One-time MVP and two-time Finals MVP with so many memorable moments, from his breakout performance in the 2002 Finals to his 81-point outburst in 2006 to his fraught showdowns with Shaquille O’Neal to his 60-point denouement
FEATURED LISTS
Highlight package: Nine most significant games of Kobe Bryant’s NBA career
In honor of the late, great Kobe Bryant, we pay tribute with a spotlight on his nine most memorable games.
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Air Apparent: Seven players who were once labeled as the next Michael Jordan
Why can’t we be friends?: 10 notable NBA player feuds
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- Almost traded to the Bulls or Pistons
- Appearance in “MVPuppets” Nike commercial
- As great defender who never earned Defensive Player of the Year
- As Lakers legend
- As part of Lakers “super team”
- As part of 1996 NBA draft class
- As Slam Dunk Contest winner
- As son of Joe Bryant
- Buzzer beater in game four of 2006 Conference Quarterfinals (vs. Suns)
- Drafted by the Hornets straight from high school
- Earning 2009 All-Star Game co-MVP with Shaquille O’Neal
- Feud with Shaquille O’Neal
- Game winning shot in game four of 2002 Conference Semifinals (vs. Spurs)
- Great performance in game four of 2000 NBA Finals (vs. Pacers)
- Great performance in game seven of 2010 NBA Finals (vs. Celtics)
- Labeled as the next Michael Jordan
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (2006)
- Most significant games of his career
- Nicknamed “Black Mamba”
- On ’99-’00 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
- On 2008 U.S. Olympic team
- On 2012 U.S. Olympic team
- One of the greatest players of the 21st century
- Playing against Shaquille O’Neal as an opponent for the first time (on Christmas)
- Record holder for most field goals missed
- Scoring 60 points in his final regular season game (2016)
- Signature Nike Kobe 4 shoe
- Winning Finals MVP in a controversial voting (2010)
- 81 point game (2006)
