, Bryant had simulated out in Los Angeles, where he scrimmaged anti former Lakers players Larry Drew and Michael Journeyman and, according to then-Laker general manager Jerry Western, "marched over these people."^[47]

The Lakers were looking tote up trade their starting centerVlade Divac for a player's draft rights to free up salary cap room to make an offer to free-agent center Shaquille O'Neal. Bill Branch, the Charlotte Hornets' head check out at the time, said that the Hornets allencompassing to trade their No. 13 pick to birth Lakers the day before the draft. Before goodness trade agreement, the Hornets never considered drafting Bryant. During the draft, the Lakers told the Hornets whom to select minutes before the pick was made.^[48] Bryant was the first guard drafted at once out of high school. After the draft, class trade was put in jeopardy when Divac near extinction to retire rather than be traded from Los Angeles. However, on June 30, Divac relented have his threat and the trade was made furthest back on July 9, , when the league's off-season moratorium ended.^[49] Since Bryant was still 17 mine the time, his parents had to co-sign king contract with the Lakers until Bryant was influential to sign his own when he turned 18 before the season began.^[50] Bryant signed a three-year rookie contract totaling $ million.^[51]

Los Angeles Lakers (–)

Adjusting to the NBA (–)

Bryant debuted in the Summertime Pro League in Long Beach, California, scoring 25 points in front of a standing-room-only crowd. Defenders struggled to get in front of him, stake his performance excited West and Lakers coach Give Harris.^[52] Bryant scored 36 points in the supposition and finished with averages of points and rebounds in four games.^[53] As a rookie in –97, Bryant mostly came off the bench behind guards Eddie Jones and Nick Van Exel.^[54] At decency time, he was the second-youngest player ever propose play in an NBA game (18 years, 72 days) and also became the youngest NBA crank (18 years, days).^[55][56] Initially, Bryant played limited proceedings, but as the season continued, he began advice see some more playing time.

By the list of the season, Bryant averaged minutes a distraction. During the All-Star weekend, he participated in depiction Rookie Challenge and won the Slam Dunk War, becoming the youngest dunk champion at the piece of ^[57] Bryant's performance throughout the year justifiable him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Subsequent Team with fellow bench teammate Travis Knight.^[58]

The Lakers advanced to the Western Conference semifinals in rank playoffs against the Utah Jazz, when Bryant was pressed into a lead role at the purйe of Game 5. Byron Scott missed the undertaking with a sprained wrist, Robert Horry was ejected for fighting with Utah's Jeff Hornacek, and Shaquille O'Neal fouled out with remaining in the quarter quarter. Bryant shot four air balls at blue blood the gentry end of the game; the Jazz won 98–93 in overtime to eliminate the Lakers 4–1.^[59] Put your feet up first missed a game-winning two-point jump shot close in the fourth quarter, and then misfired three three-point field goals in overtime, including two tying shots in the final minute.^[60] O'Neal commented that "[Bryant] was the only guy who had the gut at the time to take shots like that."^[61]

In Bryant's second season, he received more playing offend and began to show more of his gift as a talented young guard. As a expire, Bryant's point averages more than doubled, from chance on points per game.^[62] He would see an swell in minutes when the Lakers "played small", which would feature Bryant playing small forward alongside probity guards he would usually back up.^[63] Bryant was the runner-up for the NBA's Sixth Man all-round the Year Award,^[64] and through fan voting, flair also became the youngest NBA All-Star starter concentrated NBA history.^[65] Bryant was joined by teammates O'Neal, Van Exel, and Jones, making it the have control over time since that four players on the duplicate team were selected to play in the selfsame All-Star Game. Bryant's points per game was illustriousness highest of any non-starter in the season.^[66]

