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== Summary ==
<!-- See talkpage before removing these -->
{{album cover fur
{{Articleissues
|Article = Scouts Honor... By Way of Blood
| cleanup = July 2008
|Use = Infobox
| citecheck = July 2008
|Name = ''Scouts Honor... By Way of Blood''
|Artist = Rampage
|Label = Elektra Records
|Item = front cover
|Type = album
|Source = Derived from a digital capture of the album cover (creator of this digital version is irrelevant as the copyright in all equivalent images is still held by the same party). Copyright held by the record company or the artist. Claimed as fair use regardless.
}}
}}
== Licensing: ==
<!-- See talkpage before removing these -->
{{Non-free album cover}}

{{sprotected2|small=yes}}
{{Infobox NBA Player
| image = Kobe Bryant Profile.jpg
| position = [[Shooting guard]]
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 6
| weight_lb = 205
| team = [[Los Angeles Lakers]]
| number = 24
| nationality = {{USA}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1978|8|23}}
| birth_place = [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]]
| highschool = [[Lower Merion High School|Lower Merion HS]],<br /> [[Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania|Lower Merion]], Pennsylvania
| draft = 13th overall
| draft_year = 1996
| draft_team = [[New Orleans Hornets|Charlotte Hornets]]
| career_start = 1996
| awards = [[2008 Olympic Gold Medal]]<br /> [[2007–08 NBA season|2007–08]] [[National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Award|NBA MVP]]<br /> 10-time NBA [[NBA All-Star Game|All-Star]]<br /> 10-time All-NBA Selection<br /> 8-time All-Defensive Selection<br /> 3-time NBA Champion<br />2-time NBA All-Star MVP<br /> 2-time NBA Scoring Champion<br />1997 NBA Slam Dunk Champion<br /> 1996 [[Naismith Prep Player of the Year]]<br /> 1996–97 All Rookie Second Team
}}

'''Kobe Bean Bryant'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Biography of Kobe Bryant |publisher=Pennsylvania Center for a Book |url=http://www.pabook.libraries.psu.edu/palitmap/bios/Bryant__Kobe.html |accessdate=2008-08-05}}</ref> (born {{birth date|1978|8|23}}) is an [[United States|American]] [[National Basketball Association All-Star Game|All-Star]] [[shooting guard]] who plays for the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] of the [[National Basketball Association]]. Bryant is the only son of former [[Philadelphia 76ers]] player and former [[Los Angeles Sparks]] head coach [[Joe Bryant|Joe "Jellybean" Bryant]]. His parents named him after the [[Kobe beef|famous beef]] of [[Kobe]], [[Japan]], which they saw on a restaurant menu.<ref name="bio">{{cite web |title=Kobe Bryant Bio |publisher=NBA.com |url=http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/bio.html |accessdate=2007-08-05}}</ref> One of the nicknames Kobe goes by is Black Mamba, which is a notoriously deadly snake.

Bryant and then-teammate [[Shaquille O'Neal]] led the Lakers to three consecutive [[NBA Finals|NBA championships]] from [[2000 NBA Finals|2000]] to [[2002 NBA Finals|2002]]. Since O'Neal's departure following the [[2003–04 NBA season|2003–04 season]], Bryant has become the cornerstone of the Lakers franchise, and was the [[NBA]]'s leading scorer during the [[2005–06 NBA season|2005–06]] and [[2006–07 NBA season|2006–07]] seasons.<ref name="bio" /> In 2006, Bryant scored a career high 81 points against the [[Toronto Raptors]], the second highest number of points scored in a single game in NBA history.<ref name="81-Point-Game Highlights">{{Youtube|FeXZY4eVLlo|Watch All of Kobe's 81 Points in 3 Minutes}}</ref> He was awarded the season's MVP in the [[2007–08 NBA season]] after leading his team to the [[2008 NBA Finals]] as the first seed in the Western Conference.<ref>[http://www.nba.com//news/kobe_mvp_080506.html Kobe Bryant Wins Most Valuable Player Award], ''[[NBA]]'', [[6 May]] [[2008]], accessed [[6 May]] [[2008]].</ref> In 2008, he won a [[gold medal]] as a member of the [[United States national basketball team|2008 Summer Olympics U.S. Men's Basketball Team]], occasionally referred to as "The Redeem Team".

In 2003, Bryant made headlines when he was [[Kobe Bryant sexual assault case|accused of sexual assault]] at a hotel in [[Edwards, Colorado]] by a hotel employee. Bryant admitted an adulterous sexual encounter with the accuser, but denied the sexual assault allegation. In September 2004, prosecutors dropped the case after his accuser informed them that she was unwilling to testify.<ref>[http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/5861379/ Rape case against Bryant dismissed]</ref> Bryant's accuser brought a separate civil suit against him that was ultimately settled out of court.

