Bryant was drafted straight out of high school in 1996 and quickly made a name for himself with his extraordinary talent and work ethic. Over his career, he amassed numerous accolades and milestones, including five NBA championships (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010), two NBA Finals MVPs (2009, 2010), and one NBA Regular Season MVP (2008).
Kobe was an 18-time NBA All-Star and earned All-NBA First Team honors 11 times. He also received nine NBA All-Defensive First Team selections, showcasing his abilities on both ends of the court. Bryant's scoring prowess was evident as he claimed two scoring titles (2006, 2007) and became the youngest player to reach 30,000 career points.
Internationally, Kobe represented Team USA in basketball, winning gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. His dedication to the sport and his unyielding determination to win inspired countless athletes and fans around the globe.
Bryant retired from professional basketball in 2016, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. In his final game, he scored an unforgettable 60 points, a fitting end to an illustrious career. Tragically, Kobe Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, along with his daughter Gianna and seven other victims.
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