Kobe Bryant#Personal life

Kobe Bean Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.{{Cite web|last1=Grez|first1=Matias|last2=Sung|first2=Patrick|last3=Church|first3=Ben|url=https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/01/sport/kobe-bryant-life-timeline-spt-intl/|title=Kobe Bryant: The making of a global superstar|publisher=CNN|date=January 27, 2020|access-date=January 23, 2025}}{{cite news |date=April 5, 2020 |title=Kobe Bryant Fast Facts |url=https://www.cnn.com/2013/04/29/us/kobe-bryant-fast-facts/index.html |access-date=July 25, 2021 |publisher=CNN |archive-date=February 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220015851/https://www.cnn.com/2013/04/29/us/kobe-bryant-fast-facts/index.html |url-status=live}} His mother, Pam Bryant ({{née}} Cox), is the sister of basketball player Chubby Cox, and his father, Joe Bryant, played eight seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA).{{cite web |last=Ortiz |first=Erik |date=January 26, 2020 |title=Kobe Bryant, former NBA star and Los Angeles Lakers legend, dies at 41 |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/kobe-bryant-former-nba-star-los-angeles-lakers-legend-dies-n1123436 |access-date=February 27, 2020 |website=NBC News |archive-date=February 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224015712/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/kobe-bryant-former-nba-star-los-angeles-lakers-legend-dies-n1123436 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Mather|first=Victor|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/16/sports/joe-bryant-dead.html|title=Joe Bryant, Former N.B.A. Player and Kobe's Father, Is Dead at 69|work=The New York Times|date=July 16, 2024|access-date=January 23, 2025}} He has two older sisters: Sharia and Shaya.{{Cite news|last=Henson|first=Steve|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2024-07-16/joe-bryant-dead-kobe|title=Joe 'Jellybean' Bryant, father of late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, dies at 69|work=Los Angeles Times|date=July 16, 2024|access-date=January 23, 2025}}{{Cite web|last=Beck|first=Howard|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2873292-the-making-of-an-nba-icon|title=The Making of an NBA Icon|website=Bleacher Report|date=January 27, 2020|access-date=January 23, 2025}} His father named him after the Kobe beef from Japan, which he saw on a restaurant menu,{{cite web |title=Kobe Bryant Bio |url=http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/bio.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306020711/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/bio.html |archive-date=March 6, 2010 |access-date=August 5, 2007 |website=NBA.com}}{{Cite web|last=Capatides|first=Cristina|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/24-facts-about-kobe-bryant/|title=24 facts about amazing Kobe Bryant|publisher=CBS News|date=January 27, 2020|access-date=January 23, 2025}} whereas his middle name, Bean, was derived from his father's nickname "Jellybean". Bryant's family was Catholic and he was brought up with this faith.{{cite web |url=https://www.gq.com/story/kobe-bryant-nba-allstar?currentPage=2 |title=Kobe Bryant Will Always Be an All-Star of Talking |work=GQ |date=February 18, 2015 |author=Klosterman, Chuck |access-date=January 26, 2020 |archive-date=April 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419200656/http://www.gq.com/story/kobe-bryant-nba-allstar?currentPage=2 |url-status=live}}

Bryant started playing basketball at the age of three,{{cite news |last1=Moshtaghian |first1=Artemis |last2=Melas |first2=Chloe |last3=Simon |first3=Darran |date=January 27, 2020 |title=Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, among 9 killed in a helicopter crash in California |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/26/us/calabasas-helicopter-crash-trnd/index.html |access-date=February 2, 2020 |website=CNN |archive-date=January 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126203644/https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/26/us/calabasas-helicopter-crash-trnd/index.html |url-status=live}} and the Lakers were his favorite team when he was growing up.{{cite web |last1=Curwen |first1=Thomas |last2=Wharton |first2=David |date=January 26, 2020 |title=Kobe Bryant, from the start, was an athlete like no other |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2020-01-26/lakers-kobe-bryant-obit |access-date=February 2, 2020 |website=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=February 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202050250/https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2020-01-26/lakers-kobe-bryant-obit |url-status=live}} When Bryant was six, his father retired from the NBA and moved his family to Rieti in Italy to continue playing professional basketball.{{cite web |last=Kington |first=Tom |date=January 27, 2020 |title='You made us dream': Kobe Bryant is mourned in Italy, where he first learned to play |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-01-27/kobe-bryant-italy-coach |access-date=February 2, 2020 |website=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=September 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928130412/https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-01-27/kobe-bryant-italy-coach |url-status=live}} After two years, they moved first to Reggio Calabria, then to Pistoia and Reggio Emilia. Kobe became accustomed to his new lifestyle and learned to speak fluent Italian. He was especially fond of Reggio Emilia, which Kobe considered a loving place and where some of his best childhood memories were made.{{cite web |last=Flynn |first=Meagan |date=January 28, 2020 |title='My story began in this town': How Kobe Bryant learned to play basketball in Italy |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/119081764/my-story-began-in-this-town-how-kobe-bryant-learned-to-play-basketball-in-italy |access-date=February 2, 2020 |website=Stuff |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705205057/https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/119081764/my-story-began-in-this-town-how-kobe-bryant-learned-to-play-basketball-in-italy |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.corriere.it/sport/20_gennaio_27/reggio-emiliapiange-suo-figliodiceva-io-qui-mi-sento-pace-03dcb786-4146-11ea-a133-84fd84fc9cfa.shtml |title=Kobe Bryant, Reggio Emilia piange il suo figlio. Lui diceva: "Io qui mi sento in pace" |first=Alessandra |last=Arachi |date=January 28, 2020 |publisher=corriere.it |access-date=January 28, 2020 |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705205528/https://www.corriere.it/sport/20_gennaio_27/reggio-emiliapiange-suo-figliodiceva-io-qui-mi-sento-pace-03dcb786-4146-11ea-a133-84fd84fc9cfa.shtml |url-status=live}} Kobe began to play basketball seriously while living in Reggio Emilia.{{cite web |url=https://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/news/2016/07/25/kobe-visits-old-childhood-court-italy-13642 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225001/https://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/news/2016/07/25/kobe-visits-old-childhood-court-italy-13642 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 26, 2020 |title=Kobe visits old childhood court in Italy |date=July 25, 2016 |publisher=ABS-CBN Sports}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4fJLCDrfLd31YNbMtZqJnFm/farewell-to-the-mamba-kobe-bryant |title=Farewell to the Mamba: Kobe Bryant |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=November 30, 2019 |archive-date=April 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417211418/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4fJLCDrfLd31YNbMtZqJnFm/farewell-to-the-mamba-kobe-bryant |url-status=live}} His grandfather mailed him videos of NBA games for him to study.{{Cite web |last=MacMullan |first=Jackie |author-link=Jackie MacMullan |date=June 4, 2010 |title=Kobe Bryant: Imitating greatness |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2010/columns/story?columnist=macmullan_jackie&page=kobefilmstudy-100604 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603112011/https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2010/columns/story?columnist=macmullan_jackie&page=kobefilmstudy-100604 |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |website=ESPN.com}} Another source of inspiration was animated European films about sports, from which Kobe learned more about basketball.{{cite web |last=Watkins |first=Gwynne |date=February 13, 2018 |title=From Ariel to Kobe Bryant: Disney legend Glen Keane takes us inside Oscar-nominated 'Dear Basketball' |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/ariel-kobe-bryant-disney-legend-glen-keane-takes-us-inside-oscar-nominated-dear-basketball-230337917.html |access-date=July 30, 2021 |website=www.yahoo.com |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705202650/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/ariel-kobe-bryant-disney-legend-glen-keane-takes-us-inside-oscar-nominated-dear-basketball-230337917.html |url-status=live}} From 1987 to 1989, his father played for Olimpia Basket Pistoia where he paired with former Detroit Pistons player Leon Douglas. Kobe worked at the games as a ball and mop boy and practiced shooting at halftime. Douglas said, "At every one of our games at halftime, it was the Kobe show. He'd get out there and get his shot up. We'd come out of the locker room at halftime and have to chase him off the court".{{cite book |last=Lazenby |first=Roland |date=October 25, 2016 |title=Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant |url= |publisher=Little, Brown |isbn=9780316387149}}

Bryant also learned to play soccer, and his favorite soccer team was A.C. Milan.{{cite web |last=Faulconer |first=Matt |date=July 31, 2011 |title=Kobe Bryant: NBA Star Shows off Skills at Manchester Utd vs. Barcelona Game |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/786122-kobe-bryant-video-nba-star-shows-off-skills-at-manchester-utd-vs-barcelona-game |access-date=February 2, 2020 |website=Bleacher Report |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705205053/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/786122-kobe-bryant-video-nba-star-shows-off-skills-at-manchester-utd-vs-barcelona-game |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Gulino |first=Joey |date=January 28, 2020 |title=Kobe Bryant honored by AC Milan, his favorite soccer club as a kid (video) |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/kobe-bryant-honored-by-ac-milan-his-favorite-soccer-club-as-a-kid-video-220614754.html |access-date=February 2, 2020 |website=Yahoo! Sports |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705202646/https://sports.yahoo.com/kobe-bryant-honored-by-ac-milan-his-favorite-soccer-club-as-a-kid-video-220614754.html |url-status=live}} During summers, Bryant returned to the United States to play in a basketball summer league.{{cite journal |url=http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/interviews/4119458/wish-people-would-let-me-just-be-kobe |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202234039/http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/interviews/4119458/wish-people-would-let-me-just-be-kobe |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |title=I Wish People Would Let Me Just Be Kobe |first=Jason |last=Levin |date=March 2001 |journal=Basketball Digest |volume=28 |issue=5 |page=20}} When he was 13, Bryant and his family moved back to Philadelphia, where he enrolled in the eighth grade at Bala Cynwyd Middle School.{{cite web |last=Lavanga |first=Claudio |date=January 27, 2020 |title=A view of Kobe Bryant from his childhood home in Italy |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/view-kobe-bryant-his-childhood-home-italy-n1123716 |access-date=February 2, 2020 |website=NBC News |archive-date=February 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202090029/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/view-kobe-bryant-his-childhood-home-italy-n1123716 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Lot Detail – Kobe Bryant Incredible Signed 1992 Middle School Yearbook with Prophetic Lakers Inscription Reference! (Beckett/BAS & PSA/DNA LOAs) |url=https://www.iconicauctions.com/Kobe_Bryant_Incredible_Signed_1992_Middle_School_Y-LOT98758.aspx |website=www.iconicauctions.com |access-date=February 25, 2020 |archive-date=May 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508040651/https://www.iconicauctions.com/Kobe_Bryant_Incredible_Signed_1992_Middle_School_Y-LOT98758.aspx |url-status=live}}

File:Kobe Bryant retired HS2.jpg gym in Ardmore, Pennsylvania]]

Bryant earned national recognition during a spectacular high-school career at Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, located in the Philadelphia suburb of Lower Merion. He played on the varsity basketball team as a freshman.{{Cite web |last=Verrier |first=Justin |date=June 1, 2010 |title=Before they were stars: Kobe Bryant |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2010/columns/story?page=beforetheywerestars-kobe-100601 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705205530/https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2010/columns/story?page=beforetheywerestars-kobe-100601 |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |website=ESPN.com}} Bryant became the first freshman in decades to start for Lower Merion's varsity team, but the team finished with a 4–20 record.{{cite news |last=Doherty |first=Bill |title=Dixon Happy He Stayed With Aces (4–0) |date=December 20, 1993 |newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer |url=http://articles.philly.com/1993-12-20/news/25943289_1_merion-coach-gregg-downer-strath-haven-lower-merion |access-date=January 14, 2013 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052502/http://articles.philly.com/1993-12-20/news/25943289_1_merion-coach-gregg-downer-strath-haven-lower-merion |url-status=dead}} The following three years, the Aces compiled a 77–13 record, with Bryant playing all five positions. During his junior year, Bryant averaged 31.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 3.8 blocks and 2.3 steals{{Cite news |title=High School Boys Basketball All-USA Honorable Mentions |newspaper=USA Today |date=April 21, 1995 |page=11C}} and was named Pennsylvania Player of the Year while also earning a fourth-team Parade All-American nomination,{{cite web |url=http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Bryant/Bryant_bio.html |title=Kobe Bryant Biography |publisher=JockBio.com |access-date=September 15, 2011 |archive-date=March 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311191235/http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Bryant/Bryant_bio.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=1995 High School Basketball Awards |url=https://basketball.realgm.com/highschool/awards-by-season/1995 |website=RealGM |access-date=December 26, 2019 |archive-date=December 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226123846/https://basketball.realgm.com/highschool/awards-by-season/1995 |url-status=live}} attracting attention from college recruiters in the process. Duke, Michigan, North Carolina and Villanova were at the top of his list. However, after high schooler Kevin Garnett went in the first round of the 1995 NBA draft, Bryant also began contemplating going directly to the pros.

At Adidas ABCD Camp, Bryant earned the 1995 senior MVP award{{Cite web |title=ABCD Camp |url=http://www.reebokabcdcamp.com/mvps.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330060705/http://www.reebokabcdcamp.com/mvps.html |archive-date=March 30, 2010 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |publisher=Reebok ABCD Camp}} while playing alongside future NBA teammate Lamar Odom.{{cite magazine |last=Jenkins |first=Lee |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/2009/03/23/another-sunny-day-in-lamars-la/ |magazine=Sports Illustrated |title=Another Sunny Day In Lamar's L.a. |date=March 23, 2009 |access-date=May 7, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322151209/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1153359/3/index.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2009}} While in high school, then 76ers coach John Lucas invited Bryant to work out and scrimmage with the team, where he played one-on-one with Jerry Stackhouse.{{cite book |last=Lazenby |first=Roland |title=Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant |publisher=Little, Brown and Company |year=2016 |chapter=Chapter 14: The Bad, Bad Boy |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CH1zCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT173 |isbn=978-0-316-38727-9 |access-date=February 1, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210105951/https://books.google.com/books?id=CH1zCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT173#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live}} As a senior, Bryant led the Aces to their first state championship in 53 years. During the run, he averaged 30.8 points, 12 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 4 steals, and 3.8 blocked shots in leading the Aces to a 31–3 record.{{Cite news |last=Moore |first=David Leon |date=May 7, 2002 |title=Bryant continues to hold court |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/preps/basketba/2002-05-08-bryant.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=May 7, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524084340/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/preps/basketba/2002-05-08-bryant.htm |archive-date=May 24, 2010}} Bryant finished his high-school career as Southeastern Pennsylvania's all-time leading scorer at 2,883 points, surpassing both Wilt Chamberlain and Lionel Simmons.{{cite web |url=http://www.aceshoops.com/?s=history |title=History |publisher=Aces Hoops |access-date=June 8, 2010 |archive-date=May 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110507074734/http://www.aceshoops.com/?s=history |url-status=dead}}

Bryant received several awards for his outstanding performance during his senior year at Lower Merion. These included being named Naismith High School Player of the Year, Gatorade Men's National Basketball Player of the Year, a McDonald's All-American, a first-team Parade All-American and a USA Today All-USA First Team player.{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/roster/0607_24bryant.html |title=#24 Kobe Bryant |work=NBA.com |publisher=Turner Sports Interactive, Inc |access-date=August 5, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090308150651/http://www.nba.com/lakers/roster/0607_24bryant.html |archive-date=March 8, 2009 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=1996 High School Basketball Awards |url=https://basketball.realgm.com/highschool/awards-by-season/1996 |website=RealGM |access-date=December 26, 2019 |archive-date=December 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226123844/https://basketball.realgm.com/highschool/awards-by-season/1996 |url-status=live}} Bryant's varsity coach, Greg Downer, commented that he was "a complete player who dominates" and praised his work ethic, even as the team's top player.{{cite news |last=Lee |first=Michael |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/as-kobe-returns-home--his-old-coach-urges-philadelphia-to-give-him-proper-sendoff-043209702.html |title=As Kobe returns home, his old coach urges Philadelphia to give him proper sendoff |date=November 30, 2015 |work=Yahoo! Sports |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151206090134/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/as-kobe-returns-home--his-old-coach-urges-philadelphia-to-give-him-proper-sendoff-043209702.html |archive-date=December 6, 2015}} In 1996, Bryant took R&B singer Brandy to her Hollywood High senior prom.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/b/brandy/news_feature_061404/ |title=Brandy On Growing Up: A Candid Chat |access-date=January 15, 2009 |work=MTV |author=Pak, SuChin |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214005153/http://www.mtv.com/bands/b/brandy/news_feature_061404/ |archive-date=December 14, 2012}} Ultimately, the 17-year-old Bryant decided to go directly into the NBA, becoming only the sixth player in NBA history to do so. His news was met with a significant publicity at a time when prep-to-pro NBA players were not very common (Garnett being the only exception in 20 years). His basketball skills and SAT score of 1080 would have ensured admission to any college Bryant chose,{{cite news |last=Thomsen |first=Ian |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/ian_thomsen/02/01/kobe.scoring.record/ |title=Kobe may already be the greatest Laker ever – and he's not done yet |date=February 1, 2010 |work=SI.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226145717/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/ian_thomsen/02/01/kobe.scoring.record/ |archive-date=February 26, 2014}} but he did not officially visit any campuses. In 2012, Bryant was honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans for his high school play as well as his later accomplishments.{{Cite web |date=January 31, 2012 |title=Wilkins Honored as One of 35 Greatest McDonald's All Americans |url=http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/wilkins-honored-one-35-greatest-mcdonalds-all-americans |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208224933/http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/wilkins-honored-one-35-greatest-mcdonalds-all-americans |archive-date=February 8, 2012 |access-date=February 9, 2012 |website=NBA.com}}

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|quote=If you closed your eyes and thought a little bit, you might have thought you were watching Michael Jordan. He did everything well – beyond well. He was exceptional in everything that he did. And then we commented, as I recall, on how reminiscent he was of Michael. |source=— Jan Volk, the Celtics' general manager, on Kobe Bryant during a pre-draft workout in 1996{{Cite web |last=Holmes |first=Baxter |date=January 30, 2021 |title=How Kobe Bryant almost became Boston Celtic |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14449708/how-kobe-bryant-almost-became-boston-celtic |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406205026/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14449708/how-kobe-bryant-almost-became-boston-celtic |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |access-date=April 21, 2021 |website=ESPN}} |width=30em |align=right}}

Before the 1996 NBA draft, Bryant had worked out in Los Angeles, where he scrimmaged against former Lakers players Larry Drew and Michael Cooper and, according to then-Laker general manager Jerry West, "marched over these people."{{cite news |title=Deals Are What Made The Lakers |work=Long Beach Press-Telegram |date=February 25, 2000}}

The Lakers were looking to trade their starting center Vlade Divac for a player's draft rights to free up salary cap space to make an offer to free-agent center Shaquille O'Neal. Bill Branch, the Charlotte Hornets' head scout at the time, said that the Hornets agreed to trade their {{abbr|No.|Number}} 13 pick to the Lakers the day before the draft. Before the 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.{{Cite web |last=Delong |first=John |date=June 18, 2008 |title=Lakers' trade for Bryant has been misconstrued |url=http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2008/jun/18/lakers-trade-for-bryant-has-been-misconstrued/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822071950/http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2008/jun/18/lakers-trade-for-bryant-has-been-misconstrued/ |archive-date=August 22, 2010 |access-date=October 30, 2010 |newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal}} Bryant was the first guard drafted directly out of high school. After the draft, the trade was put in jeopardy when Divac threatened to retire rather than be traded from Los Angeles. However, on June 30, Divac relented on his threat and the trade was made final on July 9, 1996, when the league's off-season moratorium ended.{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-07-01-sp-20210-story.html |title=Divac's OK Has Lakers Buzzing |first=Scott |last=Howard-Cooper |date=July 1, 1996 |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=December 9, 2021 |archive-date=December 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209012005/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-07-01-sp-20210-story.html |url-status=live}} Since Bryant was still 17 at the time, his parents had to co-sign his contract with the Lakers until Bryant was able to sign his own when he turned 18 before the season began.{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009113352/http://www.complex.com/CELEBRITIES/Cover-Story/Kobe-Bryant |archive-date=October 9, 2010 |url=http://www.complex.com/CELEBRITIES/Cover-Story/Kobe-Bryant |title=Kobe Bryant |publisher=Complex.com |access-date=June 8, 2010 |url-status=dead}} Bryant signed a three-year rookie contract totaling $3.5 million.{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2015/11/30/kobe-bryant-will-retire-with-record-680-million-in-career-earnings |title=Kobe Bryant Will Retire With Record $680 Million In Career Earnings |first=Kurt |last=Badenhausen |date=November 30, 2015 |website=Forbes |access-date=July 17, 2018 |archive-date=July 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713070735/https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2015/11/30/kobe-bryant-will-retire-with-record-680-million-in-career-earnings/ |url-status=live}}

Bryant debuted in the Summer 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, and his performance excited West and Lakers coach Del Harris.{{cite news |last=Whicker |first=Mark |title=Kobe Bryant's farewell season has been painful to watch |date=November 29, 2015 |newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News |url=http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151129/whicker-kobe-bryants-farewell-season-has-been-painful-to-watch |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203072224/http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151129/whicker-kobe-bryants-farewell-season-has-been-painful-to-watch |archive-date=December 3, 2015 |url-status=live}} Bryant scored 36 points in the finale and finished with averages of 24.5 points and 5.3 rebounds in four games.{{cite news |last=Rafferty |first=Scott |title=How Kobe, LeBron and other NBA stars fared in Summer League debuts |date=July 7, 2015 |work=Sporting News |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4649202-summer-league-kobe-duncan-lebron-carmelo-wade-harden-durant/slide/336932 |access-date=December 5, 2015 |archive-date=January 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105102000/http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4649202-summer-league-kobe-duncan-lebron-carmelo-wade-harden-durant/slide/336932 |url-status=dead}} As a rookie in 1996–97, Bryant mostly came off the bench behind guards Eddie Jones and Nick Van Exel.{{cite journal |editor-first=Ashyia |editor-last=Henderson |title=Kobe Bryant. |journal=Contemporary Black Biography |year=2008 |publisher=Gale Group, 2001; Reproduced in Biography Resource Center. Farmington Hills, Mich.: Gale, 2008. |volume=31 |url=http://0-galenet.galegroup.com.sapl.sat.lib.tx.us/servlet/BioRC?vrsn=149&OP=contains&locID=txshrpub100334&srchtp=name&ca=1&c=1&AI=U13015572&NA=Kobe+Bryant&ste=12&tbst=prp&tab=1&docNum=K1606001949&bConts=59 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121224223803/http://0-galenet.galegroup.com.sapl.sat.lib.tx.us/servlet/BioRC?vrsn=149&OP=contains&locID=txshrpub100334&srchtp=name&ca=1&c=1&AI=U13015572&NA=Kobe+Bryant&ste=12&tbst=prp&tab=1&docNum=K1606001949&bConts=59 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 24, 2012 |access-date=December 6, 2008 |url-access=registration}} At the time, he was the second-youngest player ever to play in an NBA game (18 years, 72 days) and also became the youngest NBA starter (18 years, 158 days).{{cite web |url=http://basketballdaily.today.com/2009/01/30/the-youngest-nba-basketball-player-records/ |title=The Youngest NBA Basketball Player Records |date=January 30, 2009 |work=Basketball Daily |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124090925/http://basketballdaily.today.com/2009/01/30/the-youngest-nba-basketball-player-records/ |archive-date=January 24, 2010}}{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01/gamelog/1997/ |title=Kobe Bryant 1996–97 Game Log |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=February 18, 2013 |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126075025/https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01/gamelog/1997 |url-status=dead}} Initially, Bryant played limited minutes, but as the season continued, he began to see some more playing time.

By the end of the season, Bryant averaged 15.5 minutes a game. During the All-Star weekend, he participated in the Rookie Challenge and won the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest, becoming the youngest dunk champion at the age of 18.{{cite news |last=Holmes |first=Baxter |title=Kobe Bryant: Perfect time for All-Star break as 'everything' aches |date=February 11, 2016 |website=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14758418/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-relieved-all-star-break-amid-myriad-aches |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160212165217/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14758418/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-relieved-all-star-break-amid-myriad-aches |archive-date=February 12, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=February 27, 2020}} Bryant's performance throughout the year earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team with fellow bench teammate Travis Knight.{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/history/awards_allrookieteams.html |title=All-Rookie Teams |publisher=NBA.com |access-date=January 27, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725172621/http://www.nba.com/history/awards_allrookieteams.html |archive-date=July 25, 2008 |url-status=dead}}

The Lakers advanced to the Western Conference semifinals in the playoffs against the Utah Jazz, when Bryant was pressed into a lead role at the end of Game 5. Byron Scott missed the game with a sprained wrist, Robert Horry was ejected for fighting with Utah's Jeff Hornacek, and Shaquille O'Neal fouled out with 1:46 remaining in the fourth quarter. Bryant shot four air balls at the end of the game; the Jazz won 98–93 in overtime to eliminate the Lakers 4–1.{{Cite web |title=1997 NBA Western Conference Semifinals - Lakers vs. Jazz |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-western-conference-semifinals-lakers-vs-jazz.html |access-date=November 29, 2023 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=February 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204233549/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-western-conference-semifinals-lakers-vs-jazz.html |url-status=live}} He first missed a game-winning two-point jump shot in the fourth quarter, and then misfired three three-point field goals in overtime, including two tying shots in the final minute.{{cite news |last=Medina |first=Mark |title=Kobe Bryant's 'airball game' in 1997 was as defining moment in his career |date=January 15, 2016 |newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News |url=https://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160115/kobe-bryants-airball-game-in-1997-was-as-defining-moment-in-his-career |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129140251/http://www.dailynews.com/article/20160115/SPORTS/160119637 |archive-date=January 29, 2016 |url-status=live}} O'Neal commented that "[Bryant] was the only guy who had the guts at the time to take shots like that."{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?id=4152884 |title=Kobe Bryant's top ten moments |publisher=ESPN |first=Scoop |last=Jackson |date=May 11, 2009 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111033424/https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?id=4152884 |url-status=live}}

In Bryant's second season, he received more playing time and began to show more of his abilities as a talented young guard. As a result, Bryant's point averages more than doubled, from 7.6 to 15.4 points per game.{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/career_stats.html |title=Kobe Bryant Career Stats Page |work=NBA.com |date=August 23, 1978 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091222132730/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/career_stats.html |archive-date=December 22, 2009 |url-status=dead}} He would see an increase in minutes when the Lakers "played small", which would feature Bryant playing small forward alongside the guards he would usually back up.{{Cite news |last=Howard-Cooper |first=Scott |date=May 4, 1998 |title=NBA Playoffs; A Dilemma for Kobe; NBA playoffs: The Lakers can still go small with Bryant in the frontcourt, but it could come at a price against the bigger Schrempf |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/29194361.html?dids=29194361:29194361&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS |url-status=dead |access-date=December 5, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722111147/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/29194361.html?dids=29194361:29194361&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS |archive-date=July 22, 2013}} Bryant was the runner-up for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award,{{Cite web |title=1997-98 NBA Awards Voting |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1998.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111041507/https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1998.html#smoy |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |access-date=November 29, 2023 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}} and through fan voting, he also became the youngest NBA All-Star starter in NBA history.{{Cite web |title=All-Star Player Profile : Kobe Bryant |url=http://www.nba.com/allstar2008/players/kobe_bryant.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628211313/http://www.nba.com/allstar2008/players/kobe_bryant.html |archive-date=June 28, 2011 |access-date=December 7, 2008 |publisher=NBA}} Bryant was joined by teammates O'Neal, Van Exel, and Jones, making it the first time since 1983 that four players on the same team were selected to play in the same All-Star Game. Bryant's 15.4 points per game was the highest of any non-starter in the season.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/30/sports/basketball-nba-roundup-los-angeles-lakers-bryant-signs-for-71-million.html |work=The New York Times |title=Basketball: N.B.A. Roundup - Los Angeles; Lakers' Bryant Signs for $71 million |date=January 30, 1999 |access-date=May 7, 2010 |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111033454/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/30/sports/basketball-nba-roundup-los-angeles-lakers-bryant-signs-for-71-million.html |url-status=live}}

The 1998–99 season marked Bryant's emergence as a premier guard in the league. With starting guards Van Exel and Jones traded, Bryant started every game for the lockout-shortened 50-game season.{{Cite web |title=1998-99 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1999.html |access-date=November 29, 2023 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=October 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009042914/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1999.html |url-status=live}} During the season, he signed a six-year contract extension worth $70 million. This kept Bryant with the Lakers until the end of the 2003–04 season. Even at an early stage of his career, sportswriters were comparing Bryant's skills to those of Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson.{{cite news |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/23936063.html?dids=23936063:23936063&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS |title=Kobe Bryant: The Air Apparent? |date=January 27, 2009 |publisher=basketball-reference.com |access-date=January 27, 2009 |first=Sam |last=Smith |archive-date=July 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724084140/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/23936063.html?dids=23936063:23936063&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |last=Thomsen |first=Ian |url=http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1012689/index.htm |title=Showtime! |date=January 27, 2009 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=January 27, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709011057/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1012689/index.htm |archive-date=July 9, 2008}} However, the playoff results were no better as the Lakers were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals.{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1999.html |title=1998–99 Los Angeles Lakers Statistics |publisher=basketball-reference.com |access-date=June 23, 2008 |archive-date=October 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009042914/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1999.html |url-status=dead}}

File:Lipofsky Kobe.jpg

Bryant's fortunes improved when Phil Jackson took over as coach of the Lakers in 1999.{{cite web |title=1999-00 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/2000.html |access-date=July 20, 2021 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |archive-date=October 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009074216/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/2000.html |url-status=dead}} After years of steady improvement, Bryant became one of the premier shooting guards in the league, earning appearances in the league's All-NBA,{{Cite web |date=May 1, 2002 |title=Bryant, McGrady Highlight All-NBA Selections |url=http://www.nba.com/news/all_nba_team_020501.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100511182141/http://www.nba.com/news/all_nba_team_020501.html |archive-date=May 11, 2010 |access-date=December 7, 2008 |publisher=NBA}} All-Star, and All-Defensive teams.{{cite news |url=http://rawstory.com/news/afp/Garnett_Bryant_top_NBA_All_Defensiv_05122008.html |title=Garnett, Bryant top NBA All-Defensive selections |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=May 12, 2008 |website=The Raw Story |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905214649/http://rawstory.com/news/afp/Garnett_Bryant_top_NBA_All_Defensiv_05122008.html |archive-date=September 5, 2008}} The Lakers became championship contenders behind the center-guard combination of Bryant and O'Neal. Jackson utilized the triangle offense that he implemented to win six championships with the Chicago Bulls; this offense would help both Bryant and O'Neal rise to the elite class of the NBA. Three championships were won consecutively in 2000, 2001, and 2002, further cementing this view.{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/history/lakers_history_new.html |title=LAKERS: Los Angeles Lakers History |work=NBA.com |access-date=June 23, 2008 |archive-date=February 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217202906/http://www.nba.com/lakers/history/lakers_history_new.html |url-status=live}}

Bryant was sidelined for six weeks prior to the start of the 1999–2000 season due to a hand injury that he had incurred during a preseason game against the Washington Wizards.{{cite news |url=https://buffalonews.com/1999/10/15/lakers-lose-bryant-at-least-six-weeks-to-broken-hand/ |title=Lakers lose bryant at least six weeks to broken hand |date=October 15, 1999 |newspaper=The Buffalo News |first=Susan |last=Martin |access-date=February 27, 2020 |archive-date=May 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509045024/https://buffalonews.com/1999/10/15/lakers-lose-bryant-at-least-six-weeks-to-broken-hand/ |url-status=live}} When Bryant was back and playing over 38 minutes a game, he had an increase in all statistical categories during the 1999–2000 season. This included leading the team in assists per game and steals per game. The duo of O'Neal and Bryant backed with a strong bench led to the Lakers winning 67 games, tied for fifth-most in NBA history. This followed with O'Neal winning the MVP and Bryant being named to the All-NBA Second Team and All-NBA Defensive Team for the first time in his career (the youngest player to receive All-Defensive honors).{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/history/lakers_history_new.html#35 |title=LAKERS: Los Angeles Lakers History |publisher=NBA |access-date=June 8, 2010 |archive-date=February 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217202906/http://www.nba.com/lakers/history/lakers_history_new.html#35 |url-status=live}} While playing second fiddle to O'Neal in the playoffs, Bryant had some clutch performances, including a 25-point, 11-rebound, seven-assist, four-block game in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers.{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200006040LAL.html |title=Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, June 4, 2000 |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |date=June 4, 2000 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111033545/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200006040LAL.html |url-status=live}} He also threw an alley-oop pass to O'Neal to clinch the game and the series. In the 2000 Finals, against the Indiana Pacers, Bryant injured his ankle in the second quarter of Game 2 after landing on the Pacers' Jalen Rose's foot. Rose later admitted he placed his foot under Bryant intentionally.{{cite news |last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |title=Kobe Bryant sprains left ankle in Lakers loss, out indefinitely |date=March 14, 2013 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-xpm-2013-mar-13-la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-sprains-ankle-20130313-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314210424/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-sprains-ankle-20130313,0,4756531.story |archive-date=March 14, 2013 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Ryan |first=Chris |title=Jalen Rose on That Time He Intentionally Tried to Injure Kobe Bryant |date=March 14, 2013 |work=grantland.com |url=http://grantland.com/the-triangle/jalen-rose-on-that-time-he-intentionally-tried-to-injure-kobe-bryant/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317102308/http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/54156/jalen-rose-on-that-time-he-intentionally-tried-to-injure-kobe-bryant |archive-date=March 17, 2013 |url-status=live}} Bryant did not return to the game, and he also missed Game 3 due to the injury. In Game 4, Bryant scored 22 points in the second half and led the team to an overtime victory as O'Neal fouled out of the game. Bryant scored the winning shot to put the Lakers ahead 120–118.{{Cite web |date=June 20, 2000 |title=NBA Finals: Pacers vs. Lakers |url=http://www2.indystar.com/library/factfiles/sports/basketball/indiana_pacers/2000/pacers2000.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306102508/http://www2.indystar.com/library/factfiles/sports/basketball/indiana_pacers/2000/pacers2000.html |archive-date=March 6, 2010 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |website=Indianapolis Star}} With a 116–111 victory in Game 6, the Lakers won their first championship since 1988.{{Cite web |last=Plaschke |first=Bill |date=June 15, 2000 |title=That Was No Dream, That Was Kobe - |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jun-15-sp-41173-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209011952/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jun-15-sp-41173-story.html |archive-date=December 9, 2021 |access-date=November 28, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times}}

Statistically, the 2000–01 season saw Bryant perform similarly to the previous year, but he averaged six more points per game (28.5). It was also the year when disagreements between Bryant and O'Neal began to surface.{{cite news |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-8847419_ITM |title=Article: No doubt: It's Bryant's team.(Chicago Tribune) |publisher=AccessMyLibrary |date=May 22, 2002 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |archive-date=July 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716220703/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-6829909_ITM |url-status=live}} Once again, Bryant led the team in assists, with five per game. However, the Lakers only won 56 games, an 11-game drop-off from the previous year. The team responded by going 15–1 in the playoffs. They easily swept the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round. In the semifinals round, the Lakers swept the Sacramento Kings. In Game 4 against the Kings, Bryant recorded 48 points, 16 rebounds, and three assists in a 119–113 series-clinching victory.{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200105130SAC.html |title=Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings Box Score, May 13, 2001 |publisher=Basketball-Reference |access-date=October 28, 2019 |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111033623/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200105130SAC.html |url-status=live}} They swept the San Antonio Spurs in the Conference Finals to advance to the Finals, before losing their first game against the Philadelphia 76ers in overtime. They would go on to win the next four games and bring their second championship to Los Angeles in as many seasons. During the playoffs, Bryant played heavy minutes which brought his stats up to 29.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. In the playoffs, teammate O'Neal declared Bryant the best player in the league. Bryant ended up making the All-NBA Second Team and All-NBA Defensive Team for the second year in a row. He was also voted to start in the NBA All-Star Game for the third year in a row (no game in 1999).

