Kobe's Journey From an NBA Legend to a History Figure

Kobe Bryant is one of the NBA's all-time greatest players and an almost mythical figure in the process. He is considered one of the game's most complete players and has won five NBA championships. Kobe's individual accomplishments are just as impressive, as he is a two-time NBA Finals MVP and a one-time league MVP. Kobe has also been selected to 18 NBA All-Star teams and has earned 11 All-NBA First Team honours.

Kobe's journey to the top of the NBA began when he was drafted out of high school by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. He was then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would spend the next 20 years of his career. Kobe quickly developed into one of the league's best players, and by the 2000s, he was considered one of the best players in the world.

Kobe's drive to be the best was evident early on in his career. In his second season, he became the youngest player in NBA history to start an All-Star Game. In his fourth season, he was named the league's MVP. And in his seventh season, he won his first NBA championship.

Kobe continued to raise the bar throughout his career. In 2006, he scored a career-high 81 points in a game against the Toronto Raptors. In 2007, he helped the Lakers to a second consecutive NBA title. And in 2008, he won his second Finals MVP award.

Kobe's individual accomplishments are impressive, but it is his championships that cement his legacy as one of the NBA's all-time greats. In 2009 and 2010, the Lakers won back-to-back titles, and in 2012 and 2013, they won a fourth and fifth championship, respectively. With five championships, Kobe is tied for the second-most in NBA history.

Kobe's final season was one for the ages. In what would be his last game, Kobe scored 60 points to lead the Lakers to a victory over the Utah Jazz. Kobe retired as the NBA's third all-time leading scorer, and he was widely considered to be one of the greatest players of all time.

How Did Kobe Become the "Black Mamba"?

In 2003, Kobe was facing sexual assault charges, and his reputation was in shambles. In need of a fresh start, Kobe adopted the nickname "Black Mamba."

The Black Mamba is one of the deadliest snakes in the world, and Kobe used the nickname to rebrand himself as a ruthless scorer on the court. Kobe embraced the nickname, and it became synonymous with his style of play.

What Was Kobe's Net Worth?

At the time of his death, Kobe was worth an estimated $600 million. Kobe's net worth was largely the result of his 20-year career with the Lakers, during which he earned over $300 million in salary.

Kobe also had a number of endorsement deals, including partnerships with Nike, Coca-Cola, and Upper Deck. In 2013, Kobe signed a two-year, $48.5 million extension with the Lakers, making him the highest-paid player in the NBA at the time.

Kobe's post-playing career was also very successful. In 2018, Kobe won an Oscar for his animated short film, Dear Basketball. Kobe also founded Kobe Inc., an investment firm that has invested in several businesses, including sports drink BodyArmor and sports media platform The Players' Tribune.

What Is Kobe's Charity Work?

Kobe was a generous man, both with his time and his money. He was a vocal advocate for social justice and an active philanthropist. Kobe founded the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation in 2003. The foundation's mission is to "advance youth through education and sports."

The foundation has donated millions of dollars to various charities and causes over the years. In 2018, Kobe and his daughter Gianna were killed in a helicopter crash. In the wake of their deaths, Kobe's foundation renamed itself the Mamba and Mambacita.

Conclusion

Kobe Bryant is one of the NBA's all-time greatest players and an almost mythical figure in the process. He worked hard to get where he is, and his dedication to the game is evident in his many accomplishments. Kobe is a role model for aspiring basketball players everywhere, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Are you looking for a Manny Pacquiao signed glove or other popular collectibles? Our sports memorabilia at Superstars is designed to celebrate the people that created the profession, and the conquering teams that take down the field. Our products feature the most memorable sporting moments that exist with pride and purpose. Get your next find by browsing through our merchandise today!