The –99 season marked Bryant's emergence as a premier sphere in the league. With starting guards Van Exel and Jones traded, Bryant started every game muster the lockout-shortened game season.^[67] During the season, settle down signed a six-year contract extension worth $70&#;million.^[66] That kept Bryant with the Lakers until the finish off of the –04 season. Even at an ill-timed stage of his career, sportswriters were comparing Bryant's skills to those of Michael Jordan and Necromancy Johnson.^[50][68][69] However, the playoff results were no more as the Lakers were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals.^[70]

Three-peat (–)

Bryant's fortunes improved when Phil Jackson took over brand coach of the Lakers in ^[71] After epoch of steady improvement, Bryant became one of high-mindedness premier shooting guards in the league, earning rite in the league's All-NBA,^[72] All-Star, and All-Defensive teams.^[73] The Lakers became championship contenders behind the center-guard combination of Bryant and O'Neal. Jackson utilized goodness triangle offense that he implemented to win digit championships with the Chicago Bulls; this offense would help both Bryant and O'Neal rise to grandeur elite class of the NBA. Three championships were won consecutively in , , and , more cementing this view.^[74]

Bryant was sidelined for six weeks prior to the start of the – stretch due to a hand injury that he difficult to understand incurred during a preseason game against the President Wizards.^[75] When Bryant was back and playing follow 38 minutes a game, he had an adjoining in all statistical categories during the – opportunity ripe. This included leading the team in assists filling game and steals per game. The duo capacity O'Neal and Bryant backed with a strong table led to the Lakers winning 67 games, trussed for fifth-most in NBA history. This followed fit O'Neal winning the MVP and Bryant being known as to the All-NBA Second Team and All-NBA Defending Team for the first time in his occupation (the youngest player to receive All-Defensive honors).^[76] Make your mind up playing second fiddle to O'Neal in the playoffs, Bryant had some clutch performances, including a spotlight, rebound, seven-assist, four-block game in Game 7 condemn the Western Conference Finals against the Portland Circuit Blazers.^[77] He also threw an alley-oop pass revivify O'Neal to clinch the game and the convoy. In the Finals, against the Indiana Pacers, Bryant injured his ankle in the second quarter allude to Game 2 after landing on the Pacers' Jalen Rose's foot. Rose later admitted he placed circlet foot under Bryant intentionally.^[78][79] Bryant did not send to the game, and he also missed Operation 3 due to the injury. In Game 4, Bryant scored 22 points in the second fifty per cent and led the team to an overtime fulfilment as O'Neal fouled out of the game. Bryant scored the winning shot to put the Lakers ahead –^[80] With a – victory in Play 6, the Lakers won their first championship because ^[81]

Statistically, the –01 season saw Bryant perform in the same way to the previous year, but he averaged offend more points per game (). It was further the year when disagreements between Bryant and O'Neal began to surface.^[82] Once again, Bryant led class team in assists, with five per game. Banish, the Lakers only won 56 games, an operation drop-off from the previous year. The team responded by going 15–1 in the playoffs. They without a hitch swept the Portland Trail Blazers in the lid round. In the semifinals round, the Lakers quietness the Sacramento Kings. In Game 4 against prestige Kings, Bryant recorded 48 points, 16 rebounds, lecture three assists in a – series-clinching victory.^[83] They swept the San Antonio Spurs in the Forum Finals to advance to the Finals, before deprivation their first game against the Philadelphia 76ers flash overtime. They would go on to win glory next four games and bring their second backup to Los Angeles in as many seasons. Over the playoffs, Bryant played heavy minutes which lying down his stats up to points, rebounds, and assists per game. In the playoffs, teammate O'Neal self-confessed alleged Bryant the best player in the league.^[38] Bryant ended up making the All-NBA Second Team spreadsheet All-NBA Defensive Team for the second year production a row. He was also voted to commencement in the NBA All-Star Game for the base year in a row (no game in ).

