Citizendia

Kobe Bryant
PositionShooting guard
Height6 ft 6 in (1. The Shooting guard ( SG) also known as the two or off guard, is one of five traditional positions on a Basketball team A foot (plural feet or foot; symbol or abbreviation ft or sometimes &prime – the prime symbol) is a non-SI unit Inches redirects here To see the Les Savy Fav album see Inches. 98 m)
Weight205 lb (93 kg)
TeamLos Angeles Lakers
Jersey#24
BornAugust 23, 1978 (1978-08-23) (age 29)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
NationalityUSA
High schoolLower Merion HS,
Lower Merion, Pennsylvania
Draft13th overall, 1996
Charlotte Hornets
Pro career1996–present
Awards2007-08 NBA MVP
10-time NBA All-Star
10-time All-NBA Selection
8-time All-Defensive Selection
3-time NBA Champion
2-time NBA All-Star MVP
2-time NBA Scoring Champion
1997 NBA Slam Dunk Champion
1996 Naismith Prep Player of the Year
1996-97 All Rookie Second Team

Kobe Bean Bryant[1] (born August 23, 1978(1978-08-23)) is an American All-Star shooting guard who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association. The metre or meter is a unit of Length. It is the basic unit of Length in the Metric system and in the International The pound or pound-mass (abbreviation lb, lbm, or sometimes in the United States #) is a unit of Mass The Los Angeles Lakers are a National Basketball Association (NBA team based in Los Angeles, California. Events 79 - Mount Vesuvius begins stirring on the feast day of Vulcan the Roman god of fire Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) Philadelphia (ˌfɪləˈdɛlfiə The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ( often colloquially referred to as PA (its abbreviation by natives and Northeasterners is a state located in the Northeastern The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Lower Merion High School, is an American public high school in Ardmore, a community on the Pennsylvania Main Line. Lower Merion Township is a township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and part of the Pennsylvania Main Line. The 1996 NBA Draft was the 54th draft in the National Basketball Association. The New Orleans Hornets are a professional Basketball team based in New Orleans Louisiana, United States. The 2007–08 NBA season was the 62nd season of the National Basketball Association. The National Basketball Association staged its first All-Star Game in the Boston Garden on March 2, 1951. The Naismith Prep Player of the Year award named for Canadian Basketball inventor James Naismith, is given annually by the Atlanta Tipoff Club to high Events 79 - Mount Vesuvius begins stirring on the feast day of Vulcan the Roman god of fire Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The National Basketball Association staged its first All-Star Game in the Boston Garden on March 2, 1951. The Shooting guard ( SG) also known as the two or off guard, is one of five traditional positions on a Basketball team The Los Angeles Lakers are a National Basketball Association (NBA team based in Los Angeles, California. Bryant is the only son of former Philadelphia 76ers player and former Los Angeles Sparks head coach Joe "Jellybean" Bryant. The Philadelphia 76ers (also known as the Sixers for short are a professional Basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The Los Angeles Sparks are a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA team based in Los Angeles California. Joseph Washington "Jellybean" Bryant (born October 19, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a retired American professional His parents named him after the famous beef of Kobe, Japan, which they saw on a restaurant menu. refers to Beef from the black Tajima-ushi breed of Wagyu cattle raised according to strict tradition in Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan is the capital city of Hyōgo Prefecture and a prominent port city in Japan with a population of about 1 For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. [2]

Bryant rose to national prominence in 1996 when he became the first guard in league history to be drafted out of high school. The 1996–97 NBA season was the 51st season of the National Basketball Association. The National Basketball Association high school draftees are players who have been drafted into the NBA straight out of high school without playing basketball at the collegiate Bryant and then-teammate Shaquille O'Neal led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002. Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (born March 6 1972 frequently referred to simply as " Shaq " is an African American Professional basketball The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association and the conclusion of the sport's postseason each June The 2000 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1999-2000 National Basketball Association season. The 2002 NBA Finals was the 56th championship round of the National Basketball Association (NBA Since O'Neal's departure following the 2003-04 season, Bryant has become the cornerstone of the Lakers franchise, and was the NBA's leading scorer during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons. The 2003–04 NBA season was the 58th season of the National Basketball Association. The 2005–06 NBA season was the 60th season of the National Basketball Association. The 2006–07 NBA season was the 61st season of the National Basketball Association. In 2006, Bryant scored a career high 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, the second highest number of points scored in NBA history. The Toronto Raptors are a professional Basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario. [3] He was awarded the season's MVP in the 2007-08 NBA season after leading his team to the 2008 NBA Playoffs as the first seed in the Western Conference. The 2007–08 NBA season was the 62nd season of the National Basketball Association. The 2008 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association 's 2007-08 season which ended with the Eastern Conference champion Boston [4]

In 2003, Bryant made headlines when he was accused of sexual assault at a ski resort in Eagle, Colorado by a hotel employee. The Kobe Bryant sexual assault case began in the summer of 2003 when the news media reported that the sheriff's office in Eagle Colorado had arrested NBA superstar Kobe A Statutory Town that is the County seat of Eagle County, Colorado, United States. Bryant admitted an adulterous sexual encounter with the accuser, but denied the sexual assault allegation. In September 2004, prosecutors dropped the case after his accuser informed them that she was unwilling to testify. [5] Bryant's accuser brought a separate civil suit against him that was ultimately settled out of court.

Contents

Biography

Early life

Kobe Bryant was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the youngest child and only son of Joe and Pam Bryant. Philadelphia (ˌfɪləˈdɛlfiə The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ( often colloquially referred to as PA (its abbreviation by natives and Northeasterners is a state located in the Northeastern Joseph Washington "Jellybean" Bryant (born October 19, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a retired American professional [2]

When Bryant was six, his father left the NBA, moved his family to Italy, and started playing professional basketball there. Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest Bryant became accustomed to the lifestyle there and learned to speak fluent Italian. Italian ( or lingua italiana) is a Romance language spoken by about 63 million people as a First language, primarily in Italy. At an early age, he learned to play soccer and at first his favorite team was AC Milan. Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a Team sport played between two teams of eleven players and is widely considered Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to by the abbreviation Milan, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy He has said that if he had stayed in Italy, he would have tried to become a professional soccer player, and that his favorite team is FC Barcelona. Fútbol Club Barcelona ( Catalan fudˈbɔɫ ˌklup bəɾsəˈlonə Spanish ˈfutβol ˌkluβ baɾθeˈlona known familiarly as Barça (Spanish ˈbaɾsa Catalan Bryant is a big fan of former FC Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard and their star player Ronaldinho. Franklin Edmundo "Frank" Rijkaard (born September 30 1962 in Amsterdam) is a Dutch football manager and former player Ronaldo de Assis Moreira (born March 21 1980 in Porto Alegre) commonly known as Ronaldinho or Ronaldinho Gaúcho, is a Brazilian footballer [6]

