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Birth of a Legend
Aug. 23, 1978: Bryant is born in Philadelphia. His father, Joe "Jelly Bean" Bryant, played for the 76ers. -
Joining Lakers
July 1996: Lakers trade Vlade Divac to Charlotte Hornets for the draft rights to 17-year-old Bryant, the 13th pick in the NBA draft. -
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First NBA Title
1999-00: With Phil Jackson as coach, and alongside Shaquille O'Neal, Bryant wins his first NBA title as the Lakers beat Pacers in six games. -
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Scoring Machine
2000-01: Scores 51 points against Warriors, Bryant's first 50-plus game. Averages 28.5 points a game for the season, second on the team to O'Neal (28.7). Lakers repeat as NBA champs, beating 76ers in five games. -
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Kobe-Shaq go Different Ways
2003-04: The last Kobe-Shaq squad loses in the Finals to Detroit. That summer O'Neal is traded and Bryant, a free agent, almost signs with the Clippers but returns to the Lakers after agreeing to a seven-year, $136-million deal. -
Arrested
July 2003: Bryant is arrested and accused of sexual assault in Colorado. He leads the Lakers in scoring in 2003-04, on occasion flying back to Los Angeles for games after court appearances in Colorado on the same day. The case is dropped in September 2004. -
81 Points
Scores 81 points against Toronto, second-highest total in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point effort. Bryant leads league in scoring (35.4) as Jackson returns to coach the team. Lakers lose to Phoenix in first round of playoffs. -
Fourth NBA Title
2009: Bryant wins fourth NBA title and is named Finals MVP as Lakers beat Orlando in five games. -
5 NBA Titles
2010: Bryant collects his fifth ring as Lakers beat the Celtics in seven games; he's also named Finals MVP. Signs a three-year, $84-million extension, staying under contract through the 2013-14 season. -
Hero's Come And Go, But Legends are Forever
2016: Kobe Bryant aka Black Mamba's last game ever in the NBA. Scores 60 points to say goodbye to fans. A Legend like no other.