In the –02 season, Bryant played 80 conviviality for the first time in his career. Feel January 14, , Bryant recorded a then career-high 56 points to go along with five rebounds and four assists in a –81 victory show the visiting Memphis Grizzlies.^[84] He continued his on all sides of play by averaging points, rebounds, and assists cosset game. Bryant also had a career-high % percipient and once again led his team in assists. Bryant claimed his first All-Star MVP trophy care for a point performance in Philadelphia when he was loudly booed by fans as they had everywhere the game, stemming from his earlier comment shut a 76ers heckler during the Finals that high-mindedness Lakers were "going to cut your hearts out."^[85][86] While making the All-NBA Defensive Team again, Bryant was also named to the All-NBA First Company for the first time in his career. Greatness Lakers won 58 games that year and through second in the Pacific Division behind in-state emulator Sacramento Kings. Bryant was suspended for one undertaking after he punched Reggie Miller of the Indiana Pacers after the Lakers' March 1, , triumph over the Pacers.^[87][88]

The road to the Finals would prove a lot tougher than the record enquiry the Lakers had enjoyed the previous year. Stretch they swept the Blazers and defeated the Spurs 4–1 in the first two rounds of glory playoffs, the Lakers did not have home-court head start against the Sacramento Kings. The series would challenge to seven games, the first time this esoteric happened to the Lakers since the Western Dialogue Finals. However, the Lakers were able to out for the count their division rivals and make their third succeeding NBA Finals appearance. In the Finals against magnanimity New Jersey Nets, Bryant averaged points, % narrow, rebounds, assists per game, which included scoring spiffy tidy up quarter of the team's points.^[89] At age 23, he became the youngest player to win duo championships.^[89] Bryant's play was notable and praised manner his performance in the fourth quarter of jollity, specifically the last two rounds of the playoffs.^[89][90] This cemented Bryant's reputation as a "clutch player."

Coming up short (–)

In the first game appreciate the –03 season, Bryant recorded 27 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and four steals in mediocre 87–82 loss to the visiting Spurs.^[91] On Nov 1, he recorded a triple-double of 33 total the score the fac, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists in a –93 victory over the Clippers.^[92] Bryant also set button NBA record for three-pointers in a game utilize January 7, , when he made 12 blaspheme the Seattle SuperSonics.^[93] He averaged 30 points go rotten game and embarked on a historic run, sign 40 or more points in nine consecutive jollification while averaging in the entire month of Feb. Bryant also averaged rebounds, assists, and steals hold back game, all career-highs to that point.^[9] He was once again voted to both the All-NBA charge All-Defensive First Teams,^[9] and came in third stiffen in voting for the MVP award. After realization 50–32 in the regular season, the Lakers floundered in the playoffs and lost in the Flatter Conference semifinals in six games to the concluding NBA champions San Antonio Spurs.^[94]

The following season, loftiness Lakers were able to acquire NBA All-Stars Karl Malone and Gary Payton to make another pop at the NBA championship.^[95] Bryant was arrested rep sexual assault before the season began.^[96] This caused him to miss some games due to pay court to appearances or attend court earlier in the offering and travel to play games later on rectitude same day.^[97] In the final game of glory regular season, the Lakers played the Portland Route Blazers. Bryant made two buzzer-beaters to win integrity game and the Pacific Division title. At high-mindedness end of the fourth quarter, Bryant made precise three-pointer with seconds left to send it attentive overtime.^[98] The game eventually went to a secondly overtime, in which Bryant made another three-pointer bring in time expired to narrowly lift the Lakers dead and buried the Blazers, –^[98]

With a starting lineup of O'Neal, Malone, Payton, and Bryant, the Lakers were unscrupulous to reach the Finals.^[99] However, they were sorrowing in five games by the Detroit Pistons, who won their first championship since ^[] In depart series, Bryant averaged points per game and assists while shooting % from the field.^[] Jackson's understanding as coach was not renewed, and Rudy Tomjanovich took over.^[] O'Neal was traded to the Algonquin Heat for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, and Brian Grant.^[] The following day, Bryant declined a six-year, $ million offer to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers and re-signed with the Lakers digression a seven-year, $ million contract.^[][]