In the 2001–02 season, Bryant played 80 games for the first time in his career. On January 14, 2002, Bryant recorded a then career-high 56 points to go along with five rebounds and four assists in a 120–81 victory over the visiting Memphis Grizzlies.{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200201140LAL.html |title=Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, January 14, 2002 |publisher=Basketball-Reference |access-date=October 28, 2019 |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111033711/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200201140LAL.html |url-status=dead}} He continued his all-round play by averaging 25.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. Bryant also had a career-high 46.9% shooting and once again led his team in assists. Bryant claimed his first All-Star MVP trophy after a 31-point performance in Philadelphia when he was loudly booed by fans as they had throughout the game, stemming from his earlier comment to a 76ers heckler during the Finals that the Lakers were "going to cut your hearts out."{{cite news |date=February 6, 2012 |title=Lou Williams-led 76ers spoil Kobe Bryant's milestone night |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320206020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208130215/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320206020 |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}{{cite news |last=Smallwood |first=John |title=Love him or not, Kobe Bryant a Philly player |date=February 6, 2012 |website=Philly.com |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/sixers/20120206_John_Smallwood_.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208062956/http://articles.philly.com/2012-02-06/sports/31030484_1_philadelphia-and-bryant-nba-mvp-gregg-downer |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=live}} While making the All-NBA Defensive Team again, Bryant was also named to the All-NBA First Team for the first time in his career. The Lakers won 58 games that year and finished second in the Pacific Division behind in-state rival Sacramento Kings. Bryant was suspended for one game after he punched Reggie Miller of the Indiana Pacers after the Lakers' March 1, 2002, victory over the Pacers.{{cite news |last=Springer |first=Steve |title=Bryant Fight Remains a No Decision |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-mar-03-sp-lakers03-story.html |access-date=April 24, 2011 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=March 3, 2002 |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111033708/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-mar-03-sp-lakers03-story.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Beck |first=Howard |title=Punch-uation Mark |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/PUNCH-UATION+MARK+KOBE,+REGGIE+MILLER+BRAWL+AFTER+LAKERS%27+VICTORY...-a083463621 |access-date=April 24, 2011 |newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News |date=March 2, 2002 |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412124830/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/PUNCH-UATION+MARK+KOBE%2c+REGGIE+MILLER+BRAWL+AFTER+LAKERS%27+VICTORY...-a083463621 |url-status=dead}}

The road to the Finals would prove a lot tougher than the record run the Lakers had enjoyed the previous year. While they swept the Blazers and defeated the Spurs 4–1 in the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Lakers did not have home-court advantage against the Sacramento Kings. The series would stretch to seven games, the first time this had happened to the Lakers since the 2000 Western Conference Finals. However, the Lakers were able to beat their division rivals and make their third consecutive NBA Finals appearance. 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.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/02playoffs/2002-06-14-kobe.htm |work=USA Today |title=Bryant's heroics, deference pay off for Lakers |date=June 14, 2002 |access-date=May 7, 2010 |archive-date=August 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120827045118/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/02playoffs/2002-06-14-kobe.htm |url-status=live}} At age 23, he became the youngest player to win three championships. Bryant's play was notable and praised for his performance in the fourth quarter of games, specifically the last two rounds of the playoffs.{{cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-sas-0040100234 |title=Los Angeles Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs May 12, 2002 Game Summary |work=NBA.com |access-date=December 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100809235342/http://www.nba.com/games/20020512/LALSAS/recap.html |archive-date=August 9, 2010}} This cemented Bryant's reputation as a "clutch player."

File:Kobe Bryant 7144 adjusted.jpg

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.{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200210290LAL.html |title=San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, October 29, 2002 |publisher=Basketball-Reference |access-date=October 28, 2019 |archive-date=October 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028102502/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200210290LAL.html |url-status=live}} On November 1, he recorded a triple-double of 33 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 108–93 victory over the Clippers.{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200211010LAC.html |title=Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers Box Score, November 1, 2002 |publisher=Basketball-Reference |access-date=October 28, 2019 |archive-date=October 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028103016/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200211010LAC.html |url-status=live}} Bryant also set an NBA record for three-pointers in a game on January 7, 2003, when he made 12 against the Seattle SuperSonics.{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/fg3_game.html |title=NBA Single Game Leaders and Records for 3-Pt Field Goals |publisher=basketball-reference.com |access-date=June 8, 2019 |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626193119/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/fg3_game.html |url-status=live}} He averaged 30 points per game and embarked on a historic run, posting 40 or more points in nine consecutive games while averaging 40.6 in the entire month of February. Bryant also averaged 6.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, all career-highs to that point. He was once again voted to both the All-NBA and All-Defensive First Teams, and came in third place in voting for the MVP award. After finishing 50–32 in the regular season, the Lakers floundered in the playoffs and lost in the Western Conference semifinals in six games to the eventual NBA champions San Antonio Spurs.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2003/series?series=lalsas |title=NBA Playoffs 2003 – Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs |publisher=ESPN |access-date=June 23, 2008 |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210072018/http://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2003/series?series=lalsas |url-status=live}}

The following season, the Lakers were able to acquire NBA All-Stars Karl Malone and Gary Payton to make another push at the NBA championship.{{cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/lakers/news/payton_malone_030716.html |title=Lakers Sign Free Agents Gary Payton and Karl Malone |publisher=NBA |date=July 16, 2003 |access-date=June 19, 2010 |archive-date=July 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706215415/http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/payton_malone_030716.html |url-status=live}} Bryant was arrested for sexual assault before the season began.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.thedenverchannel.com/sports/2314127/detail.html |title=Kobe Bryant Arrested For Alleged Sexual Assault |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430073753/http://www.thedenverchannel.com/sports/2314127/detail.html |archive-date=April 30, 2008 |publisher=KMGH-TV |date=July 6, 2003 |access-date=June 19, 2010}} This caused him to miss some games due to court appearances or attend court earlier in the day and travel to play games later on the same day.{{cite news |last=Saraceno |first=Jon |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/saraceno/2004-04-21-saraceno-bryant_x.htm |title=Bryant's, Lakers' survival go hand in hand |work=USA Today |date=April 21, 2004 |access-date=June 19, 2010 |archive-date=May 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524084132/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/saraceno/2004-04-21-saraceno-bryant_x.htm |url-status=live}} In the final game of the regular season, the Lakers played the Portland Trail Blazers. Bryant made two buzzer-beaters to win the game and the Pacific Division title. At the end of the fourth quarter, Bryant made a three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left to send it into overtime.{{Cite web |date=April 15, 2004 |agency=Associated Press |title=Kobe sends game to OT, wins it in 2OT |url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=240414022 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810051514/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=240414022 |archive-date=August 10, 2017 |website=ESPN.com}} The game eventually went to a second overtime, in which Bryant made another three-pointer as time expired to narrowly lift the Lakers past the Blazers, 105–104.

With a starting lineup of O'Neal, Malone, Payton, and Bryant, the Lakers were able to reach the 2004 Finals.{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/playoffs2004/series_minlal.html |title=Minnesota Timberwolves (1) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (2) |work=NBA.com |access-date=June 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070620090447/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2004/series_minlal.html |archive-date=June 20, 2007 |url-status=dead}} However, they were upset in five games by the Detroit Pistons, who won their first championship since 1990.{{Cite web |last=Boucher |first=Ric |date=June 15, 2004 |title=Lakers' wrongs making things right |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2004/columns/story?columnist=bucher_ric&id=1822275 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210123648/http://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2004/columns/story?columnist=bucher_ric&id=1822275 |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |website=ESPN.com}} In that series, Bryant averaged 22.6 points per game and 4.4 assists while shooting 35.1% from the field.{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/finals2004/ |title=Finals 2004 |work=NBA.com |access-date=June 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209133348/http://www.nba.com/finals2004/ |archive-date=February 9, 2012 |url-status=dead}} Jackson's contract as coach was not renewed, and Rudy Tomjanovich took over.{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/coachfile/rudy_tomjanovich/ |title=Rudy Tomjanovich Coach Info |work=NBA.com |access-date=June 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629040031/http://www.nba.com/coachfile/rudy_tomjanovich/ |archive-date=June 29, 2016 |url-status=dead}} O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, and Brian Grant.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2004-07-14-shaq-trade_x.htm |title=It's Official: Shaq traded to Heat for three players, draft pick |publisher=USAToday |access-date=June 23, 2008 |first1=David |last1=DuPree |date=July 14, 2004 |archive-date=June 3, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080603072740/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2004-07-14-shaq-trade_x.htm |url-status=live}} The following day, Bryant declined a six-year, $100 million offer to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers and re-signed with the Lakers on a seven-year, $136.4 million contract.{{Cite web |date=July 15, 2004 |title=Kobe remains with Lakers |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1840336 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310025512/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1840336 |archive-date=March 10, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite web |last=Kent |first=Milton |date=July 16, 2004 |title=Bryant decides to remain a Laker |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2004-07-16-0407160249-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711195003/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2004-07-16-0407160249-story.html |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |access-date=October 26, 2021 |website=The Baltimore Sun}}

Bryant was closely scrutinized and criticized during the 2004–05 season with his reputation badly damaged from all that had happened over the previous year. A particularly damaging salvo came when Jackson wrote The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul. The book detailed the events of the Lakers' tumultuous 2003–04 season and has several criticisms of Bryant. In the book, Jackson called Bryant "un-coachable."{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/06/sports/basketball/06lakers.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060917144342/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/06/sports/basketball/06lakers.html |archive-date=September 17, 2006 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Coach and Star Savor Success in Collaboration |date=May 6, 2006 |work=The New York Times |access-date=August 5, 2008 |first=Howard |last=Beck}} Midway through the season, Tomjanovich suddenly resigned as Lakers coach, citing the recurrence of health problems and exhaustion.Associated Press. [https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1982487 Decision was made Monday] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405233511/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1982487 |date=April 5, 2020 }}, ESPN, February 3, 2005. Retrieved February 27, 2020. Without him, stewardship of the remainder of the Lakers' season fell to career assistant coach Frank Hamblen.{{cite news |url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/coaching_change_050202.html |title=Lakers Announce Coaching Change |date=February 2, 2005 |publisher=NBA |access-date=August 5, 2008 |archive-date=June 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080620004840/http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/coaching_change_050202.html |url-status=live}} Bryant was the league's second-leading scorer at 27.6 points per game, but he was surrounded by a subpar supporting cast, and the Lakers went 34–48 and missed the playoffs for the first time in over a decade.{{cite news |last=Hoffman |first=Benjamin |title=Off the Dribble: Bryant Now Deals with Mediocrity |url=http://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/12/bryant-now-deals-with-mediocrity/ |access-date=January 14, 2013 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=January 12, 2013 |archive-date=January 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115031217/http://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/12/bryant-now-deals-with-mediocrity/ |url-status=live}} The year signified a drop in his overall status in the NBA, as Bryant did not make the NBA All-Defensive Team and was also demoted to the All-NBA Third Team.{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html |title=Kobe Bryant |website=basketball-reference.com |access-date=February 10, 2024 |archive-date=February 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210184134/https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html |url-status=live}} During the season, Bryant also engaged in public feuds with Malone and Ray Allen.Hughes, Frank. [https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hughes_frank&id=1945983 Allen primed for Kobe showdown] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306163839/https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hughes_frank&id=1945983 |date=March 6, 2020 }}, ESPN, December 14, 2004. Retrieved February 27, 2020.Associated Press. [https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1944994 Kobe 'upset' about Malone's comments to wife] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225039/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1944994 |date=January 26, 2020 }}, ESPN, December 15, 2004. Retrieved February 27, 2020.

The 2005–06 season marked a crossroads in Bryant's basketball career. Despite past differences with Bryant, Jackson returned to coach the Lakers.{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/coachfile/phil_jackson/ |title=Phil Jackson |work=NBA.com |access-date=June 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201035612/http://www.nba.com/coachfile/phil_jackson/ |archive-date=December 1, 2010 |url-status=dead}} Bryant endorsed the move, and by all appearances, they worked well together the second time around, leading the Lakers back into the playoffs. Bryant's individual scoring accomplishments resulted in the finest statistical season of his career. On December 20, 2005, Bryant scored 62 points in three quarters against the Dallas Mavericks. Entering the fourth quarter, he had personally outscored the entire Mavericks team 62–61, the only time a player has done this through three quarters since the introduction of the shot clock.{{cite web |url=http://www.authenticbasketball.com/top_players/kobe_bryant.htm |title=Basketball: Kobe Bryant Profile and Information |publisher=authenticbasketball.com |access-date=June 25, 2008 |archive-date=June 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607002420/http://www.authenticbasketball.com/top_players/kobe_bryant.htm |url-status=live}} When the Lakers faced the Miami Heat on January 16, 2006, Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal made headlines by engaging in handshakes and hugs before the game, signifying a change in the feud that had festered between them.{{cite web |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/american-sports/how-the-shaquille-onealkobe-bryant-feud-began/news-story/d79d50f47dd2985078e4d8817d9000f8 |title=How the Shaq-Kobe feud began |date=March 30, 2016 |website=NewsComAu |access-date=January 31, 2020 |archive-date=May 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513195324/http://www.news.com.au/sport/american-sports/how-the-shaquille-onealkobe-bryant-feud-began/news-story/d79d50f47dd2985078e4d8817d9000f8 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/17/AR2006011701377_pf.html |title=O'Neal Squashes Feud With Bryant |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 18, 2006 |access-date=January 17, 2009 |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629022413/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/17/AR2006011701377_pf.html |url-status=live}} A month later, at the 2006 NBA All-Star Game, the two were seen laughing together.{{cite web |last=Wurst |first=Matthew D. |url=http://www.nba.com/allstar2006/allstar_game/55things_as06.html |title=55 Things About the 55th All-Star Game |work=Nba.com |date=February 19, 2006 |access-date=July 28, 2010 |quote=What happened after Shaq and Kobe got entangled in the lane during the first quarter? Nothing but laughter all around. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100411001805/http://www.nba.com/allstar2006/allstar_game/55things_as06.html |archive-date=April 11, 2010 |url-status=dead}}

On January 22, 2006, Bryant scored a career-high 81 points in a 122–104 victory over the Toronto Raptors.basketball-reference.com, [https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2006.html 2005–06 NBA Season Summary] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903002424/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2006.html |date=September 3, 2011 }}, accessed, December 8, 2007. In addition to breaking the previous franchise record of 71 set by Elgin Baylor, Bryant's 81-point game was the second-highest point total in NBA history, surpassed only by Chamberlain's 100-point game in 1962.{{cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/game/tor-vs-lal-0020500591 |title=Eighty-One! Bryant Erupts as Lakers Roll |work=NBA.com |access-date=December 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125091621/http://www.nba.com/games/20060122/TORLAL/recap.html |archive-date=January 25, 2012}} Whereas Chamberlain was fed repeatedly by teammates for inside shots in a blowout win, Bryant created his own shot—mostly from the outside—in a game which the Lakers trailed at halftime by 14 and did not pull away until the fourth quarter. Chamberlain, playing in an era when the games were paced faster and scoring opportunities were more plentiful,{{cite news |last=Helin |first=Kurt |title=What was more impressive: Chamberlain's 100 point game or Kobe's 81? |date=March 2, 2012 |work=Pro Basketball Talk |url=http://nba.nbcsports.com/2012/03/02/what-was-more-impressive-chamberlains-100-point-game-or-kobes-81/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208073950/http://nba.nbcsports.com/2012/03/02/what-was-more-impressive-chamberlains-100-point-game-or-kobes-81/ |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Young |first=Royce |title=Better scoring night: Kobe's 81 or Wilt's 100? |date=March 2, 2012 |website=CBSSports.com |url=http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22748484/35060192/12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211210859/http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22748484/35060192/12 |archive-date=December 11, 2015 |url-status=live}} accounted for 59 percent of his team's points in Philadelphia's 169–147 victory, compared to Bryant scoring 66 percent of the Lakers' 122 points.{{cite news |last=Tramel |first=Barry |title=Kobe vs. Wilt |date=January 26, 2006 |newspaper=The Oklahoman |url=http://newsok.com/article/2929053 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208125430/http://newsok.com/article/2929053 |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Chase |first=Chris |title=40 stats you won't believe about Kobe Bryant's historic NBA career |date=December 1, 2015 |newspaper=USA Today |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/12/kobe-bryant-stats-record-most-games-20-years-most-missed-shots-81-points-stats-michael-jordan-lakers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205031320/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/12/kobe-bryant-stats-record-most-games-20-years-most-missed-shots-81-points-stats-michael-jordan-lakers |archive-date=December 5, 2015 |url-status=live}} That same month, he also 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.NBA.com (February 1, 2006). [http://www.nba.com/news/pom_060201.html Billups, Bryant Named Players of the Month] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628211903/http://www.nba.com/news/pom_060201.html |date=June 28, 2011}}. Retrieved May 25, 2007 For the month of January, Bryant averaged 43.4 points per game,{{cite web |url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/11123899/site/21683474/ |title=Kobe's big month sets high expectations |publisher=MSNBC |access-date=June 25, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609215020/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/11123899/site/21683474/ |archive-date=June 9, 2008}} the eighth highest single month scoring average in NBA history and highest for any player other than Chamberlain.{{cite web |url=http://www.authenticbasketball.com/top_players/kobe_bryant.htm |title=Basketball: Kobe Bryant Profile and Information |publisher=Authenticbasketball.com |access-date=June 8, 2010 |archive-date=June 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607002420/http://www.authenticbasketball.com/top_players/kobe_bryant.htm |url-status=live}} 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).{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/roster/0607_24bryant.html |title=LAKERS: #24 Kobe Bryant |work=NBA.com |access-date=June 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090308150651/http://www.nba.com/lakers/roster/0607_24bryant.html |archive-date=March 8, 2009 |url-status=dead}} He won the league's scoring title for the first time by averaging 35.4 points per game, becoming just the fifth player in league history to average at least 35 in a season.{{#tag:ref|He joined Chamberlain (5 times), Baylor, Rick Barry and Jordan (2) in averaging over 35 points.{{cite news |last=Povtak |first=Tim |title=Billups brushes off MVP chatter |date=April 9, 2006 |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2006/04/09/billups-brushes-off-mvp-chatter/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100709003955/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2006-04-09/sports/NBAINSIDER09_1_chauncey-billups-kobe-bryant-player-in-league |archive-date=July 9, 2010 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Bryant passes Jordan, has shot to be No. 1 |date=December 14, 2014 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/100032/bryant-passes-jordan-has-shot-to-be-no-1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215084246/http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/100032/bryant-passes-jordan-has-shot-to-be-no-1 |archive-date=December 15, 2014 |url-status=live}}|group=lower-alpha}} Bryant finished in fourth place in the voting for the 2006 NBA Most Valuable Player Award but received 22 first place votes—second only to winner Steve Nash.{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/news/nash_mvp_05-06.html |title=Suns' Steve Nash Wins Second Consecutive MVP Award |work=NBA.com |access-date=June 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316004727/http://www.nba.com/news/nash_mvp_05-06.html |archive-date=March 16, 2017 |url-status=dead}}

Later in the season, it was reported that Bryant would change his jersey number from 8 to 24 at the start of the 2006–07 season. Bryant's first high-school number was 24 before he switched to 33.{{cite news |title=From 8 to 24 |url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/8_2_24.html |publisher=Los Angeles Lakers |date=November 16, 2006 |access-date=January 5, 2016 |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817091959/http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/8_2_24.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Rovell |first=Darren |title=Bryant will hang up his No. 8 jersey, sources say |date=April 26, 2006 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2421874 |access-date=May 25, 2007 |archive-date=August 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819145105/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2421874 |url-status=live}} After the Lakers' season ended, Bryant said on TNT that he wanted 24 as a rookie, but it was unavailable as it was worn by George McCloud, as was 33, retired with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Bryant wore 143 at the Adidas ABCD camp and chose 8 by adding those numbers. In the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers played well enough to reach a 3–1 series 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 lost that game 126–118 in overtime.{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/playoffs2006/series_phxlal.html |title=Phoenix Suns (2) vs. Los Angeles lakers (7) |work=NBA.com |access-date=June 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724154728/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2006/series_phxlal.html |archive-date=July 24, 2008 |url-status=dead}} Despite Bryant's 27.9 points per game in the series, the Lakers broke down and ultimately fell to the Suns in seven games. After scoring 50 points on 20 of 35 shooting in the Game 6 loss, Bryant was criticized for only taking three shots in the second half of the 121–90 Game 7 loss to Phoenix.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?id=5195953 |title=Unfounded stigma still following Bryant |first=Dave |last=McMenamin |date=May 17, 2010 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=July 19, 2010 |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106225029/http://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?id=5195953 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Kang |first=Jay Capian |title=Person of Interest: Kobe Bryant |date=January 23, 2012 |work=Grantland |url=http://grantland.com/features/person-interest/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215220955/http://grantland.com/features/person-interest/ |archive-date=February 15, 2016 |url-status=live}}

During the 2006–07 season, 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/allstar2007/allstar_game/index.html |title=NBA All-Star Game |work=NBA.com |access-date=June 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016041541/http://www.nba.com/allstar2007/allstar_game/index.html |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |url-status=dead}} Over the course of the season, Bryant became involved in a number of on-court incidents. On January 28, while attempting to draw contact on a potential game-winning jump shot, he flailed his arm, striking San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginóbili in the face with his elbow.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2795315 |title=Bryant assessed flagrant foul for elbow in Philly |date=March 12, 2007 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=February 27, 2020 |archive-date=April 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419094549/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2795315 |url-status=live}} Following a league review, Bryant was suspended for the subsequent game at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks. The basis given for the suspension was that Bryant had performed an "unnatural motion" in swinging his arm backward.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2748084 |title=Kobe serves suspension against Knicks |work=ESPN.com |date=January 30, 2007 |last=Sheridan |first=Chris |author-link=Chris Sheridan (sportswriter) |access-date=June 25, 2008 |archive-date=April 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419050948/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2748084 |url-status=live}} Later, on March 6, he seemed to repeat the motion, this time striking Minnesota Timberwolves guard Marko Jarić. The next day, the NBA handed Bryant his second one-game suspension.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2790534 |title=Kobe serves one-game suspension against Bucks |work=ESPN.com |date=March 8, 2007 |last=Sheridan |first=Chris |author-link=Chris Sheridan (sportswriter) |access-date=June 25, 2008 |archive-date=April 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419084004/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2790534 |url-status=live}} In 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 points in a home game against the Portland Trail Blazers, which helped end the Lakers seven-game losing streak. This was the second-best scoring performance of his 11-year career.{{cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/game/por-vs-lal-0020600977 |title=Bryant Scores NBA Season-Best 65 in Lakers Win |work=NBA.com |access-date=December 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511215117/http://www.nba.com/games/20070316/PORLAL/recap.html |archive-date=May 11, 2008}} The following game, Bryant recorded 50 points against the Timberwolves,{{cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-lal-0020600994 |title=Kobe Scores 50 to Lead Lakers Past Wolves |work=NBA.com |access-date=December 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625075756/http://www.nba.com/games/20070318/MINLAL/recap.html |archive-date=June 25, 2008}} after which he scored 60 points in a road win against the Memphis Grizzlies—becoming the second Laker to score three straight 50-plus point games, a feat not seen since Jordan last did it in 1987.{{Cite web |date=March 23, 2007 |agency=Associated Press |title=Bryant Scores 60 as Lakers Defeat Grizzlies |url=https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-mem-0020601016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623190503/http://www.nba.com/games/20070322/LALMEM/recap.html |archive-date=June 23, 2008 |access-date=December 26, 2021 |website=NBA.com}} The only other Laker to do so was Baylor, who also scored 50+ in three consecutive contests in December 1962. The next day, in a game against the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, Bryant scored 50 points, making him the second player in NBA history to have four straight 50-point games behind Chamberlain, who achieved it twice with streaks of five and seven.{{cite magazine |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/ian_thomsen/03/24/kobe.50/index.html |title=Kobe's 50-point run more important because of wins |first=Ian |last=Thomsen |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=March 24, 2007 |access-date=July 1, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104015518/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/ian_thomsen/03/24/kobe.50/index.html |archive-date=November 4, 2012}} Bryant finished the year with a total of 10 50-plus point games, surpassed only by Chamberlain.{{#tag:ref|Chamberlain had 50 points 45 times in 1961–62 and 30 in 1962–63.|group=lower-alpha}} Bryant also won his second straight scoring title that season.{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/Scoring.jsp?league=00&season=22006&conf=OVERALL&position=0&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=N&yearsExp=-1&splitDD= |title=Statistics |work=NBA.com |access-date=June 25, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409144443/http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/Scoring.jsp?league=00&season=22006&conf=OVERALL&position=0&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=N&yearsExp=-1&splitDD= |archive-date=April 9, 2008}} Throughout the 2006–07 season, Bryant's jersey became the top selling NBA jersey in the United States and China.NBA.com. [http://www.nba.com/news/chinajerseys.html Kobe Bryant has Top-Selling Jersey in China] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100809115238/http://www.nba.com/news/chinajerseys.html |date=August 9, 2010}}, nba.com, March 20, 2007, Retrieved May 25, 2007. A number of journalists have attributed the improved sales to Bryant's new number, as well as his continuing All-Star performance on the court.{{cite web |last=Oller |first=Rob |date=February 12, 2007 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-159203511.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921121926/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-159203511.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 21, 2014 |title=A star is reborn: Bryant's stats, dunks have made him marketable again |work=The Columbus Dispatch |url-access=}}Denver Post (March 15, 2007). [http://www.bonham.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NID=279 For Kobe, turnaround is flair play] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113224818/http://www.bonham.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NID=279 |date=January 13, 2009}}. The Bonham Group. Retrieved May 25, 2007. In the 2007 NBA playoffs, the Lakers were once again eliminated in the first round by the Phoenix Suns, 4–1.{{Cite web |date=May 3, 2007 |title=Suns Top Lakers, Move On to Second Round |url=http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/series/series_w1s2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625032754/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/series/series_w1s2.html |archive-date=June 25, 2008 |access-date=June 25, 2008 |website=NBA.com}}

