This was published 5 years ago
Kobe Bryant's NBA life, in photo form, to mark the one year anniversary of his death
AP
1996: Bryant was a 17-year-old kid when he entered the NBA and had a childlike grin when the Lakers introduced him as the newest member of their franchise. He never played for another.
1996: Bryant was a 17-year-old kid when he entered the NBA and had a childlike grin when the Lakers introduced him as the newest member of their franchise. He never played for another.
1997: Bryant faced a steep learning curve as a rookie, averaging 7.6 points per game. A year later, he was an All-Star and on his meteoric rise to stardom.
1997: Bryant faced a steep learning curve as a rookie, averaging 7.6 points per game. A year later, he was an All-Star and on his meteoric rise to stardom.
1998: In his first All-Star Game, Bryant showed he belonged among the game's best, scoring 18 points opposed Michael Jordan.
1998: In his first All-Star Game, Bryant showed he belonged among the game's best, scoring 18 points opposed Michael Jordan.
1999: Bryant's relationship with Shaquille O'Neal was often complex, but they would form one of the top duos in NBA history.
1999: Bryant's relationship with Shaquille O'Neal was often complex, but they would form one of the top duos in NBA history.
2000: Bryant rode a double-decker bus to Staples Center when the Lakers won their first of the five championships with him in purple and gold.
2000: Bryant rode a double-decker bus to Staples Center when the Lakers won their first of the five championships with him in purple and gold.
2001: This was always a certainty: When fans came to watch Kobe Bryant, they would get a show.
2001: This was always a certainty: When fans came to watch Kobe Bryant, they would get a show.
2002: Bryant's confidence was soaring. The Lakers rolled through the playoffs, winning a third consecutive NBA title.
2002: Bryant's confidence was soaring. The Lakers rolled through the playoffs, winning a third consecutive NBA title.
2003: Bryant and O'Neal were often portrayed as rivals, and they bickered often. Clearly, however, they had moments that both enjoyed.
2003: Bryant and O'Neal were often portrayed as rivals, and they bickered often. Clearly, however, they had moments that both enjoyed.
2004: Bryant's legacy was marred by the allegation that he raped a 19-year-old Colorado hotel worker. A civil suit was eventually brought, Bryant issued an apology through his attorney and the case was later dropped when the accuser refused to testify.
2004: Bryant's legacy was marred by the allegation that he raped a 19-year-old Colorado hotel worker. A civil suit was eventually brought, Bryant issued an apology through his attorney and the case was later dropped when the accuser refused to testify.