In 1991, the Bryants moved back to the United States. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Kobe earned national recognition during a spectacular high school career at Lower Merion High School in the Philadelphia suburb of Lower Merion. Lower Merion High School, is an American public high school in Ardmore, a community on the Pennsylvania Main Line. Lower Merion Township is a township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and part of the Pennsylvania Main Line. His SAT score of 1080[7] would have ensured his basketball scholarship to various top-tier colleges. The SAT Reasoning Test (formerly Scholastic Aptitude Test and Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized test for College admissions in the Ultimately, however, the 17-year-old Bryant made the decision to go directly into the NBA. Bryant has stated that had he decided to go to college after high school, he would have attended Duke University. Duke University is a private Research University located in Durham, North Carolina, United States. [8]

1996 NBA Draft

Before he was chosen as the 13th overall draft pick by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996, the 17-year-old Bryant refused to play for anyone but the Los Angeles Lakers. The 1996 NBA Draft was the 54th draft in the National Basketball Association. The New Orleans Hornets are a professional Basketball team based in New Orleans Louisiana, United States. The 1996 NBA Draft was the 54th draft in the National Basketball Association. According to Kobe's agent Arn Tellum at the time, Kobe playing for the Charlotte Hornets was "an impossibility". [9] Nevertheless, the Charlotte Hornets selected him, seeing that there was a chance to trade with the Lakers. [9] On July 1, 1996, then L. A. general manager Jerry West traded his starting center, Vlade Divac, to the Hornets in exchange for Bryant's draft rights. Vlade Divac ( Serbian Cyrillic: Владе Дивац, ˈvlaːdɛ ˈdiːvaʦ (born February 3 1968, in Prijepolje, [10]

First three seasons (1997-1999)

During his first season, Bryant mostly came off the bench behind guards Eddie Jones and Nick Van Exel. The 1996–97 NBA season was the 51st season of the National Basketball Association. Eddie Charles Jones (born October 20 1971 in Pompano Beach Florida) is an American professional Basketball player for the NBA's Indiana Nickey (Nick Maxwell Van Exel (born November 27 1971 in Kenosha Wisconsin) is a retired American professional Basketball player Initially, he played limited minutes, but as the season continued, he began to see some more playing time. He earned himself a reputation as a high-flyer and a fan-favorite by winning the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest. The Slam Dunk Contest is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA competition held during the NBA All-Star Weekend.

In Bryant's second season (1997-98), he received more playing time and began to show more of his abilities as a talented young guard. The 1997–98 NBA season was the 52nd season of the National Basketball Association. He was the runner-up for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award, and through fan voting, he also became the youngest NBA All-Star starter. The National Basketball Association's Sixth Man of the Year Award is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA award given since the 1982–83 NBA season to The National Basketball Association staged its first All-Star Game in the Boston Garden on March 2, 1951. [11] While his statistics were impressive for his age, he was still a young guard who lacked the experience to complement Shaquille O'Neal and significantly help the team contend for a championship. Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (born March 6 1972 frequently referred to simply as " Shaq " is an African American Professional basketball The 1998-99 season marked Bryant's emergence as starting guards Nick Van Exel and Eddie Jones were traded at O'Neal's request. The 1998–99 NBA season was the 53rd season of the National Basketball Association. Nickey (Nick Maxwell Van Exel (born November 27 1971 in Kenosha Wisconsin) is a retired American professional Basketball player Eddie Charles Jones (born October 20 1971 in Pompano Beach Florida) is an American professional Basketball player for the NBA's Indiana The results, however, were no better, as the Lakers were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference semi-finals. The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional Basketball team based in San Antonio Texas.

Championship years (2000-2002)

Bryant's fortunes would soon change when Phil Jackson became coach for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1999. Philip Douglas Jackson (born September 17 1945 in Deer Lodge, Montana) is a retired American Basketball player and current coach of the After years of steady improvement, Bryant had become one of the premier shooting guards in the league, a fact that was evidenced by his annual presence in the league's All-NBA, All-Star, and All-Defensive teams. The Shooting guard ( SG) also known as the two or off guard, is one of five traditional positions on a Basketball team The Los Angeles Lakers became premier championship contenders under Bryant and O'Neal, who formed an outstanding center-guard combination. Jackson utilized the triangle offense he used to win six championships with the Chicago Bulls, which helped both Bryant and Shaq rise to the elite class of the NBA. The Triangle Offense, also known as the Triple-Post The Chicago Bulls are an American professional Basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Their NBA championships in 2000, 2001, and 2002 proved such a fact. The 2000 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1999-2000 National Basketball Association season. The 2001 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 2000-01 National Basketball Association season. The 2002 NBA Finals was the 56th championship round of the National Basketball Association (NBA

Post-Championship years (2002-04)

In the 2002-03 NBA season, Bryant averaged 30 points per game and embarked on a historic run, posting 40 or more points in nine consecutive games while averaging 40. The 2002–03 NBA season was the 57th season of the National Basketball Association. 6 in the entire month of February. In addition, he averaged 6. 9 rebounds, 5. A rebound in Basketball is the act of successfully gaining possession of the basketball after a missed field goal or Free throw. 9 assists, and 2. In Basketball, an assist is attributed to a player who passes the ball to a teammate in a way that leads to a score by field goal, meaning that he or she was "assisting" 2 steals per game, all career highs up to that point. In Basketball, a steal occurs when a defensive player legally gains control of the ball from an offensive player For the first time in his career Bryant was voted on to both the All-NBA and All-Defensive 1st teams. After finishing 50-32 in the regular season, the Lakers floundered in the playoffs and lost in the Western Conference semi-finals to the eventual NBA champion San Antonio Spurs in six games. The 2003 NBA playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association 's 2002-03 NBA season. The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional Basketball team based in San Antonio Texas.