On May 27, 2007, ESPN reported that Bryant stated that he wanted to be traded if Jerry West did not return to the team with full authority.{{Cite web |date=May 27, 2007 |title=Kobe: Bring West back |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2884339 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731093457/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2884339 |archive-date=July 31, 2021 |access-date=August 2, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}} Bryant later confirmed his desire for West's return to the franchise, but denied stating that he would want to be traded if that did not take place.{{Cite web |date=May 28, 2007 |title=Kobe says he's just suggesting West return |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2884792 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618055547/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2884792 |archive-date=June 18, 2021 |access-date=August 2, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}} However, three days later, on Stephen A. Smith's radio program, Bryant expressed anger over a Lakers "insider" who claimed that Bryant was responsible for Shaquille O'Neal's departure from the team, and publicly stated, "I want to be traded."{{Cite web |date=July 31, 2007 |agency=Associated Press |title=Bryant asks for trade, then backtracks slightly |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2886927 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306153814/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2886927 |archive-date=March 6, 2020 |access-date=February 27, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |quote=...as a Lakers insider notes, it was Bryant's insistence on getting away from Shaquille O'Neal that got them in this mess.}} Three hours after making that statement, Bryant stated in another interview that after having a conversation with head coach Jackson, he had reconsidered his decision and backed off his trade request.{{Cite web |date=May 31, 2007 |title=NBA: Kobe retracts his trade request |url=http://www.gazette.com/sports/bryant_23036___article.html/don_phil.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928010446/http://www.gazette.com/sports/bryant_23036___article.html/don_phil.html |archive-date=September 28, 2007 |access-date=October 16, 2007 |website=Gazette.com |agency=Associated Press}} Bryant was later shown in an infamous amateur video saying that center Andrew Bynum should have been traded for All-Star Jason Kidd.{{cite news |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/arash_markazi/06/19/kobe/ |title=Playing the video game: Underground Kobe film ain't all it's cracked up to be |first=Arash |last=Markazi |author-link=Arash Markazi |work=SI.com |publisher=CNN |access-date=July 18, 2010 |date=July 19, 2007 |quote=Are you kidding me? Andrew Bynum? F—ing ship his ass out. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070920152058/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/arash_markazi/06/19/kobe/ |archive-date=September 20, 2007}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/17/sports/basketball/17lakers.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100520020238/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/17/sports/basketball/17lakers.html |archive-date=May 20, 2010 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Suns Can Still Bring Out Snarl in Bryant and Lakers |first=Billy |last=Witz |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=August 1, 2010 |date=May 17, 2010 |quote=There was the infamous video by the self-described Kobe Video Guys when Bryant profanely vented to a couple of men at a Newport Beach shopping mall, who happened to be recording it, about the Lakers holding on to Andrew Bynum when they could have dealt him for Jason Kidd.}}

File:Lakers Finals 08.jpg in six games during the 2008 NBA Finals]]

On December 23, 2007, Bryant became the youngest player (29 years, 122 days) to reach 20,000 points, in a game against the New York Knicks, in Madison Square Garden, after scoring 39 points to go along with 11 rebounds and eight assists.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-youngest-to-hit-20-000-points-1.655827 |title=Kobe Bryant youngest to hit 20,000 points |publisher=CBC Sports |date=December 23, 2007 |access-date=February 20, 2012 |archive-date=July 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724105509/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/story/2007/12/23/bryant-youngest-record.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200712230NYK.html |title=Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks Box Score, December 23, 2007 |publisher=Basketball Reference |date=December 23, 2007 |access-date=January 17, 2020 |archive-date=June 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627230615/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200712230NYK.html |url-status=live}} This record has since been broken by LeBron James. On March 28, Bryant scored a season-high 53 points to go along with 10 rebounds in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200803280LAL.html |title=Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, March 28, 2008 |publisher=Basketball Reference |date=March 28, 2008 |access-date=January 17, 2020 |archive-date=May 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529195405/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200803280LAL.html |url-status=live}}

Despite an injury to his shooting hand's small finger, described as "a complete tear of the radial collateral ligament, an avulsion fracture, and a volar plate injury at the MCP joint" that occurred in a game on February 5, 2008, Bryant played all 82 games of the regular season instead of opting for surgery. Regarding his injury, Bryant stated, "I would prefer to delay any surgical procedure until after our Lakers season, and this summer's Olympic Games. But, this is an injury that {{sic|myself}} and the Lakers' medical staff will just have to continue to monitor on a day-to-day basis."{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/080214kobeinjury.html |title=Kobe Byrant Injury Update |website=NBA.com |access-date=May 9, 2008 |date=February 14, 2008 |archive-date=April 21, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080421101012/http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/080214kobeinjury.html |url-status=live}}

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 in the first round and on May 6, 2008, Bryant was officially announced as the league MVP.NBA Staff. [http://www.nba.com//news/kobe_mvp_080506.html Kobe Bryant Wins Most Valuable Player Award] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901171948/http://www.nba.com/news/kobe_mvp_080506.html |date=September 1, 2010}}, nba.com, May 7, 2008. Retrieved June 19, 2010. He said, "It's been a long ride. I'm very proud to represent this organization, to represent this city."{{Cite web |last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |date=May 7, 2008 |title=Finally, Lakers' Bryant is an MVP |url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers7-2008may07,0,4349778,full.story |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510093704/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers7-2008may07,0,4349778,full.story |archive-date=May 10, 2008 |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times}} West, who was responsible for bringing Bryant to the Lakers, was on hand at the press conference to observe Bryant receive his MVP trophy from NBA commissioner David Stern. Stern stated, "Kobe deserved it. He's had just another great season. Doesn't surprise me one bit."{{Cite web |last=Krikorian |first=Doug |date=May 8, 2008 |title=Kobe's MVP award not a surprise to West |url=http://www.presstelegram.com/moresports/ci_9200340 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730202329/http://www.presstelegram.com/moresports/ci_9200340 |archive-date=July 30, 2013 |website=Press-Telegram}} In addition to winning his MVP award, Bryant was the only unanimous selection to the All-NBA team on May 8, 2008, for the third straight season and sixth time in his career.[https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3387097 Bryant, Garnett, Paul, Howard, James voted to first team] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306160600/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3387097 |date=March 6, 2020 }}, ESPN, Retrieved February 27, 2020 Bryant would then headline the NBA All-Defensive First Team with Kevin Garnett, receiving 52 points overall including 24 first-place nods, earning his eighth selection.[http://www.nba.com/news/defensive_team_080512.html Kobe, Garnett Headline All-Defensive Team] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100726070624/http://www.nba.com/news/defensive_team_080512.html |date=July 26, 2010}}, NBA. Retrieved January 17, 2009.

The Lakers finished the 2007–08 regular season with a 57–25 record, finishing first in the Western Conference and setting up themselves for a first-round contest against the Nuggets. In Game 1, Bryant, who said he made himself a decoy through most of the game, scored 18 of his 32 points in the final eight minutes to keep Los Angeles safely ahead.{{cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/game/den-vs-lal-0040700141 |title=NBA.com: Gasol Powers Lakers Past Nuggets |work=NBA.com |access-date=December 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306053147/http://www.nba.com/games/20080420/DENLAL/recap.html |archive-date=March 6, 2019}} That made Denver the first 50-win team to be swept out of the first round of the playoffs since the Memphis Grizzlies fell in four games to the San Antonio Spurs in 2004.{{cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-den-0040700144 |title=Nuggets Put Up a Fight, but Lakers Get Sweep |work=NBA.com |access-date=December 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624070435/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2008/series/series_w1s1.html |archive-date=June 24, 2008}} In the first game of the next round, against the Utah Jazz, Bryant scored 38 points as the Lakers beat the Jazz in Game 1.{{cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/game/uta-vs-lal-0040700221 |title=Bryant Scores 38 as Lakers Beat Jazz in Game 1 |work=NBA.com |access-date=June 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624052059/http://www.nba.com/games/20080504/UTALAL/recap.html |archive-date=June 24, 2008}} The Lakers won the next game as well, but dropped Games 3 and 4, even with Bryant putting up 33.5 points per game.{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/playoffs2008/series/series_w2s1.html |title=NBA.com: Bryant Lifts Lakers Into Conference Finals |work=NBA.com |access-date=June 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612180849/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2008/series/series_w2s1.html |archive-date=June 12, 2008 |url-status=dead}} The Lakers then won the next two games to win the semifinals. This set up a Western Conference Finals berth against the Spurs. The Lakers won the series in five games, sending themselves to the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. This marked the fifth time in Bryant's career, and the first time without O'Neal, that he made the NBA Finals.{{cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/game/sas-vs-lal-0040700315 |title=San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Lakers May 29, 2008 Game Summary |work=NBA.com |access-date=December 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617092020/http://www.nba.com/games/20080529/SASLAL/gameinfo.html |archive-date=June 17, 2008}} The Lakers then lost to the Celtics in six games.{{cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-bos-0040700406 |title=Celtics Capture 17th NBA Title With Record Win Over Lakers |publisher=NBA.com Kobe Bryant now holds four NBA titles. |access-date=December 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122065829/http://www.nba.com/games/20080617/LALBOS/recap.html |archive-date=January 22, 2012}}

File:Lakers White House 2010.jpg and Bryant with President Barack Obama during the White House visit honoring the Lakers' 2009 championship]]

In early September 2008, Bryant decided not to have surgery to repair his right pinkie.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=3578292 |title=Bryant: No surgery on pinkie finger |date=September 9, 2008 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=February 27, 2020 |archive-date=January 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225338/https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=3578292 |url-status=live}} In the 2008–09 season, the Lakers opened the campaign by winning their first seven games.{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/lal/schedule?v=cal&m=11&y=2008 |title=Los Angeles Lakers – Schedule – NBA – Yahoo! Sports |publisher=Sports.yahoo.com |access-date=June 8, 2010 |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629063349/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/lal/schedule?v=cal&m=11&y=2008 |url-status=live}} Bryant led the team to tie the franchise record for most wins to start the season going 17–2,{{cite web |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gamecenter/recap/NBA_20081207_MIL@LAL |title=Lakers equal best 19-game start in franchise history |access-date=January 25, 2009 |date=December 8, 2008 |publisher=CBSSports.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002045326/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gamecenter/recap/NBA_20081207_MIL%40LAL |archive-date=October 2, 2011}} and by the middle of December they compiled a 21–3 record. He was selected to his 11th consecutive All-Star Game as a starter,[http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/rob_peterson/02/27/kobe_tops.mvp.20090227/index.html Kobe's steady pace lands him top spot in rankings] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302061400/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/rob_peterson/02/27/kobe_tops.mvp.20090227/index.html |date=March 2, 2009}} By Rob Peterson, NBA.com – March 2, 2009 and was named the Western Conference Player of the Month for December and January in addition to being named Western Conference Player of the week three times.{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/2009/news/01/12/players.week/ |title=Lakers' Bryant, Magic's Howard named Players of the Week |work=NBA.com |date=January 12, 2009 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628213122/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/01/12/players.week/ |archive-date=June 28, 2011}} In a game against the Knicks on February 2, 2009, Bryant scored 61 points, setting a record for the most points scored at Madison Square Garden.Mahoney, Brian. [https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2009020218 Garden party: Kobe's 61 sets MSG record] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214171804/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2009020218 |date=December 14, 2013}}, sports.yahoo.com, February 2, 2009. Retrieved September 9, 2009. During the 2009 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/2009/allstar2009/02/16/main.20090215/index.html |title=Shaq, Kobe lead freestyling West All-Stars past East |work=NBA.com |date=February 16, 2009 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100501125959/http://www.nba.com/2009/allstar2009/02/16/main.20090215/index.html |archive-date=May 1, 2010}} The Lakers finished the regular season with the best record in the West (65–17). Bryant was runner-up in the MVP voting behind James,Official Release. [http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/04/mvp.release.20090504/index.html James outdistances Bryant in winning Kia MVP award] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090507190209/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/04/mvp.release.20090504/index.html |date=May 7, 2009}}, nba.com, May 4, 2009. Retrieved July 14, 2010. and was selected to the All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team for the seventh time in his career.

In the playoffs, the Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz in five games and the Houston Rockets in seven games in the opening two rounds. By finishing off the Denver Nuggets in the Conference Finals in six games, the Lakers earned their second straight trip to the NBA Finals. The Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in five games. Bryant was awarded his first NBA Finals MVP trophy upon winning his fourth championship,{{Cite web |last=Adande |first=J. A. |author-link=J. A. Adande |date=2009-06-15 |title=Daily Dime: Kobe named MVP as Lakers win NBA title |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-090615 |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=ESPN.com}} achieving series averages of 32.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks.{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01/gamelog/2009/ |title=Kobe Bryant 2008–09 Game Log |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=May 28, 2011 |archive-date=May 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110528101915/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01/gamelog/2009/ |url-status=live}} Bryant became the first player since West in the 1969 NBA Finals to average at least 32.4 points and 7.4 assists for a Finals series{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2009-06-15-bryant-finals-mvp_N.htm |title=Man on a mission: Bryant revels in victory, Finals MVP |date=June 14, 2009 |work=USA Today |access-date=June 15, 2009 |first=Jeff |last=Zillgitt |archive-date=June 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090617203301/https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2009-06-15-bryant-finals-mvp_N.htm |url-status=live}} and the first since Jordan to average 30 points, five rebounds, and five assists for a title-winning team in the Finals.{{cite web |url=http://espndb.go.com/nba/research/profile/_/id/110/type/player/kobe-bryant |title=Kobe Bryant Bio – NBA Finals |publisher=Espndb.go.com |access-date=June 8, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110424062800/http://espndb.go.com/nba/research/profile/_/id/110/type/player/kobe-bryant |archive-date=April 24, 2011}} Bryant was the league's leading scorer throughout the 2000s decade, accumulating 21,065 points in regular season play between the 1999-00 and 2008–09 seasons.

File:Kobe Bryant left floater.jpg of the Orlando Magic in 2010]]

During the 2009–10 season, Bryant made six game-winning shots including a buzzer-beating, one-legged three-pointer over Dwyane Wade on December 4, 2009, leading to the Lakers' narrow 108–107 victory over the Miami Heat.{{cite web |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/watch-kobe-bryant-hits-game-winner-dwyane-wade-staples-centre-erupts-iconic-video-12-years-ago |title=Watch: Kobe Bryant hits game-winner over Dwyane Wade as the Staples Centre erupts in this iconic video from 12 years ago By Christopher Eluemuno |date=December 5, 2021 |website=Sportskeeda |access-date=November 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205131725/https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/watch-kobe-bryant-hits-game-winner-dwyane-wade-staples-centre-erupts-iconic-video-12-years-ago |url-status=live}}{{nbau}} Bryant considered the shot "one of the luckiest he has made."{{Cite web |last=Adande |first=J. A. |author-link=J. A. Adande |date=December 5, 2009 |title=Kobe Bryant, making the best of bad situations |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/11256/kobe-bryant-making-the-best-of-bad-situations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901064238/http://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/11256/kobe-bryant-making-the-best-of-bad-situations |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |access-date=December 9, 2009 |publisher=ESPN}} A week later, Bryant suffered an avulsion fracture in his right index finger in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.Beacham, Greg. [https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2009121113 Lakers win 11th straight, Bryant injures finger] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812012429/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2009121113 |date=August 12, 2014}}, sports.yahoo.com, December 12, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2010. Despite the injury, Bryant elected to continue playing, rather than take any time off to rest the injury. Five days after his finger injury, Bryant made another game-winning shot, after missing on an opportunity in regulation, this time against the Milwaukee Bucks in an overtime game.Fly, Colin. [https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=AgS.y6ONBr1GQesWKE3tvGy8vLYF?gid=2009121615 Kobe's jumper at OT buzzer lifts Lakers over Bucks] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319090608/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=AgS.y6ONBr1GQesWKE3tvGy8vLYF?gid=2009121615 |date=March 19, 2015 }}, sports.yahoo.com, December 17, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2010. Bryant also became the youngest player (31 years, 151 days) to reach 25,000 points in his career during the season, surpassing Chamberlain.Associated Press. [https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4847254 Bryant joins 14 others with 25,000 points] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306154830/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4847254 |date=March 6, 2020 }}, ESPN, January 22, 2010. Retrieved February 27, 2020. Bryant continued his dominant clutch plays making yet another game-winning three-pointer against the Sacramento Kings,{{cite web |date=January 2, 2010 |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=AlPw372uPqShjYE24OAV48G8vLYF?gid=2010010113 |title=Kobe's 3-pointer at buzzer gives Lakers win – NBA – Yahoo! Sports |publisher=Sports.yahoo.com |access-date=June 8, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319085706/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap%3B_ylt%3DAlPw372uPqShjYE24OAV48G8vLYF?gid=2010010113 |archive-date=March 19, 2015}} and what would be the game-winning field goal against the Boston Celtics.Golen, Jimmy. [https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=Aiz4y0_CZDBjwr0jykuwGeq8vLYF?gid=2010013102 Beat LA? Not this time for Celtics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319085207/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=Aiz4y0_CZDBjwr0jykuwGeq8vLYF?gid=2010013102 |date=March 19, 2015 }}, sports.yahoo.com, December 17, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2010. The following day, Bryant surpassed West to become the all-time leading scorer in Lakers franchise history.Associated Press, [https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300201029 Kobe passes West as Lakers' scoring leader in loss to Grizzlies] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225514/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300201029 |date=January 26, 2020 }}, ESPN, February 1, 2010. Retrieved July 15, 2010. After being sidelined for five games by an ankle injury, which also forced him to miss the 2010 NBA All-Star Game despite being the Western Conference's leading vote-getter, Bryant made his return and made another clutch three-pointer to give the Lakers a one-point lead with four seconds remaining against the Memphis Grizzlies.Medina, Mark. [http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2010/02/kobe-bryants-game-winner-in-9998-victory-over-memphis-grizzlies-shows-clutchness-cant-be-duplicated.html Kobe Bryant's game winner in 99–98 victory over Memphis Grizzlies shows clutchness can't be duplicated] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100227032427/http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2010/02/kobe-bryants-game-winner-in-9998-victory-over-memphis-grizzlies-shows-clutchness-cant-be-duplicated.html |date=February 27, 2010 }}, sports.yahoo.com, February 23, 2010. Retrieved June 21, 2010. Two weeks later, he made his sixth game-winning shot of the season, against the Toronto Raptors.Beacham, Greg. [https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=AlE2BVZ0w4mrHxy_lzrfziy8vLYF?gid=2010030913 Lakers snap 3-game skid on Bryant's late jumper] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319090741/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=AlE2BVZ0w4mrHxy_lzrfziy8vLYF?gid=2010030913 |date=March 19, 2015 }}, sports.yahoo.com, March 10, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.

On April 2, 2010, Bryant signed a three-year contract extension worth $87 million.Markazi, Arash. [https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5050933 Bryant signs for 3 years, nearly $90M] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306151912/https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5050933 |date=March 6, 2020 }}, ESPN, April 3, 2010. Retrieved February 27, 2020. He finished the regular season missing four of the final five games, due to injuries to his knee and finger. Bryant suffered multiple injuries throughout the season and missed nine games as a result. The Lakers began the playoffs as the No. 1-seed in the Western Conference against the Oklahoma City Thunder,Helin, Kurt. [http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/Lakers-will-face-Thunder-in-the-first-round-90767524.html Lakers to Face Thunder in the First Round] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714161134/http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/Lakers-will-face-Thunder-in-the-first-round-90767524.html |date=July 14, 2011 }}, NBC Los Angeles, April 13, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010. eventually defeating them in six games.Bresnahan, Mike. [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-may-01-la-sp-lakers-thunder-20100501-story.html Follow Classic] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611101249/http://articles.latimes.com/2010/may/01/sports/la-sp-lakers-thunder-20100501 |date=June 11, 2010 }}, Los Angeles Times, May 1, 2010. Retrieved June 18, 2010. The Lakers swept the Utah Jazz in the second roundHughes, Frank. [http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/frank_hughes/05/11/lakers.jazz.game4/index.html Fast Breaks: Lakers-Jazz, Game 4] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100515121820/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/frank_hughes/05/11/lakers.jazz.game4/index.html |date=May 15, 2010}}, Sports Illustrated, May 11, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010. and advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where they faced the Phoenix Suns. In Game 2, Bryant finished the game with 13 assists, setting a new playoff career-high; it was the most assists by a Laker in the playoffs since Magic Johnson had 13 in 1996.McMenamin, Dave. [https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5203784 Gasol plays closer with monster finish] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225301/https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5203784 |date=January 26, 2020 }}, ESPN, May 20, 2010. Retrieved February 27, 2020. The Lakers went on to win the series in six games capturing the Western Conference Championship and advancing to the NBA Finals for a third straight season.Associated Press. [http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/article/2010-05-29/lakers-beat-suns-set-rematch-boston Lakers beat Suns to set up rematch with Boston], Sporting News, May 11, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602133918/http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/article/2010-05-29/lakers-beat-suns-set-rematch-boston |date=June 2, 2010}} In a rematch against the 2008 Champion Boston Celtics, Bryant, despite shooting 6-for-24 from the field, 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 shared by Sam Jones and Tom Gola for rebounds by a shooting guard. Bryant won his fifth championship and earned his second consecutive NBA Finals MVP award.Smith, Sekou. [http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2010/06/18/no-doubt-about-the-mvp/?ls=iref:nbahpt1 No Doubt About The MVP] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530133832/http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2010/06/18/no-doubt-about-the-mvp/?ls=iref%3Anbahpt1 |date=May 30, 2012}}, nba.com, June 18, 2010. Retrieved June 18, 2010. This marked the first time the Lakers won a Game 7 against the Celtics in the NBA Finals.Adande, J.A. [https://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-100618/daily-dim 1. Lakers Capture Franchise Title No. 16], ESPN, June 18, 2010. Retrieved June 18, 2010. Bryant said that this was the most satisfying of all of his five championships.{{Cite web |last=McMenamin |first=Dave |date=October 27, 2010 |title=Lakers' rings feature leather from Game 7 ball |url=https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5731600 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306163837/https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5731600 |archive-date=March 6, 2020 |access-date=February 27, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}}

File:2010 NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers with President Obama.jpg in honor of the 2010 championship]]

Bryant wanted a sixth championship to match Jordan's total.{{cite news |last=Wojnarowski |first=Adrian |title=Why Kobe Bryant decided it was time to retire |date=November 30, 2015 |work=Yahoo! Sports |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/why-kobe-bryant-decided-it-was-time-to-retire-070605697.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151206083734/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/why-kobe-bryant-decided-it-was-time-to-retire-070605697.html |archive-date=December 6, 2015 |url-status=live}} The Lakers started the 2010–11 season by winning their first eight games.Beacham, Greg. [https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-lakers-hold-off-timberwolves-to-improve-to-8-0-2010nov09-story.html Lakers hold off Timberwolves, improve to 8–0], San Diego Union-Tribune, November 10, 2010, Retrieved February 27, 2020. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110203030/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/40102216/ns/sports-nba/ |date=November 10, 2010}} In his ninth game of the season, playing against the Denver Nuggets, Bryant became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 26,000 career points.Markazi, Arash. [http://www.espn.com/los-angeles/kobe/index?postId=5794855 Youngest To 26K] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225120/http://www.espn.com/los-angeles/kobe/index?postId=5794855 |date=January 26, 2020 }}, ESPN, November 12, 2010, Retrieved February 27, 2020. Bryant also recorded his first triple-double since January 21, 2009.{{cite news |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-kobes-triple-double-leads-lakers-past-kings-2010nov04-story.html |title=Kobe's triple-double leads Lakers over Kings |work=San Diego Union Tribune |date=November 4, 2010 |access-date=February 27, 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010074224/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/40001300/ns/sports-nba/ |archive-date=October 10, 2012}} On January 30, 2011, against the Celtics, Bryant became the youngest player to score 27,000 points.{{cite news |title=Celtics win Finals rematch despite Kobe Bryant's 41 points |agency=Associated Press |date=January 30, 2011 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=310130013 |access-date=January 30, 2011 |quote=Bryant became the youngest player to reach 27,000 points on a 3-pointer late in the third quarter, but he frequently was a one-man show on offense. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202173944/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=310130013 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 2, 2011}} Two days later, Bryant became one of seven players with at least 25,000 points, 5,000 rebounds, and 5,000 assists.{{Cite web |date=February 2, 2011 |title=Kobe in the giving mood on Tuesday |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/24423/kobe-in-the-giving-mood-on-tuesday |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225650/https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/24423/kobe-in-the-giving-mood-on-tuesday |archive-date=January 26, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}} In Boston on February 10, Bryant scored 20 of his 23 points in the second half as the Lakers rallied from an early 15-point deficit for a 92–86 victory over the Celtics.{{cite news |title=Kobe Bryant has big second half to help Lakers rally by Celtics |date=February 10, 2011 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=310210002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213061149/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=310210002 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 13, 2011}} It was the Lakers' first victory of the season against one of the league's top four teams, as they entered the game 0–5 in previous matchups and had been outscored by an average of 11 points.{{cite news |last=Plaschke |first=Bill |author-link=Bill Plaschke |title=Lakers win is something to yell about |date=February 11, 2011 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2011-feb-10-la-sp-plaschke-20110211-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217100806/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-plaschke-20110211,0,2972210.column |archive-date=February 17, 2011 |access-date=February 27, 2020 |url-status=live}} Bryant, selected to his 13th straight All-Star game after becoming the leading vote-getter, had 37 points, 14 rebounds, and three steals in the 2011 All-Star Game and won his fourth All-Star MVP, tying Hall of Famer Bob Pettit for the most All-Star MVP awards.{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/2011/allstar/2011/01/27/starters-release/index.html |title=NBA.com: Kobe is top vote-getter in 2011 All-Star balloting |work=NBA.com |access-date=February 7, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210162206/http://www.nba.com/2011/allstar/2011/01/27/starters-release/index.html |archive-date=February 10, 2011}}{{cite news |last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |title=Bryant feeds off energy as West beats East in All-Star game, 148–143 |date=February 20, 2011 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-nba-all-stars-20110221,0,6056869.story |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224061040/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-nba-all-stars-20110221,0,6056869.story |archive-date=February 24, 2011 |url-status=dead}} During the season, Bryant moved from 12th to sixth place on the NBA all-time career scoring list, passing John Havlicek, Dominique Wilkins, Oscar Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Elvin Hayes, and Moses Malone.{{Cite web |last=Kamenetzky |first=Andy |date=March 9, 2011 |title=Kobe Bryant passes Moses Malone for 6th on the NBA all-time scoring list |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/16818/kobe-bryant-passes-moses-malone-for-6th-on-the-nba-all-time-scoring-list |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119220111/https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/16818/kobe-bryant-passes-moses-malone-for-6th-on-the-nba-all-time-scoring-list |url-status=live}} Bryant finished the season averaging less than 20 shots a game, his fewest since the 2003–04 season.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?id=6349178 |title=How long can Kobe Bryant stay on top? |publisher=ESPN |date=April 14, 2011 |access-date=February 27, 2020 |archive-date=March 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306154120/https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?id=6349178 |url-status=live}}

On April 13, 2011, the NBA fined Bryant $100,000 for directing a gay slur at referee Bennie Adams in frustration in the previous day's game.{{cite news |last=Beacham |first=Greg |title=Kobe Bryant fined $100,000 for gay slur |date=April 14, 2011 |agency=Associated Press |work=yahoo.com |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-lakers-bryantslur |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110416111037/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-lakers-bryantslur |archive-date=April 16, 2011 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |last=Wojnarowski |first=Adrian |author-link=Adrian Wojnarowski |title=Kobe's fury: blessing and curse |date=April 14, 2011 |work=yahoo.com |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-wojnarowski_kobe_bryant_temper_concerns_lakers_041411 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110418015816/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-wojnarowski_kobe_bryant_temper_concerns_lakers_041411 |archive-date=April 18, 2011 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |last=Plaschke |first=Bill |author-link=Bill Plaschke |title=Kobe Bryant needs to say more after slur |date=April 13, 2011 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-plaschke-kobe-bryant-20110414,0,7666495.column |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110416105948/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-plaschke-kobe-bryant-20110414,0,7666495.column |archive-date=April 16, 2011 |url-status=dead}} The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation praised the NBA's decision to fine Bryant, and the Human Rights Campaign said that Bryant's language was a "disgrace" and "distasteful." Bryant stated that he was open to discussing the matter with gay rights groups and wanted to appeal his fine.{{cite news |last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |title=Lakers' Kobe Bryant is fined $100,000 by NBA for anti-gay slur to referee |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2011-apr-13-la-sp-kobe-bryant-lakers-20110414-story.html |access-date=April 24, 2011 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=April 13, 2011 |archive-date=July 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724094143/http://articles.latimes.com/print/2011/apr/13/sports/la-sp-kobe-bryant-lakers-20110414 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Litke |first=Jim |title=Kobe's $100K fine didn't buy Lakers' best effort |date=April 18, 2011 |agency=Associated Press |work=Yahoo! Sports |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=txjimlitke041811 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120224103/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=txjimlitke041811 |archive-date=January 20, 2012 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |last=Amaechi |first=John |author-link=John Amaechi |title=A Gay Former N.B.A. Player Responds to Kobe Bryant |date=April 15, 2011 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=http://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/15/a-gay-former-player-responds-to-kobe-bryant/?scp=1&sq=john%20amaechi&st=cse/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308081628/https://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/15/a-gay-former-player-responds-to-kobe-bryant/?scp=1&sq=john%20amaechi&st=cse/ |archive-date=March 8, 2019 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 9, 2019}} Bryant later apologized for the use of the word.{{cite news |title=Kobe Bryant sorry; Lakers make plan |date=April 15, 2011 |work=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=6361970 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110419000207/http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=6361970&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines |url-status=live |archive-date=April 19, 2011}}{{cite news |last=Falgoust |first=J. Michael |title=Bryant to appeal $100K fine for slur, but takes responsibility |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/2011-04-13-BRYANTSLUR_N.htm |access-date=April 24, 2011 |newspaper=USA Today |date=April 14, 2011 |archive-date=April 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110418215210/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/2011-04-13-bryantslur_n.htm? |url-status=live}} Bryant and other Lakers appeared in a Lakers public service announcement denouncing his behavior.{{cite news |title=Kobe Bryant, Lakers teammates appear in PSA touting diversity |date=April 21, 2011 |work=SportingNews.com |url=http://aol.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2011-04-21/kobe-bryant-lakers-teammates-appear-in-psa-touting-diversity |access-date=April 23, 2011 |archive-date=April 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110424112318/http://aol.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2011-04-21/kobe-bryant-lakers-teammates-appear-in-psa-touting-diversity |url-status=dead}} The team's quest for another three-peat was ended when they were swept by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the playoffs.{{cite news |title=Dallas Mavericks sweep Lakers from NBA playoffs |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dallas-mavericks-sweep-lakers-from-nba-playoffs/ |agency=Associated Press |work=CBS News |date=May 8, 2011 |access-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127123729/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dallas-mavericks-sweep-lakers-from-nba-playoffs/ |url-status=live}}