==Biography==
===Early life===
Kobe Bryant was born in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], the youngest child and only son of [[Joe Bryant|Joe]] and Pam Bryant.<ref name="bio" />

When Bryant was six, his father left the NBA, moved his family to [[Italy]], and started playing professional basketball there.<ref name="italy">{{cite web |url=http://www.neatorama.com/2008/05/27/kobe-bryant-speaking-italian/ |title=Kobe Bryant Speaking Italian |accessdate=2008-06-28}}</ref> Bryant became accustomed to the lifestyle there and learned to speak fluent [[Italian language|Italian]].<ref name="italy" /> At an early age, he learned to play [[soccer]] and at first his favorite team was [[AC Milan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccer.com/blog/2006/08/kobe_dreams_of_soccer.blog |title=Kobe Dreams Of Soccer |publisher=soccer.com |accessdate=2008-06-28}}</ref> He has said that if he had stayed in Italy, he would have tried to become a professional soccer player, and that his favorite team is [[FC Barcelona]]. Bryant is a big fan of former FC Barcelona manager [[Frank Rijkaard]] and their former player [[Ronaldinho]].<ref name="usatoday">USATODAY.com. [http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2006-08-07-ronaldinho-north-american-tour_x.htm Ronaldinho is a U.S. tour de force]. Accessed [[November 28]], [[2007]].</ref>

In 1991, the Bryants moved back to the [[United States]]. Bryant earned national recognition during a spectacular high school career at [[Lower Merion High School]] in the Philadelphia suburb of [[Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania|Lower Merion]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.connectseward.org/shs/students/students08/comp3/blazenovak/Kobe%20Bryant%20Website/Biography.htm |title=Untitled Document |publisher=connectseward.org |accessdate=2008-06-28}}</ref> His [[SAT]] score of 1080<ref>Samuels, Allison ([[October 11]], [[2003]]). [http://www.newsweek.com/id/61773/page/3 Kobe Off the Court]. </ref> would have ensured his basketball scholarship to various top-tier colleges. Ultimately, however, the 17-year-old Bryant made the decision to go directly into the NBA. Bryant has stated that had he decided to go to college after high school, he would have attended [[Duke University]].<ref>Larry King Live ([[January 6]], [[2005]]). [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0501/06/lkl.01.html Kobe Bryant Interview]. ''CNN''. Accessed [[May 25]], [[2007]].</ref>

===1996 NBA Draft===
Before Bryant was chosen as the 13th overall [[1996 NBA Draft|draft]] pick by the [[New Orleans Hornets|Charlotte Hornets]] [[1996 NBA Draft|in 1996]], he refused to play for anyone but the Los Angeles Lakers. According to Bryant's agent Arn Tellum at the time, Bryant playing for the Charlotte Hornets was "an impossibility".<ref name="Hornets">[http://select.nytimes.com/2007/06/29/sports/29roberts.html?_r=2&ref=sports&oref=slogin&oref=slogin Destination Portland: A Big Man, a Small Place], ''New York Times''. </ref> Nevertheless, the Charlotte Hornets selected Bryant, seeing that there was a chance to trade with the Lakers.<ref name="Hornets"/> On July 1, 1996, then L.A. general manager Jerry West traded his starting center, [[Vlade Divac]], to the Hornets in exchange for Bryant's draft rights.<ref>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/news/2001/05/26/sayitaintso_lakers/ Say It Ain't So], Sports Illustrated</ref>

===First three seasons (1996–99)===
[[Image:Kobe Bryant Free Throw.jpg|thumb|170px|Kobe shooting a [[free throw]]]]
During [[1996–97 NBA season|his first season]], Bryant mostly came off the bench behind guards [[Eddie Jones (basketball)|Eddie Jones]] and [[Nick Van Exel]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barrystickets.com/lakers/lakers-players/kobe-bryant.php |title=LOS ANGELES LAKERS PLAYERS – KOBE BRYANT |publisher=barrystickets.com |accessdate=2008-06-23}}</ref> Initially, Bryant played limited minutes, but as the season continued, he began to see some more playing time. He earned himself a reputation as a high-flyer and a fan-favorite by winning the 1997 [[Slam Dunk Contest]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/history/allstar/slamdunk_year_by_year.html#1997 |title=All-Star: Slam Dunk Year-by-Year Results |publisher=nba.com/history/allstar |accessdate=2008-08-25}}</ref>

In Bryant's [[1997–98 NBA season|second season]], he received more playing time and began to show more of his abilities as a talented young guard. Bryant was the runner-up for the [[NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award|NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award]],<ref name="superior">{{cite web |url=http://www.superiorpics.com/kobe_bryant/ |title=The Kobe Bryant Picture Page |publisher=superiorpics.com |accessdate=2008-06-23}}</ref> and through fan voting, he also became the youngest [[National Basketball Association All-Star Game|NBA All-Star]] starter.<ref name="superior" /> The [[1998–99 NBA season|1998–99]] season marked Bryant's emergence as starting guards [[Nick Van Exel]] and [[Eddie Jones (basketball)|Eddie Jones]] were traded. The results, however, were no better, as the Lakers were swept by the [[San Antonio Spurs]] in the Western Conference semi-finals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1999.html |title=1998–99 Los Angeles Lakers Statistics |publisher=basketball-reference.com |accessdate=2008-06-23}}</ref>