In the following 2003-04 NBA season, the Lakers were able to acquire NBA All Stars Karl Malone, and Gary Payton to make another push at the NBA Championship. The 2003–04 NBA season was the 58th season of the National Basketball Association. Karl Anthony Malone (born July 24 1963 is a retired American professional Basketball player Gary Dwayne Payton (born July 23 1968 is an American professional Basketball player formerly in the National Basketball Association (NBA Before the season began, Bryant was arrested for sexual assault. However, with a starting lineup of four future Hall of Fame players in Shaquille O'Neal, Malone, Payton, and Bryant, the Lakers were able to reach the NBA Finals. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, located in downtown Springfield Massachusetts, honors players who have shown exceptional skill at Basketball The 2004 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 2003–04 National Basketball Association season. In the Finals, they were eliminated by the Detroit Pistons in 5 games. The Detroit Pistons are a team in the National Basketball Association based in the Detroit metropolitan area In that series, Bryant averaged 22. 6 points per game and 4. 4 assists. He shot a mere 35. 1% from the field. The surprising loss to the Pistons tore apart the Lakers. Phil Jackson resigned as coach, with Rudy Tomjanovich taking over. Rudolph Tomjanovich Jr (born November 24 1948 in Hamtramck Michigan) nicknamed Rudy T Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, and Brian Grant. Lamar Joseph Odom (born November 6 1979 in South Jamaica Queens, New York) is an American professional Basketball player who currently James Caron Butler, widely known as Caron Butler (pronounced Kuh-RONN) (born March 13 1980) is an American professional Basketball Brian Wade Grant (born March 5 1972, in Columbus Ohio) is a retired American Basketball player

Departure of Shaquille O'Neal (2004-2007)

With his reputation badly damaged from all that had happened over the previous year, Bryant was closely scrutinized and criticized during the 2004-05 season. This first season without O'Neal would prove to be a rocky one.

A particularly damaging salvo came from Phil Jackson in The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul. The Last Season A Team in Search of Its Soul is Los Angeles Lakers Coach Phil Jackson 's narrative of the ups and downs of the Lakers' 2003 The book detailed the events of the Lakers' tumultuous 2003-04 season and has a number of criticisms of Bryant. The 2003–04 NBA season was the 58th season of the National Basketball Association. In the book Jackson called Bryant "uncoachable".

Then, midway through the season, Rudy Tomjanovich suddenly resigned as Lakers coach, citing the recurrence of health problems and exhaustion. Rudolph Tomjanovich Jr (born November 24 1948 in Hamtramck Michigan) nicknamed Rudy T Without Tomjanovich, stewardship of the remainder of the Lakers' season fell to career assistant coach Frank Hamblen. Frank Hamblen is a National Basketball Association (NBA coach and scout and a College basketball player at Syracuse University. Despite the fact that Bryant was the league's second leading scorer at 27. 6 points per game, the Lakers floundered and missed the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. This year signified a drop in Bryant's overall status in the NBA, as he did not make the NBA All-Defensive Team and was also demoted to the All-NBA Third Team.

Kobe Bryant defending Michael Redd in December 2005.
Kobe Bryant defending Michael Redd in December 2005. Michael Redd (born August 24 1979 in Columbus Ohio) is an American professional Basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the

The 2005-06 NBA season would mark a crossroads in Bryant's basketball career. The 2005–06 NBA season was the 60th season of the National Basketball Association. Despite past differences with Bryant, Phil Jackson returned to coach the Lakers. Philip Douglas Jackson (born September 17 1945 in Deer Lodge, Montana) is a retired American Basketball player and current coach of the Bryant endorsed the move, and by all appearances, the two men worked together well the second time around, leading the Lakers back into the playoffs. The 2006 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association 's 2005-06 season. The team posted a 45-37 record, an eleven-game improvement over the previous season, and the entire squad seemed to be clicking.

In the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers played well enough (3-1 series lead) to come within six seconds of eliminating the second-seeded Phoenix Suns. The Phoenix Suns are a professional Basketball team based in Phoenix Arizona. Despite Bryant's remarkable game winning shot in Game 4, the Lakers broke down, and ultimately fell to the Suns in seven games. In the following off-season, Bryant had knee surgery, preventing him from participating in the 2006 FIBA World Championship tournament. The 2006 FIBA World Championship was an international Basketball competition hosted by Japan from August 19 to September 3, 2006.

Bryant's individual scoring accomplishments posted resulted in the finest statistical season of his career. On December 20, Bryant scored 62 points in three quarters against the Dallas Mavericks. Events 69 - Vespasian, formerly a general under Nero, enters Rome to claim the title of Emperor. The Dallas Mavericks (also known as the Mavs) are the professional Basketball team of the National Basketball Association based in Dallas Texas Entering the fourth quarter, Bryant had, by himself, outscored the entire Mavericks team 62-61, the only time a player has done this through three quarters since the advent of the 24-second shot clock. A shot clock is used in some sports to quicken the pace of the game 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 the end of the feud that had festered between the two players since O'Neal's departure from Los Angeles. The Miami Heat (often referred to simply as the Heat, including in some official team publications with HEAT in all capital letters are a professional Basketball The " Shaq-Kobe feud " was the "bitter rivalry" between Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, who played together on the National Basketball Association's A month later, at the 2006 NBA All-Star Game, the two laughed and joked together on several occasions. The National Basketball Association staged its first All-Star Game in the Boston Garden on March 2, 1951. On January 22, 2006, Bryant scored 81 points in a 122-104 victory against the Toronto Raptors. The Toronto Raptors are a professional Basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario. [12][3] In addition to breaking the previous franchise record of 71 set by Elgin Baylor, his point total in that game was the second highest in NBA history, surpassed only by Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game in 1962. Elgin Gay Baylor (born September 16 1934 in Washington DC) is a retired American basketball player who played Wilton Norman "Wilt" Chamberlain (August 21 1936&ndashOctober 12 1999 nicknamed Wilt the Stilt, The Big Dipper, and Chairman of the Boards Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game, named by the National Basketball Association as one of its greatest games took place between the Philadelphia Warriors and the

In January, Bryant 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 ever to do so. [13] For the month of January, Bryant averaged 43. 4 points per game, the eighth highest single month scoring average in NBA history and highest for any player other than Chamberlain. By the end of the season, Bryant set Lakers single-season franchise records for most 40-point games (27) and most points scored (2,832). He won the league's scoring title for the first time, posting a scoring average of (35.4). This list exhibits the National Basketball Association 's top single-season scoring averages 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. Stephen John Nash, OC, OBC (born 7 February 1974 is a Canadian professional Basketball player who plays Point guard for the

Bryant scored 50 points or more in four consecutive games in 2007.
Bryant scored 50 points or more in four consecutive games in 2007.

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 NBA season. The 2006–07 NBA season was the 61st season of the National Basketball Association. Bryant's first high school number was 24 before he switched to 33. [14] After the Lakers' season ended, Bryant said on TNT that he wanted 24 as a rookie, but it was unavailable, as was 33, retired with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Turner Network Television, usually referred to as TNT, is an American cable TV network created by media mogul Ted Turner and currently owned Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr; April 16 1947 is an American athlete and retired professional Basketball player widely considered Bryant wore 143 at the Adidas ABCD camp, and chose 8 by adding those numbers.