File:Masked mamba.jpg

Bryant received experimental platelet-rich plasma therapy called Orthokine in Germany to treat the pain on his left knee and ankle,{{cite news |title=Report: Kobe Bryant saw German doc |date=December 25, 2011 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7387602/report-los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-revisited-german-doctor-ankle |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108055831/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/7387602/report-los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-revisited-german-doctor-ankle |url-status=live |archive-date=January 8, 2012}}{{cite news |last=Hale |first=Mark |title=Yankees say A-Rod had shoulder treatment, too |date=December 29, 2011 |newspaper=New York Post |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/rod_shoulder_had_treatment_too_Xm56jA8eHibHuKvzdBhcxM |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110111654/http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/rod_shoulder_had_treatment_too_Xm56jA8eHibHuKvzdBhcxM |archive-date=January 10, 2012 |url-status=live}} and Mike Brown replaced the retired Jackson as coach of the Lakers in the off-season. Bryant began the season playing with an injured wrist.{{cite news |last=Gordon |first=Jeremy |title=Kobe to the World: 'I'm Still Kobe' |date=January 12, 2011 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/dailyfix/2012/01/12/nba-kobe-bryant-to-the-world-im-still-kobe/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112194749/http://blogs.wsj.com/dailyfix/2012/01/12/nba-kobe-bryant-to-the-world-im-still-kobe/ |archive-date=January 12, 2012 |url-status=dead}} On January 10, 2012, he scored 48 points against the Suns. "Not bad for the seventh-best player in the league," said Bryant, referring to a preseason ESPN ranking of the NBA's top players.{{cite news |last=Arthur |first=Bruce |title=Lakers' Kobe Bryant won't give in to age |date=January 12, 2012 |newspaper=National Post |url=http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/01/12/kobe-bryant-wont-give-in-to-age/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714154102/http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/01/12/kobe-bryant-wont-give-in-to-age/ |archive-date=July 14, 2012 |url-status=dead}} He went on to score 40, 42, and 42 in his next three games.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Chris Paul-led Clips win L.A. clash despite Kobe Bryant's 42 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320114012 |date=January 14, 2012 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=February 27, 2020 |archive-date=January 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225158/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320114012 |url-status=dead}} It was the sixth time in his career Bryant scored 40 or more points in four straight games, a feat exceeded only by Chamberlain (19 times).{{cite news |last=Haberstroh |first=Tom |title=Can Kobe catch Kareem? |date=January 16, 2012 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7466514/can-kobe-bryant-catch-kareem-abdul-jabbar-all-time-scoring-title-nba |access-date=February 27, 2020 |archive-date=January 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225545/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7466514/can-kobe-bryant-catch-kareem-abdul-jabbar-all-time-scoring-title-nba |url-status=live}}{{subscription required}} At the 2012 NBA All-Star Game, Bryant scored 27 points to pass Jordan as the career scoring leader in the All-Star Game.{{cite news |first=Zach |last=McCann |title=Kobe Bryant sets ASG points mark |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7619144/los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-tops-michael-jordan-mark-career-asg-points |date=February 27, 2012 |access-date=February 27, 2020 |publisher=ESPN |archive-date=January 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126225802/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7619144/los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-tops-michael-jordan-mark-career-asg-points |url-status=live}} He also suffered a broken nose and a concussion in the third quarter of the All-Star Game after a hard foul from Dwyane Wade.{{cite news |first=Dave |last=McMenamin |title=Kobe Bryant also has concussion |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7626903/los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-sent-mri-suffering-broken-nose |date=February 29, 2012 |access-date=February 29, 2012 |publisher=ESPN |archive-date=September 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917032742/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7626903/los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-sent-mri-suffering-broken-nose |url-status=live}} In April, Bryant missed seven games with a bruised left shin.{{cite web |author=CBSSports.com wire reports |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20120420_LAL@SA |title=NBA Recap – Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs – Apr 20, 2012 |publisher=CBSSports.com |access-date=January 14, 2013 |archive-date=April 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406185111/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20120420_LAL@SA |url-status=live}} He returned three games before the end of the regular season. Bryant sat out the season finale against Sacramento, foregoing the chase for a possible third NBA scoring title, having needed 38 points to surpass Kevin Durant.{{cite news |last=Bolch |first=Ben |title=Kobe Bryant chooses not to go for NBA scoring title |date=April 27, 2012 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20120427,0,5357946.story |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=May 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512202253/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20120427,0,5357946.story |url-status=live}} The Lakers were knocked out of the playoffs by Durant and Oklahoma City in the second round of the playoffs, losing in five games in what would be Bryant's final postseason appearance.{{cite news |last=Beck |first=Howard |title=Bryant Raises Bar, but Thunder Clear It Easily |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/22/sports/basketball/thunder-race-past-lakers-and-into-conference-finals.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525073233/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/22/sports/basketball/thunder-race-past-lakers-and-into-conference-finals.html |archive-date=May 25, 2012 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The New York City |date=May 22, 2012 |access-date=January 27, 2020}}

In 2012–13, the Lakers acquired center Dwight Howard and point guard Steve Nash. On November 2, 2012, Bryant scored 40 points with two steals, and he passed Magic Johnson (1,724) 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 and just the fourth time in franchise history.{{cite news |title=Chris Paul, Clippers deal Lakers third straight loss to open season |date=November 2, 2012 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277745 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104115133/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277745 |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |url-status=live}} After starting the season 1–4, coach Brown was fired.{{cite web |last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-coach-mike-brown-fired-replaced-20121109,0,4845829.story |title=Lakers fire Mike Brown as coach |work=Los Angeles Times |date=November 9, 2012 |access-date=January 14, 2013 |archive-date=November 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120175925/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-coach-mike-brown-fired-replaced-20121109,0,4845829.story |url-status=live}} He was replaced by Mike D'Antoni, whom Bryant knew as a child when Bryant's father was playing in Italy and D'Antoni was also a star player there. Bryant had grown close with D'Antoni during their time with Team USA.{{cite news |last=Beck |first=Howard |title=The Lakers Change Direction and Hire D'Antoni as Coach |date=November 12, 2012 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/13/sports/the-lakers-change-direction-and-hire-mike-dantoni-as-coach.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104062027/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/13/sports/the-lakers-change-direction-and-hire-mike-dantoni-as-coach.html?ref=sports&_r=1& |archive-date=January 4, 2013 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |title=Mike D'Antoni to be next coach of the Lakers |date=November 12, 2012 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-hire-mike-dantoni-20121112,0,7850509.story?track=rss |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112131321/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-hire-mike-dantoni-20121112,0,7850509.story?track=rss |archive-date=November 12, 2012 |url-status=live}} On December 5 against New Orleans, Bryant became the youngest player (34 years and 104 days) in league history to score 30,000 points, joining Hall of Famers Chamberlain, Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Karl Malone as the fifth player to reach that milestone.{{cite news |last=Trudell |first=Mike |title=Kobe Bryant 30,000 Points |date=December 5, 2012 |work=NBA.com |url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/121205kobebryant30K |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121208162123/http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/121205kobebryant30K |archive-date=December 8, 2012 |url-status=live}} On December 18, in a narrow 101–100 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats, Bryant scored 30+ points in his seventh consecutive game, the longest streak by an NBA player after turning 34 years old; it was the fourth-longest such streak in his career.{{cite news |title=Kobe Bryant (30 pts.), Lakers need comeback to top woeful Bobcats |date=December 18, 2012 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278084 |access-date=December 19, 2012 |archive-date=August 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819145327/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278084 |url-status=live}} Bryant's streak would be snapped at 10 on December 28 in a 104–87 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, when he scored 27 points, sitting out the whole fourth quarter.{{cite news |title=Dwight Howard powers surging Lakers past Blazers |date=December 28, 2012 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278155 |access-date=January 3, 2013 |archive-date=August 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819145504/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278155 |url-status=live}} In a move to improve the team's defense, D'Antoni began having Bryant guard the opponent's best perimeter player; he was the primary defender on the Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving, who was held to 15 points.{{cite news |last=McMenamin |first=Dave |title=Bigger defensive role for Kobe Bryant |date=January 15, 2013 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8844744/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-take-more-important-defensive-role-mike-dantoni-says |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121220347/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8844744/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-take-more-important-defensive-role-mike-dantoni-says |archive-date=January 21, 2013 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Pincus |first=Eric |title=Kobe Bryant recognizes he's better defending on the ball |date=January 16, 2013 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-better-defending-on-ball-20130116,0,33000.story |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120072012/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-better-defending-on-ball-20130116,0,33000.story |archive-date=January 20, 2013 |url-status=dead}} Bryant acknowledged he was a more focused defender after having a challenging defensive assignment as opposed to when Bryant played off the ball against weaker players.{{cite news |last=Mahoney |first=Rob |title=Mike D'Antoni minces words when describing Kobe Bryant's defense |date=January 14, 2013 |work=SI.com |url=https://www.si.com/nba/point-forward/2013/01/15/mike-dantoni-minces-words-when-describing-kobe-bryants-defense |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121014040/http://nba.si.com/2013/01/14/mike-dantoni-minces-words-when-describing-kobe-bryants-defense/ |archive-date=January 21, 2013 |url-status=dead}} His defense disrupted opponents and freed Nash from unfavorable matchups.{{cite news |last=McMenamin |first=Dave |title=Lakers found formula, can they repeat it? |date=January 26, 2013 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35592/lakers-found-the-formula-can-they-repeat-it |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130054635/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35592/lakers-found-the-formula-can-they-repeat-it |archive-date=January 30, 2013 |url-status=live}}

File:Kobe Bryant dunking 2013.jpg in 2013]]

Bryant was leading the league in scoring through much of the first 42 games.{{cite news |last=McMenamin |first=Dave |title=Bryant chasing triple-doubles? |date=February 2, 2013 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35655/bryant-chasing-triple-doubles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206152857/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35655/bryant-chasing-triple-doubles |archive-date=February 6, 2013 |url-status=live}} With a disappointing 17–25 start to the season,{{cite news |last=Schuhmann |first=John |title=L.A. Recovery Wouldn't Be Unprecedented |date=January 24, 2013 |work=NBA.com |url=http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2013/01/24/l-a-recovery-wouldnt-be-unprecedented/ |access-date=January 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126092705/http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2013/01/24/l-a-recovery-wouldnt-be-unprecedented/ |archive-date=January 26, 2013 |url-status=dead}} D'Antoni had Bryant became the primary facilitator on offense and Nash was moved off the ball and became more of a spot-up shooter.{{cite news |last=Verrier |first=Justin |title=1. Lakers Just Trying To Keep It Simple |date=January 30, 2013 |publisher=ESPN |url=http://espn.go.com/nba/notebook?w=1ckk4&i=TOP&id=8895996 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007054239/http://espn.go.com/nba/notebook?w=1ckk4&i=TOP&id=8895996 |archive-date=October 7, 2013 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |last=McMenamin |first=Dave |title=Lakers rise as D'Antoni's offense ditched |date=January 27, 2013 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35614/lakers-rise-as-dantonis-offense-ditched |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202210334/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35614/lakers-rise-as-dantonis-offense-ditched |archive-date=February 2, 2013 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Shelburne |first=Ramona |title=Have the Lakers found their groove? |date=January 28, 2013 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8889009/have-lakers-found-their-groove |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131133929/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8889009/have-lakers-found-their-groove |archive-date=January 31, 2013 |url-status=live}} In the next three games, Bryant had at least 10 assists in three wins with a three-game total of 39 assists, the most in his career. Bryant missed a triple-double in each game with nine rebounds twice and eight in the other.{{cite news |title=Lakers hold on despite late surge from Hornets |date=January 29, 2013 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278389 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216024408/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?id=400278389 |archive-date=February 16, 2013 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash help Lakers hold on for 2nd straight win |date=January 27, 2013 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400278373 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130204000843/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?id=400278373 |archive-date=February 4, 2013 |url-status=live}} In two crucial wins in March, he scored at least 40 points and had at least 10 assists in back-to-back games, becoming the first Laker to accomplish the feat since West in 1970.{{cite news |title=Kobe Bryant's heroics help Lakers rally, edge Raptors in OT |date=March 8, 2013 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278645 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312222549/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278645 |archive-date=March 12, 2013 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=McMenamin |first=Dave |title=2012–13 Lakers Report Card: Starting five |date=May 6, 2013 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36646/2012-13-lakers-report-card-starting-five |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508205753/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36646/2012-13-lakers-report-card-starting-five |archive-date=May 8, 2013 |url-status=live}} Bryant surpassed Chamberlain to become the fourth-leading scorer in league history in a March 30, 2013, victory over Sacramento.

With the Lakers fighting to secure the eighth and final playoff berth in the Western Conference, coupled with injuries on the team, Bryant began playing almost all 48 minutes each game.{{cite news |last=McMenamin |first=Dave |title=Metta World Peace details his recovery |date=April 9, 2013 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36349/metta-world-peace-details-his-recovery |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412120650/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36349/metta-world-peace-details-his-recovery |archive-date=April 12, 2013 |url-status=live}} On April 10, 2013, he became the first player in NBA history to get 47 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and three steals in a game. Two days later, Bryant suffered a torn Achilles tendon against the Golden State Warriors, ending his season. Bryant's injury came while he was playing seven consecutive quarters and at least 40 minutes for seven consecutive games. The 34-year-old Bryant was averaging his most minutes (38.6) in six years, and only Portland rookie Damian Lillard was averaging more minutes. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak had spoken to Bryant about his extensive playing time 10 days earlier, but Bryant insisted the minutes needed to continue given the Lakers' playoff push.{{cite news |last=Plaschke |first=Bill |title=Lakers weren't strong enough to protect Kobe Bryant from himself |date=April 13, 2013 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-apr-13-la-sp-plaschke-kobe-20130414-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017154334/http://articles.latimes.com/print/2013/apr/13/sports/la-sp-plaschke-kobe-20130414 |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |url-status=live}} He had surgery on April 13 to repair the tear, and it was estimated that he would miss six to nine months.{{Cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Jillian |last2=Moon |first2=Jason |date=April 13, 2013 |title=Kobe Bryant tears Achilles, sidelined for months |work=CNN.com |url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/13/sport/kobe-bryant-injury/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413214822/http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/13/sport/kobe-bryant-injury/index.html |archive-date=April 13, 2013}} Bryant ended the season with customary averages of 27.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6 assists per game on 46.3% shooting. However, The New York Times called his leading of the Lakers back into playoff contention "perhaps some of the finest work of his career."{{cite news |last=Cacciola |first=Scott |title=Bryant Goes Away, but Not Quietly |date=April 14, 2013 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/15/sports/basketball/lakers-trudge-on-as-kobe-bryant-recovers-from-surgery.html?_r=0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026214239/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/15/sports/basketball/lakers-trudge-on-as-kobe-bryant-recovers-from-surgery.html?_r=0 |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |url-status=live}} He reached 40 points eight times during the season, and Bryant had 10 or more assists in his role as distributor 11 times. Bryant was dubbed "Magic Mamba" after the passing skills of Magic Johnson. Bryant's assists were the second-highest of his career and his field goal percentage was its highest since 2008–09. The Lakers finished the season at 45–37, good for seventh in the West. Playing without Bryant, the Lakers were swept in four games by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs.{{cite news |last=Pincus |first=Eric |title=Spurs sweep Lakers out of the playoffs |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-xpm-2013-apr-28-la-sp-sn-lakers-vs-spurs-game-4-updates-20130428-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |date=April 28, 2013 |access-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127120018/https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-xpm-2013-apr-28-la-sp-sn-lakers-vs-spurs-game-4-updates-20130428-story.html |url-status=live}}

File:Kobe Bryant vs Marcin Gortat.jpg of the Washington Wizards in 2014]]

Bryant resumed practicing in November 2013, after the 2013–14 season had already begun. On November 25, he signed a two-year contract extension with the Lakers at an estimated value of $48.5 million.{{cite web |url=http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/11/25/lakers-sign-kobe-bryant-to-two-year-contract-extension/ |title=Lakers sign Kobe Bryant to two-year, $48.5 million contract extension |access-date=November 27, 2013 |date=November 25, 2013 |publisher=NBC Sports |author=Helin, Kurt |archive-date=November 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126190338/http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/11/25/lakers-sign-kobe-bryant-to-two-year-contract-extension/ |url-status=live}} Bryant remained the league's highest-paid player, although he accepted a discounted deal; Bryant had been eligible to receive an extension starting at $32 million per year.{{cite news |last=Pincus |first=Eric |title=Lakers sign Kobe Bryant to a two-year contract extension |date=November 25, 2013 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-sign-kobe-bryant-2-year-extension-20131125,0,2809465.story#ixzz2lgvzE5No |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126061128/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-sign-kobe-bryant-2-year-extension-20131125,0,2809465.story#ixzz2lgvzE5No |archive-date=November 26, 2013 |url-status=live}} His contract became a polarizing topic, with detractors arguing that stars should take less money to allow their team more financial freedom, while supporters countered that the NBA's biggest stars were being paid less than their true value.{{cite news |last=Berger |first=Ken |title=Kobe Bryant does not want to hear that he is overpaid |date=October 14, 2014 |work=CBS Sports |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer/ken-berger/24752384/kobe-bryant-does-not-want-to-hear-that-he-is-overpaid |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128151243/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer/ken-berger/24752384/kobe-bryant-does-not-want-to-hear-that-he-is-overpaid |archive-date=November 28, 2014 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Dwyer |first=Kelly |title=Kobe Bryant on the difference between Tim Duncan's contract and his: 'It's a different market, man' |date=November 13, 2014 |work=Yahoo! Sports |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-bryant-on-the-difference-between-tim-duncan-s-contract-and-his---it-s-a-different-market--man-205127573.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116144427/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-bryant-on-the-difference-between-tim-duncan-s-contract-and-his---it-s-a-different-market--man-205127573.html |archive-date=November 16, 2014 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Amick |first=Sam |title=As Kobe faces Duncan for 78th time, comparison unavoidable |date=November 13, 2014 |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/11/12/kobe-bryant-tim-duncan-los-angeles-lakers-san-antonio-spurs-gregg-popovich/18932075/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115103543/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/11/12/kobe-bryant-tim-duncan-los-angeles-lakers-san-antonio-spurs-gregg-popovich/18932075/ |archive-date=November 15, 2014 |url-status=live}} Bryant resumed playing on December 8 after missing the season's first 19 games, being limited to nine points, although tying a team-high in assists and rebounds, with eight and four respectively, in 106–94 home loss to the Toronto Raptors. Nine days later, he matched his season high of 21 points in a 96–92 win over Memphis, but suffered a lateral tibial plateau fracture in his left knee that was expected to sideline him for six weeks.{{cite news |last=Shelburne |first=Ramona |title=Lakers lose Kobe Bryant again |date=December 20, 2013 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10167684/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-likely-six-weeks-injured-knee |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131223095348/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/10167684/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-likely-six-weeks-injured-knee |archive-date=December 23, 2013 |url-status=live}} Bryant had played six games since returning from his Achilles injury, which included time at point guard after injuries to Nash, Steve Blake, and Jordan Farmar.{{cite news |last=Joseph |first=Adi |title=Lakers' Kobe Bryant breaks bone in knee, out 6 weeks |date=December 20, 2013 |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2013/12/19/kobe-bryant-injury-knee-lateral-tibial-plateau-los-angeles/4130603/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224200407/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2013/12/19/kobe-bryant-injury-knee-lateral-tibial-plateau-los-angeles/4130603/ |archive-date=December 24, 2013 |url-status=live}} Bryant was averaging 13.8 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds.{{Cite news |last1=McMenamin |first1=Dave |last2=Rovell |first2=Darren |date=March 12, 2014 |title=Lakers: Kobe injury not healed |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10594350/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-rest-season |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312214921/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/10594350/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-rest-season |archive-date=March 12, 2014}} Despite being sidelined, he was voted by fans to start in his 16th All-Star game. Bryant did not feel he was deserving of the selection, and some likened it to a career achievement award for his past performance.{{cite news |last=McMenamin |first=Dave |title=Kobe: Won't play All-Star Game |date=January 23, 2014 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10341555/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-says-sitting-all-star-game-right-thing |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140128053838/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/10341555/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-says-sitting-all-star-game-right-thing |archive-date=January 28, 2014 |url-status=live}} However, Bryant missed playing in the game, still hampered by his knee.{{cite news |last=Helin |first=Kurt |title=Anthony Davis selected to fill Kobe Bryant's All-Star slot in West |date=February 7, 2014 |work=NBCSports.com |url=http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/07/anthony-davis-selected-to-fill-kobe-bryants-all-star-slot-in-west/ |access-date=February 17, 2014 |archive-date=February 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140217080131/http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/07/anthony-davis-selected-to-fill-kobe-bryants-all-star-slot-in-west/ |url-status=live}} On March 12, 2014, the Lakers ruled Bryant out for the rest of the season, citing his need for more rehab and the limited time remaining in the season. At the time, the team was 22–42 and tied for the worst record in the Western Conference. The Lakers finished 27–55 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005.

Bryant returned for the 2014–15 season, his 19th season with the Lakers,{{cite news |title=Rockets rout Lakers 108–90 in Kobe's return |date=October 29, 2014 |newspaper=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/10/29/rockets-rout-lakers-108-90-in-kobes-return/18101049/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030044031/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/10/29/rockets-rout-lakers-108-90-in-kobes-return/18101049/ |archive-date=October 30, 2014 |url-status=live}} who had replaced D'Antoni with Bryant's former Lakers teammate, Byron Scott.{{cite news |last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |title=Byron Scott assured Kobe Bryant he had his best interests at heart |date=December 26, 2014 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20141227-story.html |archive-date=December 27, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227185334/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20141227-story.html}} On November 30, 2014, in a 129–122 overtime victory over the Toronto Raptors, Bryant recorded his 20th career triple-double with 31 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds.{{cite news |last1=Resnick |first1=Joe |title=Bryant leads Lakers over Toronto 129–122 in OT |url=https://www.nba.com/game/tor-vs-lal-0021400248 |access-date=December 1, 2014 |work=NBA.com |date=December 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202210704/http://www.nba.com/games/20141130/TORLAL/gameinfo.html?ls=slt |archive-date=December 2, 2014}} At age 36, Bryant became the oldest NBA player to achieve 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game.{{#tag:ref|Larry Bird held the previous record; he was 35 when he had 49 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists on March 15, 1992, against Portland.{{cite news |title=ELIAS: TOP 5 QUESTIONS FROM SUNDAY, NOV. 30 |date=November 30, 2014 |work=NBA.com |url=http://stats.nba.com/featured/elias_top_5_questions_2014_11_30.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214074119/http://stats.nba.com/featured/elias_top_5_questions_2014_11_30.html |archive-date=December 14, 2014 |url-status=live}}|group=lower-alpha}} On December 14, he became the NBA's third all-time leading scorer, passing Jordan (32,292) in a 100–94 victory over Minnesota.{{cite news |last=Pincus |first=Eric |title=Kobe Bryant becomes NBA's No. 3 all-time scorer in Lakers' win |date=December 14, 2014 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-timberwolves-updates-20141214-story.html |access-date=December 14, 2014 |archive-date=December 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215022702/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-timberwolves-updates-20141214-story.html |url-status=live}} Bryant played in the first 27 games of the season,{{cite news |last=Freeman |first=Eric |title=Kobe Bryant misses Lakers vs. Warriors for rest |date=December 23, 2014 |work=Yahoo.com |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-bryant-misses-lakers-vs--warriors-for-rest-031440460.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224073013/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-bryant-misses-lakers-vs--warriors-for-rest-031440460.html |archive-date=December 24, 2014 |url-status=live}} averaging team-highs with 26.4 points and 35.4 minutes per game while leading the league with 22.4 shots per game. However, Scott held him out for three straight games to rest after one of his worst performances of the season, when Bryant committed nine turnovers and scored 25 points on just 8-for-30 shooting in a 108–101 loss to Sacramento.{{cite news |last=Holmes |first=Baxter |title=Kobe Bryant to rest vs. Warriors |date=December 23, 2014 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12074218/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-sit-vs-golden-state-warriors |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224073115/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/12074218/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-sit-vs-golden-state-warriors |archive-date=December 24, 2014 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Suns win 6th straight by spoiling Kobe Bryant's return to Lakers lineup |date=December 28, 2014 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578750 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229192418/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578750 |archive-date=December 29, 2014 |url-status=live}} He was suffering from soreness in his knees, feet, back, and Achilles tendons, and Scott planned to reduce Bryant's workload going forward as a result.{{cite news |last=Oram |first=Bill |title=Bryant's ailments likely reflect new reality for Lakers |date=December 26, 2014 |newspaper=Orange County Register |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2014/12/27/bryants-ailments-likely-reflect-new-reality-for-lakers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227110807/http://www.ocregister.com/articles/lakers-646413-mavericks-ocregister.html |archive-date=December 27, 2014 |url-status=live |access-date=December 8, 2021}}{{cite news |last=Medina |first=Mark |title=Lakers' Byron Scott to handle Kobe Bryant's playing time on game-by-game basis |date=December 23, 2014 |newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2014/12/24/lakers-byron-scott-to-handle-kobe-bryants-playing-time-on-game-by-game-basis/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227112347/http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20141223/lakers-byron-scott-to-handle-kobe-bryants-playing-time-on-game-by-game-basis |archive-date=December 27, 2014 |access-date=December 8, 2021 |url-status=live}} Bryant had exceeded 40 minutes in a game thrice,{{cite news |last=Medina |first=Mark |title=How will Kobe Bryant fare in his 20th NBA season? |date=October 27, 2015 |newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News |url=http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151027/how-will-kobe-bryant-fare-in-his-20th-nba-season |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203200830/http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151027/how-will-kobe-bryant-fare-in-his-20th-nba-season |archive-date=December 3, 2015 |url-status=live}} and the coach blamed himself for overloading Bryant after he started the season in such great shape.{{cite news |last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |title=Kobe Bryant rests again, Lakers fall to Trail Blazers, 106–94 |date=January 11, 2015 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-blazers-20150112-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150124130116/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-blazers-20150112-story.html |archive-date=January 24, 2015 |url-status=live}} For the season, Bryant had been shooting just 37 percent from the field, and the team's record was only 8–19.{{cite news |last=Dwyer |first=Kelly |title=Kobe Bryant has to stop |date=December 22, 2014 |work=Yahoo.com |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-bryant-has-to-stop-172044604.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224073153/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-bryant-has-to-stop-172044604.html |archive-date=December 24, 2014 |url-status=live}} In his second game back after resting, Bryant had 23 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds in a 111–103 victory over Denver, and became just the third player in league history to record multiple triple-doubles in a season at age 36 or older.{{#tag:ref|The others were Chamberlain (2 in 1972–73) and Kidd (2 each in 2009–10 and 2010–11).{{cite news |title=Kobe Bryant notches triple-double as Lakers hold off Nuggets |date=December 30, 2014 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578763 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101041204/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578763 |archive-date=January 1, 2015 |url-status=live}}|group=lower-alpha}} On January 21, 2015, Bryant suffered a rotator cuff tear in his right shoulder while driving baseline for a two-handed dunk against the New Orleans Pelicans.{{cite magazine |date=January 22, 2015 |title=Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has torn rotator cuff in right shoulder |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2015/01/22/lakers-kobe-bryant-mri-injured-shoulder |access-date=January 23, 2015 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |archive-date=January 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123051858/http://www.si.com/nba/2015/01/22/lakers-kobe-bryant-mri-injured-shoulder |url-status=live}} Though he was right-handed, Bryant returned to play in the game and ran the offense while shooting, dribbling, and passing almost exclusively with his left hand.{{cite news |last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |title=Lakers' Kobe Bryant has torn rotator cuff; severity to be determined |date=January 22, 2015 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-kobe-bryant-injury-20150123-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123144633/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-kobe-bryant-injury-20150123-story.html |archive-date=January 23, 2015 |url-status=live}} Prior to the injury, Bryant had been rested in eight of 16 games. He underwent season-ending surgery for the injury, finishing the season averaging 22.3 points but shooting a career-low 37.3 percent, well below his 45.4 percent career mark to start the season.{{cite news |last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |title=Kobe Bryant to undergo season-ending surgery for torn rotator cuff |date=January 26, 2015 |newspaper=Deseret News |url=https://www.deseret.com/2015/1/26/20476603/kobe-bryant-to-undergo-season-ending-surgery-for-torn-rotator-cuff/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208104043/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765667199/Kobe-Bryant-to-undergo-season-ending-surgery-for-torn-rotator-cuff.html |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=live}} Bryant was expected to be sidelined for nine months with a return targeted toward the start of the 2015–16 season.{{cite news |title=Kobe Bryant to have shoulder surgery |date=January 26, 2015 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12232146/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-shoulder-surgery |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128113120/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/12232146/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-shoulder-surgery |archive-date=January 28, 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Medina |first=Mark |title=Lakers star Kobe Bryant out for season after shoulder surgery |date=January 28, 2015 |newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News |url=http://www.dailynews.com/20150128/lakers-star-kobe-bryant-out-for-season-after-shoulder-surgery |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130010800/http://www.dailynews.com/20150128/lakers-star-kobe-bryant-out-for-season-after-shoulder-surgery |archive-date=January 30, 2015 |url-status=live}} The Lakers finished the season with a record of 21–61, surpassing the franchise record for most losses in a season that they had set the previous year.{{cite news |last=Holmes |first=Baxter |title=Lakers, Knicks close out worst seasons in franchise history |date=April 16, 2015 |website=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/12699832/los-angeles-lakers-new-york-knicks-finish-worst-seasons-franchise-history |access-date=January 24, 2018 |archive-date=January 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125015308/http://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/12699832/los-angeles-lakers-new-york-knicks-finish-worst-seasons-franchise-history |url-status=live}}

File:Kobe Bryant vs Gary Neal.jpg of the Washington Wizards after announcing his forthcoming retirement, 2015]]

After recovering to play in the 2015–16 preseason,{{cite news |last=Holmes |first=Baxter |title=Byron Scott says Kobe Bryant likely OK for next game |date=October 14, 2015 |website=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/losangeles/nba/story/_/id/13883635/kobe-bryant-losangeles-lakers-leaves-preseason-game-lower-leg-contusion |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115175411/http://espn.go.com/losangeles/nba/story/_/id/13883635/kobe-bryant-losangeles-lakers-leaves-preseason-game-lower-leg-contusion |archive-date=November 15, 2015 |url-status=live}} Bryant suffered a calf injury and missed the final two weeks of exhibition games.{{cite news |last=Helin |first=Kurt |title=Kobe Bryant on his play so far: "I freaking suck" |date=November 2, 2015 |website=NBCSports.com |url=https://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/11/02/kobe-bryant-on-his-play-so-far-i-freaking-suck/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105145828/http://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/11/02/kobe-bryant-on-his-play-so-far-i-freaking-suck/ |archive-date=November 5, 2015 |url-status=live}} However, he played in the season opener to begin his 20th season with the Lakers, surpassing John Stockton's league record of 19 for the most seasons with the same team.{{cite news |last=Beacham |first=Greg |title=Two decades in: Kobe Bryant clears another milestone with start of 20th Lakers season |date=October 29, 2015 |newspaper=Star Tribune |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.startribune.com/kobe-clears-another-milestone-begins-20th-lakers-season/338509901/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032819/http://www.startribune.com/kobe-clears-another-milestone-begins-20th-lakers-season/338509901/ |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |url-status=dead}} On November 24, 2015, the Lakers fell to 2–12 after losing 111–77 to the Warriors. Bryant scored just four points in 25 minutes on 1-for-14 shooting, matching the worst-shooting game of his career in which he attempted at least five shots.{{cite news |last=Holmes |first=Baxter |title=Kobe Bryant's possible farewell tour hits new low |date=November 25, 2015 |website=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14222749/kobe-bryant-possible-farewell-tour-hits-new-low |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126105944/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14222749/kobe-bryant-possible-farewell-tour-hits-new-low |archive-date=November 26, 2015 |url-status=live}} A week later, Bryant played his last game against his hometown team, the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring a team-high 20 points in a 103–91 Lakers loss.{{Cite web |last=Seltzer |first=Brian |date=December 1, 2015 |title=Game Recap: 76ers 103, Lakers 91 |url=http://www.nba.com/sixers/game-recap-76ers-103-lakers-91 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205155401/http://www.nba.com/sixers/game-recap-76ers-103-lakers-91 |archive-date=December 5, 2015 |access-date=December 11, 2015 |website=Philadelphia 76ers}}

On November 29, 2015, Bryant announced via The Players' Tribune that he would be retiring at the end of the season. In his poem titled "Dear Basketball", Bryant wrote that he fell in love with the game at age six: "A love so deep I gave you my all/From my mind & body/To my spirit & soul." The 2015–16 season "is all I have left to give./My heart can take the pounding/My mind can handle the grind/But my body knows it's time to say goodbye./And that's OK./I'm ready to let you go."{{Cite news |last1=Holmes |first1=Baxter |last2=Stein |first2=Marc |last3=Shelburne |first3=Ramona |date=November 29, 2015 |title=Kobe Bryant to retire after this season |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14254236/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-announces-retire-season |url-status=live |access-date=November 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708001336/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14254236/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-announces-retire-season |archive-date=July 8, 2016}} In a letter distributed to Lakers' fans before that evening's game against the Indiana Pacers, Bryant wrote: "What you've done for me is far greater than anything I've done for you. ... My love for this city, this team and for each of you will never fade. Thank you for this incredible journey."