===Championship years (1999–2002)===
Bryant's fortunes would soon change when [[Phil Jackson]] became coach for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1999.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/2000.html |title=1999–00 Los Angeles Lakers Statistics |publisher=basketball-reference.com |accessdate=2008-06-23}}</ref> After years of steady improvement, Bryant had become one of the premier [[shooting guard]]s in the league, a fact that was evidenced by his annual presence in the league's All-NBA, All-Star, and All-Defensive teams.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://probasketball.about.com/od/nbaplayerprofiles/a/kobebryant.htm |title=NBA Player Profile – Kobe Bryant |publisher=about.com |accessdate=2008-06-23}}</ref> The Los Angeles Lakers became premier championship contenders under Bryant and [[Shaquille O'Neal]], who formed an outstanding center-guard combination.{{Fact|date=August 2008}} Jackson utilized the [[triangle offense]] he used to win six championships with the [[Chicago Bulls]], which helped both Bryant and O'Neal rise to the elite class of the NBA. Their NBA championships in [[2000 NBA Finals|2000]], [[2001 NBA Finals|2001]], and [[2002 NBA Finals|2002]] proved such a fact.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/history/lakers_history_new.html |title=LAKERS: Los Angeles Lakers History |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-23}}</ref>

===Post-Championship years (2002–04)===
In the [[2002–03 NBA season]], Bryant averaged 30 points per game and embarked on a historic run, posting 40 or more points in nine consecutive games while averaging 40.6 in the entire month of February. In addition, he averaged 6.9 [[rebound (basketball)|rebounds]], 5.9 [[assist (basketball)|assists]], and 2.2 [[steal (basketball)|steals]] per game, all career highs up to that point. For the first time in his career Bryant was voted on to both the All-NBA and All-Defensive 1st teams.<ref name="bio" /> After finishing 50–32 in the regular season, the Lakers floundered [[2003 NBA Playoffs|in the playoffs]] and lost in the Western Conference semi-finals to the eventual NBA champions [[San Antonio Spurs]] in six games.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2003/series?series=lalsas |title=NBA Playoffs 2003 – Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs |publisher=[[ESPN]].com |accessdate=2008-06-23}}</ref>

In the following [[2003–04 NBA season]], the Lakers were able to acquire NBA All Stars [[Karl Malone]], and [[Gary Payton]] to make another push at the NBA Championship.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/payton_malone_030716.html |title=LAKERS: Lakers Sign Free Agents Gary Payton and Karl Malone |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-23}}</ref> Before the season began, Bryant was arrested for sexual assault.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thedenverchannel.com/sports/2314127/detail.html |title=Kobe Bryant Arrested For Alleged Sexual Assualt |publisher=[[The Denver Channel]] |accessdate=2008-06-23}}</ref> However, with a starting lineup of four future [[Basketball Hall of Fame|Hall of Famer]], O'Neal, Malone, Payton, and Bryant, the Lakers were able to reach [[2004 NBA Finals|the NBA Finals]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/playoffs2004/series_minlal.html |title=Minnesota Timberwolves (1) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (2) |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-23}}</ref> In the Finals, they were eliminated by the [[Detroit Pistons]] in 5 games. In that series, Bryant averaged 22.6 points per game and 4.4 assists. He shot a mere 35.1% from the field.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/finals2004/ |title=Finals 2004 |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-23}}</ref> Phil Jackson resigned as coach, with [[Rudy Tomjanovich]] taking over.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/coachfile/rudy_tomjanovich/ |title=Rudy Tomjanovich Coach Info |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-23}}</ref> Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat for [[Lamar Odom]], [[Caron Butler]], and [[Brian Grant]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2004-07-14-shaq-trade_x.htm |title=It's Official: Shaq traded to Heat for three players, draft pick |publisher=[[USAToday]] |accessdate=2008-06-23}}</ref> The following day, Bryant declined an offer to sign with the [[Los Angeles Clippers]] and re-signed with the Lakers on a seven-year contract.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1840336 |title=Kobe remains with Lakers |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |accessdate=2008-07-16}}</ref>

===Departure of Shaquille O'Neal (2004–07)===
[[Image:Reddandkobe.jpg|thumb|left|Kobe Bryant defending [[Michael Redd]] in December 2005.]]
Bryant was closely scrutinized and criticized during the 2004–05 season with his reputation badly damaged from all that had happened over the previous year. This first season without [[Shaquille O'Neal|O'Neal]] would prove to be a rocky one.{{Fact|date=August 2008}}