During the 2006-07 season, Bryant was selected to his 9th All-Star Game appearance, and on February 18, he logged 31 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 steals, earning his second career All-Star Game MVP trophy. The 2006–07 NBA season was the 61st season of the National Basketball Association. Events 3102 BC - Epoch (origin of the Kali Yuga. 1229 - The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II Holy

Over the course of the season, Bryant became involved in a number of on court incidents. OnJanuary 28 while attempting to draw contact on a potential game winning jumpshot, he flailed his arm striking San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili in the face with his elbow. The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional Basketball team based in San Antonio Texas. Emanuel David Ginóbili or Manu Ginóbili (born 28 July 1977 in Bahía Blanca, Argentina) is an Argentine basketball player Following a league review, Bryant was suspended for the subsequent game at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks. Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG, and known colloquially as The Garden, has been the name of four Arenas in New York City. The basis given for the suspension was that Bryant had performed an "unnatural motion" in swinging his arm backwards. Later, on March 6, he seemed to repeat the motion, this time striking Minnesota Timberwolves guard Marko Jarić. The Minnesota Timberwolves are a professional Basketball team based in Minneapolis Minnesota, United States. Marko Jarić ( Serbian Cyrillic: Марко Јарић) (born October 12 1978 in Belgrade, Serbia, Yugoslavia On March 7, the NBA handed Bryant his second one-game suspension. In his first game back on March 9, he elbowed Kyle Korver in the face which was retrospectively re-classified as a Type 1 flagrant foul. Kyle Elliot Korver (born March 17 1981 in Lakewood, California) is an American Basketball player with the Utah Jazz of the NBA A flagrant foul is a serious contact foul involving unnecessary and/or excessive and/or intentional contact in sport

On March 16, Bryant scored a season-high 65 points in a home game against the Portland Trail Blazers, which helped end the Lakers 7-game losing streak. The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, is an American professional Basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. This was the second best scoring performance of his 11-year career. The following game, Bryant recorded 50 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves, 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 Michael Jordan last did it in 1987. The Minnesota Timberwolves are a professional Basketball team based in Minneapolis Minnesota, United States. The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional Basketball team based in Memphis Tennessee. Michael Jeffrey Jordan (born February 17 1963 is a retired American professional Basketball player and active businessman The only other Laker to do so was Elgin Baylor, who also scored 50+ in three consecutive contests in December 1962. Elgin Gay Baylor (born September 16 1934 in Washington DC) is a retired American basketball player who played The 1962–63 NBA season was the 17th season of the National Basketball Association. On March 23, in a game against the New Orleans Hornets, Bryant scored 50 points, making him the second player in NBA history to have 4 straight 50 point games behind Wilt Chamberlain, who is the all-time leader with seven consecutive 50 point games twice. Wilton Norman "Wilt" Chamberlain (August 21 1936&ndashOctober 12 1999 nicknamed Wilt the Stilt, The Big Dipper, and Chairman of the Boards Bryant finished the year with a total of ten 50-plus point games,[15] becoming the only player beside Wilt Chamberlain in 1961-62 and 1962-63 to do so in one season. Wilton Norman "Wilt" Chamberlain (August 21 1936&ndashOctober 12 1999 nicknamed Wilt the Stilt, The Big Dipper, and Chairman of the Boards He also won his second straight scoring title that season.

During the 2006-07 season, Bryant's jersey became the top selling NBA jersey in the United States and China. [16] A number of journalists have attributed the improved sales to Bryant's new jersey number, as well as his continuing All-Star performance on the court. [17][18] In the 2007 NBA Playoffs, the Lakers were once again eliminated in the first round by the Phoenix Suns. The 2007 NBA Playoffs was the postseason to the National Basketball Association 's 2006-2007 season.

MVP year (2007-present)

Taipei Store Launch.
Taipei Store Launch.

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. [19] Bryant later confirmed his desire for West's return to the franchise, but denied stating that he would want to be traded if that does not occur. [20] However, three days later, on Stephen A. Smith's radio program, Bryant expressed anger over a Lakers "insider" who claimed that Kobe was responsible for Shaquille O'Neal's departure from the team, and publicly stated, "I want to be traded. Stephen Anthony Smith (born October 14 1967) sometimes referred to as Stephen A Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (born March 6 1972 frequently referred to simply as " Shaq " is an African American Professional basketball " Three hours after making that statement, Kobe stated in another interview that after having a conversation with head coach Phil Jackson, he has reconsidered his decision and backed off his trade request. Philip Douglas Jackson (born September 17 1945 in Deer Lodge, Montana) is a retired American Basketball player and current coach of the [21] On December 23, 2007 Kobe 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. Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG, and known colloquially as The Garden, has been the name of four Arenas in New York City. [22]

Despite an injury, described as "a complete tear of the radial collateral ligament, an avulsion fracture, and a volar plate injury at the MCP joint" of his shooting hand's small finger, that occurred in a game against the New Jersey Nets on February 5, 2008, Bryant played all 82 games of the regular season instead of opting for surgery. Regarding his injury, he 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 myself and the Lakers’ medical staff will just have to continue to monitor on a day-to-day basis. "[23]

Leading his team to a West best 57-25 record, they swept the Nuggets in the first round and on May 6, 2008, Bryant was officially announced as the NBA Most Valuable Player award, his first for his career. [24] He said, "It's been a long ride. I'm very proud to represent this organization, to represent this city. "[25] Jerry West, who was responsible for bringing Kobe to the Lakers was on hand at the press conference to observe Bryant receive his MVP trophy from NBA commissioner David Stern. Jerry Alan West (born May 28 1938 is a retired American Basketball player who played his entire professional career for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National He stated, "Kobe deserved it. He's had just another great season. Doesn't surprise me one bit. "[26] 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. [27] He 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. Kevin Maurice Garnett (born May 19, 1976 in Mauldin, South Carolina) is an American professional Basketball player [28]

On May 16, 2008, Bryant and the Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz in 6 games, and moved on to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2004. Events 1204 - Baldwin IX Count of Flanders is crowned as the first Emperor of the Latin Empire. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common [29]

On May 29, 2008, Bryant tallied 39 points (17 in the fourth quarter) as the Lakers defeated the Spurs 100-92 in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals to advance to the NBA Finals for the fifth time in his career and the first time without Shaquille O'Neal. Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (born March 6 1972 frequently referred to simply as " Shaq " is an African American Professional basketball [30]

Player profile

Bryant is a shooting guard who is capable of playing the small forward position. The Shooting guard ( SG) also known as the two or off guard, is one of five traditional positions on a Basketball team The small forward, or colloquially the three, is one of the five positions in a regulation Basketball game He is considered one of the most complete players in NBA history,[31] has been elected to every All-NBA Team since 1999, and has been featured in the last ten NBA All-Star games. He is a prolific scorer, averaging 25. 0 points per game for his career, along with 4. 6 assists, 5. 3 rebounds, and 1. 5 steals. He is known for his ability to create shots for himself, and is an adept outside shooter, sharing the single-game NBA record for three pointers made with twelve. He has exceptional ballhandling skills and utilizes his speed and athletic ability to elude defenders to finish at the basket. Aside from this, he is also a standout defender, having made the All-Defensive 1st or 2nd Team 8 of the last 9 seasons.