At the time of his announcement, Bryant was second on the team in minutes (30.8) behind Jordan Clarkson and leading the team with 16.7 field goal attempts per game, while averaging just 15.7 points and shooting a career-low 31.5 percent.{{cite news |last=Holmes |first=Baxter |title=Kobe's shooting struggles not putting 'pretty defined' role in jeopardy |date=November 25, 2015 |website=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14226300/los-angeles-lakers-coach-byron-scott-not-considered-reducing-kobe-bryant-role-minutes}}{{cite web |title=Los Angeles Lakers (2-13) Vs. Indiana Pacers (10–5) |date=November 29, 2015 |work=Los Angeles Times |url=http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/lakers.pdf?ls=nav_news&cid=nav_news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151202075142/http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/lakers.pdf?ls=nav_news&cid=nav_news |archive-date=December 2, 2015 |url-status=live}} Bryant's free throw attempts had dropped from his career average, and his game had become over-reliant on pump fakes and long-range shots, making a league-worst 19.5 percent from three-point range while attempting seven a game, almost double his career average.{{cite news |last1=Bresnahan |first1=Mike |last2=Turner |first2=Broderick |title=Kobe Bryant's struggles cause some in NBA circles to say it's time he retires |date=November 26, 2015 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-kobe-decline-20151127-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127235732/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-kobe-decline-20151127-story.html |archive-date=November 27, 2015 |url-status=live}} In his press conference after the announcement, Bryant acknowledged his declining skills. He stated: "Even though I play like shit, I've worked really, really hard not to play like crap and I do everything I possibly can. And I feel good about that."{{cite news |last=Ding |first=Kevin |title=With Flair for the Dramatic, Kobe Spins Frustrating End into Emotional Final Act |date=November 30, 2015 |work=Bleacher Report |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2594308-with-flair-for-the-dramatic-kobe-spins-frustrating-end-into-emotional-final-act |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208165448/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2594308-with-flair-for-the-dramatic-kobe-spins-frustrating-end-into-emotional-final-act |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Helin |first=Kurt |title=Kobe Bryant: 'Do I want to play again or don't I... the reality is no, I don't.' |date=November 30, 2015 |work=Pro Basketball Talk |url=http://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/11/30/kobe-bryant-do-i-want-to-play-again-or-dont-i-the-reality-is-no-i-dont/comment-page-1/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208120859/http://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/11/30/kobe-bryant-do-i-want-to-play-again-or-dont-i-the-reality-is-no-i-dont/comment-page-1/ |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=live}}

Bryant requested that opposing teams on the road not hold any on-court ceremonies in his honor or present him any gifts in public.{{cite news |last=Cacciola |first=Scott |title=Kobe Bryant's Long Goodbye |date=December 16, 2015 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/17/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-lakers-goodbye.html?_r=0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220082849/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/17/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-lakers-goodbye.html?_r=0 |archive-date=December 20, 2015 |url-status=live}} Prior to announcing his retirement, Bryant had been steadfast about not wanting the fuss of a staged farewell tour, preferring to hear boos instead of cheers.{{cite news |last=Berger |first=Ken |title=Kobe Bryant's last night in Sacramento hit him right in the heart |date=January 8, 2016 |website=CBSSports.com |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer/ken-berger/25442423/kobe-bryants-last-night-in-sacramento-hit-him-right-in-the-heart |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117111331/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer/ken-berger/25442423/kobe-bryants-last-night-in-sacramento-hit-him-right-in-the-heart |archive-date=January 17, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Holmes |first=Baxter |title=Kobe requests no more gifts, on-court ceremonies during farewell tour |date=December 4, 2015 |website=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-lakers/post/_/id/42302/kobe-requests-no-more-gifts-on-court-ceremonies-from-teams-during-farewell-tour |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313060535/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles-lakers/post/_/id/42302/kobe-requests-no-more-gifts-on-court-ceremonies-from-teams-during-farewell-tour |archive-date=March 13, 2016 |url-status=live}} However, Bryant was still honored around the league with video tributes and fan ovations, including arenas that historically jeered him such as TD Garden in Boston, Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Moda Center in Portland, Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, and Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City.{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Jason |title=Sacramento sends Kobe Bryant off with rousing ovation |date=January 7, 2016 |newspaper=The Sacramento Bee |url=http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article53661515.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207050034/http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article53661515.html |archive-date=February 7, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Bontemps |first=Tim |title=In Philadelphia, Kobe Bryant finally gets love from his home town |date=December 1, 2015 |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2015/12/01/in-philadelphia-kobe-bryant-finally-gets-love-from-his-home-town/ |access-date=October 7, 2019 |archive-date=October 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007194144/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2015/12/01/in-philadelphia-kobe-bryant-finally-gets-love-from-his-home-town/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Richman |first1=Mike |title=Kobe Bryant's final game in Portland marks end of an era for Trail Blazers fans' last true villain |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2016/01/kobe_bryants_final_game_in_portland_villain.html |access-date=February 23, 2023 |work=Oregonlive.com |publisher=The Oregonian |date=January 24, 2016 |archive-date=February 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224061931/https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2016/01/kobe_bryants_final_game_in_portland_villain.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Tony |title=Utah Jazz: Bryant feels the love from fans in final SLC appearance |date=March 28, 2016 |newspaper=The Salt Lake Tribune |url=https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2016/03/29/utah-jazz-bryant-feels-the-love-from-fans-in-final-slc-appearance/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007195239/https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2016/03/29/utah-jazz-bryant-feels-the-love-from-fans-in-final-slc-appearance/ |archive-date=October 7, 2019 |url-status=bot: unknown |access-date=October 7, 2019}} Previously, Bryant was respected but not beloved,{{cite news |last=Jackson |first=Scoop |title=Dwyane Wade: 'I never thought I'd be Top 100 all time' |date=February 2, 2016 |website=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14695748/dwyane-wade-place-nba-history |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204225932/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14695748/dwyane-wade-place-nba-history |archive-date=February 4, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Brewer |first=Jerry |title=During strange farewell tour, Kobe Bryant rediscovers greatness for one night in D.C. |date=December 2, 2015 |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/kobe-bryants-complicated-farewell-tour-makes-latest-awkward-stop-in-washington/2015/12/02/264b8e3e-9941-11e5-94f0-9eeaff906ef3_story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213121852/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/kobe-bryants-complicated-farewell-tour-makes-latest-awkward-stop-in-washington/2015/12/02/264b8e3e-9941-11e5-94f0-9eeaff906ef3_story.html |archive-date=February 13, 2016 |url-status=live}} and he was astonished at the cheers he was now receiving.

File:LeBron James vs. Kobe Bryant (24848589252).jpg in February 2016]]

On February 3, Bryant made seven three-pointers and scored a then season-high 38 points, including 14 of the team's 18 points in the last 5:02 of the game, for a 119–115 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The win ended a 10-game losing streak, and the Lakers averted establishing the longest losing streak in franchise history. 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.{{efn|He joined Jordan (3 times), Karl Malone (3) and Abdul-Jabbar{{cite news |last=Holmes |first=Baxter |title=Kobe shrugs off 38-point effort: 'You've seen it for 20 years' |date=February 3, 2016 |website=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14702918/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-scores-season-high-38-points-help-team-snap-10-game-losing-streak |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204093347/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14702918/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-scores-season-high-38-points-help-team-snap-10-game-losing-streak |archive-date=February 4, 2016 |url-status=live}}}} Bryant was the leading overall vote-getter for the 2016 All-Star Game with 1.9 million votes, ahead of Stephen Curry's 1.6 million. Having moved to small forward that season, Bryant was selected as a frontcourt starter for the first time.{{cite news |last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |title=Kobe Bryant is selected as an All-Star for the 18th time |date=January 21, 2016 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-nba-all-stars-20160121-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125055243/http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-nba-all-stars-20160121-story.html |archive-date=January 25, 2016 |url-status=live}} Playing in his first All-Star game since 2013, Bryant had 10 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.{{cite news |title=Defense in record-setting short supply in West's rout of East |date=February 15, 2016 |website=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400829482 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215232331/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400829482 |archive-date=February 15, 2016 |url-status=live}} West teammates offered to feed him the ball in an attempt to get him another All-Star MVP, but Bryant declined.{{cite news |last=Cacciola |first=Scott |title=Kobe Bryant, in His Final Lap, Is Happy to Surrender the Midseason Stage |date=February 14, 2016 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/15/sports/basketball/bryant-in-his-final-lap-is-happy-to-cede-spotlight-at-all-star-game.html?_r=0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160218104903/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/15/sports/basketball/bryant-in-his-final-lap-is-happy-to-cede-spotlight-at-all-star-game.html?_r=0 |archive-date=February 18, 2016 |url-status=live}}

In the season finale on April 13, Bryant scored an NBA season-high 60 points against the Utah Jazz in his last NBA game, outscoring the entire Jazz team 23–21 in the fourth quarter, in the Lakers' 101–96 victory.{{cite web |last=Acosta-Delacruz |first=Angelo |title=Kobe finishes his two-decade-long career in a fashionable way as Lakers eliminate Jazz, 101–96 |publisher=Powcast Sports Hub |date=April 13, 2016 |website=powcast.net |url=http://www.powcast.net/2016/04/kobe-finishes-his-two-decade-long.html}}{{cite web |last=Holmes |first=Baxter |date=April 13, 2021 |title=Kobe Bryant's final game: A flurry of jump shots and glory |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/15202045/kobe-bryant-final-game-flurry-jump-shots-glory |access-date=July 17, 2021 |work=ESPN}} Bryant became the oldest player to score 60 or more points in a game at 37 years and 234 days old.{{cite web |last=Beacham |first=Greg |title=Kobe scores 60 points in unbelievable farewell victory |url=http://www.nba.com/2016/news/04/14/kobe-farewell-performance.ap/ |website=NBA.com |date=April 28, 2016 |access-date=August 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831050549/http://www.nba.com/2016/news/04/14/kobe-farewell-performance.ap/ |archive-date=August 31, 2017 |url-status=dead}} Following the victory, Bryant would address the Staples Center crowd, bidding farewell and thanking them for their prolonged support, notably closing out his speech with, "What can I say? Mamba out".{{cite news |title=Kobe calls it a career: 'You can't write something better than this'|date=April 13, 2016|website=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/15199998/kobe-bryant-given-royal-send-ahead-last-game-los-angeles-lakers|access-date=January 14, 2025}} The Lakers finished the season with a 17–65 record, their worst record in franchise history.{{cite news |title=Magic Johnson has great expectations for Los Angeles Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball |date=October 15, 2017 |website=News.com.au |url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/basketball/magic-johnson-has-great-expectations-for-los-angeles-lakers-rookie-lonzo-ball/news-story/1d0e00fd86f1bfac47a8e592dfbb070d |access-date=January 24, 2018}}

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File:Kobe Bryant Beijing Olympics 20080810 d-1024-627v.jpg at the 2008 Summer Olympics]]

Bryant declined to play in the 2000 Olympics because he was getting married in the off-season.{{Cite web |last=Wise |first=Mike |date=June 19, 2000 |title=Bryant Sets His Priorities |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/19/sports/nba-finals-lakers-vs-pacers-notebook-bryant-sets-his-priorities.html |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=New York Times}} Bryant also decided not to play in the 2002 FIBA World Championship.{{Cite web |date=September 7, 2002 |title=U.S. ends losing streak at World Championship |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=20020907&slug=hoop07 |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=The Seattle Times |agency=Associated Press}} He was originally selected for the FIBA Americas Championship in 2003, but withdrew after undergoing arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgeries.{{Cite web |date=July 29, 2003 |title=Vince Carter on Olympic Qualifying Team |url=http://www.insidehoops.com/carter-olympic-072903.shtml |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=InsideHoops.com}} The following summer, Bryant had to withdraw from the Olympic team because of his sexual assault case.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Tim |date=May 2, 2004 |title=Bryant Not Discussing Olympics |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-may-02-sp-lakerep2-story.html |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} Along with LeBron James, Bryant was one of the first two players to be publicly named to the 2006–2008 U.S. preliminary roster in 2006 by Jerry Colangelo.{{Cite web |date=January 21, 2006 |title=Kobe will play for U.S. at worlds, '08 Olympics |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/news/story?id=2300053 |access-date=February 27, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} However, he was once again sidelined after knee surgery and did not participate in the 2006 FIBA World Championship.{{Cite web |date=July 15, 2006 |agency=Associated Press |title=Kobe won't play for Team USA after knee surgery |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2520373 |access-date=February 27, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}}

Bryant's United States national team career finally began in 2007. He was a member of the 2007 USA Men's Senior National Team and USA FIBA Americas Championship Team that finished 10–0, won gold and qualified the United States men for the 2008 Olympics. Bryant started in all 10 of the USA's FIBA Americas Championship games. He averaged 15.3 points, 2.9 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game in the tournament.{{cite web |url=http://www.usabasketball.com/men_team.php?bios=bryant_kobe |title=USA Basketball |publisher=USABasketball.com |access-date=June 18, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080702194340/http://www.usabasketball.com/men_team.php?bios=bryant_kobe |archive-date=July 2, 2008}}

File:Kobe Bryant Beijing Olympics 1.jpg in the 2008 Beijing Olympics]]

On June 23, 2008, Bryant was named to the USA Men's Senior National Team for the 2008 Summer Olympics.{{Cite web |date=June 23, 2008 |agency=Associated Press |title=James, Bryant to lead US team |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=oly&id=3457017 |access-date=June 25, 2008 |website=ESPN.com}} This was his first time going to the Olympics. 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 on August 24, 2008, for its first gold medal in a worldwide competition since the 2000 Olympics.{{cite web |last=Mahoney |first=Brian |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2008-08-24-1012609106_x.htm |title=US hoops back on top, beats Spain for gold medal |work=USA Today |date=August 24, 2008}} He averaged 15.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting .462 from the field in eight Olympic contests.{{Cite web |title=2008 Stats - United States |url=https://www.basketball-reference.cominternational/teams/united-states/2008.html |access-date=November 29, 2023 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}

Bryant rejoined the national team for the 2012 Summer Olympics.{{cite news |title=Kobe commits to Team USA |url=http://www.foxsportswest.com/11/02/10/Kobe-commits-to-Team-USA/landing_lakers.html?blockID=344392&feedID=3657 |agency=Associated Press |work=Fox Sports |date=November 2, 2010 |access-date=November 5, 2010 |archive-date=July 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724083736/http://www.foxsportswest.com/11/02/10/Kobe-commits-to-Team-USA/landing_lakers.html?blockID=344392&feedID=3657 |url-status=dead}} After winning another gold medal, he decided to retire from the team.{{Cite news |date=August 13, 2012 |title=USA Basketball Wins Gold Over Spain, Rio Next in 2016 |work=Fox News |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/usa-basketball-wins-gold-over-spain-rio-next-in-2016 |access-date=November 19, 2023}} Bryant finished his national team career with a record of 26–0 across three tournaments, winning a gold medal each time.{{cite news |last=Whitfield |first=Nick |title=Kobe Bryant and USA Basketball – Whatever It Takes |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/fiba/news/kobe-bryant-and-usa-basketball-whatever-it-takes/1woyvmlziow1p1i9xcyyxq7yhl |work=Sporting News |date=October 31, 2018 |access-date=February 6, 2020}}

File:Kobe Bryant Shane Battier.jpg over Shane Battier in 2009]]

Bryant primarily played as a shooting guard. He was listed at {{convert|6|ft|6|in|m}} and {{convert|212|lb|kg}},{{Cite web |title=Kobe Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501221509/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html |archive-date=May 1, 2012 |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}} Bryant was often cited as one of the most dangerous scorers in the NBA.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2006-01-23-100-points_x.htm |work=USA Today |title=Anyone up for 100? |first1=David |last1=DuPree |date=January 24, 2006 |access-date=May 7, 2010}}{{cite web |last=Pelton |first=Kevin |title=Los Angeles Lakers: 2013–14 roster (Subscription Required) |date=September 26, 2013 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/preview2013/story/_/page/2013-14-lal-preview/los-angeles-lakers-player-profiles |publisher=ESPN Insider |access-date=October 12, 2013}} He has drawn frequent comparisons to Michael Jordan, after whom Bryant modeled his playing style.{{Cite web |date=October 3, 2013 |title=Michael Jordan eases off talk |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9764802/michael-jordan-says-kobe-bryant-lebron-james |access-date=October 12, 2013 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}{{cite web |first=Marc |last=Stein |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=1270487&type=columnist |title=Kobe, Hill deal with being the next Michael |work=ESPN.com |author-link=Marc Stein (reporter) |date=October 29, 2001 |access-date=June 8, 2010}}{{cite news |last=Hoffman |first=Benjamin |title=Kobe Bryant Is Nearly an Equal of Michael Jordan, Except in Fan Adoration |date=December 13, 2014 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-is-nearly-an-equal-of-michael-jordan-except-in-fan-adoration.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324150619/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-is-nearly-an-equal-of-michael-jordan-except-in-fan-adoration.html |archive-date=March 24, 2015 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=December 14, 2014}} Like Jordan, Bryant became most known for shooting a fall-away jump shot.{{cite news |last=Holmes |first=Baxter |title=Kobe Bryant rises up before falling away |date=December 14, 2014 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40621/kobe-bryant-rises-up-before-falling-away |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215122603/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40621/kobe-bryant-rises-up-before-falling-away |archive-date=December 15, 2014 |url-status=live}} Chris Ballard of Sports Illustrated described another of Bryant's most famous moves as the "jab step-and-pause" in which Bryant jabbed his non-pivot foot forward to let the defender relax but instead of bringing the jab foot back, Bryant pushed off of it and drove around his opponent to get to the basket.{{Cite web |last=Ballard |first=Chris |date=May 27, 2008 |title=Kobe's Killer Instinct |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/chris_ballard/05/27/kobe0602/1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100217183232/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/chris_ballard/05/27/kobe0602/1.html |archive-date=February 17, 2010 |website=SI.com}} Bryant also learned and practiced post moves through individual coaching sessions from Hakeem Olajuwon.{{cite news |last=Joseph |first=Adi |date=April 4, 2016 |title=Hakeem Olajuwon says Kobe Bryant was his greatest success as a coach |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/hakeem-olajuwon-houston-rockets-post-moves-kobe-bryant-anthony-davis/1jcboker9fbqz12h04gtyuef7a |work=The Sporting News |location= |access-date=December 26, 2024}}

Bryant established a reputation for taking shots in the closing moments of tight games,{{cite news |last=Holmes |first=Baxter |title=Kobe Bryant delivers the final miss again |date=December 20, 2014 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40674/kobe-bryant-delivers-the-final-miss-again |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222233716/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40674/kobe-bryant-delivers-the-final-miss-again |archive-date=December 22, 2014 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Harper |first=Zach |title=Lakers' Jeremy Lin on game winners: 'I would love to shoot some' |date=December 20, 2014 |work=CBSSports.com |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24904469/lakers-jeremy-lin-on-game-winners-i-would-love-to-shoot-some |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223092347/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24904469/lakers-jeremy-lin-on-game-winners-i-would-love-to-shoot-some |archive-date=December 23, 2014 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Jenkins |first=Bruce |title=Jenkins on NBA: Bryant becomes more gunner than top gun |date=December 20, 2014 |work=SFGate.com |url=http://www.sfgate.com/sports/jenkins/article/Jenkins-on-NBA-Bryant-becomes-more-gunner-than-5971200.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222160009/http://www.sfgate.com/sports/jenkins/article/Jenkins-on-NBA-Bryant-becomes-more-gunner-than-5971200.php |archive-date=December 22, 2014 |url-status=live}} even when he was double or triple-teamed,{{cite news |last=Pingue |first=Frank |title=Kobe Bryant to retire at end of season |date=November 30, 2015 |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nba-bryant-idUSKBN0TJ00B20151130#bK9r5HY9zI03wKtQ.97 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151201060507/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/30/us-nba-bryant-idUSKBN0TJ00B20151130 |archive-date=December 1, 2015 |url-status=live}} and was noted as one of the premier closers in the NBA.{{Cite web |last=McMenamin |first=Dave |date=March 11, 2010 |title=McMenamin: Kobe Bryant legend? Just the facts |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?id=4983889 |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} In a 2012 annual survey of NBA general managers, Bryant was selected for the 10th consecutive season as the player general managers would want to take a clutch shot with a game on the line.{{cite news |title=2011–12 NBA.com GM Survey Results |date=January 17, 2012 |work=NBA.com |url=http://www.nba.com/news/features/2012-gm-survey/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529092138/http://www.nba.com/news/features/2012-gm-survey/index.html |archive-date=May 29, 2012 |url-status=dead}} Bryant enjoyed being the villain, and reveled in being booed and then silencing the crowd with his play.{{cite news |last=Beck |first=Howard |title=Amid the Points and Applause, One Single Shot Ignited Love Story of Kobe, NYC |date=November 9, 2015 |work=Bleacher Report |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2587406-amid-the-points-and-applause-one-single-shot-ignited-love-story-of-kobe-nyc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151202115224/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2587406-amid-the-points-and-applause-one-single-shot-ignited-love-story-of-kobe-nyc |archive-date=December 2, 2015 |url-status=live}} Bryant's ability to make difficult shots has also drawn criticism of his shot selection.{{cite news |title=All-Time #NBArank: Michael Jordan tops list of best shooting guards |date=January 19, 2016 |website=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarankSGs/ranking-top-10-shooting-guards-ever |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215153412/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarankSGs/ranking-top-10-shooting-guards-ever |archive-date=February 15, 2016 |url-status=live}} Throughout his career, Bryant was disparaged for being a selfish, high-volume shooter;{{cite web |last=Abbott |first=Henry |title=The truth about Kobe Bryant in crunch time |date=January 28, 2011 |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/24200/the-truth-about-kobe-bryant-in-crunch-time |publisher=ESPN |access-date=October 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207101802/http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/24200/the-truth-about-kobe-bryant-in-crunch-time |url-status=live |archive-date=December 7, 2011}}{{cite magazine |last=Lowe |first=Zach |title=Top 100 NBA Players — Nos. 1–10 |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/blogs/nba-point-forward/2011/08/16/top-100-nba-players-nos-1-10/ |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=October 12, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005010519/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/blogs/nba-point-forward/2011/08/16/top-100-nba-players-nos-1-10/ |archive-date=October 5, 2013}}{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Tom |title=Kobe Bryant set to play final game in Philadelphia |date=November 30, 2015 |newspaper=The Morning Call |url=http://www.mcall.com/sports/basketball/sixers/mc-kobe-final-game-in-philly-1130-20151130-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208163417/http://www.mcall.com/sports/basketball/sixers/mc-kobe-final-game-in-philly-1130-20151130-story.html |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=live}} he missed more field goal attempts in his career than any other player in NBA history, until LeBron James broke that record in 2024.{{#tag:ref|In 2014, Bryant passed Havlicek's previous mark of 13,417 missed shots,{{cite news |last=Holmes |first=Baxter |title=Misses add up to big part of Kobe's legacy |date=November 11, 2014 |work=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40363/misses-add-up-to-big-part-of-kobes-legacy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113010653/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40363/misses-add-up-to-big-part-of-kobes-legacy |archive-date=November 13, 2014 |url-status=live}} and he retired with 14,481.|group=lower-alpha}} Phil Jackson, who coached Bryant for many years, stated that Bryant "tends to force the action, especially when the game isn't going his way. When his shot is off, Kobe will pound away relentlessly until his luck turns."{{Cite news |last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |date=May 16, 2013 |title=Phil Jackson throws the book at Kobe Bryant |work=The Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-may-16-la-sp-phil-jackson-kobe-20130516-story.html |access-date=February 27, 2020}} According to Bryant, "I would go 0 for 30 before I would go 0 for 9; 0 for 9 means you beat yourself, you psyched yourself out of the game."{{cite news |last=Hoffman |first=Benjamin |title=In Most Areas, Good or Bad, Kobe Bryant Has Simply Done More |date=November 30, 2015 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/01/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-retire.html?_r=0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204160816/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/01/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-retire.html?_r=0 |archive-date=December 4, 2015 |url-status=live}}

In addition to his abilities on offense, Bryant also established himself as a standout defensive player.{{cite news |last=Pelton |first=Kevin |title=Every Play Counts: Kobe Bryant |date=November 7, 2005 |work=82games.com |url=http://www.82games.com/pelton8.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126102127/http://www.82games.com/pelton8.htm |archive-date=November 26, 2014 |url-status=live}} Bryant rarely drew charges when he played defense, which he believed spared his body and contributed to his longevity.{{cite news |last=McMenamin |first=Dave |title=Kobe Bryant: Charges carry big risk |date=May 17, 2012 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7935166/2012-nba-playoffs-los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-cites-injury-risk-drawing-charges |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702075613/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/7935166/2012-nba-playoffs-los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-cites-injury-risk-drawing-charges |archive-date=July 2, 2012 |url-status=live}} However, some critics have suggested that Bryant's defensive accolades in his later years were based more on his reputation than his actual play.{{cite news |last=Medina |first=Mark |title=Kobe Bryant named to NBA's all-defensive first team for ninth time |date=May 9, 2011 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2011/05/kobe-bryant-named-to-nbas-all-defensive-team-for-ninth-time.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511011803/http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2011/05/kobe-bryant-named-to-nbas-all-defensive-team-for-ninth-time.html |archive-date=May 11, 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Lowe |first=Zach |title=An Open Letter to Kobe Bryant About His Defense |date=May 26, 2013 |work=Grantland |url=http://grantland.com/the-triangle/an-open-letter-to-kobe-bryant-about-his-defense/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223093226/http://grantland.com/the-triangle/an-open-letter-to-kobe-bryant-about-his-defense/ |archive-date=December 23, 2014 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Paine |first=Neal |title=Once And For All: Michael Jordan Was Way Better Than Kobe Bryant |date=December 12, 2014 |work=FiveThirtyEight |url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/michael-jordan-kobe-bryant/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223100652/http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/michael-jordan-kobe-bryant/ |archive-date=December 23, 2014 |url-status=live}}

Bryant was also lauded for his relentless work ethic, dubbed the "Mamba mentality."{{cite news |first=Dan |last=Woike |title=How Kobe Bryant influenced the next generation of NBA stars |date=May 14, 2021 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2021-05-14/kobe-bryant-influence-next-generation-nba-stars |access-date=May 15, 2021}}{{cite news |last=Shelburne |first=Ramona |title=Kobe and L.A. tradition will be tested |date=April 13, 2013 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9167365/los-angeles-lakers-guard-kobe-bryant-achilles-injury-signal-end-lakers-era |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413162452/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9167365/los-angeles-lakers-guard-kobe-bryant-achilles-injury-signal-end-lakers-era |archive-date=April 13, 2013 |url-status=live}} Throughout his first 17 seasons, Bryant's body was resilient, and he exhibited a high pain threshold while often playing through injuries.{{cite news |last=Adande |first=J. A. |title=Kobe Bryant pays price for greatness |date=January 26, 2015 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12222849/kobe-bryant-pays-price-greatness-requires |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128113141/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/12222849/kobe-bryant-pays-price-greatness-requires |archive-date=January 28, 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |last=Ballard |first=Chris |title=Examining Kobe Bryant's legendary pain tolerance and road to recovery |date=August 26, 2014 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |url=https://www.si.com/edge/2014/08/28/kobe-bryant-recovery-lakers-judy-seto-knee-injury |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404094721/http://www.si.com/edge/2014/08/28/kobe-bryant-recovery-lakers-judy-seto-knee-injury |archive-date=April 4, 2015 |url-status=live}} A fierce competitor, Bryant made opponents and teammates alike the objects of his scorn.{{cite news |last=Phillips |first=Brian |title=Wolf on the Rock: The Ludicrous, Glorious Doom of Kobe Bryant |date=January 8, 2015 |work=Grantland |url=http://grantland.com/the-triangle/wolf-on-the-rock-the-ludicrous-glorious-doom-of-kobe-bryant/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215210728/http://grantland.com/the-triangle/wolf-on-the-rock-the-ludicrous-glorious-doom-of-kobe-bryant/ |archive-date=February 15, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Chris |last2=Concepcion |first2=Jason |title=Six Seconds to Perfection: The Best NBA Vines of the Season |date=February 17, 2015 |work=Grantland |url=http://grantland.com/the-triangle/six-seconds-to-perfection-the-best-nba-vines-of-the-season/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215210203/http://grantland.com/the-triangle/six-seconds-to-perfection-the-best-nba-vines-of-the-season/ |archive-date=February 15, 2016 |url-status=live}} Many players have considered him difficult to play with because of his high level of commitment and performance.{{cite news |last=Ding |first=Kevin |title=Julius Randle's Development Poses Final Leadership Test for Kobe Bryant |date=October 22, 2014 |work=BleacherReport.com |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2240663-julius-randles-development-poses-final-leadership-test-for-kobe-bryant |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025022835/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2240663-julius-randles-development-poses-final-leadership-test-for-kobe-bryant |archive-date=October 25, 2014 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Markazi |first=Arash |title=Long a tough, chilly teammate, Kobe Bryant has mellowed and now is a mentor |date=October 12, 2014 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40163/long-a-tough-chilly-teammate-kobe-bryant-has-mellowed-and-now-is-a-mentor |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022051805/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/40163/long-a-tough-chilly-teammate-kobe-bryant-has-mellowed-and-now-is-a-mentor |archive-date=October 22, 2014 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Abbott |first=Henry |title=Kobe |date=October 20, 2014 |magazine=ESPN The Magazine |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/11717596/is-kobe-bryant-reason-los-angeles-lakers-downfall |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024135336/http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/11717596/is-kobe-bryant-reason-los-angeles-lakers-downfall |archive-date=October 24, 2014 |url-status=live}} According to sportswriter Mark Heisler of Forbes, "circa 2004–2007, Kobe was the most alienated superstar the NBA had ever seen."{{cite news |last=Heisler |first=Mark |title=Who Killed Lakers? ESPN Says It Was Someone on Inside With the Initials Kobe Bryant |date=October 22, 2014 |work=Forbes.com |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/markheisler/2014/10/22/who-killed-lakers-espn-says-it-was-someone-on-inside-with-the-initials-kobe-bryant/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023023732/http://www.forbes.com/sites/markheisler/2014/10/22/who-killed-lakers-espn-says-it-was-someone-on-inside-with-the-initials-kobe-bryant/ |archive-date=October 23, 2014 |url-status=live}} After the departure of Shaquille O'Neal, he led the Lakers to two NBA championships; during this period, Bryant became more of a mentor to his teammates than he had been earlier in his career. Bryant's longtime head coach Phil Jackson noted a big difference during his two Lakers coaching stints in Bryant's demeanor towards his teammates. If Bryant talked to teammates in his earlier years, it was usually "give me the damn ball," but during the latter period, "[Bryant] embraced the team and his teammates, calling them up when we were on the road and inviting them out to dinner. It was as if the other players were now his partners, not his personal spear-carriers."{{cite news |last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |title=Phil Jackson's new book focuses a lot on (who else?) Kobe Bryant |date=May 16, 2013 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-xpm-2013-may-16-la-sp-ln-phil-jackson-new-book-kobe-bryant-20130515-story.html |access-date=December 8, 2021}}

{{NBA player statistics legend|champion=y|leader=y}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1996}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 71 || 6 || 15.5 || .417 || .375 || .819 || 1.9 || 1.3 || .7 || .3 || 7.6

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1997}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 79 || 1 || 26.0 || .428 || .341 || .794 || 3.1 || 2.5 || .9 || .5 || 15.4