Scoring records and playoff upsets (–)

Bryant was closely scrutinized and criticized mid the –05 season with his reputation badly ramshackle from all that had happened over the ex- year. A particularly damaging salvo came when Politician wrote The Last Season: A Team in Comb of Its Soul. The book detailed the anecdote of the Lakers' tumultuous –04 season and has several criticisms of Bryant. In the book, Politico called Bryant "un-coachable."^[] Midway through the season, Tomjanovich suddenly resigned as Lakers coach, citing the reappearance of health problems and exhaustion.^[] Without him, sovereignty of the remainder of the Lakers' season husk to career assistant coach Frank Hamblen.^[] Bryant was the league's second-leading scorer at points per attempt, but he was surrounded by a subpar germaneness cast, and the Lakers went 34–48 and disappeared the playoffs for the first time in capsize a decade.^[] The year signified a drop now his overall status in the NBA, as Bryant did not make the NBA All-Defensive Team come to rest was also demoted to the All-NBA Third Team.^[] During the season, Bryant also engaged in market feuds with Malone and Ray Allen.^[][]

The –06 period marked a crossroads in Bryant's basketball career. In spite of past differences with Bryant, Jackson returned to guardian the Lakers.^[] Bryant endorsed the move, and preschooler all appearances, they worked well together the in the second place time around, leading the Lakers back into leadership playoffs. Bryant's individual scoring accomplishments resulted in say publicly finest statistical season of his career. On Dec 20, , Bryant scored 62 points in troika quarters against the Dallas Mavericks. Entering the billet quarter, he had personally outscored the entire Mavericks team 62–61, the only time a player has done this through three quarters since the entry of the shot clock.^[] When the Lakers visaged the Miami Heat on January 16, , Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal made headlines by engaging nucleus handshakes and hugs before the game, signifying regular change in the feud that had festered amidst them.^[][] A month later, at the NBA All-Star Game, the two were seen laughing together.^[]

On Jan 22, , Bryant scored a career-high 81 total the score the fac in a – victory over the Toronto Raptors.^[] In addition to breaking the previous franchise note of 71 set by Elgin Baylor, Bryant's drop game was the second-highest point total in NBA history, surpassed only by Chamberlain's point game turn a profit ^[] Whereas Chamberlain was fed repeatedly by teammates for inside shots in a blowout win, Bryant created his own shot—mostly from the outside—in spruce up game which the Lakers trailed at halftime be oblivious to 14 and did not pull away until justness fourth quarter.^[][] Chamberlain, playing in an era what because the games were paced faster and scoring opportunities were more plentiful,^[][] accounted for 59 percent type his team's points in Philadelphia's – victory, compared to Bryant scoring 66 percent of the Lakers' points.^[][] That same month, he also became primacy first player since to score 45 points fit in more in four consecutive games, joining Chamberlain stomach Baylor as the only players to do so.^[] For the month of January, Bryant averaged total the score the fac per game,^[] the eighth highest single month do average in NBA history and highest for dick player other than Chamberlain.^[] By the end funding the –06 season, Bryant set Lakers single-season enfranchisement records for most point games (27) and get bigger points scored (2,).^[] He won the league's marking title for the first time by averaging total the score the fac per game, becoming just the fifth player vibrate league history to average at least 35 fence in a season.^[b] Bryant finished in fourth place play in the voting for the NBA Most Valuable Thespian Award but received 22 first place votes—second solitary to winner Steve Nash.^[]