Conflicts and turmoil

Main article: Kobe Bryant sexual assault case

In the summer of 2003, the sheriff's office of Eagle, Colorado arrested Kobe Bryant in connection with an investigation of a sexual assault complaint filed by 19-year old hotel employee Katelyn Faber. The Kobe Bryant sexual assault case began in the summer of 2003 when the news media reported that the sheriff's office in Eagle Colorado had arrested NBA superstar Kobe A Statutory Town that is the County seat of Eagle County, Colorado, United States. Sexual assault is any Assault of a sexual nature on another person The Kobe Bryant sexual assault case began in the summer of 2003 when the news media reported that the sheriff's office in Eagle Colorado had arrested NBA superstar Kobe Bryant had checked into The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera hotel in Eagle, Colorado in advance of undergoing knee surgery nearby. Faber accused Bryant of raping her in his hotel room the night before Bryant was to have the procedure. Bryant admitted an adulterous sexual encounter with his accuser, but denied her sexual assault allegation. [32][33]

The accusation tarnished Bryant's reputation, as the public's perception of Bryant plummeted, and his endorsement contracts with McDonald's, Nutella, and Ferrero SpA were terminated. Nutella is the Brand name of a Hazelnut -based sweet spread created by the Italian company Ferrero in the 1940s Ferrero SpA is an Italian manufacturer of Chocolate and other confectionery products founded by Confectioner Pietro Ferrero in 1946 Sales figures from NBA merchandisers indicate that sales of Bryant's replica jersey fell far off from their previous highs.

In 2004, the 57-page transcript of Bryant's police interview was leaked to the media. During the investigation, Bryant told Eagle County police that ejaculating on his partner's face was his "thing. "[34] At the time, he asked the accuser if he "could cum in her face, she said no. ” He claimed that he stopped having intercourse with his accuser after she refused his request. When the investigator asked him if he always liked to cum on his partner’s face, Bryant sounded embarrassed, stating “That’s my thing, not always, I mean, so I stopped. Jesus Christ man (inaudible). " He also mentioned that he had a mistress named Michelle. [35][36][37][38] During the investigation, Kobe also told police that "he should have done what Shaq does . . . that Shaq would pay his women not to say anything" and that Shaq already had paid up to $1 million "for situations like this. " This created controversy because Kobe and Shaq were teammates at the time and many thought that Kobe broke "locker-room code" by revealing confidential information. [39]

However, in September 2004 the assault case was dropped by prosecutors after Faber refused to testify in the trial. Afterwords, Kobe agreed to "apologize" to the victim for the incident, including his public mea culpa, which was read by his attorney in court when the charges were dropped, and was part of an agreement with the accuser: "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. Mea culpa is a Latin phrase that translates into English as "my fault" or "my own fault" "[40] Faber filed a separate civil lawsuit against Bryant, which the two sides ultimately settled with the specific terms of the settlement being undisclosed to the public. Bryant's endorsement deals resumed again with certain companies like Nike, Spalding, and Coca-Cola. Nike Inc ('naɪki ( is a major publicly traded sportswear and equipment supplier based in the United States. Coca-Cola is a carbonated Soft drink sold in stores restaurants and Vending machines in more than 200 countries [41]

Personal life

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. Vanessa Cornejo Ubrieta Laine Bryant (born Vanessa Cornejo Ubrieta May 5, 1982) is the wife of NBA star Kobe Bryant. Tha Eastsidaz originally spelled as the Eastsiders was a hip hop group of somewhat reforming the LBC Crew with Snoop Dogg Lil' C-Style and Techniec [42] Bryant was in the building working on his debut musical album, which was never released.

The two began dating and became engaged just six months later in May 2000,[42] while Laine was still a senior at Marina High School in Huntington Beach, California. Marina High School (Marina is a Secondary school located in the northwest corner of Huntington Beach California which first began operating in 1963 Huntington Beach is a seaside city in Orange County in Southern California, United States. To avoid media scrutiny, she finished high school through independent study. [42] According to Vanessa's cousin Laila Laine, there was no prenuptial agreement. A prenuptial agreement, antenuptial agreement, or premarital agreement, commonly abbreviated to prenup or prenupt, is a Contract entered Vanessa said Kobe "loved her too much for one". [43]

They married on April 18, 2001 in Dana Point, California. Dana Point is a city located in southern Orange County California. Neither Bryant's parents, his two sisters, longtime advisor and agent Arn Tellem, nor Bryant's Laker teammates attended. Bryant's parents were opposed to the marriage for a number of reasons. Reportedly Bryant's parents had problems with him marrying so young, especially to a woman who was not African-American. [42] This disagreement resulted in an estrangement period of over two years, during which Kobe Bryant did not have any contact with his parents.

The Bryants' first child, a daughter named Natalia Diamante Bryant, was born on January 19, 2003. The birth of Natalia influenced Bryant to reconcile his differences with his parents. Vanessa Bryant suffered a miscarriage due to an ectopic pregnancy in the spring of 2005. Vanessa Cornejo Ubrieta Laine Bryant (born Vanessa Cornejo Ubrieta May 5, 1982) is the wife of NBA star Kobe Bryant. Miscarriage or spontaneous abortion is the natural or spontaneous end of a Pregnancy at a stage where the embryo or fetus is incapable of surviving generally defined An ectopic pregnancy is a Complication of pregnancy in which the fertilized Ovum is implanted in any tissue other than the uterine wall Spring is one of the four Temperate Seasons Spring marks the transition from Winter into Summer. Their second daughter, Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant, was born on May 1, 2006. Events 305 - Diocletian and Maximian retire from the office of Roman Emperor. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Gianna was born 6 minutes ahead of former teammate Shaquille O'Neal's daughter Me'arah Sanaa, who was born in Florida. Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (born March 6 1972 frequently referred to simply as " Shaq " is an African American Professional basketball [44]