A particularly damaging salvo came from Phil Jackson in ''[[The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul]]''. The book detailed the events of the Lakers' tumultuous [[2003–04 NBA season|2003–04 season]] and has a number of criticisms of Bryant. In the book Jackson called Bryant "uncoachable".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/06/sports/basketball/06lakers.html |title=Coach and Star Savor Success in Collaboration |date=2006-05-06 |publisher=nytimes.com |accessdate=2008-08-05}}</ref>

Then, midway through the season, [[Rudy Tomjanovich]] suddenly resigned as Lakers coach, citing the recurrence of health problems and exhaustion. Without Tomjanovich, stewardship of the remainder of the Lakers' season fell to career assistant coach [[Frank Hamblen]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/coaching_change_050202.html |title=Lakers Announce Coaching Change |date=2005-02-02 |publisher=nba.com/lakers |accessdate=2008-08-05}}</ref> Despite the fact that Bryant was the league's second leading scorer at 27.6 points per game, the Lakers floundered and missed the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. This year signified a drop in Bryant's overall status in the NBA, as he did not make the NBA All-Defensive Team and was also demoted to the All-NBA Third Team.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html |title=Kobe Bryant Statistics |publisher=basketball-reference.com |accessdate=2008-08-05}}</ref>

The [[2005–06 NBA season]] would mark a crossroads in Bryant's basketball career. Despite past differences with Bryant, [[Phil Jackson]] returned to coach the Lakers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/coachfile/phil_jackson/ |title=Phil Jackson |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref> Bryant endorsed the move, and by all appearances, the two men worked together well the second time around, leading the Lakers [[2006 NBA Playoffs|back into the playoffs]]. The team posted a 45–37 record, an eleven-game improvement over the previous season, and the entire squad seemed to be clicking.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings?season=2006 |title=NBA Standings – 2005–2006 |publisher=[[ESPN]].com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref>
[[Image:Kobe 2007.jpg|thumb|right|165px|Bryant scored 50 points or more in four consecutive games in 2007.]]

In the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers played well enough (3–1 series lead) to come within six seconds of eliminating the second-seeded [[Phoenix Suns]]. The Lakers lost that game 107 to 96.<ref name="phxlal">{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/playoffs2006/series_phxlal.html |title=Phoenix Suns (2) vs. Los Angeles lakers (7) |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref> Despite Bryant's 27.8 points per game in the series, the Lakers broke down, and ultimately fell to the Suns in seven games.<ref name="phxlal" /> In the 2006 off-season, Bryant had knee surgery, preventing him from participating in the [[2006 FIBA World Championship]] tournament.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2520373 |title=Kobe won't play for USA after knee surgery |date=2006-07-16 |publisher=ESPN.com |accessdate=2008-08-05}}</ref>

Bryant's individual scoring accomplishments posted resulted in the finest statistical season of his career. On [[December 20]] [[2005]], Bryant scored 62 points in three quarters against the [[Dallas Mavericks]]. Entering the fourth quarter, Bryant had, by himself, outscored the entire Mavericks team 62–61, the only time a player has done this through three quarters since the advent of the 24-second [[shot clock]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.authenticbasketball.com/top_players/kobe_bryant.htm |title=Basketball: Kobe Bryant Profile and Information |publisher=authenticbasketball.com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref> When the Lakers faced the [[Miami Heat]] on [[January 16]] [[2006]], Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal made headlines by engaging in handshakes and hugs before the game, signifying the end of [[Shaq-Kobe feud|the feud]] that had festered between the two players since O'Neal's departure from Los Angeles.{{Fact|date=August 2008}} A month later, at the 2006 [[NBA All-Star Game]], the two laughed and joked together on several occasions.{{Fact|date=August 2008}} On January 22, 2006, Bryant scored 81 points in a 122–104 victory against the [[Toronto Raptors]].<ref>basketball-reference.com, [http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2006.html 2005–06 NBA Season Summary], accessed, [[December 8]], [[2007]].</ref><ref name="81-Point-Game Highlights" /> In addition to breaking the previous franchise record of 71 set by [[Elgin Baylor]], his point total in that game was the second highest in NBA history, surpassed only by [[Wilt Chamberlain]]'s [[Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game|100-point game]] in 1962.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20060122/TORLAL/recap.html |title=Eighty-One! Bryant Erupts as Lakers Roll |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref>

