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The birth of the Mamba
Aug. 23, 1978: Bryant is born in Philadelphia. His father, Joe "Jelly Bean" Bryant, played for the 76ers. -
Drafted into NBA
July 1996: Lakers trade Vlade Divac to Charlotte Hornets for the draft rights to 17-year-old Bryant, the 13th pick in the NBA draft. -
Rookie of the Year
Named to the NBA's All-Rookie second team. Averages 7.6 points coming off the bench. -
NBA Title
With Phil Jackson as coach, and alongside Shaquille O'Neal, Bryant wins his first NBA title as the Lakers beat Pacers in six games. -
All Star MVP + 3Peat
All-Star game MVP. Lakers three-peat as champions, sweeping Nets in Finals. -
81 pts
Scores 81 points against Toronto, second-highest total in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point effort. Bryant leads league in scoring (35.4) as Jackson returns to coach the team. Lakers lose to Phoenix in first round of playoffs. -
5 Rings
Bryant collects his fifth ring as Lakers beat the Celtics in seven games; he's also named Finals MVP. Signs a three-year, $84-million extension, staying under contract through the 2013-14 season -
Mamba Out
Kobe ends his legendary career with 60 points. #Mambaout