NBA career statistics

Regular seasonPlayoffs
YearTeamGPMPGSPGBPGRPGAPGFG%PPGGPMPGSPGBPGRPGAPGFG%PPG
1996-97L. A. Lakers7115. 50. 690. 321. 91. 3. 4177. 6914. 80. 330. 221. 21. 2. 3828. 2
1997-98L. A. Lakers7926. 00. 940. 513. 12. 5. 42815. 41120. 00. 270. 731. 91. 5. 4088. 7
1998-99L. A. Lakers5037. 91. 441. 005. 33. 8. 46519. 9839. 41. 881. 256. 94. 6. 43019. 8
1999-00L. A. Lakers6638. 21. 610. 946. 34. 9. 46822. 52239. 01. 451. 454. 54. 4. 44221. 1
2000-01L. A. Lakers6840. 91. 680. 635. 95. 0. 46428. 51643. 41. 560. 757. 36. 1. 46929. 4
2001-02L. A. Lakers8038. 31. 480. 445. 55. 5. 46925. 21943. 81. 420. 895. 84. 6. 43426. 6
2002-03L. A. Lakers8241. 52. 210. 826. 95. 9. 45130. 01244. 31. 170. 085. 15. 2. 43232. 1
2003-04L. A. Lakers6537. 61. 720. 435. 55. 1. 43824. 02244. 21. 910. 324. 75. 5. 41324. 5
2004-05L. A. Lakers6640. 71. 300. 805. 96. 0. 43327. 6
2005-06L. A. Lakers8041. 01. 840. 385. 34. 5. 45035. 4744. 91. 140. 436. 35. 1. 49727. 9
2006-07L. A. Lakers7740. 81. 440. 475. 75. 4. 46331. 6543. 01. 000. 405. 24. 4. 46232. 8
2007-08L. A. Lakers8238. 91. 840. 496. 35. 4. 45928. 31540. 31. 270. 476. 15. 8. 50931. 9
Career86636. 51. 530. 595. 34. 6. 45325. 014639. 01. 320. 695. 14. 6. 44724. 2

Awards and achievements

  • Has started in each of his appearances
  • 10 consecutive appearances (No All-Star game in 1999 due to league-wide lock-out)
  • First Team: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008
  • Second Team: 2000, 2001
  • Third Team: 1999, 2005
  • First Team: 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008
  • Second Team: 2001, 2002
  • points: 2003 (2,461), 2006 (2,832, 7th in NBA history), 2007 (2,430), 2008 (2,323)
  • points per game: 2006 (35. 4, 9th in NBA history), 2007 (31. 6)
  • field goals attempted: 2006 (2,173), 2007 (1,757), 2008 (1,690)
  • field goals made: 2003 (868), 2006 (978), 2007 (813)
  • free throws attempted: 2006 (819), 2007 (768)
  • free throws made: 2006 (696), 2007 (667)

NBA records

Kobe Bryant holds four and shares five NBA records:

Lakers franchise records

Kobe Bryant holds or shares 30 Los Angeles Lakers franchise records:

  • Season: 2,832 (2005-06)
  • Game: 81 (January 22 2006 vs. The 1999–2000 NBA season was the 54th season of the National Basketball Association. The 2005–06 NBA season was the 60th season of the National Basketball Association. Toronto Raptors)[51][3]
  • Half: 55 (2nd half, January 22 2006 vs. Toronto Raptors). [51]
  • Quarter: 30 (twice, most recently on November 30, 2006 in 3rd quarter vs. Events 1700 - Battle of Narva — A Swedish army of 8500 men under Charles XII defeats Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Utah Jazz)[51]
  • Games scoring 50 points or more, career: 23[50]
  • Games scoring 50 points or more, season: 10 (2006-07)[50]
  • Games scoring 40 points or more, career: 92[52]
  • Games scoring 40 points or more, season: 27 (2005-06)[53]
  • Consecutive games of 50 points or more: 4 (March 16–23 2007)[54]
  • Consecutive games of 40 points or more: 9 (February 6–February 23 2003)[55]
  • Half: 18 (2nd half, January 22 2006 vs. Toronto Raptors). [56]
  • Quarter: 11 (February 2 1999 vs. Seattle SuperSonics). [57]
  • Game: 23 (twice, most recently on January 31 2006 vs. New York Knicks). [58]
  • Game, playoffs: 21 (May 4]2008 vs. Utah Jazz). The Utah Jazz is a professional Basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. [59]
  • Half: 16 (January 30 2001 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers)[60]
  • Quarter: 14 (3rd quarter, December 20 2005 vs. The Cleveland Cavaliers (also known as the Cavs) are a professional Basketball team based in Cleveland Ohio. Dallas Mavericks)[61]
  • Quarter, playoffs: 11 (tied with 3 players; May 8 1997 vs. Utah Jazz). The Utah Jazz is a professional Basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. [62]
  • Consecutive: 62 (January 11–22, 2006). [51]
  • Career: 1,086 (1996–present)[2]
  • Career, playoffs: 168 (1996–present)[63]
  • Game: 12 (January 7 2003 vs. Seattle SuperSonics). [46]
  • Half: 8 (1st half, March 28 2003 vs. Washington Wizards). [64]
  • Consecutive: 9 (January 7 2003 vs. Seattle SuperSonics). [46]
  • Season attempts: 518 (2005-06)[2]
  • Game attempts: 18 (January 7, 2003 vs. Seattle SuperSonics). [46]
  • Half: 6 (tied with 3 players; February 13 2006 vs. Utah Jazz). [65]
  • Quarter, playoffs: 3 (tied with 6 players; May 17 1999 vs. San Antonio Spurs). The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional Basketball team based in San Antonio Texas. [66]