In that same month, Bryant also became the first player since 1964 to score 45 points or more in four consecutive games, joining Chamberlain and Baylor as the only players ever to do so.<ref>NBA.com ([[February 1]], [[2006]]). [http://www.nba.com/news/pom_060201.html Billups, Bryant Named Players of the Month]. Accessed [[May 25]], [[2007]]</ref> For the month of January, Bryant averaged 43.4 points per game,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/11123899/site/21683474/ |title=Kobe's big month sets high expectations |publisher=msnbc.com\accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref> the eighth highest single month scoring average in NBA history and highest for any player other than Chamberlain.{{Fact|date=August 2008}} By the end of the season, Bryant set Lakers single-season franchise records for most 40-point games (27) and most points scored (2,832).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/roster/0607_24bryant.html |title=LAKERS: #24 Kobe Bryant |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref> He won the league's scoring title for the first time, posting a scoring average of ([[List of National Basketball Association top individual scoring season averages|35.4]]). Bryant finished in fourth place in the voting for the 2006 [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award]], but received 22 first place votes—second only to winner [[Steve Nash]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/news/nash_mvp_05-06.html |title=Suns' Steve Nash Wins Second Consecutive MVP Award |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref>

Later in the season, it was reported that Bryant would change his jersey number from 8 to 24 at the start of the [[2006–07 NBA season]]. Bryant's first high school number was 24 before he switched to 33.<ref>Rovell, Darren ([[April 26]], [[2006]]).[http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2421874 Bryant will hang up his No. 8 jersey, sources say]. Accessed [[May 25]], [[2007]].</ref> After the Lakers' season ended, Bryant said on [[Turner Network Television|TNT]] that he wanted 24 as a rookie, but it was unavailable, as was 33, retired with [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]]. Bryant wore 143 at the [[Adidas|Adidas ABCD camp]], and chose 8 by adding those numbers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2421874 |title=Bryant will hang up his No. 8 jersey, sources say |publisher=[[ESPN]].com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref>

During the [[2006–07 NBA season|2006–07 season]], Bryant was selected to his 9th All-Star Game appearance, and on [[February 18]], he logged 31 points, 6 assists, and 6 steals, earning his second career All-Star Game MVP trophy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/allstar2007/allstar_game/index.html |title=NBA All-Star Game |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref>

Over the course of the season, Bryant became involved in a number of on court incidents. On January 28 while attempting to draw contact on a potential game winning jumpshot, he flailed his arm striking [[San Antonio Spurs]] guard [[Manu Ginobili]] in the face with his elbow.<ref name="flailed">{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2795315 |title=Bryant assessed flagrant foul for elbow in Philly |publisher=[[ESPN]].com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref> Following a league review, Bryant was suspended for the subsequent game at [[Madison Square Garden]] against the [[New York Knicks]]. The basis given for the suspension was that Bryant had performed an "unnatural motion" in swinging his arm backwards.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2748084 |title=Kobe serves suspension against Knicks |publisher=[[ESPN]].com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref> Later, on March 6, he seemed to repeat the motion, this time striking [[Minnesota Timberwolves]] guard [[Marko Jarić]].<ref name="flailed" /> On March 7, the NBA handed Bryant his second one-game suspension.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2790534 |title=Kobe serves one-game suspension against Bucks |publisher=[[ESPN]].com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref> In his first game back on March 9, he elbowed [[Kyle Korver]] in the face which was retrospectively re-classified as a Type 1 [[flagrant foul]].<ref name="flailed" />
[[Image:Kobe Bryant.jpg|left|thumb|165px|Bryant being defended by [[Baron Davis]]]]

On March 16, Bryant scored a season-high 65 points in a home game against the [[Portland Trail Blazers]], which helped end the Lakers 7-game losing streak. This was the second best scoring performance of his 11-year career.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20070316/PORLAL/recap.html |title=Bryant Scores NBA Season-Best 65 in Lakers Win |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref> The following game, Bryant recorded 50 points against the [[Minnesota Timberwolves]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20070318/MINLAL/recap.html |title=Kobe Scores 50 to Lead Lakers Past Wolves |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref> after which he scored 60 points in a road win against the [[Memphis Grizzlies]]—becoming the second Laker to score three straight 50-plus point games, a feat not seen since [[Michael Jordan]] last did it in 1987.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20070322/LALMEM/recap.html |title=Bryant Scores 60 as Lakers Defeat Grizzlies |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref> The only other Laker to do so was [[Elgin Baylor]], who also scored 50+ in three consecutive contests in December [[1962-63 NBA season|1962]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20070322/LALMEM/recap.html |title=Bryant Scores 60 as Lakers Defeat Grizzlies |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref> In the following day, in a game against the New Orleans Hornets, Bryant scored 50 points, making him the second player in NBA history to have 4 straight 50 point games behind [[Wilt Chamberlain]], who is the all-time leader with seven consecutive 50 point games twice.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/ian_thomsen/03/24/kobe.50/index.html |title=Kobe's 50-point run more important because of wins |publisher=Ian Thomsen - Sports Illustrated.com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref> Bryant finished the year with a total of ten 50-plus point games,<ref>Lakers Universe. [http://www.lakersuniverse.com/kobe/top_scoring_games.htm Kobe Bryant Stats]. Accessed [[May 25]], [[2007]]</ref> becoming the only player beside [[Wilt Chamberlain]] in 1961–62 and 1962–63 to do so in one season. He also won his second straight scoring title that season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/Scoring.jsp?league=00&season=22006&conf=OVERALL&position=0&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=N&yearsExp=-1&splitDD=|title=Statistics |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref>

