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Kobe Bryant Timeline
(1996 - 2020)Kobe Bryant was an American professional basketball player who spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history, he won five championships, earned 18 All-Star selections, and scored 81 points in a single game. His 'Mamba Mentality' inspired athletes worldwide until his tragic death in January 2020. More Less
Early Life and High School
Born in Philadelphia
Aug 23, 1978
Kobe Bean Bryant was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of former NBA player Joe Bryant. He was named after Kobe beef from a restaurant menu, and his middle name came from his parents' nickname for him.
Family moves to Italy
1984 - 1991
When Kobe was six years old, his father left the NBA to play professional basketball in Italy, moving the family there. Kobe became fluent in Italian and developed a love for soccer before returning to the United States.
Image source: Kobe Bryant
Stars at Lower Merion High School
1993 - 1996
Bryant attended Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, where he became one of the most celebrated high school players in American history, scoring over 2,800 career points and breaking Wilt Chamberlain's Southeastern Pennsylvania scoring record.
Wins Pennsylvania state championship
Mar 1996
In his senior season, Bryant led Lower Merion to its first state championship in 53 years, capping off a legendary high school career that earned him national Player of the Year honors.
NBA Career
Drafted 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets
Jun 26, 1996
The Charlotte Hornets selected Bryant with the 13th pick in the 1996 NBA draft, making him the first guard ever drafted directly out of high school. His rights were then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for center Vlade Divac.
Image source: 1996 NBA draft
Signs with the Los Angeles Lakers
Jul 1, 1996
Bryant signed his first professional contract with the Lakers just days before turning 18, beginning a 20-year career entirely with the Los Angeles franchise.
Lakers acquire Shaquille O'Neal
Jul 18, 1996
The Lakers signed free agent center Shaquille O'Neal, pairing him with Bryant to form one of the most dominant duos in NBA history, though their relationship would later become famously strained.
Image source: Shaq–Kobe feud
Wins NBA Slam Dunk Contest as a rookie
Feb 8, 1997
At age 18, Bryant won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, becoming the youngest dunk champion in NBA history.
Image source: 1997 NBA All-Star Game
Named youngest NBA All-Star starter
Feb 8, 1998
In his second season, Bryant became the youngest player ever to start an NBA All-Star Game at 19 years old, signaling his emergence as one of the league's premier young talents.
Signs six-year contract extension with Lakers
Jan 1999
Bryant signed a six-year contract worth approximately $70 million, cementing his status as a cornerstone of the Lakers franchise alongside O'Neal under new head coach Phil Jackson.
Key Facts
- Kobe Bryant was drafted 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 and immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
- He won five NBA championships with the Lakers (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010).
- On January 22, 2006, Bryant scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, the second-highest single-game total in NBA history.
- He was an 18-time All-Star and won two Olympic gold medals with Team USA (2008 and 2012).
- Bryant retired in 2016 after scoring 60 points in his final game and died tragically in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020.
Source
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