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“Everything negative – pressure, challenges – is all an opportunity for me to rise.” -Kobe Bryant
In the latest shocking news, Basketball Player and NBA Legend, Kobe Bryant died in the Helicopter Crash near Calabasas on Sunday along with his 13-year old daughter Gianna Bryant and seven other people. The 41-year old Basketball Giant, also known as “Black Mamba”, played with the Los Angeles Lakers and was one of the world’s best-known athletes, adored by his fans all over the world. The sudden demise of Kobe Bryant has devastated his admirers with condolences pouring in from celebrities, leaders, people from all around the world. Let’s take a look at the journey of the legendary Basketball player who transformed the NBA.
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Kobe Bryant: Early Life & Career
Kobe Bean Bryant, the youngest among his siblings, was born in Philadelphia on August 23, 1978. He started playing basketball at the age of 3 years and started his professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers at the age of 17 in 1996 by entering NBA directly from high school. He was the 13th overall pick by Charlotte Hornet and was traded with the veteran centre Vlade Divac. In his 20 years long career, in spite of being a part of many controversies and crossing several hurdles, he went on to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time with his special abilities and fearlessness.
“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great at whatever they want to do.” -Kobe Bryant
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Kobe Bryant: Records & Awards
The successful career of Kobe Bryant can be seen from his achievements in the 20-seasons he played, from winning NBA Championships for 5 times to being the most valuable player in 2008, he has also been the first guard in NBA history. He also ranks 4th in the all-time regular-season scoring. In 2018, Kobe also received an Oscar for the animated short film named “Dear Basketball” based on the poem he wrote in 2015 as a farewell to his sport. It also received the Annie Award, the most prestigious prize award of the animation industry. Take a look at his achievements and awards:
- Gold medal with Team USA, 2007 FIBA Americas Championship (Tournament of Americas)
- Gold medal with Team USA, 2008 Summer Olympics
- Gold medal with Team USA, 2012 Summer Olympics
- 5-time NBA champion: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010
- 7 NBA Finals appearances: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010
- 2-time NBA Finals MVP: 2009, 2010
- He became the Most Valuable Player of the NBA in 2008
- 2-time scoring champion: 2006, 2007
- 18-time NBA All-Star
- 18 consecutive selections, 13 consecutive appearances (No All-Star game in 1999 due to a league-wide lockout)
- 4-time NBA All-Star Game MVP: 2002, 2007, 2009, 2011 (shared the 2009 award with Shaquille O’Neal)
- 15-time All-NBA Team selection
- 12-time All-Defensive Team selection
- NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion: 1997
- He was regarded as the Player of the Month 34-times
Some of the records currently held by Kobe Bryant includes:
- Most Seasons played for a single NBA Franchise: 20 Seasons
- Most All-Star Game MVP awards won, career: 4
- Most offensive rebounds in an All-Star Game: 10
- Most All-NBA Total Selections won, career: 15
- Most All-NBA First Team honours won, career: 11
- Most All-Defensive First Team honours won, career: 9
- Most points scored in one arena, career: 16,161
- Most games played at one arena, career: 599
- Highest Score against rest of teams in the league above 40
- Youngest player to score 32,000 points: (36 years, 87 days)
- Youngest player to score 33,000 points: (37 years, 138 days)
- Youngest player to be named to the NBA All-Rookie Team: (1996–97)
- Youngest player to be named to the NBA All-Defensive Team: (1999–00)
- Youngest player to start a game: (18 years, 158 days)
- Youngest player to win the NBA Slam Dunk Championship: (18 years, 169 days)