During the 2006–07 season, Bryant's jersey became the top selling NBA jersey in the United States and China.<ref>NBA.com ([[March 20]], [[2007]]). [http://www.nba.com/news/chinajerseys.html Kobe Bryant has Top-Selling Jersey in China]. Accessed [[May 25]], [[2007]].</ref> A number of journalists have attributed the improved sales to Bryant's new jersey number, as well as his continuing All-Star performance on the court.<ref>Oller, Rob ([[February 12]], [[2007]]). [http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/02/12/20070212-E1-01.html A star is reborn: Bryant's stats, dunks have made him marketable again]. ''The Columbus Dispatch''. Accessed [[May 25]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Denver Post ([[March 15]], [[2007]]. [http://www.bonham.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NID=279 For Kobe, turnaround is flair play]. ''The Bonham Group''. Accessed [[May 25]], [[2007]].</ref> In the [[2007 NBA Playoffs]], the Lakers were once again eliminated in the first round by the Phoenix Suns.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/series/series_w1s2.html |title=Suns Top Lakers, Move On to Second Round |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref>

===MVP year (2007–present)===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Kbryant cpaul 300 080416.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Bryant being defended by [[Chris Paul]]]] -->
On May 27, 2007, ESPN reported that Bryant stated that he wanted to be traded if [[Jerry West]] did not return to the team with full authority.<ref name="espn_kobe_west">{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2884339 |title=Kobe wants West to return to Lakers with full authority |accessdate=2007-10-16 |date=2007-05-28}}</ref> Bryant later confirmed his desire for West's return to the franchise, but denied stating that he would want to be traded if that does not occur.<ref name="espn_kobe_west_2">{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2884792 |title=Kobe says he's just suggesting West's return, not demanding it |accessdate=2007-10-16 |date=2007-05-30}}</ref> However, three days later, on [[Stephen A. Smith]]'s radio program, Bryant expressed anger over a Lakers "insider" who claimed that Bryant was responsible for [[Shaquille O'Neal]]'s departure from the team, and publicly stated, "I want to be traded." Three hours after making that statement, Bryant stated in another interview that after having a conversation with head coach [[Phil Jackson]], he has reconsidered his decision and backed off his trade request.<ref name="gazette_retracts_trade">{{cite web |url=http://www.gazette.com/sports/bryant_23036___article.html/don_phil.html |title=NBA: Kobe retracts his trade request |accessdate=2007-10-16 |date=2007-05-31}}</ref> On December 23 2007, Bryant became the youngest player (29 years, 122 days) to reach 20,000 points, in a game against the [[New York Knicks]], in [[Madison Square Garden]].<ref>sportsillustrated.com, [http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/basketball/nba/12/23/bc.bkn.bryant.20.ap/index.html Bryant youngest to 20,000 points], accessed January 1, 2007.</ref>

Despite an injury to his shooting hand's small finger, described as "a complete tear of the [[Radial collateral ligament (thumb)|radial collateral ligament]], an [[avulsion fracture]], and a volar plate injury at the MCP joint" that occurred in a game on February 5, 2008, Bryant played all 82 games of the regular season instead of opting for surgery. Regarding his injury, he stated, "I would prefer to delay any surgical procedure until after our Lakers season, and this summer's Olympic Games. But, this is an injury that myself and the Lakers' medical staff will just have to continue to monitor on a day-to-day basis."<ref name="injuryupdate">{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/080214kobeinjury.html?rss=true |title=KOBE BRYANT INJURY UPDATE |accessdate=2008-05-09 |date=2008-02-14}}</ref>

Leading his team to a West best 57–25 record, they swept the Nuggets in the first round and on May 6, 2008, Bryant was officially announced as the [[National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Most Valuable Player award]], his first for his career.<ref>[http://www.nba.com//news/kobe_mvp_080506.html NBA.com – Kobe Bryant Wins Most Valuable Player Award], accessed May 6, 2008</ref> He said, "It's been a long ride. I'm very proud to represent this organization, to represent this city."<ref>[http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers7-2008may07,0,4349778,full.story Jerry West attends Bryant's MVP press conference], accessed May 7, 2008</ref> [[Jerry West]], who was responsible for bringing Bryant to the Lakers was on hand at the press conference to observe Bryant receive his MVP trophy from NBA commissioner David Stern. He stated, "Kobe deserved it. He's had just another great season. Doesn't surprise me one bit."<ref>[http://www.presstelegram.com/moresports/ci_9200340 Kobe's MVP award not a surprise to West], accessed May 9, 2008</ref> In addition to winning his MVP award, Bryant was the only unanimous selection to the All-NBA team on May 8, 2008 for the third straight season and sixth time in his career.<ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3387097 Bryant unanimous pick for All-NBA team], accessed May 10, 2008</ref> He would then headline the NBA All-Defensive First Team with [[Kevin Garnett]], receiving 52 points overall including 24 first-place nods, earning his eighth selection.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/news/defensive_team_080512.html?rss=true Kobe, Garnett Headline All-Defensive Team]</ref>