Other awards and achievements

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Biography of Kobe Bryant, Pennsylvania Center for a Book
  2. ^ a b c d e f g NBA. The following is a list of individual National Basketball Association scoring leaders by season. List of National Basketball Association players who have scored 60 or more points in a single game It is a rarity that current recent or retired National Basketball Association players spend more than six or seven seasons with their initial team com. Kobe Bryant Info Page - Bio. Accessed May 8, 2007. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  3. ^ a b c Watch All of Kobe's 81 Points in 3 Minutes at YouTube
  4. ^ Kobe Bryant Wins Most Valuable Player Award, NBA, 6 May 2008, accessed 6 May 2008. YouTube is a video sharing website where users can upload view and share Video clips YouTube was created in February 2005 by three former PayPal employees Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common
  5. ^ Rape case against Bryant dismissed
  6. ^ USATODAY. com. Ronaldinho is a U.S. tour de force. Accessed November 28, 2007. For the town in Argentina, see 28 de Noviembre. Events Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  7. ^ Samuels, Allison (October 11, 2003). Events 1138 - A massive earthquake struck Aleppo, Syria. 1531 - Huldrych Zwingli is killed Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Kobe Off the Court.
  8. ^ Larry King Live (January 6, 2005). Events 1066 - Harold Godwinson is crowned King of England. 1205 - Philip of Swabia becomes King Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Kobe Bryant Interview. CNN. Accessed May 25, 2007. Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  9. ^ a b Destination Portland: A Big Man, a Small Place, New York Times.
  10. ^ Say It Ain't So, Sports Illustrated
  11. ^ Bryant's First All-Star Game at YouTube
  12. ^ basketball-reference. YouTube is a video sharing website where users can upload view and share Video clips YouTube was created in February 2005 by three former PayPal employees com, 2005-06 NBA Season Summary, accessed, December 8, 2007. Events 1609 - Biblioteca Ambrosiana opens its reading room the second public library of Europe. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  13. ^ NBA. com (February 1, 2006). Events 1327 - Teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Billups, Bryant Named Players of the Month. Accessed May 25, 2007
  14. ^ Rovell, Darren (April 26, 2006). Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1467 - The miraculous image in Our Lady of Good Counsel appear in Genazzano, Italy. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Bryant will hang up his No. 8 jersey, sources say. Accessed May 25, 2007. Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  15. ^ Lakers Universe. Kobe Bryant Stats. Accessed May 25, 2007
  16. ^ NBA. Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. com (March 20, 2007). Events 1600 - The Linköping Bloodbath takes place on Maundy Thursday in Linköping, Sweden. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Kobe Bryant has Top-Selling Jersey in China. Accessed May 25, 2007. Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  17. ^ Oller, Rob (February 12, 2007). Events 1429 - English Forces under Sir John Fastolf defend a supply convoy carrying rations to the army besieging Orleans from attack by the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. A star is reborn: Bryant's stats, dunks have made him marketable again. The Columbus Dispatch. Accessed May 25, 2007. Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  18. ^ Denver Post (March 15, 2007. Events 44 BC - Julius Caesar, Dictator of the Roman Republic, is stabbed to death by Marcus Junius Brutus, Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. For Kobe, turnaround is flair play. The Bonham Group. Accessed May 25, 2007. Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  19. ^ Kobe wants West to return to Lakers with full authority (2007-05-28). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 585 BC - A Solar eclipse occurs as predicted by Greek philosopher and scientist Thales, while Alyattes is battling Retrieved on 2007-10-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 456 - Magister militum Ricimer defeats the Emperor Avitus at Piacenza and becomes master of the western
  20. ^ Kobe says he's just suggesting West's return, not demanding it (2007-05-30). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1416 - The Council of Constance, called by the Emperor Sigismund a supporter of Antipope John XXIII burns Jerome of Prague following Retrieved on 2007-10-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 456 - Magister militum Ricimer defeats the Emperor Avitus at Piacenza and becomes master of the western
  21. ^ NBA: Kobe retracts his trade request (2007-05-31). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1279 BC - Rameses II (The Great (19th dynasty becomes pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. Retrieved on 2007-10-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 456 - Magister militum Ricimer defeats the Emperor Avitus at Piacenza and becomes master of the western
  22. ^ sportsillustrated. com, Bryant youngest to 20,000 points, accessed January 1, 2007.
  23. ^ KOBE BRYANT INJURY UPDATE (2008-02-14). 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 842 - Charles the Bald and Louis the German swear the Oaths of Strasbourg in the French and German Retrieved on 2008-05-09. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1457 BC - Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC between Thutmose III and a large Canaanite coalition under the King of
  24. ^ NBA.com - Kobe Bryant Wins Most Valuable Player Award, accessed May 6, 2008
  25. ^ Jerry West attends Bryant's MVP press conference, accessed May 7, 2008
  26. ^ Kobe's MVP award not a surprise to West, accessed May 9th, 2008
  27. ^ Bryant unanimous pick for All-NBA team, accessed May 10, 2008
  28. ^ Kobe, Garnett Headline All-Defensive Team
  29. ^ Bryant, Lakers Hold Off Jazz, Reach West Finals
  30. ^ [1]
  31. ^ a b c d e f g HoopsHype. com. NBA Players - Kobe Bryant. Accessed May 8, 2007
  32. ^ "Bryant distracted, scared amid sex assault case", Associated Press, 2003-12-23. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The Associated Press ( AP) is an American News agency. The AP is a Cooperative owned by its contributing Newspapers radio Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 962 - Byzantine-Arab Wars: Under the future Emperor Nicephorus Phocas, Byzantine troops stormed the city Retrieved on 2007-02-25. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 138 - The Emperor Hadrian adopts Antoninus Pius, effectively making him his successor  
  33. ^ Moore, David Leon. "Shaq, Kobe still main keys to Lakers' fortunes", USA Today, 2004-02-12. USA TODAY is a national American daily Newspaper published by the Gannett Company. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 1429 - English Forces under Sir John Fastolf defend a supply convoy carrying rations to the army besieging Orleans from attack by the Retrieved on 2007-02-25. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 138 - The Emperor Hadrian adopts Antoninus Pius, effectively making him his successor  
  34. ^ http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/1004042affidavit8.html
  35. ^ Bryant:"that's when I asked if I could cum in her face, she said no."
  36. ^ http://www.vaildaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040915/NEWS/40916001
  37. ^ http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/3736419/detail.html
  38. ^ http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/08/16/national/main636205.shtml
  39. ^ Associated Press (2004-09-30). "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 1399 - Henry IV is proclaimed King of England. 1744 - France and Spain defeat the [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6134411/ Shaq angrily denies paying sex hush money]. Retrieved on 2007-10-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 456 - Magister militum Ricimer defeats the Emperor Avitus at Piacenza and becomes master of the western
  40. ^ T. R. Reid (2004-09-02). "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 44 BC - Pharaoh Cleopatra VII of Egypt declares her son co-ruler as Ptolemy XV Caesarion. Bryant rape case ends in dismissal. Retrieved on 2007-10-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 456 - Magister militum Ricimer defeats the Emperor Avitus at Piacenza and becomes master of the western
  41. ^ Kobe Bryant's Sponsorship Will Rebound - Forbes.com
  42. ^ a b c d Everything You Need to Know About Kobe Bryant. Retrieved on 2007-10-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 456 - Magister militum Ricimer defeats the Emperor Avitus at Piacenza and becomes master of the western - Wayback Machine cache from 2006-02-19
  43. ^ Shawn Hubler. Kobe's costar Vanessa Laine was just another sheltered teenager in Orange County. Then she fell in love with a phenomenon.. Retrieved on 2007-10-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 456 - Magister militum Ricimer defeats the Emperor Avitus at Piacenza and becomes master of the western - Wayback Machine cache from 2007-04-06
  44. ^ Contact Music. Shaq is a Dad Six Minutes After Kobe. Accessed May 25, 2007. Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  45. ^ a b NBA. com. Regular Season Records: Three-Point Field Goals. Accessed May 8, 2007. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  46. ^ a b c d Associated Press (January 7, 2003). Events 1325 - Alfonso IV becomes King of Portugal. 1558 - France takes Calais, the last continental Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Bryant sets two NBA records for 3-point shooting. ESPN. January 7, 2003. Events 1325 - Alfonso IV becomes King of Portugal. 1558 - France takes Calais, the last continental Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Accessed May 8, 2007. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  47. ^ a b ESPN. com (December 20, 2005). Events 69 - Vespasian, formerly a general under Nero, enters Rome to claim the title of Emperor. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Mavericks at Lakers. Accessed May 8, 2007. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  48. ^ a b NBA. com. Regular Season Records: Free Throws. Accessed May 8, 2007. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  49. ^ "NBA: Kobe youngest to reach 20,000", NBA, December 23, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-12-24. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 563 - The Byzantine church Hagia Sophia in Constantinople is dedicated for the second time after being destroyed by Earthquakes  
  50. ^ a b c KB24. com. Kobe Bryant. Accessed May 8, 2007. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  51. ^ a b c d Associated Press (January 22, 2006). Events 565 - Eutychius is deposed as Patriarch of Constantinople by John Scholasticus. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Kobe's 81-point game second only to Wilt. Accessed May 8, 2007. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  52. ^ Kobe scores 41 and red-hot Lakers spoil Shaq's Suns debut (2008-02-20). 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1472 - Orkney and Shetland are left by Norway to Scotland, due to a Dowry payment Retrieved on 2008-02-22. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1495 - King Charles VIII of France enters Naples to claim the city's throne
  53. ^ NBA. com (April 16, 2006). Events 1178 BC - A Solar eclipse may have marked the return of Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, to his kingdom Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Led by Bryant, Lakers Clinch Playoff Spot. Accessed May 8, 2007. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  54. ^ Associated Press (March 22, 2007). Events 238 - Gordian I and his son Gordian II are proclaimed Roman emperor. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Bryant stays on fire, extends 50-point streak for Lakers. ESPN. Accessed May 8, 2007. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  55. ^ Associated Press (February 23, 2003). Events 1455 - Traditional date for the publication of the Gutenberg Bible, the first Western Book printed from Movable Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Lakers move into seventh place in Western Conference. ESPN. Accessed May 8, 2007. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  56. ^ ESPN. com (January 22, 2006). Events 565 - Eutychius is deposed as Patriarch of Constantinople by John Scholasticus. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Raptors at Lakers. Accessed May 25, 2007. Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  57. ^ Lakerstats. com. Individua - Regular Season (Field Goals Made). Accessed May 8, 2007. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  58. ^ ESPN. com (January 31, 2006). Events 1504 - France cedes Naples to Aragon. 1606 - Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Lakers at Knicks. Accessed 8 May 2007. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  59. ^ ESPN. com (May 4, 2008). Events 1256 - The Augustinian monastic order is constituted at the Lecceto Monastery when Pope Alexander IV 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Jazz at Lakers. Accessed 4 May 2008. Events 1256 - The Augustinian monastic order is constituted at the Lecceto Monastery when Pope Alexander IV 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common
  60. ^ Lakerstats. com. Individual - Regular Seaon (Free Throws Made). Accessed May 8, 2007. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  61. ^ ESPN. com (December 20, 2005). Events 69 - Vespasian, formerly a general under Nero, enters Rome to claim the title of Emperor. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Maveriks at Lakers. Accessed May 25, 2007. Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  62. ^ Lakerstats. com. Individual - Playoffs (Free Throws Made). Accessed May 8, 2007. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  63. ^ Lakerstats. com. Career Leaders - Playoffs (3-Point Field Goals Made). Accessed May 25, 2007. Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  64. ^ Associated Press (March 28, 2003). Events 37 - Roman Emperor Caligula accepts the titles of the Principate, entitled to him by the Senate. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Kobe dazzles Wizards in final meeting with MJ. ESPN. Accessed May 8, 2007. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  65. ^ Lakerstats. com. Individual - Regular Season (Steals). Accessed May 8, 2007. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  66. ^ Lakerstats. com. Individual - Playoffs (Steals). Accessed May 8, 2007. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  67. ^ [2], Debate on charge rages in Bryant's hometown