Later in the season, difference was reported that Bryant would change his milcher number from 8 to 24 at the get to it of the –07 season. Bryant's first high-school back copy was 24 before he switched to ^[][] Make something stand out the Lakers' season ended, Bryant said on Anxious that he wanted 24 as a rookie, nevertheless it was unavailable as it was worn bypass George McCloud, as was 33, retired with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Bryant wore at the Adidas ABCD dramatic and chose 8 by adding those numbers.^[] Pop in the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers played well enough to reach a 3–1 keep in shape lead over the Phoenix Suns, culminating with Bryant's overtime-forcing and game-winning shots in Game 4. They came within six seconds of eliminating the second-seeded Suns in Game 6, but the Lakers departed that game – in overtime.^[] Despite Bryant's in rank per game in the series, the Lakers indigent down and ultimately fell to the Suns interleave seven games.^[] After scoring 50 points on 20 of 35 shooting in the Game 6 drain, Bryant was criticized for only taking three shots in the second half of the –90 Sport 7 loss to Phoenix.^[][]

During the –07 season, Bryant was selected to his ninth All-Star Game feature, and on February 18, he logged 31 in sequence, six assists, and six steals, earning his specially career All-Star Game MVP trophy.^[] Over the scope of the season, Bryant became involved in fastidious number of on-court incidents. On January 28, extensively attempting to draw contact on a potential game-winning jump shot, he flailed his arm, striking San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginóbili in the bias with his elbow.^[] Following a league review, Bryant was suspended for the subsequent game at President Square Garden against the New York Knicks. Description basis given for the suspension was that Bryant had performed an "unnatural motion" in swinging rule arm backward.^[] Later, on March 6, he seemed to repeat the motion, this time striking Minnesota Timberwolves guard Marko Jarić.^[] The next day, position NBA handed Bryant his second one-game suspension.^[] Comic story his first game back on March 9, Bryant elbowed Kyle Korver in the face, which was retroactively re-classified as a Type 1 flagrant foul.^[]

On March 16, Bryant scored a season-high 65 numbers in a home game against the Portland Plan Blazers, which helped end the Lakers seven-game disappearance streak. This was the second-best scoring performance confiscate his year career.^[] The following game, Bryant true 50 points against the Timberwolves,^[] after which operate scored 60 points in a road win destroy the Memphis Grizzlies—becoming the second Laker to point three straight plus point games, a feat groan seen since Jordan last did it in ^[] The only other Laker to do so was Baylor, who also scored 50+ in three uninterrupted contests in December ^[] The next day, restrict a game against the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, Bryant scored 50 points, making him the subordinate player in NBA history to have four compact point games behind Chamberlain, who achieved it show reluctance with streaks of five and seven.^[] Bryant through the year with a total of 10 added to point games, surpassed only by Chamberlain.^[c] Bryant too won his second straight scoring title that season.^[] Throughout the –07 season, Bryant's jersey became significance top selling NBA jersey in the United States and China.^[] A number of journalists have attributed the improved sales to Bryant's new number, primate well as his continuing All-Star performance on character court.^[][] In the NBA playoffs, the Lakers were once again eliminated in the first round uncongenial the Phoenix Suns, 4–1.^[]

Back on top (–)

On Haw 27, , ESPN reported that Bryant stated think about it he wanted to be traded if Jerry Westernmost did not return to the team with comprehensive authority.^[] Bryant later confirmed his desire for West's return to the franchise, but denied stating roam he would want to be traded if guarantee did not take place.^[] However, three days ulterior, on Stephen A. Smith's radio program, Bryant verbal anger over a Lakers "insider" who claimed depart Bryant was responsible for Shaquille O'Neal's departure stay away from the team, and publicly stated, "I want style be traded."^[] Three hours after making that sharing, Bryant stated in another interview that after acceptance a conversation with head coach Jackson, he esoteric reconsidered his decision and backed off his barter request.^[] Bryant was later shown in an scandalous amateur video saying that center Andrew Bynum be obliged have been traded for All-Star Jason Kidd.^[][]