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1998}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| style="background:#cfecec;"|50* || style="background:#cfecec;"|50* || 37.9 || .465 || .267 || .839 || 5.3 || 3.8 || 1.4 || 1.0 || 19.9

|-

| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|1999|trunc=y}}†

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 66 || 62 || 38.2 || .468 || .319 || .821 || 6.3 || 4.9 || 1.6 || .9 || 22.5

|-

| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|2000}}†

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 68 || 68 || 40.9 || .464 || .305 || .853 || 5.9 || 5.0 || 1.7 || .6 || 28.5

|-

| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|2001}}†

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 80 || 80 || 38.3 || .469 || .250 || .829 || 5.5 || 5.5 || 1.5 || .4 || 25.2

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2002}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 82 || style="background:#cfecec;"|82* || 41.5 || .451 || .383 || .843 || 6.9 || 5.9 || 2.2 || .8 || 30.0

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2003}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 65 || 64 || 37.6 || .438 || .327 || .852 || 5.5 || 5.1 || 1.7 || .4 || 24.0

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2004}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 66 || 66 || 40.7 || .433 || .339 || .816 || 5.9 || 6.0 || 1.3 || .8 || 27.6

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2005}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 80 || 80 || 41.0 || .450 || .347 || .850 || 5.3 || 4.5 || 1.8 || .4 || style="background:#cfecec;"|35.4*

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2006}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 77 || 77 || 40.8 || .463 || .344 || .868 || 5.7 || 5.4 || 1.4 || .5 || style="background:#cfecec;"|31.6*

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2007}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| style="background:#cfecec;"|82* || style="background:#cfecec;"|82* || 38.9 || .459 || .361 || .840 || 6.3 || 5.4 || 1.8 || .5 || 28.3

|-

| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|2008}}†

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| style="background:#cfecec;"|82* || style="background:#cfecec;"|82* || 36.1 || .467 || .351 || .856 || 5.2 || 4.9 || 1.5 || .5 || 26.8

|-

| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|2009}}†

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 73 || 73 || 38.8 || .456 || .329 || .811 || 5.4 || 5.0 || 1.5 || .3 || 27.0

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2010}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 82 || style="background:#cfecec;"|82* || 33.9 || .451 || .323 || .828 || 5.1 || 4.7 || 1.2 || .1 || 25.3

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2011}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 58 || 58 || 38.5 || .430 || .303 || .845 || 5.4 || 4.6 || 1.2 || .3 || 27.9

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2012}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 78 || 78 || 38.6 || .463 || .324 || .839 || 5.6 || 6.0 || 1.4 || .3 || 27.3

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2013}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 6 || 6 || 29.5 || .425 || .188 || .857 || 4.3 || 6.3 || 1.2 || .2 || 13.8

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2014}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 35 || 35 || 34.5 || .373 || .293 || .813 || 5.7 || 5.6 || 1.3 || .2 || 22.3

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2015}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 66 || 66 || 28.2 || .358 || .285 || .826 || 3.7 || 2.8 || .9 || .2 || 17.6

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career

| 1,346 || 1,198 || 36.1 || .447 || .329 || .837 || 5.2 || 4.7 || 1.4 || .5 || 25.0

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|All-Star

| 15 || 15 || 27.6 || .500 || .324 || .789 || 5.0 || 4.7 || 2.5 || .4 || 19.3

{{s-end}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|1997

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 9 || 0 || 14.8 || .382 || .261 || .867 || 1.2 || 1.2 || .3 || .2 || 8.2

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|1998

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 11 || 0 || 20.0 || .408 || .214 || .689 || 1.9 || 1.5 || .3 || .7 || 8.7

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|1999

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 8 || 8 || 39.4 || .430 || .348 || .800 || 6.9 || 4.6 || 1.9 || 1.3 || 19.8

|-

| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|2000†

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 22 || 22 || 39.0 || .442 || .344 || .754 || 4.5 || 4.4 || 1.5 || 1.5 || 21.1

|-

| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|2001†

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 16 || 16 || 43.4 || .469 || .324 || .821 || 7.3 || 6.1 || 1.6 || .8 || 29.4

|-

| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|2002†

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 19 || 19 || 43.8 || .434 || .379 || .759 || 5.8 || 4.6 || 1.4 || .9 || 26.6

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|2003

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 12 || 12 || 44.3 || .432 || .403 || .827 || 5.1 || 5.2 || 1.2 || .1 || 32.1

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|2004

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 22 || 22 || 44.2 || .413 || .247 || .813 || 4.7 || 5.5 || 1.9 || .3 || 24.5

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|2006

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 7 || 7 || 44.9 || .497 || .400 || .771 || 6.3 || 5.1 || 1.1 || .4 || 27.9

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|2007

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 5 || 5 || 43.0 || .462 || .357 || .919 || 5.2 || 4.4 || 1.0 || .4 || 32.8

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|2008

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 21 || 21 || 41.1 || .479 || .302 || .809 || 5.7 || 5.6 || 1.7 || .4 || 30.1

|-

| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|2009†

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 23 || 23 || 40.8 || .457 || .349 || .883 || 5.3 || 5.5 || 1.7 || .9 || 30.2

|-

| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|2010†

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 23 || 23 || 40.1 || .458 || .374 || .842 || 6.0 || 5.5 || 1.3 || .7 || 29.2

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|2011

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 10 || 10 || 35.4 || .446 || .293 || .820 || 3.4 || 3.3 || 1.6 || .3 || 22.8

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|2012

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 12 || 12 || 39.7 || .439 || .283 || .832 || 4.8 || 4.3 || 1.3 || .2 || 30.0

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career

| 220 || 200 || 39.3 || .448 || .331 || .816 || 5.1 || 4.7 || 1.4 || .6 || 25.6

{{s-end}}

File:Kobe Bryant at Pirates 3 premiere.jpg in 2007]]

Bryant was the youngest of three children. He grew up with two older sisters, Sharia and Shaya, and had close relationships with them his entire life.Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/5zr6Xm5IjPM Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200224033516/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zr6Xm5IjPM Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Citation |title='My name is Kobe Bryant' – (1996) Kobe gives a class presentation on NBA vs. college |date=February 2, 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zr6Xm5IjPM |access-date=February 24, 2020}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |url=https://thegrio.com/2020/02/01/kobe-bryants-sisters-issue-statement-after-tragic-death-our-lives-are-forever-changed/ |title=Kobe Bryant's sisters issue statement after tragic death: 'Our lives are forever changed' |last=Terrell |first=Ashley |date=February 1, 2020 |website=TheGrio |access-date=February 24, 2020}}

In November 1999, 21-year-old Bryant met 17-year-old Vanessa Laine while she was working as a background dancer on the Tha Eastsidaz music video "G'd Up."{{cite web |url=http://www.eonline.com/On/Holly/Shows/Bryant/facts.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060219203516/http://www.eonline.com/On/Holly/Shows/Bryant/facts.html |archive-date=February 19, 2006 |title=Everything You Need to Know About Kobe Bryant |access-date=October 16, 2007}} – Wayback Machine cache from February 19, 2006 Bryant was in the building and working on his debut album. They began dating and became engaged six months later in May 2000, while Laine was still a senior at Marina High School in Huntington Beach, California. To avoid media scrutiny, she finished high school through independent study. According to Vanessa's cousin Laila Laine, there was no prenuptial agreement. Laila said Bryant "loved her too much for one."{{cite web |url=http://allstarz.hollywood.com/kobe/vanessa02.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070406105500/http://allstarz.hollywood.com/kobe/vanessa02.htm |archive-date=April 6, 2007 |first=Shawn |last=Hubler |title=Kobe's costar Vanessa Laine was just another sheltered teenager in Orange County. Then she fell in love with a phenomenon. |access-date=October 16, 2007}} – Wayback Machine cache from April 6, 2007 They got married on April 18, 2001, at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point, California.{{cite web |last=Keown |first=Tim |title=Isolation Play |publisher=ESPN |date=September 1, 2003 |url=https://www.espn.com/espnmag/story?id=3248290 |access-date=April 25, 2017}}{{cite news |last=Hubler |first=Shawn |title=Kobe's costar |work=Los Angeles Times |date=February 15, 2005 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-feb-15-et-vanessa15-story.html |access-date=April 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427003658/http://articles.latimes.com/2005/feb/15/entertainment/et-vanessa15/3 |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |url-status=dead}} The wedding was not attended by Bryant's parents, his two sisters, his longtime advisor and agent Arn Tellem, or his Laker teammates. Bryant's parents were opposed to the marriage for a number of reasons—including, reportedly, his marrying so young, especially to a woman who was not African-American.{{#tag:ref|Vanessa Bryant's father is of Mexican and Italian descent and her mother is of Mexican and Filipino descent.[http://www.cupcakemag.com/2012/07/behind-the-famous-name-our-chat-with-vanessa-bryant/ Cupcake Magazine interview with Vanessa Bryant] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130701005437/http://www.cupcakemag.com/2012/07/behind-the-famous-name-our-chat-with-vanessa-bryant/ |date=July 1, 2013}} July 17, 2012|group=lower-alpha}} This disagreement resulted in an estrangement period of over two years, which ended when the couple's first daughter was born.{{cite web |url=https://www.ibtimes.com/kobe-bryant-divorce-kobe-and-vanessa-through-years-photos-553607 |title=Kobe Bryant Divorce: Kobe and Vanessa Through the Years [PHOTOS] |date=December 17, 2011 |website=International Business Times |access-date=August 22, 2019}}

The Bryants' first daughter, Natalia, was born in January 2003.{{cite news |title=Kobe's Wife Gives Birth to Daughter |date=January 20, 2003 |last1=Brown |first1=Tim |last2=Terry |first2=Mike |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jan-20-sp-lakerep20-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times}} Due to an ectopic pregnancy, Vanessa suffered a miscarriage in the spring of 2005. Their second daughter, Gianna Maria-Onore (also referred to as "Gigi"), was born in May 2006.{{cite web |url=http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/shaq%20is%20a%20dad%20six%20minutes%20after%20kobe_02_05_2006 |title=Shaq is a Dad Six Minutes After Kobe |website=Contact Music |date=May 2, 2006 |access-date=May 25, 2007}} On December 16, 2011, Vanessa Bryant filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, and the couple requested joint custody of their daughters.{{cite news |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/12/kobe-bryant-divorce-vanessa-cites-irreconcilable-difference.html |title=Kobe Bryant divorce: Vanessa cites 'irreconcilable differences' |last=Kim |first=Victoria |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=December 16, 2011 |access-date=December 16, 2011}}{{cite news |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/12/kobe-bryant-divorce-vanessa-lakers-star-will-share-custody-of-daughters.html |work=Los Angeles Times |title=L.A. Now |date=December 16, 2011}} On January 11, 2013, Bryant and his wife announced via social media that they had called off their divorce.{{cite web |title=Kobe Bryant, wife Vanessa call off their divorce |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kobe-bryant-wife-vanessa-call-off-their-divorce/ |work=CBS News |date=January 11, 2013 |access-date=January 12, 2013}} In early December 2016, Vanessa gave birth to their third daughter,{{cite web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/celebrity/kobe-bryant-wife-vanessa-welcome-234000119.html |title=Kobe Bryant and Wife Vanessa Welcome Third Child |last=Drysdale |first=Jennifer |date=December 8, 2016 |website=Yahoo!}}{{cite web |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/news/kobe-bryant-welcomes-his-3rd-child/vlxtknrf27fjz9igcw4l4mb9 |title=Kobe Bryant welcomes his third child |last=Harris |first=Sarah Jane |date=December 8, 2016 |website=sportingnews.com |access-date=December 9, 2016 |archive-date=June 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626220448/http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/news/kobe-bryant-welcomes-his-3rd-child/vlxtknrf27fjz9igcw4l4mb9 |url-status=dead}} and in January 2019, the Bryants announced they were expecting a fourth daughter,{{cite web |url=https://people.com/parents/kobe-bryant-wife-vanessa-pregnant-expecting-fourth-child/ |title='Mambacita!' Kobe Bryant Announces Fourth Daughter on the Way with Wife Vanessa |work=People |first=Melody |last=Chiu |date=January 1, 2019 |access-date=February 2, 2019}} who was born in June 2019.{{cite web |url=https://people.com/parents/kobe-bryant-daughter-capri-kobe-first-photo/ |date=July 4, 2019 |magazine=People |last=Adams |first=Char |title=Meet Baby 'KoKo!' Kobe Bryant Officially Introduces His 'Little Princess' — Daughter Capri Kobe}}{{cite web |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/kobe-bryants-wife-vanessa-gives-birth-welcomes-4th-daughter/ |title=Kobe Bryant's Wife Vanessa Gives Birth, Welcomes Fourth Daughter |work=Us Weekly |date=June 21, 2019}}

Bryant was a practicing Catholic. He said his faith and a priest helped him through difficult times, such as the period following his accusation of rape. A Catholic cantor said that she was inspired by Bryant's faith, and the respect that he showed her.{{cite web |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/43396/the-catholic-faith-of-kobe-bryant |title=The Catholic faith of Kobe Bryant |website=Catholic News Agency |access-date=January 26, 2020}}{{cite web |url=http://aleteia.org/2016/04/15/kobe-bryant-saved-by-his-catholic-faith/ |title=Remembering Kobe Bryant: Formed and saved by his Catholic faith |last=Kosloski |first=Philip |date=April 15, 2016 |access-date=January 26, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/kobe-bryant-church-helicopter-crash-newport-beach/2299173/ |title=Remembering Kobe Bryant at the Church Where He Prayed Before Helicopter Crash |website=NBC Los Angeles |date=January 27, 2020 |access-date=January 28, 2020}} Bryant and his family were regular attendees at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Newport Beach. He and his daughter, Gianna, received the Eucharist together just hours before they died.{{cite web |url=https://abc7news.com/5884317/ |title=Before fatal flight, Kobe and daughter attended California church, took communion, priest says |date=January 28, 2020 |website=ABC7 San Francisco |access-date=January 28, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://meaww.com/kobe-bryant-private-funeral-service-likely-same-catholic-church-he-went-before-boarding-chopper |title=Kobe Bryant's private funeral service likely at same Catholic church he went before boarding chopper |website=meaww.com |date=February 7, 2020}}

Bryant was multilingual. He was fluent in English, Italian, and Spanish.Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/0gmGOZkIzN8 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200217185037/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gmGOZkIzN8&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Citation |title=Una scuola di basket per futuri campioni: la promessa di Kobe Bryant nell'intervista a Reggio Emilia |date=January 27, 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gmGOZkIzN8 |access-date=January 29, 2020}}{{cbignore}}Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/lEojYCnn9Zs Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200220181336/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEojYCnn9Zs&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Citation |title=Kobe Bryant agradece a los latinos en español |date=April 14, 2016 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEojYCnn9Zs |access-date=January 29, 2020}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com.mx/los-angeles/nota/_/id/2243842/kobe-no-imagine-este-nivel |title=Kobe: "No imaginé este nivel" |first=Gonzalo |last=Aguirregomezcorta |website=ESPN Mexico |access-date=November 30, 2015 |date=December 2014}}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com.mx/los-angeles/nota/_/id/2539723/kobe-bryant-tras-anunciar-su-retiro-ahora-me-siento-relajado |title=Kobe Bryant tras anunciar su retiro: "Ahora me siento relajado" |first=Gonzalo |last=Aguirregomezcorta |website=ESPN Mexico |access-date=November 30, 2015 |date=November 30, 2015}} Inspired by the codename for Uma Thurman's character in the Kill Bill films,{{cite magazine |last=McGrath |first=Ben |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/03/31/the-fourth-quarter |title=The Fourth Quarter |magazine=The New Yorker |date=March 24, 2014 |access-date=March 14, 2022}} Bryant assigned himself the nickname of "Black Mamba", citing a desire for his basketball skills to mimic the eponymous snake's ability to "strike with 99% accuracy at maximum speed, in rapid succession."{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-may-23-sp-crowe23-story.html |title=Text messages from press row ... |last=Crowe |first=Jerry |date=May 23, 2008 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=August 2, 2010}}{{cite news |first=Nathan |last=Olivarez-Giles |url=http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2011/01/kobe-bryant-and-robert-rodriguez-hype-ads-6-minute-film-at-nike-vault-1.html |title=Kobe Bryant and, Robert Rodriguez talk about Black Mamba Nike ads, six-minute film |date=January 31, 2011 |work=Los Angeles Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023120135/http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2011/01/kobe-bryant-and-robert-rodriguez-hype-ads-6-minute-film-at-nike-vault-1.html |archive-date=October 23, 2018 |url-status=dead}} During the 2012–13 season, Bryant began referring to himself as "vino" to describe how his play had been aging like a fine wine.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36373/rapid-reaction-lakers-113-trail-blazers-106 |title=Rapid Reaction: Lakers 113, Trail Blazers 106 |last=McMenamin |first=Dave |date=April 11, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414044636/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36373/rapid-reaction-lakers-113-trail-blazers-106 |archive-date=April 14, 2013 |publisher=ESPN}}{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-mar-03-la-sp-0304-lakers-hawks-20130304-story.html |title=Kobe Bryant and Lakers soar to new heights (or at least .500) |last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |date=March 3, 2013 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130305081756/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/mar/03/sports/la-sp-0304-lakers-hawks-20130304 |archive-date=March 5, 2013}}

In January 2002, Bryant bought a Mediterranean-style house for $4 million, located on a cul-de-sac in Newport Coast, Newport Beach.{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZNAdAAAAIBAJ&pg=6703,744809 |title=Kobe Bryant Buys Home For More Than $4 million |access-date=June 16, 2011}} He sold the house in May 2015.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-kobe-bryant-sale-20150529-story.html |title=Kobe Bryant sets price record with Newport Coast home sale |date=May 29, 2015 |work=Los Angeles Times}}

In 2013, Bryant had a legal disagreement with an auction house over memorabilia from his early years that his parents had put up for auction. Bryant's parents received $450,000 from the auction house for the items, and contended Bryant had given her the rights to the items he had remaining in their home. However, Bryant's lawyers asked the auction house to return the items.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9238503/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-battles-mom-nj-business-auction |title=Kobe Bryant, mom in court battle |date=May 3, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130505094921/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9238503/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-battles-mom-nj-business-auction |archive-date=May 5, 2013 |publisher=ESPN}} Before the scheduled trial, a settlement was reached allowing the auction house the sale of less than 10% of the items. Bryant's parents apologized to him for the misunderstanding in a written statement, and appreciated the financial support he had given them over the years.{{cite news |url=http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Kobe-Bryant-Goldin-Auction-Settlement-210820051.html |title=Kobe Wins Battle to Prevent Mom From Auctioning His Stuff |last1=Stamm |first1=Dan |access-date=June 10, 2013 |publisher=NBC 10 Philadelphia |agency=Associated Press}}{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9360162/kobe-bryant-memorabilia-lawsuit-settled-parents-apologize |title=Deal reached in Kobe Bryant case |last=Rovell |first=Darren |date=June 10, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613070915/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9360162/kobe-bryant-memorabilia-lawsuit-settled-parents-apologize |archive-date=June 13, 2013 |publisher=ESPN}}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9360162/kobe-bryant-memorabilia-lawsuit-settled-parents-apologize |title=Kobe auction suit settled; parents apologize |date=June 10, 2013 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=January 28, 2020}}

Bryant grew up a baseball fan and had been a long-time supporter of the Los Angeles Dodgers during his tenure with the Lakers. However, during the 2009 National League Championship Series when the Dodgers played his hometown Philadelphia Phillies, Bryant revealed to Craig Sager that he actually grew up a fan of their National League East archrivals, the New York Mets wanting to be like Darryl Strawberry and boasted that he still had a Ron Darling baseball card.{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/nickdiunte/2020/01/27/kobe-bryant-shared-a-love-affair-with-mlb-throughout-his-career/# |title=Kobe Bryant Shared A Love Affair With MLB Throughout His Career |editor=Diunte, Nick |date=January 27, 2020 |work=Forbes |access-date=October 13, 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://nypost.com/2020/01/28/kobe-bryants-death-hits-home-for-his-mets-idol-darryl-strawberry/ |title=Kobe Bryant's death 'hits home' for his Mets idol Darryl Strawberry |editor=Fischer, Mark |date=January 28, 2020 |publisher=New York Post |access-date=October 13, 2024}}

Bryant also was a lifelong fan of his hometown NFL team, the Philadelphia Eagles.{{cite web |url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/kobe-im-staying-eagles-fan-despite-la-team/ |title=Kobe: I'm staying an Eagles fan despite L.A. team | PhillyVoice |date=January 17, 2016}} Bryant was also a fan of soccer teams Barcelona, AC Milan, and Manchester City.{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-fc-yahoo/kobe-bryant-credits-court-vision-to-soccer-171433623.html |title=Kobe Bryant credits soccer for his extraordinary basketball court vision |date=January 9, 2016 |author=Ahmed, Sahahan |publisher=Yahoo |website=sports.yahoo.com}}{{cite web |url=https://mobile.twitter.com/mancity/status/923862364570771464?lang=en |title=Mamba Mentality |publisher=Manchester City |website=twitter.com}}

According to Forbes, at the time of his retirement, Bryant's $680 million in career earnings was the most ever by a team athlete during their playing career.

Bryant was a second cousin of his former Lakers teammate Cedric Ceballos.{{cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=A. J. |title=Laker News: Former Laker In ICU Fighting Covid-19 |url=https://www.si.com/nba/lakers/news/laker-news-former-laker-in-icu-fighting-covid-19 |access-date=October 17, 2021 |website=All Lakers {{!}} News, Rumors, Videos, Schedule, Roster, Salaries And More |date=September 8, 2021}}

{{Main|Kobe Bryant sexual assault case}}

In the summer of 2003, the sheriff's office of Eagle, Colorado, arrested Bryant in connection with an investigation of a sexual assault complaint filed by a 19-year-old hotel employee. Bryant had checked into The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera in Eagle County in advance of undergoing knee surgery nearby. The accuser stated that Bryant raped her in his hotel room the night before he was to have the procedure. Bryant admitted to an adulterous sexual encounter with his accuser but denied her sexual assault allegation.{{cite web |last=SI Staff |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2003/basketball/nba/12/26/kobe.interview.ap/index.html?cnn-yes |date=December 23, 2003 |title=Bryant distracted, scared amid sex assault case |agency=Associated Press |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=February 25, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040906074827/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2003/basketball/nba/12/26/kobe.interview.ap/index.html?cnn-yes |archive-date=September 6, 2004}}{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/2004-02-12-shaq-kobe_x.htm |title=Shaq, Kobe still main keys to Lakers' fortunes |first=David Leon |last=Moore |date=February 12, 2004 |work=USA Today |access-date=February 25, 2007}} Bryant was charged on June 18, 2003.{{Cite news |last=Draper |first=Kevin |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/27/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-rape-case.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128020025/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/27/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-rape-case.html |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Kobe Bryant and the Sexual Assault Case That Was Dropped but Not Forgotten |date=January 27, 2020 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=February 14, 2020 |issn=0362-4331}}{{cite news |last1=Wise |first1=Mike |last2=Markels |first2=Alex |title=Kobe Bryant Charged With Felony Sexual Assault |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/18/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-charged-with-felony-sexual-assault.html |access-date=September 20, 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=July 18, 2003}}

The accusation had a negative impact on Bryant's reputation, and the public's perception of him plummeted; his endorsement contracts with McDonald's and Nutella were terminated. Sales for Bryant's replica jersey fell significantly.{{cite news |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,143646,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523093402/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,143646,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 23, 2010 |title=Fans Shunning Kobe Bryant's Jersey – Celebrity Gossip | Entertainment News |publisher=Fox News |date=January 7, 2005 |access-date=June 8, 2010}} In September 2004, the assault case was dropped by prosecutors after the accuser decided not to testify at the trial. Afterward, Bryant agreed to apologize to her for the incident, including his public mea culpa: "Although I truly believe this encounter between us was consensual, I recognize now that she did not and does not view this incident the same way I did. After months of reviewing discovery, listening to her attorney, and even her testimony in person, I now understand how she feels that she did not consent to this encounter."{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/09/02/MNG6E8IB861.DTL |title=Bryant rape case ends in dismissal |first=T.R. |last=Reid |date=September 2, 2004 |access-date=October 16, 2007 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle}}{{cite news |title=Prosecutors Drop Kobe Bryant Rape Case |first=Kirk |last=Johnson |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/02/national/02kobe.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050422020542/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/02/national/02kobe.html |archive-date=April 22, 2005 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 2, 2004 |access-date=July 2, 2011}} The accuser filed a separate lawsuit against Bryant, which the two sides settled privately.{{cite web |url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/7019659/ns/bryant_sexual_assault_lawsuit// |title=Suit Settlement Ends Bryant Saga |publisher=Associated Press viaNBC Sports |date=March 3, 2005 |access-date=December 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126085517/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/7019659/ns/bryant_sexual_assault_lawsuit/ |archive-date=January 26, 2012 |url-status=dead}}

File:Kobe Asia 09.jpg in 2009]]

File:NikeTaipeiFlagshipStoreLaunch Main.jpg

Before starting the 1996–97 season, Bryant signed a six-year contract with Adidas worth approximately $48 million.{{cite news |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-7226901_ITM |title=Article: Basketball Star Leaps into Global Ventures |publisher=AccessMyLibrary |date=June 16, 2000 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |first=Mike |last=Jensen}}{{cite news |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-8828547_ITM |title=Information and results for 'Adidas, Basketball Star Kobe Bryant Part Ways.' |publisher=AccessMyLibrary |access-date=June 8, 2010}} His first signature shoe was the Equipment KB 8.{{cite web |url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/article/35398 |title=Adidas Airs Out New Kobe Bryant Shoe, Ad Campaign |publisher=Sportsbusinessdaily.com |access-date=June 8, 2010 |archive-date=March 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306202348/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/article/35398 |url-status=dead}} Bryant's other, earlier endorsements included deals with The Coca-Cola Company to endorse their Sprite soft drink, appearing in advertisements for McDonald's, promoting Spalding's new NBA Infusion Ball, Upper Deck, Italian chocolate company Ferrero SpA's brand Nutella, Russell Corporation,{{cite news |last=Badenhausen |first=Kurt |url=https://www.forbes.com/2004/09/03/cz_kb_0903kobe.html |title=Kobe Bryant's Sponsorship Will Rebound |work=Forbes |date=March 9, 2004 |access-date=December 6, 2008}} and appearing on his own series of video games by Nintendo. Many companies like McDonald's and Ferrero SpA terminated Bryant's contracts when rape allegations against him became public.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jun-22-sp-kobe22-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |title=Bryant will lose out again to Big Three |first=Greg |last=Johnson |date=June 22, 2008 |access-date=May 7, 2010}} A notable exception was Nike, Inc., who had signed Bryant to a five-year, $40–45 million contract just before the incident.{{cite web |url=http://advertising.about.com/od/kobebryant/a/bryantsendorse.htm |title=Kobe Bryant's Endorsement Deals |publisher=Advertising.about.com |date=April 15, 2010 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |archive-date=December 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203153519/http://advertising.about.com/od/kobebryant/a/bryantsendorse.htm |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-07-10-kobe-bryant_x.htm |work=USA Today |title=Kobe Bryant resumes endorsement career |date=July 10, 2005 |access-date=July 2, 2011}} They refused to use his image or market a new shoe of his for the year, but started promoting Bryant two years later, when his image had recovered. Bryant also resumed endorsement deals with The Coca-Cola Company, through their subsidiary Energy Brands, to promote their Vitamin Water brand of drinks.{{cite web |last=Salazar-Moreno |first=Quibian |url=http://www.bvonsports.com/2008/05/12/endorsements-coming-back-to-kobe-bryant/ |title=Endorsements Coming Back to Kobe Bryant |publisher=Blackvoices |date=May 12, 2008 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |archive-date=July 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727100859/http://www.bvonsports.com/2008/05/12/endorsements-coming-back-to-kobe-bryant/ |url-status=dead}} He was also the cover athlete for NBA '07: Featuring the Life Vol. 2 and appeared in commercials for the video games Guitar Hero World Tour (with Tony Hawk, Michael Phelps, and Alex Rodriguez) in 2008 and Call of Duty: Black Ops (alongside Jimmy Kimmel) in 2010.{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Kobe-Bryant-shoots-em-up-in-new-Call-of-Duty-?urn=nba-282854 |title=Kobe Bryant shoots 'em up in new 'Call of Duty' ad |first=Dan |last=Devine |work=Sports.Yahoo.com |date=November 5, 2010 |access-date=July 2, 2011}}

In a 2008 video promoting Nike's Hyperdunk shoes, Bryant appears to jump over a speeding Aston Martin. The stunt was considered fake, and the Los Angeles Times said a real stunt would probably be a violation of Bryant's Lakers contract.{{cite news |title=No, Kobe Bryant Did Not Jump Over a Car |date=April 15, 2008 |agency=rankingsandreviews.com |work=U.S. News & World Report |url=http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/daily-news/080415-120429/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724180926/http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/daily-news/080415-120429/ |archive-date=July 24, 2011 |url-status=dead}} After promoting Nike's Hyperdunk shoes, Bryant came out with the fourth edition of his signature line by Nike, the Zoom Kobe IV. In 2010, Nike launched another shoe, Nike Zoom Kobe V.{{cite web |url=http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/2711325/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218220052/http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/2711325/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 18, 2010 |title=Nike launches Nike Zoom Kobe V with Kobe Bryant |publisher=TradingMarkets.com |date=December 9, 2009 |access-date=June 8, 2010}} In 2009, Bryant signed a deal with Nubeo to market the Black Mamba Collection, a line of sports/luxury watches ranging from $25,000 to $285,000.{{cite web |url=http://www.upscalehype.com/2009/10/kobe-bryant-wearing-nubeo-black-mamba-mvp-watch/ |title=Kobe Bryant Wearing Nubeo Black Mamba MVP Watch "UpscaleHype |publisher=Upscalehype.com |access-date=June 8, 2010 |date=October 19, 2009 |archive-date=June 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100623110051/http://www.upscalehype.com/2009/10/kobe-bryant-wearing-nubeo-black-mamba-mvp-watch/ |url-status=dead}} On February 9, 2009, he was featured on the cover of ESPN The Magazine—not for anything basketball related, but about his being a big fan of FC Barcelona.{{cite magazine |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/fanIssue |title=Kobe Bryant ESPN The Magazine Fan Issue |access-date=May 15, 2009 |magazine=ESPN The Magazine |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531085241/http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/fanissue |archive-date=May 31, 2009}} CNN estimated Bryant's endorsement deals in 2007 to be worth $16 million a year.{{cite news |url=https://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/fortune/0711/gallery.endorsements.fortune/6.html |title=Top 10 endorsement superstars |publisher=CNN |access-date=May 7, 2010 |date=December 31, 2008}} In 2010, he was ranked third, behind Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, in Forbes{{'}} list of the world's highest-paid athletes, with $48 million.Kritchever, Patrick. [https://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/53/celeb-100-10_Kobe-Bryant_OKPF.html The Forbes Celebrity 100], Forbes, June 28, 2010, Retrieved July 13, 2010.