External links



Awards
Preceded by
Dirk Nowitzki		National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Award
2007-08		Succeeded by
Incumbent
Preceded by
Allen Iverson
LeBron James		NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player
2002
2007		Succeeded by
Kevin Garnett
LeBron James
Preceded by
Allen Iverson		National Basketball Association
Scoring champion
2005-06, 2006-07		Succeeded by
LeBron James
Persondata
NAMEBryant, Kobe Bean
ALTERNATIVE NAMES
SHORT DESCRIPTIONProfessional basketball player
DATE OF BIRTHAugust 23, 1978
PLACE OF BIRTHPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
DATE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH
ESPNcom is the official website of ESPN and a division of ESPN Inc Dirk Werner Nowitzki (ɖɪʁk weʁneʁ no'v?tski (born June 19 1978 is a German professional Basketball player who plays for the Dallas Mavericks of The 2007–08 NBA season was the 62nd season of the National Basketball Association. Allen Ezail Iverson (born June 7 1975 in Hampton, Virginia) is an American professional Basketball player for the Denver Nuggets LeBron Raymone James (born December 30 1984 in Akron Ohio) is an American professional Basketball player who plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers of The National Basketball Association staged its first All-Star Game in the Boston Garden on March 2, 1951. 2002 All-Star Roster Players Appearance denotes the number of times the player been selected to play in the All-Star game including 2002 The 2007 NBA All-Star Game was played on Sunday February 18, 2007 at the University of Nevada Las Vegas ' Thomas Kevin Maurice Garnett (born May 19, 1976 in Mauldin, South Carolina) is an American professional Basketball player LeBron Raymone James (born December 30 1984 in Akron Ohio) is an American professional Basketball player who plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers of Allen Ezail Iverson (born June 7 1975 in Hampton, Virginia) is an American professional Basketball player for the Denver Nuggets The 2005–06 NBA season was the 60th season of the National Basketball Association. The 2006–07 NBA season was the 61st season of the National Basketball Association. LeBron Raymone James (born December 30 1984 in Akron Ohio) is an American professional Basketball player who plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers of Events 79 - Mount Vesuvius begins stirring on the feast day of Vulcan the Roman god of fire Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) Philadelphia (ˌfɪləˈdɛlfiə The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ( often colloquially referred to as PA (its abbreviation by natives and Northeasterners is a state located in the Northeastern The United States of America —commonly referred to as the
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