Kobe Bryant

                Everyone knows Kobe’s historic career. There is no one better than the Black Mamba. From when he started at Lower Merion High School to now, he has played with nothing but class. Kobe has been a mentor, a friend, and like an older brother to most of these players. With such as impressive career there’s simply not enough time to talk about his whole career. Even after his career is over he will still be a part of the game some way, shape, or form. Like Kobe said in an interview, “Basketball holds a special place in his heart and it was a hard choice to give it up.” But I’ll sure give it a try.

                Quick Facts about Kobe’s Basketball Life

·         MVP 2008

·         5-Time NBA World Champion 2000-2002, 2009-2010

·         2-Time Olympic Gold Medalist winner

·         Finals MVP 2009 & 2010

·         All-NBA 1st team 2002-2014, 2016

·         All- NBA 2^nd team 2000, 2001

·         All-Rookie 2^nd team 1997

·         All-Defensive 1^st team 2000, 2003-2011

·         All-Star MVP 2002, 2007, 2009, 2011

·         2016 earnings $25,000,000

After being drafted 13^th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets made a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers in a three player trade. In the beginning of Bryant’s career, he wasn’t a huge role player. In his first 2 seasons he only started 7 of this 150 games played. The biggest change was from season one to two. Kobe didn’t start more games, he averaged more minutes and more points. He put in the work and he made a legacy.

This teammates are what made him great. Shaquille O’Neal and Pau Gasol helped him become a legend. Shaquille O’Neal probably one of the best 7-footers to ever play the game. He was Kobe’s best mentor Kobe ever had. With his guidance they went on to beat the Indiana Pacers, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the New Jersey Nets, all in 4 games. Even though Shaq was The Finals MVP, Kobe really showed that he could play. Plus that he was there to stay for a little while. Pau Gasol was “Big Man number 2.” He showed Kobe that he could rely on someone. And again in 4 games the Lakers took back the The Finals trophies in back to back years.

Kobe Bryant was the Michael Jordan of our era. He was the best player in the league. Everyone loved to see him play, no matter what team you loved. He always put on a show every game he played. He could do it all. He was the best.