The Lakers concluded the 2007–08 regular season with a 57–25 record, finishing first in the Western Conference and setting up themselves for a first-round contest against the Nuggets. In Game 1, Bryant, who said he made himself a decoy through most of the game, scored 18 of his 32 points in the final 8 minutes to keep Los Angeles safely ahead.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20080420/DENLAL/recap.html |title=NBA.com: Gasol Powers Lakers Past Nuggets |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-18}}</ref> That made Denver the first 50-win team to be swept out of the first round of the playoffs since the Memphis Grizzlies fell in four to the San Antonio Spurs in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/playoffs2008/series/series_w1s1.html |title=Nuggets Put Up a Fight, but Lakers Get Sweep |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-18}}</ref> In the first game of the next round against the Jazz, Bryant scored 38 points as the Lakers beat the Jazz in Game 1.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20080504/UTALAL/recap.html |title=NBA.com: Bryant Scores 38 as Lakers Beat Jazz in Game 1 |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-18}}</ref> The Lakers won the next game as well, but dropped Games 3 and 4, even with Bryant putting up 33.5 points per game.<ref name="LALUTA">{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/playoffs2008/series/series_w2s1.html |title=NBA.com: Bryant Lifts Lakers Into Conference Finals |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-18}}</ref> The Lakers then won the next two games to win the semifinals in 6.<ref name="LALUTA" /> This set up a [[NBA Conference Finals#Conference Finals 2|Western Conference Finals]] berth against the [[San Antonio Spurs]]. The Lakers defeated the Spurs in 5 games, sending them to the [[NBA Finals]] against the [[Boston Celtics]]. This marked the fifth time in Bryant's career and the first time without [[Shaquille O'Neal]] to go to the NBA Finals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20080529/SASLAL/gameinfo.html |title=NBA.com: Finals 2008 Spurs at Lakers Game Info |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-18}}</ref> The Lakers then lost to the Boston Celtics in 6 games.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20080617/LALBOS/recap.html |title=Celtics Capture 17th NBA Title With Record Win Over Lakers |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref>

==International career==
[[Image:20080810 d-1024-627v.jpg|196px|thumb|left|Bryant against [[China men's national basketball team|China]] at the [[2008 Summer Olympics]]]]
{{MedalTableTop}}
{{MedalCountry|{{USA}}}}
{{MedalSport | Men's [[Basketball]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Basketball at the Summer Olympics|Olympic Games]]}}
{{MedalGold| [[2008 Summer Olympics|2008 Beijing]] | [[Basketball at the 2008 Summer Olympics|Team competition]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[FIBA Americas Championship]]}}
{{MedalGold| [[FIBA Americas Championship 2007|2007 Las Vegas]] | [[FIBA Americas Championship 2007|Team competition]]}}
{{MedalBottom}}

[[Image:BryantBeijing.jpg|thumb|250px|Bryant is surrounded by fans as he attends a US Women's Basketball game at the 2008 Beijing Olympics]]
Bryant's senior international career with the [[United States men's national basketball team|United States national team]] began in 2006. He was a member of the 2007 USA Men's Senior National Team and USA FIBA Americas Championship Team that finished 10–0, won gold and qualified the United States men for the 2008 Olympics. He started in all 10 of the USA's FIBA Americas Championship games. He is ranked third on the team for made and attempted free throws, ranked fourth for made field goals, made 3-pointers. Among all FIBA Americas Championship competitors, Bryant is ranked 15th in scoring, 14th in assists, and eighth in steals. Scored in double-digits in eight of 10 games. He drained the game winner on a {{convert|14|ft|m|lk=on}} jumper above the foul line with second left in the game. He currently averages a .530 shooting percentage, with 16.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usabasketball.com/men_team.php?bios=bryant_kobe |title=USA Basketball |publisher=USABasketball.com |accessdate=2008-06-18}}</ref>

As a part of his international expansion, he is also featured in a Chinese reality TV show, called the ''Kobe Mentu'' show, which documents Chinese basketball players on different teams going through drills, preparing to play each other while Bryant gives advice and words of encouragement to the players while they practice.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kb24.com/news/article/687.html |title=Kobe Mentu |publisher=kb24.com |accessdate=2008-07-07}}</ref>

On June 23, 2008, he was named to the USA Men's Senior National Team for the [[2008 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=oly&id=3457017 |title=James, Bryant to lead US team |publisher=[[ESPN]].com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref> This was his first time going to the Olympics.