File:Kobe Bryant in 2008.jpg, Jason Kidd, and Deron Williams at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China]]

On December 13, 2010, Bryant signed a two-year endorsement deal with Turkey's national airline, Turkish Airlines; he appeared in a promotional film aired in over 80 countries, and appeared in digital, print and billboard advertising.{{cite web |last=Rovell |first=Darren |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2010/12/13/kobe-bryant-to-endorse-turkish-airlines.html |title=Kobe Bryant To Endorse Turkish Airlines |access-date=February 23, 2011 |work=CNBC |date=December 13, 2010 |quote=It's a two-year deal that will involve Bryant starring in a promotional film that will be aired on international television channels and in movie theatres in more than 80 countries next year. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015015604/https://www.cnbc.com/id/40641746/Kobe_Bryant_To_Endorse_Turkish_Airlines |archive-date=October 15, 2012}}{{cite news |last=Li |first=Shan |title=Kobe Bryant's Turkish Airlines deal outrages Armenian Americans |date=December 16, 2010 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-dec-16-la-me-kobe-bryant-armenian-20101216-story.html |access-date=December 8, 2011}}{{cite news |title=The first Kobe Bryant Turkish Airlines commercial has landed |date=February 28, 2011 |work=NBC Sports |url=http://offthebench.nbcsports.com/2011/02/28/the-first-kobe-bryant-turkish-airlines-commercial-has-landed/ |access-date=February 23, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303071204/http://offthebench.nbcsports.com/2011/02/28/the-first-kobe-bryant-turkish-airlines-commercial-has-landed/ |archive-date=March 3, 2011}}

In September 2012, Bryant shot a commercial for Turkish Airlines with FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi. In the airline's latest commercial, the duo competes to win the attention of a young boy.{{cite news |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruav0KvQOOg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206212738/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruav0KvQOOg |archive-date=December 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |title=Kobe vs Messi: Legends on Board – Turkish Airlines |publisher=Turkish Airlines |date=December 6, 2012 |access-date=December 6, 2012}} In 2013, Forbes listed Bryant the fifth-highest paid sports star in the world behind Floyd Mayweather, Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James, and Lionel Messi.{{Cite web |date=July 12, 2014 |title=LeBron James announces Cavaliers return |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/basketball/28272054 |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}

Bryant appeared as the cover athlete for the following video games:

• Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside{{Cite web |title=Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside for Nintendo 64 |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/kobe-bryant-in-nba-courtside |access-date=June 8, 2010 |website=MobyGames}}
• NBA Courtside 2: Featuring Kobe Bryant{{cite news |url=http://archives.cnn.com/1999/TECH/computing/12/08/courtside2/index.html |publisher=CNN |title=NBA Courtside 2 Featuring Kobe Bryant |access-date=May 7, 2010 |archive-date=July 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100726183851/http://archives.cnn.com/1999/TECH/computing/12/08/courtside2/index.html |url-status=dead}}
• NBA Courtside 2002{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/cube/nbacourtside2002#critics |title=NBA Courtside 2002 (cube) reviews at |publisher=Metacritic.com |date=January 14, 2002 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091101083510/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/cube/nbacourtside2002 |archive-date=November 1, 2009}}
• NBA 3 on 3 Featuring Kobe Bryant{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gbc/sports/nba3on3featuringkb/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050219210429/http://www.gamespot.com/gbc/sports/nba3on3featuringkb/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 19, 2005 |title=NBA 3 on 3 Featuring Kobe Bryant for GBC |publisher=Gamespot.Com |date=December 7, 1999 |access-date=June 8, 2010}}
• NBA '07: Featuring the Life Vol. 2{{cite web |last=Surette |first=Tim |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/kobe-covers-sonys-nba-07-6156109 |title=Kobe covers Sony's NBA 07 |website=GameSpot |date=August 21, 2006 |access-date=February 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724110932/http://www.gamespot.com/news/kobe-covers-sonys-nba-07-6156109 |archive-date=July 24, 2013}}
• NBA 09: The Inside{{cite web |url=http://www.dailygame.net/news/archives/008110.php |title=Sony Debuts SIX Cover Athletes for NBA 09: The Inside |publisher=DailyGame |date=August 18, 2008 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081117120223/http://www.dailygame.net/news/archives/008110.php |archive-date=November 17, 2008}}
• NBA 2K10{{cite web |last=S. Good |first=Owen |title=NBA 2K17 honors Kobe Bryant with 'Legend Edition' this fall |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/4/13/11420642/kobe-bryant-nba-2k17-cover-legend-edition-ps4-xbox-one |publisher=Polygon |date=April 13, 2016 |access-date=January 27, 2020}}
• NBA 2K17 (Legend Edition; Legend Edition Gold)
• NBA 2K21 (Mamba Forever Edition)
• NBA 2K24 (Kobe Bryant Edition and Black Mamba Edition)

Bryant was also one of the global ambassadors of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.{{Cite web |last=Gay |first=Carlan |date=May 16, 2019 |title=FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019: Dirk Nowitzki named as third global ambassador joining Kobe Bryant and Yao Ming |url=https://in.nba.com/news/fiba-basketball-world-cup-2019-dirk-nowitzki-named-as-third-global-ambassador-joining-kobe-bryant-and-yao-ming/114s1jn4cbtm91w5f2ufq8zg6b |access-date=May 24, 2019 |website=NBA.com}}

In high school, Bryant was a member of a rap group called CHEIZAW, named after the Chi Sah gang in the martial arts film Kid with the Golden Arm. The group was signed by Sony Entertainment, but the company's ultimate goal was to eliminate the group and have Bryant record on his own. The label wanted to capitalize on Bryant's youth and NBA fame. He performed at a 1997 concert by Sway & King Tech and recorded a verse for a remix of Brian McKnight's "Hold Me." Bryant even appeared on Lakers teammate O'Neal's Respect, starting the track "3 X's Dope", though Bryant's name was not listed on the credits.{{cite news |last=Golianopoulos |first=Thomas |title=The Secret History of Kobe Bryant's Rap Career |date=April 12, 2013 |work=grantland.com |url=http://grantland.com/features/the-secret-history-kobe-bryant-failed-attempt-rap-career/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130415102945/http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9161188/the-secret-history-kobe-bryant-failed-attempt-rap-career |archive-date=April 15, 2013 |url-status=live}}

Sony pushed Bryant from his roots of underground hip hop into a more radio-friendly sound. His debut album, Visions, was scheduled to release in the spring of 2000. The first single, "K.O.B.E'", featured supermodel Tyra Banks singing the hook. The single debuted in January 2000, and was performed at NBA All-Star Weekend that month, but it was not well received. Sony abandoned plans for the album, which was never released, and dropped Bryant later that year. The Sony president who originally signed Bryant had already left, and Bryant's other backers had mostly abandoned him. Afterward, Bryant co-founded an independent record label, Heads High Entertainment, but it folded within a year. In 1999, he appeared on a remix of "Say My Name" by Destiny's Child on the Maxi single version of the song.{{Cite magazine |last=Platon |first=Adelle |date=April 13, 2016 |title=Revisiting Kobe Bryant's (Super Brief) Rap Career, Including That Time He Remixed Destiny's Child |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kobe-bryant-rap-career-7333081/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=November 18, 2023}}

In 2011, Bryant was featured in Taiwanese singer Jay Chou's single "The Heaven and Earth Challenge" (天地一鬥, pronounced "Tian Di Yi Dou").{{cite web |url=http://english.cri.cn/6666/2011/02/23/1261s622251.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714000817/http://english.cri.cn/6666/2011/02/23/1261s622251.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 14, 2012 |title=CRI.com: Kobe Bryant Works with Jay Chou in New Song |date=February 23, 2011 |access-date=June 16, 2011}} The proceeds for downloads of both the single and ringtones were donated to impoverished schools for basketball facilities and equipment.{{cite web |url=http://www.popasia.net/jay-chou-releases-mv-with-kobe-bryant/ |title=Jay Chou releases MV with Kobe Bryant |publisher=PopAsia |access-date=June 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324154348/http://www.popasia.net/jay-chou-releases-mv-with-kobe-bryant/ |archive-date=March 24, 2012}} The music video of the single also features Bryant. The song was also used by Sprite in its 2011 marketing campaign in China.{{cite web |first=Daniel |last=Gilroy |url=http://advertising.chinasmack.com/2011/sprite-china-kobe-bryant-jay-chou-music-video.html |title=ChinaSmack: Sprite China – Kobe Bryant and Jay Chou music video " 天地一鬥 " ("Tian Di Yi Dou") with Jay Chou feat. Kobe Bryant |publisher=Advertising.chinasmack.com |date=February 23, 2011 |access-date=June 16, 2011}}

In 2009, American rapper Lil Wayne released a song called "Kobe Bryant."{{cite web |title=Lil Wayne Releases New Song Titled 'Kobe Bryant' |url=http://www.totalprosports.com/2009/06/04/lil-wayne-releases-new-song-titled-kobe-bryant/ |last=P |first=Anthony |publisher=TotalProSports.com |access-date=June 23, 2012 |quote=Just in time for the championship matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic, Lil' Wayne has released a song titled "Kobe Bryant." |date=June 5, 2009 |archive-date=February 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217012447/http://www.totalprosports.com/2009/06/04/lil-wayne-releases-new-song-titled-kobe-bryant/ |url-status=dead}} Similarly, in 2010, American rapper Sho Baraka released a song called "Kobe Bryant On'em", which was featured on his album Lions and Liars.{{cite web |url=http://www.lecrae.net/kobe-bryant-onem-sho-baraka-photo-clip-montage-lyrics-included |title=Kobe Bryant On'em- Sho Baraka |date=July 16, 2010 |publisher=Lecrae |access-date=June 23, 2012}} In 2012, American rapper Chief Keef released "Kobe", a song paying tribute to Bryant.{{cite web |title=Chief Keef's "Kobe" Saw A 13,000 Percent Increase In Genius Pageviews After Kobe Bryant's Death |url=https://genius.com/a/chief-keef-s-kobe-saw-a-13-000-percent-increase-in-genius-pageviews-after-kobe-bryant-s-death |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Genius}}{{Cite web |last=Zaru |first=Deena |date=January 28, 2020 |title=Hip-hop mourns Kobe Bryant — an icon in rap lyrics for decades |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/hip-hop-mourns-kobe-bryant-icon-rap-lyrics/story?id=68560786 |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=ABC News}}{{Cite web |last=Martins |first=Chris |date=November 12, 2012 |title=Chief Keef Thinks He's 'Kobe' in New Video |url=https://www.spin.com/2012/11/chief-keef-kobe-video-swish/ |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Spin}} It was featured on his debut studio album, Finally Rich, as a part of the deluxe edition.{{Cite web |date=December 18, 2012 |title=Chief Keef – Finally Rich (2012, Best Buy Deluxe Edition, CD) |url=https://www.discogs.com/Chief-Keef-Finally-Rich/release/4229888 |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Discogs.com}} For the NBA 2K21 soundtrack, Damian Lillard, under his stage name Dame D.O.L.L.A., released a tribute track also titled "Kobe", featuring Snoop Dogg and Derrick Milano.{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Joe |date=September 11, 2020 |title=Damian Lillard Shares Kobe Bryant Tribute Track Featuring Snoop Dogg |url=https://www.complex.com/sports/a/backwoodsaltar/damian-lillard-kobe-bryant-tribute-track-snoop-dogg |access-date=August 24, 2023 |website=Complex |language=en-us}}

Bryant made his acting debut in 1996, appearing in an episode of Moesha. Bryant met the show's star, Brandy, earlier in the year at a Nike All-Star basketball game; a couple of months later, in May 1996, he was Brandy's date to her Hollywood High School senior prom.{{Cite web |last=Heller |first=Corinne |date=January 31, 2020 |title=Brandy Mourns Death of Kobe Bryant, Her Prom Date |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1118264/brandy-mourns-death-of-kobe-bryant-her-prom-date |access-date=July 3, 2023 |website=E! Online}} That year, Bryant guest starred as himself on an episode of Arli$$ (episode: "What About the Fans?") and Sister, Sister (episode: "Kid-Napped"). In 1997, Bryant appeared on an episode of Hang Time, followed by a guest appearance on the Nickelodeon sketch comedy series All That (1998). He was also the first choice for the role of Jesus Shuttlesworth in Spike Lee's 1998 film He Got Game, but turned down the role, saying "this summer is too big for me."{{Cite web |last=Fromal |first=Adam |date=October 17, 2013 |title=Kobe Bryant Declined Jesus Shuttlesworth Role Before It Was Given to Ray Allen |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1814813-kobe-bryant-declined-jesus-shuttlesworth-role-before-it-was-given-to-ray-allen |access-date=July 3, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report}}{{nbau}}

Bryant was the subject of Spike Lee's 2009 documentary film Kobe Doin' Work, which chronicled Bryant during the 2007–08 NBA season.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/01/kobe-bryant-oscar-hollywood-dear-basketball |title=Kobe Bryant Was Building an Entertainment Empire |last=Breznican |first=Anthony |magazine=Vanity Fair |date=January 26, 2020 |access-date=February 24, 2020}}

In 2018, Bryant became the first African-American to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, and the first former professional athlete to be nominated for and win an Academy Award in any category, for his film Dear Basketball.{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Dana |date=March 4, 2018 |title=Kobe Bryant is officially an Oscar winner |url=https://ew.com/awards/2018/03/04/oscars-kobe-bryant-dear-basketball/ |access-date=July 3, 2023 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} Despite winning the Oscar, he was denied membership into the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences due to his past sexual abuse case and their new set of standards of conduct within the recent MeToo movement.{{Cite web |last=Rottenberg |first=Josh |date=June 21, 2018 |title=Kobe Bryant is denied membership into the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-kobe-bryant-academy-membership-denied-20180620-story.html |access-date=August 13, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times}} The film also won the Annie Award for Best Animated Short Subject and a Sports Emmy Award.{{Cite web |last=FitzPatrick |first=Hayley |date=February 9, 2020 |title=Kobe Bryant honored at 2020 Oscars |url=https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/kobe-bryant-honored-2020-oscars-68777844 |access-date=February 25, 2020 |website=Good Morning America}} The film was produced by Bryant's production company, Granity Studios. In addition to future animation projects, Bryant had been in talks with animator veteran Bruce Smith for the last six months before his death about starting his own animation studio.{{cite web |url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/studios/kobe-bryant-was-planning-to-launch-an-animation-studio-sergio-pablos-and-bruce-smith-involved-186423.html |title=Kobe Bryant Was Planning To Launch An Animation Studio; Sergio Pablos And Bruce Smith Involved |first=Alex Dudok de |last=Wit |date=February 18, 2020 |website=Cartoon Brew}}

Beginning in 2018, Bryant wrote, produced and hosted the television series Detail, which aired for multiple seasons on ESPN and ESPN+. It featured his insights into the game of basketball and in-depth analyzes of games and individual players.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23386451/donovan-mitchell-utah-jazz-taking-analysis-kobe-bryant-heart |title=Jazz's Mitchell taking analysis of Kobe to heart |date=May 2, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=February 25, 2020}}{{Cite web |date=June 14, 2018 |title=Kobe Bryant explains his 'Detail' show on ESPN |url=https://247sports.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/Article/Kobe-Bryant-explains-in-depth-his-Detail-show-on-ESPN-119060353/ |access-date=February 25, 2020 |website=247Sports.com}} Bryant also appeared on MTV's Ridiculousness in 2019.{{cite tweet |number=1105934950967074816 |title=Catch me on a NEW episode of #Ridiculousness tonight at 8/7c on @mtv! You don't want to miss it! |first=Kobe |last=Bryant |user=Kobebryant |date=March 13, 2019}}

Bryant was the official ambassador for After-School All-Stars (ASAS), an American non-profit organization that provides comprehensive after-school programs to children in 13 US cities.{{cite web |url=http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/840-kobe-bryant |title=Kobe Bryant's Charity Work, Events and Causes |publisher=looktothestars.org |access-date=April 1, 2010}} Bryant also started the Kobe Bryant China Fund which partnered with the Soong Ching Ling Foundation, a charity backed by the Chinese government.{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204556804574258222289862830 |title=Kobe Bryant Conquers China |last=Paul |first=Alan |date=July 16, 2009 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=October 21, 2009}} The Kobe Bryant China Fund raises money within China earmarked for education and health programs. On November 4, 2010, Bryant appeared alongside Zach Braff at the Call of Duty: Black Ops launch event at the Santa Monica Airport, where they presented a $1 million check to the Call of Duty Endowment, an Activision-founded nonprofit organization that helps veterans transition to civilian careers after their military service has ended.

Bryant and his wife founded the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation (KVBFF). Its goals are "helping young people in need, encouraging the development of physical and social skills through sports and assisting the homeless." Bryant spoke of the injustice aimed at homeless people who are blamed for their situation, saying that homelessness should not be ignored or made a low priority. Bryant said he wanted more out of life than just a successful basketball career.

Bryant and his wife were also founding donors of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, with Bryant also donating his uniform that he wore in the 2008 NBA Finals, the year Bryant was named the league MVP.{{Cite news |date=January 28, 2020 |title=Statement on the Death of Basketball Icon and Museum Founding Donor Kobe Bryant |url=https://nmaahc.si.edu/about/news/statement-death-basketball-icon-and-museum-founding-donor-kobe-bryant |access-date=July 3, 2023 |website=National Museum of African American History and Culture}} During his lifetime, Bryant granted over 200 requests for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Lauren |date=February 21, 2020 |title=Honor Kobe Bryant's legacy through the charities he supported |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/27/us/honoor-kobe-bryant-charity-iyw-trnd/index.html |access-date=February 24, 2020}}{{Cite web |last=Hahn |first=Jason |date=January 29, 2020 |title=Kobe Bryant Granted Over 200 Make-A-Wish Requests During Career: It Was the 'Highlight of My Life' |url=https://people.com/sports/kobe-bryant-granted-over-200-make-a-wish-requests/ |access-date=February 24, 2020 |website=PEOPLE.com}}

Bryant established Kobe Inc. to own and grow brands in the sports industry. The initial investment was a 10% stake in the Bodyarmor SuperDrink company for $6 million in March 2014. The headquarters are in Newport Beach, California.{{cite news |last1=Nicolai |first1=Megan |title=We're excited to be your neighbors |work=The Orange County Register |date=January 9, 2015 |at=sec. Local, pp. 1, 6 |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2015/01/09/kobe-inc-gets-no-answer-on-zoning-request-but-finds-community-support-in-newport-beach/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111231345/http://www.ocregister.com/articles/kobe-647571-inc-building.html |archive-date=January 11, 2015 |url-status=live}} With The Coca-Cola Company purchasing a minority stake in the company in August 2018, the valuation of Bryant's stake rose to approximately $200 million.{{Cite web |last=Rovell |first=Darren |date=August 15, 2018 |title=Kobe's $6M drink investment has $200M return |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24384862/kobe-bryant-6m-investment-sports-drink-now-worth-200m |access-date=July 3, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}}

In 2013, Bryant launched a production company called Granity Studios, which developed different media, ranging from films to television shows and novels.{{Cite web |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=January 28, 2020 |title=Kobe Bryant's Death Cuts Short a Promising Second Act in Entertainment |url=https://variety.com/2020/film/features/kobe-bryant-hollywood-entertainment-granity-studios-dear-basketball-1203483095/ |access-date=July 3, 2023 |website=Variety}}

On August 22, 2016, 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.{{Cite news |last=Berman |first=Dennis K. |date=August 22, 2016 |title=Kobe Bryant and Jeff Stibel Unveil $100 Million Venture Capital Fund |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/kobe-bryant-and-jeff-stibel-unveil-100-million-venture-capital-fund-1471838403 |access-date=July 3, 2023}}{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Janice |date=August 22, 2016 |title=What Is Bryant Stibel, Venture Capitalist Fund? Kobe Unveils Investment Fund With Business Partner Jeff |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/what-bryant-stibel-venture-capitalist-fund-kobe-unveils-investment-fund-business-2405314 |access-date=July 3, 2023 |newspaper=International Business Times}} In 2018, 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.{{Cite news |last=Spears |first=Marc J. |date=May 12, 2020 |title=Sports Academy retires 'Mamba' name out of respect to Kobe Bryant |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29165808/sports-academy-retires-mamba-name-respect-kobe-bryant |access-date=May 13, 2020}}

On October 23, 2018, Bryant's book The Mamba Mentality: How I Play, with photographs and afterword by Andrew D. Bernstein, an introduction by Phil Jackson, and a foreword by Pau Gasol, was published by MCD / Farrar, Straus and Giroux. The book looks back on his career with photos and his reflections.{{cite magazine |last1=Bryant |first1=Kobe |title=Inside the Mamba Mentality |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2018/10/24/kobe-bryant-photos-mamba-mentality-book-excerpt-jordan |access-date=November 7, 2018 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=October 24, 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Ward |first1=Ryan |title=Legendary photographer Andrew Bernstein talks collaboration with Kobe Bryant on Mamba Mentality |url=https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-exclusive-legendary-photographer-andrew-bernstein-talks-collaboration-with-kobe-bryant-on-mamba-mentality/ |access-date=November 7, 2018 |publisher=Clutch Points |date=October 29, 2018}}

At the time of his death, Bryant was working with Brazilian author Paulo Coelho on a children's book aimed at inspiring underprivileged children. After Bryant's death, Coelho deleted the draft, saying in an interview that "it didn't make any sense to publish without him." He did not say how many pages had been written or whether the book had a title.{{Cite news |last=Savarese |first=Mauricio |date=January 27, 2020 |title=Author deletes children's book co-written with Kobe Bryant |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/a8142da782f41686f7b93984c8700ed1 |access-date=January 28, 2020}}

Bryant also co-wrote/produced several young adult novels through Granity Studios: The Wizenard Series: Training Camp, Legacy and the Queen, and Epoca: The Tree of Ecrof. A fourth novel, The Wizenard Series: Season One, was released posthumously in March 2020.{{Cite web |last=Pinho |first=Faith E. |date=January 29, 2020 |title=Kobe Bryant brought sports to page, podcast and film through Costa Mesa production company Granity Studios |url=https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2020-01-29/kobe-bryant-granity-studios |access-date=November 29, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times}} The Wizarenard Series: Season One topped the New York Times middle-grade hardcover list.{{Cite web |last=Haring |first=Bruce |date=April 9, 2020 |title=Kobe Bryant Book For Children And Young Adults Hits No. 1 On NY Times Bestseller List |url=https://deadline.com/2020/04/kobe-bryant-book-for-children-young-adults-hits-no-1-on-ny-times-bestseller-list-1202904300/ |access-date=November 29, 2023 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}

{{Main|2020 Calabasas helicopter crash}}

File:Kobe Bryant death.jpg) on the day of Bryant's death|alt=]]

At 9:06{{nbsp}}a.m. Pacific Standard Time on January 26, 2020, a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter departed from John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, with nine people aboard: Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna,{{cite news |last=Mishra |first=Anubhuti |date=June 7, 2023 |title=B25 Most shocking celebrity deaths of all time: Michael Jackson to Heath Ledger |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/hollywood/shocking-celebrity-deaths-1192226 |work=Pinkvilla |access-date=July 22, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531133927/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/hollywood/shocking-celebrity-deaths-1192226 |archive-date=May 31, 2023}} six family friends including John Altobelli, and the pilot, Ara Zobayan.{{Cite web |last1=Winton |first1=Richard |last2=Woike |first2=Dan |last3=Kohli |first3=Sonali |last4=Ganguli |first4=Tania |last5=Poston |first5=Ben |date=January 26, 2020 |title=Federal investigators look for answers in Kobe Bryant helicopter crash |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-01-26/aircraft-slams-into-hillside-explodes-in-flames-near-calabasas |access-date=January 26, 2020 |website=Los Angeles Times}}{{cite news |last1=Winton |first1=Richard |title=Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna among nine dead in helicopter crash in Calabasas |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-01-26/aircraft-slams-into-hillside-explodes-in-flames-near-calabasas |access-date=January 26, 2020 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=January 26, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/26/kobe-bryant-killed-in-helicopter-crash-reports-say.html |title=NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna killed in LA-area helicopter crash |first1=Emma |last1=Newburger |first2=Jabari |last2=Young |date=January 26, 2020 |website=CNBC |access-date=January 26, 2020}}{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/kobe-bryant-dies-in-helicopter-crash/index.html |title=Kobe Bryant was one of five people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California |last1=Alfonso |first1=Fernando |last2=Vera |first2=Amir |date=January 26, 2020 |website=CNN |access-date=January 26, 2020}} The helicopter was registered to the Fillmore-based Island Express Holding Corp., according to the California Secretary of State business database.{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/kobe-bryant-dies-in-helicopter-crash/index.html |title=Kobe Bryant dies at 41 |last1=Alfonso |first1=Fernando |last2=Vera |first2=Amir |date=January 26, 2020 |website=CNN |access-date=January 26, 2020}} The group was traveling to Camarillo Airport in Ventura County for a basketball game at Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks.{{cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/kobe-bryant-death-map-shows-flight-path-before-fatal-crash-2020-1 |title=This map shows the exact path of Kobe Bryant's helicopter before it crashed, killing all 9 people on board |first=Will |last=Martin |website=Business Insider |date=January 27, 2020 |access-date=February 2, 2020}}

Due to light rain and fog that morning, the Los Angeles Police Department helicopters and most other air traffic were grounded.{{Cite web |date=January 27, 2020 |title=Kobe Bryant & Daughter Die in Helicopter Crash, Photos from Her Last Game |url=https://www.tmz.com/2020/01/26/kobe-bryant-killed-dead-helicopter-crash-in-calabasas/ |access-date=January 27, 2020 |website=TMZ}} The flight tracker showed that the helicopter circled above Glendale, California, due to heavy air traffic in the area. At 9:30 a.m., Zobayan contacted the Hollywood Burbank Airport's control tower, notifying the tower of the situation, and was told he was "flying too low" to be tracked by radar.{{Cite web |date=January 28, 2020 |title=Kobe Bryant: Pilot warned 'you're too low' seconds before helicopter crashed in fog |url=https://www.skysports.com/nba/news/36226/11919276/kobe-bryant-pilot-warned-youre-too-low-seconds-before-helicopter-crashed-in-fog |access-date=July 3, 2023 |website=Sky Sports}} At that time, the helicopter experienced extreme fog and turned south towards the mountains. At 9:40 a.m., the helicopter climbed rapidly from {{convert|1200|to|2000|ft}}, flying at {{convert|161|knots}}.

At 9:45 a.m., the helicopter crashed into the side of a mountain in Calabasas, about {{convert|30|mi}} northwest of downtown Los Angeles, and began burning. Bryant, his daughter, and the other seven occupants were all killed on impact. Initial reports indicated that the helicopter crashed in the hills above Calabasas in heavy fog.{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-01-26/aircraft-slams-into-hillside-explodes-in-flames-near-calabasas |title=Kobe Bryant is killed in helicopter crash in Calabasas |author1=Winton, Richard |first2=Dan |last2=Woike |work=Los Angeles Times |date=January 26, 2020 |access-date=January 26, 2020}}{{Cite news |last1=Wojnarowski |first1=Adrian |last2=McMenamin |first2=Dave |date=January 26, 2020 |title=Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna die in helicopter crash |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/kobe-bryant-dead-helicopter-crash |access-date=July 3, 2023}} Witnesses reported hearing a helicopter struggling before crashing.

On January 28, Bryant's identity was officially confirmed using fingerprints.{{Cite web |date=May 15, 2020 |title=Autopsies show Kobe, all in crash died instantly |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29180785/kobe-bryant-helicopter-pilot-had-no-drugs-alcohol-system-autopsy-shows |access-date=November 29, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} The following day, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner stated that the official cause of death for him and the eight others on the helicopter was blunt force trauma.{{Cite web |date=January 30, 2020 |title=Coroner officials confirm IDs of five more people killed in crash of Kobe Bryant's helicopter |url=https://www.dailynews.com/coroner-officials-confirm-ids-of-five-more-people-killed-in-crash-of-kobe-bryants-helicopter |access-date=July 3, 2023 |website=DailyNews.com}}

The Federal Aviation Administration, National Transportation Safety Board, and the FBI launched investigations into the crash.{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/california-helicopter-crash-calabasas-brush-fire-fatalities-reported |title=Kobe Bryant among those killed in California helicopter crash |first=Ryan |last=Gaydos |date=January 26, 2020 |website=Fox News |access-date=January 26, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/01/26/helicopter-crash-california-kills-5/4581709002/ |title=Investigation underway to determine cause of helicopter Calabasas, California, crash that killed Kobe Bryant |last=Bacon |first=John |date=January 26, 2020 |website=USA Today |access-date=January 26, 2020}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-51256756 |title=Kobe Bryant: Basketball legend dies in helicopter crash |work=BBC News |date=January 26, 2020 |access-date=January 26, 2020}}

The cause of the crash was hard to investigate, as the helicopter was not equipped with a black box. Over a year after the crash, on February 9, 2021, the NTSB declared that pilot Ara Zobayan probably became disoriented after flying into thick clouds. The five board members also said Zobayan, who also died in the crash, ignored his training and violated federal regulations during the 40-minute flight.{{Cite news |last1=Dazio |first1=Stefanie |last2=Melley |first2=Brian |date=February 9, 2021 |title=Investigators report Kobe Bryant's pilot got disoriented in clouds |work=NBA.com |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.nba.com/news/investigators-report-bryants-pilot-got-disoriented-in-clouds |access-date=February 10, 2021}}

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 aftermath of the helicopter crash that were shared without the permission of the family.{{cite news |url=https://www.complex.com/sports/vanessa-bryant-settles-lawsuit-la-county-29-million |title=Vanessa Bryant Settles Lawsuit Against L.A. County for Almost $29 Million |website=Complex.com |first=Zach |last=Dionne |date=February 28, 2023 |access-date=March 1, 2023}} The figure includes the $15 million she was awarded from L.A. County in a 2022 civil trial, with "additional funds to settle potential claims from her daughters"—Natalia, 20, Bianka, 6, and Capri, 3. Chris Chester, a co-plaintiff who lost his 45-year-old wife and 13-year-old daughter in the crash, settled for $19.95 million.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/28/sports/basketball/vanessa-bryant-kobe-helicopter-crash-lawsuit.html |title=Vanessa Bryant Settles Helicopter Crash Photos Lawsuit for $28.85 Million |first=Jonathan |last=Abrams |work=The New York Times |date=February 28, 2023 |access-date=March 1, 2023}}

{{further|2020 Calabasas helicopter crash#Memorials|2019–20 NBA season#Death of Kobe Bryant|Murals of Kobe Bryant}}

File:RIP Kobe Bryant bus banner.png

On February 7, Bryant and his daughter were buried in a private funeral in Pacific View Memorial Park in the Corona del Mar neighborhood of Newport Beach, California.{{cite news |last1=Boren |first1=Cindy |title=Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were buried near their home in a private service last week |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/02/12/kobe-bryant-burial-service/ |access-date=February 13, 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |publisher=WP Company LLC |date=February 12, 2020 |location=Washington, D.C.}} A public memorial service was held on February 24 (2/24, marking both Kobe's and Gianna's jersey numbers) at Staples Center (later Crypto.com Arena) with Jimmy Kimmel hosting. Speakers at the service included Vanessa, Jordan, and O'Neal, along with Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi and Geno Auriemma, Taurasi's coach at Connecticut, where Gianna had been aspiring to play.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2020-02-07/vanessa-bryant-announces-a-celebration-of-life-for-kobe-and-gian |title=Vanessa Bryant announces 'A Celebration of Life' for Kobe and Gianna |first=Broderick |last=Turner |date=February 7, 2020 |access-date=February 9, 2020 |work=Los Angeles Times}}{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/02/07/kobe-bryant-memorial-service-staples-center/ |title=Kobe Bryant public memorial service set for Feb. 24 at Staples Center |first=Desmond |last=Bieler |date=February 7, 2020 |access-date=February 9, 2020 |newspaper=Washington Post}}{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/06/us/kobe-bryant-memorial-service/index.html |title=Kobe Bryant memorial service will be held February 24 at Staples Center |first1=Steve |last1=Almasy |first2=Chloe |last2=Melas |date=February 7, 2020 |access-date=February 9, 2020 |publisher=CNN}}

{{quote box|bgcolor=#F3F0FD |salign=right| quote = "Kobe is a brother to me. From the time I was in high school watching him from afar, to getting in this league at 18 and watching him up close, all the battles that we had throughout my career, the one thing that we always shared was that determination to just want to win, to just want to be great. The fact that I'm here now means so much to me. I want to continue, along with my teammates, his legacy. Not only for this year, but for as long as we can play this game of basketball that we love, because that's what Kobe Bryant would want. So in the words of Kobe Bryant. Mamba out. But in the words of us, not forgotten. Live on, brother." |source= — LeBron James' tribute to Bryant prior to the Laker's first game since the crash against the Portland Trail Blazers, five days after his death (January 31, 2020){{#invoke:cite news||title=NBA reschedules postponed Lakers, Clippers game for April 9 at Staples Center|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-reschedules-postponed-lakers-clippers-game-for-april-9-at-staples-center/|work=CBS Sports|access-date=December 6, 2024|date=February 21, 2020}}|align=right|width=250px}}

The NBA had postponed the Lakers' game against the Clippers just two days after the accident on January 28—the first time an NBA game was postponed for any reason since the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing led to the postponement of a Celtics game.{{cite web |last=Youngmisuk |first=Ohm |date=January 28, 2020 |title=NBA postpones Clippers-Lakers game after Kobe Bryant's death |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28577888/nba-postpones-clippers-lakers-game-kobe-bryant-death |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129004716/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28577888/nba-postpones-clippers-lakers-game-kobe-bryant-death |archive-date=January 29, 2020 |access-date=January 28, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}} On January 30, the first game at Staples Center after the crash was played between the Clippers and the Sacramento Kings; the Clippers honored Bryant before the game, with Southern California native Paul George narrating a video tribute to Bryant. The next day, the Lakers played their first game after the crash against the Trail Blazers. Ahead of the game, the Lakers paid tribute to Bryant and all who lost their lives in the crash with a ceremony held just before tip-off, with Usher singing "Amazing Grace" and Boyz II Men singing the national anthem, while Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth reunited to perform "See You Again"—originally their tribute to Paul Walker after his death while filming Furious 7—at halftime. James also delivered a speech to the crowd before the game, and every player in the Lakers starting lineup was announced with Bryant's name.{{cite web |url=https://mirrorherald.com/kobe-bryant-memorial-lakers-nation-sinks-in-an-emotional-arena/ |title=Kobe Bryant Memorial:Lakers Nation Sinks in an Emotional Arena |access-date=February 1, 2020 |website=Mirror Herald |archive-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219084420/https://mirrorherald.com/kobe-bryant-memorial-lakers-nation-sinks-in-an-emotional-arena/ |url-status=dead}} The game was the second-most-watched in ESPN history, averaging 4.41 million viewers.{{cite news |date=February 3, 2020 |title=Kobe Bryant Tribute Game 2nd Most Watched in ESPN NBA History |url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/kobe-bryant-tribute-game-2nd-most-watched-in-espn-nba-history/2303341/ |access-date=April 24, 2020 |website=NBCLosAngeles.com |agency=Associated Press}} The first ever head-to-head meeting between Shaquille O'Neal and Yao Ming in 2003 was the only one with more viewers.{{Cite web |url=https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2020/02/lakers-blazers-ratings-viewership-espn/#:~:text=Friday%27s%20Blazers%2DLakers%20NBA%20regular,(dating%20back%20to%202002). |title=Large audience for Lakers' first game since Kobe tragedy |date=January 31, 2020}}

Also, beginning with the Spurs and the Raptors in their game in San Antonio on the day of the crash, teams paid tribute to Bryant at the start of their games with intentional on-court violations referring to his uniform numbers on their first possession—either a 24-second shot clock or an 8-second backcourt violation.{{Cite web |last=Blackburn |first=Pete |date=January 26, 2020 |title=Kobe Bryant death: NBA teams honor Lakers legend with 24-second, 8-second violations to start games |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kobe-bryant-death-nba-teams-honor-lakers-legend-with-24-second-8-second-violations-to-start-games/ |access-date=January 26, 2020 |website=CBSSports.com}} On February 15, NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced that the All-Star Game MVP Award would be renamed to the NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award in Bryant's honor.{{cite web |last=Bontemps |first=Tim |date=February 16, 2020 |title=NBA All-Star Game MVP award named in honor of Kobe Bryant |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28710867/nba-all-star-game-mvp-award-named-honor-kobe-bryant |access-date=July 21, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}} In May 2020, the Mamba Sports Academy was renamed to Sports Academy out of respect for Bryant.