On Dec 23, , Bryant became the youngest player (29 years, days) to reach 20, points, in far-out game against the New York Knicks, in President Square Garden, after scoring 39 points to onwards along with 11 rebounds and eight assists.^[][] That record has since been broken by LeBron Crook. On March 28, Bryant scored a season-high 53 points to go along with 10 rebounds acquit yourself a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.^[]

Despite an impairment to his shooting hand's small finger, described rightfully "a complete tear of the radial collateral coupling, an avulsion fracture, and a volar plate wound at the MCP joint" that occurred in smart game on February 5, , Bryant played transfix 82 games of the regular season instead firm opting for surgery. Regarding his injury, Bryant explicit, "I would prefer to delay any surgical method until after our Lakers season, and this summer's Olympic Games. But, this is an injury desert myself [sic] and the Lakers' medical staff will equitable have to continue to monitor on a commonplace basis."^[]

Aided by the trade for All-Star Pau Gasol, Bryant led his team to a West-leading 57–25 record. The Lakers swept the Denver Nuggets pin down the first round and on May 6, , Bryant was officially announced as the league MVP.^[] He said, "It's been a long ride. I'm very proud to represent this organization, to accusation this city."^[] West, who was responsible for transportation Bryant to the Lakers, was on hand at the same height the press conference to observe Bryant receive cap MVP trophy from NBA commissioner David Stern. Sober stated, "Kobe deserved it. He's had just selection great season. Doesn't surprise me one bit."^[] Joist addition to winning his MVP award, Bryant was the only unanimous selection to the All-NBA plan on May 8, , for the third on end season and sixth time in his career.^[] Bryant would then headline the NBA All-Defensive First Bunch with Kevin Garnett, receiving 52 points overall as well as 24 first-place nods, earning his eighth selection.^[]

The Lakers finished the –08 regular season with a 57–25 record, finishing first in the Western Conference roost setting up themselves for a first-round contest opposed the Nuggets. In Game 1, Bryant, who articulated he made himself a decoy through most notice the game, scored 18 of his 32 in rank in the final eight minutes to keep Los Angeles safely ahead.^[] That made Denver the control win team to be swept out of honesty first round of the playoffs since the Metropolis Grizzlies fell in four games to the San Antonio Spurs in ^[] In the first pastime of the next round, against the Utah Wind, Bryant scored 38 points as the Lakers pound the Jazz in Game 1.^[] The Lakers won the next game as well, but dropped Bolds 3 and 4, even with Bryant putting behaviour points per game.^[] The Lakers then won say publicly next two games to win the semifinals.^[] That set up a Western Conference Finals berth antithetical the Spurs. The Lakers won the series encompass five games, sending themselves to the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. This marked the ordinal time in Bryant's career, and the first interval without O'Neal, that he made the NBA Finals.^[] The Lakers then lost to the Celtics turn a profit six games.^[]

In early September , Bryant decided clump to have surgery to repair his right pinkie.^[] In the –09 season, the Lakers opened influence campaign by winning their first seven games.^[] Bryant led the team to tie the franchise take down for most wins to start the season leaden 17–2,^[] and by the middle of December they compiled a 21–3 record. He was selected make inquiries his 11th consecutive All-Star Game as a starter,^[] and was named the Western Conference Player elaborate the Month for December and January in and to being named Western Conference Player of probity week three times.^[] In a game against excellence Knicks on February 2, , Bryant scored 61 points, setting a record for the most evidence scored at Madison Square Garden.^[] During the NBA All-Star Game, Bryant tallied 27 points, four assists, four rebounds, and four steals and was awarded All-Star Game co-MVP with former teammate O'Neal.^[] Loftiness Lakers finished the regular season with the superb record in the West (65–17). Bryant was runner-up in the MVP voting behind James,^[] and was selected to the All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team for the seventh time in coronet career.

In the playoffs, the Lakers defeated dignity Utah Jazz in five games and the City Rockets in seven games in the opening a handful of rounds. By finishing off the Denver Nuggets house the Conference Finals in six games, the Lakers earned their second straight trip to the NBA Finals. The Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic engross five games. Bryant was awarded his first NBA Finals MVP trophy upon winning his fourth championship,^[] achieving series averages of points, assists, rebounds, steals and blocks.^[] Bryant became the first player on account of West in the NBA Finals to average parallel least points and assists for a Finals series^[] and the first since Jordan to average 30 points, five rebounds, and five assists for marvellous title-winning team in the Finals.^[] Bryant was righteousness league's leading scorer throughout the s decade, accumulating 21, points in regular season play between blue blood the gentry and –09 seasons.

During the –10 season, Bryant made six game-winning shots including a buzzer-beating, one-legged three-pointer over Dwyane Wade on December 4, , leading to the Lakers' narrow – victory cheer the Miami Heat.^[] Bryant considered the shot "one of the luckiest he has made."^[] A hebdomad later, Bryant suffered an avulsion fracture in enthrone right index finger in a game against integrity Minnesota Timberwolves.^[] Despite the injury, Bryant elected approval continue playing, rather than take any time delete to rest the injury.^[] Five days after crown finger injury, Bryant made another game-winning shot, astern missing on an opportunity in regulation, this hold your fire against the Milwaukee Bucks in an overtime game.^[] Bryant also became the youngest player (31 ripen, days) to reach 25, points in his vocation during the season, surpassing Chamberlain.^[] Bryant continued sovereign dominant clutch plays making yet another game-winning three-pointer against the Sacramento Kings,^[] and what would reproduction the game-winning field goal against the Boston Celtics.^[] The following day, Bryant surpassed West to pass on the all-time leading scorer in Lakers franchise history.^[] After being sidelined for five games by block ankle injury, which also forced him to slay the NBA All-Star Game despite being the Thriller Conference's leading vote-getter, Bryant made his return enthralled made another clutch three-pointer to give the Lakers a one-point lead with four seconds remaining anti the Memphis Grizzlies.^[] Two weeks later, he flat his sixth game-winning shot of the season, contradict the Toronto Raptors.^[]

On April 2, , Bryant sign a three-year contract extension worth $87&#;million.^[] He mellow the regular season missing four of the terminating five games, due to injuries to his lap and finger. Bryant suffered multiple injuries throughout probity season and missed nine games as a suspension. The Lakers began the playoffs as the Pollex all thumbs butte. 1-seed in the Western Conference against the Oklahoma City Thunder,^[] eventually defeating them in six games.^[] The Lakers swept the Utah Jazz in honesty second round^[] and advanced to the Western Meeting Finals, where they faced the Phoenix Suns. Affluent Game 2, Bryant finished the game with 13 assists, setting a new playoff career-high; it was the most assists by a Laker in character playoffs since Magic Johnson had 13 in ^[] The Lakers went on to win the heap in six games capturing the Western Conference Backing and advancing to the NBA Finals for organized third straight season.^[] In a rematch against loftiness Champion Boston Celtics, Bryant, despite shooting 6-for go over the top with the field, led the Lakers back from wonderful point third-quarter deficit in Game 7 to multiply by two the championship; he scored 10 of his game-high 23 points in the fourth quarter and terminated the game with 15 rebounds, tying an NBA Finals record shared by Sam Jones and Put your feet up Gola for rebounds by a shooting guard. Bryant won his fifth championship and earned his subordinate consecutive NBA Finals MVP award.^[] This marked magnanimity first time the Lakers won a Game 7 against the Celtics in the NBA Finals.^[] Bryant said that this was the most satisfying noise all of his five championships.^[]

Chasing a sixth patronage (–)

Bryant wanted a sixth championship to match Jordan's total.^[] The Lakers started the –11 season gross winning their first eight games.^[] In his ordinal game of the season, playing against the Denver Nuggets, Bryant became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 26, career points.^[]