The 62nd Annual Grammy Awards went ahead as scheduled at Staples Center on the day of the crash, but included tributes by multiple artists and groups, including host Alicia Keys opening the show with a tribute speech in which she called Staples Center{{Efn|Now called Crypto.com Arena}} "the house that Kobe Bryant built" and joining Boyz II Men to sing "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday".{{cite web |last1=Whitten |first1=Sarah |title='Heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built': Lakers legend remembered at Grammys |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/26/grammys-2020-kobe-bryant-remembered-at-grammy-performers.html |publisher=CNBC |access-date=January 27, 2020 |date=January 27, 2020}}{{cite magazine |last1=Vanderhoof |first1=Erin |title=Grammys 2020: Lil Nas X, DJ Khaled, the Jonas Brothers, and More Pay Tribute to Kobe Bryant |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/01/grammy-awards-tribute-to-kobe-bryant |magazine=Vanity Fair |date=January 26, 2020 |access-date=January 27, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jan/27/2020-grammys-billie-eilish-recording-academy |title=Grammys 2020: Billie Eilish's triumph overshadowed but well-deserved |date=January 27, 2020 |work=The Guardian |access-date=January 27, 2020}}

Bryant also appeared at the start of the In Memoriam segment of the 92nd Academy Awards following his Oscar in 2018 for Dear Basketball, and Spike Lee wore a suit in tribute to him at the ceremony.{{cite web |date=February 10, 2020 |title=Kobe Bryant remembered at Oscars ceremony |url=http://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/feb/10/kobe-bryant-remembered-at-oscars-ceremony |access-date=October 16, 2020 |website=The Guardian}} He was not included in the montages at the 2020 VMAs and Emmys, held later in the year. Fans were upset at the omission, especially as actors Naya Rivera and Chadwick Boseman had been featured prominently in both;{{Cite web |last=Lavin |first=Will |date=August 31, 2020 |title=Kobe Bryant fans upset he wasn't included in 2020 MTV VMAs 'in memoriam' segment |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/kobe-bryant-fans-upset-he-wasnt-included-in-2020-mtv-vmas-in-memoriam-segment-2741860 |access-date=October 16, 2020 |website=NME}}{{Cite web |last=Tailor |first=Leena |date=August 30, 2020 |title=Kobe Bryant Fans Outraged at His Absence From 2020 MTV VMAs Tribute |url=https://www.etonline.com/kobe-bryant-fans-outraged-at-his-absence-from-2020-mtv-vmas-in-memoriam-segment-152245 |access-date=October 16, 2020 |website=Entertainment Tonight}}{{Cite news |last=Nugent |first=Annabel |date=September 21, 2020 |title=Fans shocked as Kobe Bryant and Nick Cordero excluded from Emmys 'In Memoriam' tribute |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/emmys-2020-kobe-bryant-memoriam-nick-cordero-kelly-preston-chi-chi-de-vayne-b512177.html |access-date=October 16, 2020}}{{Cite web |last=Shewfelt |first=Raechal |date=September 21, 2020 |title=Chadwick Boseman and Naya Rivera among those honoured during Emmys 'in memoriam' segment |url=https://news.yahoo.com/emmys-in-memoriam-chadwick-boseman-naya-rivera-104619027.html |access-date=October 16, 2020 |website=Yahoo! News}} after Rivera and Boseman's unexpected deaths in July and August 2020 respectively, the three young black celebrities were popularly compared.{{Cite web |last=Newby |first=John |date=August 29, 2020 |title=Chadwick Boseman's Passing Has Fans Mourning His and Kobe Bryant's Deaths |url=https://popculture.com/sports/news/chadwick-bosemans-passing-fans-mourning-kobe-bryant/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831012116/https://popculture.com/sports/news/chadwick-bosemans-passing-fans-mourning-kobe-bryant/ |archive-date=August 31, 2020 |access-date=August 29, 2020 |website=Pop Culture}}{{Cite web |date=August 29, 2020 |title=Famosos lamentam morte de Chadwick Boseman, o 'Pantera Negra', aos 42 anos |url=https://www.terra.com.br/diversao/gente/purepeople/famosos-lamentam-morte-de-chadwick-boseman-o-pantera-negra-aos-42-anos,b3927c057d6e0eb0a8735580ed04b3dfw9r2kiaf.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831012118/https://www.terra.com.br/diversao/gente/purepeople/famosos-lamentam-morte-de-chadwick-boseman-o-pantera-negra-aos-42-anos,b3927c057d6e0eb0a8735580ed04b3dfw9r2kiaf.html |archive-date=August 31, 2020 |access-date=August 29, 2020 |website=Terra |language=pt-BR}}{{Cite web |last=Mendoza Daza |first=Javier |date=August 30, 2020 |title=Adiós a Chadwick Boseman, Wakanda se viste de luto |url=https://www.elheraldo.co/famosos/adios-chadwick-boseman-wakanda-se-viste-de-luto-754572 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831012122/https://www.elheraldo.co/famosos/adios-chadwick-boseman-wakanda-se-viste-de-luto-754572 |archive-date=August 31, 2020 |access-date=August 30, 2020 |website=EL HERALDO |language=es}}{{cite web |last=Egedegbe |first=Gracious |date=August 31, 2020 |title=Chadwick Boseman Married His Longtime Love before His Death, His Family Reveals |url=https://news.amomama.com/225848-chadwick-boseman-married-his-longtime-lo.html |access-date=September 2, 2020 |website=Amo Mama |archive-date=September 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906191851/https://news.amomama.com/225848-chadwick-boseman-married-his-longtime-lo.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Sung |first=Morgan |title=Honestly, I'm just tired. |url=https://mashable.com/article/honestly-im-tired-hell-zone/ |access-date=October 7, 2020 |website=Mashable |date=September 19, 2020 |archive-date=November 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120000735/https://mashable.com/article/honestly-im-tired-hell-zone/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Chadwick Boseman, Naya Rivera, Alex Trebek and more celebs we lost in 2020 |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/celebrity-deaths-2020-stars-weve-lost-182526735.html |access-date=February 7, 2021 |website=Yahoo |date=December 15, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Gibson |first=Kelsie |date=December 23, 2020 |title=All the Celebrities We've Said Farewell to in 2020 |url=https://www.popsugar.co.uk/celebrity/celebrities-who-died-in-2020-47085916 |access-date=February 7, 2021 |website=POPSUGAR Celebrity UK |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023112104/https://www.popsugar.co.uk/celebrity/celebrities-who-died-in-2020-47085916 |archive-date=October 23, 2020}}{{cite web |date=January 1, 2021 |title=Celebrity Deaths in 2020: Stars We've Lost |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/celebrity-deaths-in-2020-stars-weve-lost/ |access-date=February 7, 2021 |website=Us Weekly |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211031848/https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/celebrity-deaths-in-2020-stars-weve-lost/ |archive-date=December 11, 2020}}{{cite web |title=Famosos que fallecieron en 2020 dejando al mundo de luto |url=https://www.telemundo.com/entretenimiento/latinx-now-espanol/famosos/famosos-que-fallecieron-en-2020-dejando-al-mundo-entero-de-luto-tmna3851109 |access-date=February 7, 2021 |website=TELEMUNDO |date=December 3, 2020 |language=es |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205193619/https://www.telemundo.com/entretenimiento/latinx-now-espanol/famosos/famosos-que-fallecieron-en-2020-dejando-al-mundo-entero-de-luto-tmna3851109 |archive-date=December 5, 2020}}{{cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=December 9, 2020 |title=Google Top Trending Searches 2020: Kobe Bryant, Naya Rivera, Chadwick Boseman Among Most Popular Queries |url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/google-top-trending-2020-searches-1234849323/ |access-date=February 7, 2021 |website=Variety |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209120158/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/google-top-trending-2020-searches-1234849323/ |archive-date=December 9, 2020}}

The 2020 Pro Bowl was also played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on the day of the crash, and before kickoff, NFC players who learned of Bryant's death conducted a prayer led by Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, while various on-field and PA tributes were made during the game.{{cite web |last=DiRocco |first=Michael |date=January 26, 2020 |title=Pro Bowl becomes tribute to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/305565/pro-bowl-becomes-tribute-to-lakers-legend-kobe-bryant |access-date=January 26, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}}Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/4aY3CnaNY6k Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200128033638/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aY3CnaNY6k Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |date=January 26, 2020 |title=The NFL Pays Respects to Fallen Legend Kobe Bryant |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aY3CnaNY6k |access-date=August 3, 2021 |website=YouTube.com |publisher=NFL}}{{cbignore}}

In the 2020 WNBA draft, Gianna Bryant, Alyssa Altobelli, and Payton Chester were made honorary draft picks.{{Cite web |last=Hays |first=Graham |date=April 17, 2020 |title=Gianna among 3 named honorary WNBA picks |url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/29050684/gianna-bryant-alyssa-altobelli-payton-chester-honorary-picks-wnba-draft |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

After the Lakers beat the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the 2020 NBA Finals to clinch the franchise's 17th NBA championship, rapper, Lakers fan and Long Beach native Snoop Dogg paid homage to Bryant and the Lakers with a full forearm tattoo.{{Cite web |last=Amatulli |first=Jenna |date=October 13, 2020 |title=Snoop Dogg Honors Kobe Bryant, Lakers With Massive Arm Tattoo |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/snoop-dogg-kobe-bryant-tribute-tattoo_n_5f85e128c5b6c4bb54706254 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412023632/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/snoop-dogg-kobe-bryant-tribute-tattoo_n_5f85e128c5b6c4bb54706254 |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |access-date=October 13, 2020 |website=Huffington Post}} Bryant was posthumously inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021, with Vanessa delivering the acceptance speech on Bryant's behalf.{{cite web |last=Aschburner |first=Steve |date=May 15, 2021 |title=Long-delayed Hall of Fame Class of 2020 ceremony finally arrives |url=https://www.nba.com/news/long-delayed-hall-of-fame-class-of-2020-ceremony-finally-on-the-cusp |access-date=July 12, 2021 |website=NBA.com}}

{{See also|List of career achievements by Kobe Bryant}}

File:Eric Garcetti and Kobe Bryant, 2016.jpg Mayor Eric Garetti's hand during a 2016 ceremony in which the city of Los Angeles declared August 24 as "Kobe Bryant Day"]]

Bryant was called "one of the greatest players in the history of our game" by NBA commissioner Adam Silver,{{cite news |last=Keh |first=Andrew |date=November 29, 2015 |title=Kobe Bryant Announces Retirement |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/30/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-announces-retirement.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308211805/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/30/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-announces-retirement.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=1 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times}} and The New York Times wrote that Bryant had "one of the most decorated careers in the history of the sport." Reuters called him "arguably the best player of his generation", while both Sporting News and TNT named him their NBA player of the decade for the 2000s.{{cite web |date=February 15, 2010 |title=Kobe Bryant Elected As The NBA Player Of The Decade |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sports/kobe-bryant-elected-as-the-nba-player-of-the-decade_100320608.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609142228/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sports/kobe-bryant-elected-as-the-nba-player-of-the-decade_100320608.html |archive-date=June 9, 2010 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |publisher=Thaindian.com}}{{cite magazine |title=Sporting News' NBA Athlete of the Decade: Kobe Bryant, SG, Lakers |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/article/2009-09-24/sporting-news-nba-athlete-decade-kobe-bryant-sg-lakers |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412122936/http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/article/2009-09-24/sporting-news-nba-athlete-decade-kobe-bryant-sg-lakers |archive-date=April 12, 2010 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |magazine=Sporting News}} In 2008 and again in 2016, ESPN ranked Bryant the second-greatest shooting guard of all time after Jordan.{{cite web |date=March 11, 2008 |title=Special Dime: Greatest shooting guards of all time |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-GreatestSGs |access-date=June 8, 2010 |publisher=ESPN}} In 2022, to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary, The Athletic ranked their top 75 players of all time, and they named Bryant as the 10th-greatest player in NBA history and the second-highest shooting guard on the list, behind only Jordan.{{Cite web |last=Amick |first=Sam |date=February 7, 2022 |title=NBA 75: At No. 10, Kobe Bryant let his work ethic and devotion to the game define his iconic career with Lakers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3111712/2022/02/07/nba-75-at-no-10-kobe-bryant-let-his-work-ethic-and-devotion-to-the-game-define-his-iconic-career-with-lakers/ |access-date=June 2, 2024 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}} Many peer players—including Kevin Durant,{{cite news |last=Young |first=Royce |date=December 1, 2015 |title=Kevin Durant frustrated by media's handling of Kobe Bryant |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14261276/kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-discusses-idolizing-treatment-retiring-kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201025607/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14261276/kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-discusses-idolizing-treatment-retiring-kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers |archive-date=February 1, 2016 |website=ESPN}} Dirk Nowitzki,{{cite news |last=Holmes |first=Baxter |date=January 27, 2016 |title=Kobe will miss talking trash with Dirk Nowitzki |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/42641/kobe-bryant-recalls-18-seasons-of-facing-dirk-nowitzki |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129182958/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/42641/kobe-bryant-recalls-18-seasons-of-facing-dirk-nowitzki |archive-date=January 29, 2016 |website=ESPN}} Dwyane Wade, and Derrick Rose—called Bryant their generation's version of Jordan.{{cite news |last=Friedell |first=Nick |date=January 28, 2016 |title=Rose: Kobe is the Jordan of our generation |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/bulls/post/_/id/22848/derrick-rose-kobe-is-the-jordan-of-our-generation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130085121/http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bulls/post/_/id/22848/rose-kobe-is-the-jordan-of-our-generation |archive-date=January 30, 2016 |website=ESPN}}{{cite news |last=Hoffman |first=Benjamin |date=November 15, 2014 |title=To the End, Kobe Bryant Is a Shooting Guard, Hot or Cold |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/16/sports/basketball/to-the-end-kobe-bryant-is-a-shooting-guard-hot-or-cold.html?_r=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121164316/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/16/sports/basketball/to-the-end-kobe-bryant-is-a-shooting-guard-hot-or-cold.html?_r=0 |archive-date=November 21, 2014 |newspaper=The New York Times}} The Press-Enterprise described Bryant as "maybe the greatest Laker in the organization's history."{{cite news |last=Woike |first=Dan |date=November 29, 2015 |title=Kobe Bryant announces plans to retire following this season |url=https://www.pe.com/2015/11/29/lakers-kobe-bryant-announces-plans-to-retire-following-this-season/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151201022329/http://www.pe.com/articles/season-787798-bryant-retire.html |archive-date=December 1, 2015 |newspaper=The Press-Enterprise}} He was the Lakers' all-time leading scorer, and his five titles are tied for the most in franchise history.{{cite news |date=November 29, 2015 |title=Top stats to know: Kobe Bryant's statistical legacy |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/112016/top-stats-to-know-kobe-bryants-statistical-legacy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151201032946/http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/112016/top-stats-to-know-kobe-bryants-statistical-legacy |archive-date=December 1, 2015 |website=ESPN}} Both numbers Bryant wore during his career, 8 and 24, were retired by the Lakers on December 18, 2017.{{cite news |last=Arnovitz |first=Kevin |date=December 19, 2017 |title=Kobe Bryant has numbers 8 and 24 retired by the Lakers |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/21811693/nba-kobe-bryant-gets-8-24-retired-close-warriors-lakers-matchup |access-date=December 19, 2017 |work=ESPN}} In his first year of eligibility, Bryant was named a finalist for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, weeks after his death,{{cite news |last=Ganguli |first=Tania |date=February 14, 2020 |title=Kobe Bryant leads Hall of Fame finalists during somber day |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2020-02-14/kobe-bryant-leads-hall-of-fame-finalist-list-for-2020 |access-date=May 15, 2021 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times}} before being elected a couple of months later in April 2020.{{cite news |last=Woike |first=Dan |date=April 4, 2020 |title=Lakers legend Kobe Bryant to be inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2020-04-04/lakers-legend-kobe-bryant-officially-2020-basketball-hall-of-fame-class |access-date=May 15, 2021 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times}} His formal induction was delayed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |date=May 16, 2021 |title=Kobe Bryant inducted posthumously into Basketball Hall of Fame |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210516-kobe-bryant-inducted-posthumously-into-basketball-hall-of-fame |access-date=May 16, 2021 |work=France24.com |agency=AFP}} In October 2021, Bryant was honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.{{cite web |title=NBA 75th Anniversary Team announced |url=https://www.nba.com/news/nba-75th-anniversary-team-announced |website=NBA.com}} The team was honored during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland, with Bryant receiving one of the loudest cheers of the night.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2022/02/21/nba-75th-anniversary-team-2022-all-star-game |title=NBA Honors 75th Anniversary Team With Touching Ceremony at 2022 All-Star Game |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}

With career averages of 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, Bryant was considered one of the most complete players in NBA history.HoopsHype.com. [http://hoopshype.com/players/kobe_bryant.htm NBA Players – Kobe Bryant]. Accessed May 8, 2007 He is the fourth-leading scorer in league history with 33,643 points.{{cite news |last=Turner |first=Broderick |date=May 15, 2021 |title=Magic Johnson: Young Kobe Bryant showed maturity during failure |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2021-05-15/kobe-bryant-hall-of-fame-magic-johnson |access-date=May 15, 2021 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}{{Efn|At the time of his retirement, he was the third-leading scorer in NBA history until he was passed by LeBron James shortly before his death.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/basketball/51254093 |title=LeBron James Surpasses Kobe Bryant in NBA's All-Time Scoring List |agency=BBC |date=January 26, 2020 |access-date=January 26, 2020 |archive-date=January 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126070302/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/basketball/51254093 |url-status=live}}}} Bryant was the first player in NBA history to have at least 30,000 career points and 6,000 career assists,{{cite news |last=Holmes |first=Baxter |date=November 30, 2014 |title=Kobe gets milestone on 6,000th assist |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11961944/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-becomes-first-player-nba-history-30000-points-6000-assists |access-date=December 1, 2014 |publisher=ESPN}} and was one of only four players with 25,000 points, 6,000 rebounds, and 6,000 assists.{{cite news |last=Holmes |first=Baxter |date=November 30, 2015 |title=Kobe Bryant says he knew from onset that 2015–16 would be final season |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14257274/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-says-knew-2015-16-final-season |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204135106/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14257274/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-says-knew-2015-16-final-season |archive-date=December 4, 2015 |website=ESPN}} He led the NBA in scoring during the {{nbay|2005}} and {{nbay|2006}} seasons. Bryant's 81-point performance against Toronto in 2006 was the second-highest in NBA history,{{cite web |date=January 12, 2006 |title=Kobe's 81-point game second only to Wilt |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260122013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418161909/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260122013 |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 18, 2017 |access-date=September 20, 2008 |publisher=ESPN}} behind only Chamberlain's 100. Bryant scored at least 50 points 24 times in his career, which is third in league history behind Jordan (31) and Chamberlain (118); six times Bryant scored at least 60.{{cite news |last=Martin |first=Brian |date=November 29, 2015 |title=KOBE BY THE NUMBERS |url=http://stats.nba.com/featured/kobe_by_the_numbers_2015_11_29.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203020100/http://stats.nba.com/featured/kobe_by_the_numbers_2015_11_29.html |archive-date=December 3, 2015 |website=NBA.com}} He was just the third player in NBA history to average 40 points in a calendar month, which Bryant accomplished four times.{{#tag:ref|Chamberlain did it 15 times, and Baylor once.|group=lower-alpha}} He was voted the league MVP in 2008 and led his team to the 2008 NBA Finals as the first seed in the Western Conference.{{cite web |date=May 6, 2008 |title=Kobe Bryant Wins Most Valuable Player Award |url=http://www.nba.com//news/kobe_mvp_080506.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901171948/http://www.nba.com/news/kobe_mvp_080506.html |archive-date=September 1, 2010 |access-date=May 6, 2008 |work=NBA.com |publisher=Turner Sports Interactive, Inc}} In the 2008 Summer Olympics, Bryant won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. men's basketball team, occasionally referred to as "The Redeem Team."{{cite web |last=Sheridan |first=Chris |date=August 25, 2008 |title=Redeem Team proves worthy of Dream Team comparison |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/summer08/basketball/columns/story?columnist=sheridan_chris&page=DreamRedeem-080825 |access-date=December 6, 2008 |publisher=ESPN}} He won another gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Bryant led the Lakers to two more championships in 2009 and 2010, winning the Finals MVP award on both occasions.

Bryant was an 18-time All-Star, which ranks second behind only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's and LeBron James' 19.{{cite news |date=January 21, 2016 |title=Kobe Bryant top vote-getter for 18th and final All-Star Game |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14622192/top-vote-getter-kobe-bryant-gets-start-final-all-star-game |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122053006/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14622192/top-vote-getter-kobe-bryant-gets-start-final-all-star-game |archive-date=January 22, 2016 |publisher=ESPN}} Bryant was chosen a then-record 18 straight times, each time as a starter. On four occasions (2003, 2011, 2013, 2016), he was the leading vote-getter. Bryant was named the All-Star MVP four times, a record he shares with Bob Pettit. Bryant was selected to the All-NBA Team on 15 occasions, tied for the most with Abdul-Jabbar and Tim Duncan,{{cite news |date=February 10, 2016 |title=All-Time #NBArank: Players 11–15 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarank160205/all-nbarank-11-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211141003/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarank160205/all-nbarank-11-15 |archive-date=February 11, 2016 |website=ESPN}} and his 11 first-team honors are tied for the second-most with Karl Malone.{{cite news |last=Trudell |first=Mike |date=May 23, 2013 |title=Kobe Named All-NBA First Team ... Again |url=http://blog.lakers.com/lakers/2013/05/23/kobe-named-all-nba-first-team-again/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607092459/http://blog.lakers.com/lakers/2013/05/23/kobe-named-all-nba-first-team-again/ |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |work=Lakers.com}} Bryant was also a 12-time All-Defensive Team selection, trailing only Duncan's 15, and Bryant was named to the All-Defensive First Team nine times, tied with Jordan, Garnett, and Gary Payton for the most all time. He was the first guard to play 20 seasons in the NBA. Bryant also won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1997 and was its youngest winner.{{cite web |title=Kobe Bryant |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501221509/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html |archive-date=May 1, 2012 |access-date=September 19, 2008 |work=basketball-reference.com}} In his career, Bryant scored 40-plus points in 121 games, and he recorded a triple-double 21 times.

During the 2020 NBA playoffs, the Lakers' players wore 'Black Mamba' jerseys in honor of Bryant. Designed by Bryant himself, the black jersey features a snakeskin pattern with yellow accents and 16 stars representing the team's 16 championships at the time. In a Game 2 victory over the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, Anthony Davis made a buzzer-beating three-pointer and yelled Bryant's name, while the team was wearing the 'Black Mamba' jerseys.{{Cite web |last=Helin |first=Kurt |date=September 21, 2020 |title=Anthony Davis yelled 'Kobe' after he sank game winner |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/anthony-davis-yelled-kobe-sank-120027067.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924010422/https://sports.yahoo.com/anthony-davis-yelled-kobe-sank-120027067.html |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |access-date=September 21, 2020 |website=Yahoo! Sports}} Following a Game 2 victory in the 2020 NBA Finals, LeBron James was asked about the jerseys and had this to say: "It's always special to represent someone that meant so much, not only to the game but also to the Lakers organization for 20-plus years. For us to honor him, being on the floor, this is what it's all about."{{cite web |last=Baer |first=Jack |title=Lakers switch to Kobe Bryant-designed 'Black Mamba' jerseys for potential NBA Finals finisher |website=Yahoo! Sports |date=October 7, 2020 |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/lakers-switch-kobe-bryant-black-mamba-jerseys-nba-finals-222706761.html |access-date=October 2, 2024}}

On January 26, 2022, coinciding with the second anniversary of his death and the helicopter crash, a statue of Bryant and his daughter Gianna was placed at the site where the crash occurred.{{Cite web |date=January 27, 2022 |title=Statue of Kobe, daughter placed at site of crash |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33154467/statue-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-placed-crash-site-2-year-anniversary-deaths |access-date=October 1, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |language=en}} Later in February, the NBA redesigned the All-Star Game MVP trophy as part of the major redesign of the All-Star Weekend trophies in celebration of the league's 75th anniversary season.{{Cite web |date=February 3, 2022 |title=NBA unveils reimagined Kobe Bryant Trophy for Kia All-Star Game MVP |url=https://www.nba.com/news/new-nba-all-star-trophies |access-date=February 20, 2022 |website=NBA.com}}

On August 24, 2023, the Lakers stated that Bryant's statue outside of the Crypto.com Arena would be revealed on February 8, 2024, to honor his two numbers with the Lakers, 8 and 24, and 2 for the number of his daughter Gianna.{{Cite web |last=Marvi |first=Robert |date=August 10, 2023 |title=Lakers will reportedly unveil Kobe Bryant statue in 2024 |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/lakers-reportedly-unveil-kobe-bryant-050649373.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |website=Yahoo! Sports}} The inspiration for the statue, based on an image of Bryant after his 81-point game, pointing a finger toward the sky, was requested by Bryant himself before his death.{{Cite web |last=Plaschke |first=Bill |date=February 9, 2024 |title=Plaschke: Kobe Bryant statue a perfect portrayal of Lakers legend's inclusiveness and defiance |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2024-02-08/kobe-bryant-statue-unveiling-plaschke |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}

In February 2025, Donald Trump announced that Bryant would get a statue in the proposed National Garden of American Heroes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.si.com/nba/lakers/news/donald-trump-announces-kobe-bryant-will-get-statue-in-national-garden-of-american-heroes|title=Donald Trump Announces Kobe Bryant Will Get Statue in National Garden of American Heroes|date=February 20, 2025|website=Los Angeles Lakers On SI}}

{{div col|colwidth=25em}}

• List of NBA annual statistical leaders
• List of NBA annual scoring leaders
• List of NBA career scoring leaders
• List of NBA career assists leaders
• List of NBA career steals leaders
• List of NBA career turnovers leaders
• List of NBA career 3-point scoring leaders
• List of NBA career free throw scoring leaders
• List of NBA seasons played leaders
• List of NBA career games played leaders
• List of NBA career minutes played leaders
• List of NBA career triple-double leaders
• List of NBA career playoff assists leaders
• List of NBA career playoff steals leaders
• List of NBA career playoff turnovers leaders
• List of NBA career playoff 3-point scoring leaders
• List of NBA career playoff free throw scoring leaders
• List of NBA career playoff games played leaders
• List of NBA career playoff minutes leaders
• List of NBA franchise career scoring leaders
• List of NBA players with most championships
• List of NBA single-game scoring leaders
• List of NBA single-game playoff scoring leaders
• List of NBA single-game 3-point scoring leaders
• List of NBA single-season scoring leaders
• List of oldest and youngest NBA players
• List of Olympic medalists in basketball
• List of second-generation NBA players

{{div col end}}

{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

{{reflist}}

• {{cite magazine |author=McGrath, Ben |date=March 31, 2014 |title=The fourth quarter : Kobe Bryant confronts a long—and possibly painful—goodbye |department=The Sporting Scene |magazine=The New Yorker |volume=90 |issue=6 |pages=38–49 |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/03/31/the-fourth-quarter |access-date=May 16, 2018}}

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