Bryant scored 20 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, along with six assists, as Team USA defeated Spain 118-107 in the [[Basketball at the 2008 Summer Olympics - Men#Finals|Gold Medal Game]] of the 2008 Summer Olympics on August 24, 2008, breaking their drought of Olympics gold medals dating back to the [[2000 Olympics]].<ref>[http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/basketball/news;_ylt=AuGHmuNqSb9u8mF3f8TKyce8vLYF?slug=ap-bko-spain-us&prov=ap&type=lgns US hoops back on top, beats Spain for gold medal]</ref> He averaged 15.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting .462 from the field in eight Olympic contests.

==Player profile==
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Kobe shoot5.jpg|left|thumb|Kobe going for a jumpshot]] -->
Bryant is a [[shooting guard]] who is capable of playing the [[small forward]] position. He is considered one of the most complete players in [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] history,<ref name="hh">HoopsHype.com. [http://hoopshype.com/players/kobe_bryant.htm NBA Players – Kobe Bryant]. Accessed [[May 8]], [[2007]]</ref> has been elected to every All-NBA Team since 1999, and has been featured in the last ten NBA All-Star games.<ref name="bio" /> He is a prolific scorer, averaging 25.0 points per game for his career, along with 4.6 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/career_stats.html |title=Kobe Bryant Career Stats Page |publisher=NBA.com |accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref> He is known for his ability to create shots for himself, and is an adept outside shooter, sharing the single-game NBA record for three pointers made with twelve.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/history/records/regular_3ptfg.html |title=Regular Season Records: Three-Point Field Goals |publisher=nba.com/history |accessdate=2008-08-05}}</ref> He has exceptional ballhandling skills and utilizes his speed and athletic ability to elude defenders to finish at the basket. Aside from this, he is also a standout defender, having made the All-Defensive 1st or 2nd Team 8 of the last 9 seasons.<ref name="bio" /> After having been represented by [[Arn Tellum]], Kobe has become represented by [[Rob Pelinka]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.draftexpress.com/agents/Rob-Pelinka-99/ |title=Rob Pelinka |accessdate=2008-07-23 |publisher=DraftExpress LLC}}</ref>

==Sexual assault allegation==
{{main|Kobe Bryant sexual assault case}}
In the summer of 2003, the sheriff's office of [[Eagle, Colorado]] arrested Kobe Bryant in connection with an investigation of a [[sexual assault]] complaint filed by 19-year old hotel employee [[Katelyn Faber]]. Bryant had checked into The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera hotel in Eagle, Colorado in advance of undergoing knee surgery nearby. Faber accused Bryant of raping her in his hotel room the night before Bryant was to have the procedure. Bryant admitted an adulterous sexual encounter with his accuser, but denied her sexual assault allegation.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2003/basketball/nba/12/26/kobe.interview.ap/index.html?cnn-yes |date=[[2003-12-23]] |title=Bryant distracted, scared amid sex assault case |work=[[Associated Press]] |accessdate=2007-02-25 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/2004-02-12-shaq-kobe_x.htm |title= Shaq, Kobe still main keys to Lakers' fortunes |first=David Leon |last=Moore |date=[[2004-02-12]] |work=[[USA Today]] |accessdate=2007-02-25 }}</ref>

The accusation tarnished Bryant's reputation, as the public's perception of Bryant plummeted, and his endorsement contracts with [[McDonald's]], [[Nutella]], and [[Ferrero SpA]] were terminated. Sales figures from NBA merchandisers indicate that sales of Bryant's replica jersey fell far off from their previous highs.

During the investigation, Bryant told police that "he should have done what Shaq does ... that Shaq would pay his women not to say anything" and that O'Neal already had paid up to $1 million "for situations like this." This created controversy because Bryant and O'Neal were teammates at the time and many thought that Bryant broke "locker-room code" by revealing confidential information.<ref name="msnbc_shaq_angry">{{cite web |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6134411/ |title=Shaq angrily denies
paying sex hush money |author=Associated Press |accessdate=2007-10-16 |date=2004-09-30}}</ref>

However, in September 2004 the assault case was dropped by prosecutors after Faber refused to testify in the trial. Afterwords, Bryant agreed to "apologize" to the victim for the incident, including his public [[mea culpa]]: "Although I truly believe this encounter between us was consensual, I recognize now that she did not and does not view this incident the same way I did."<ref name="sfgate_dismissal">{{cite web |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/09/02/MNG6E8IB861.DTL |title=Bryant rape case ends in dismissal |author=T.R. Reid |date=2004-09-02 |accessdate=2007-10-16}}</ref> Faber filed a separate civil lawsuit against Bryant, which the two sides ultimately settled with the specific terms of the settlement being undisclosed to the public. Bryant's endorsement deals resumed again with certain companies like [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]], [[Spalding]], and [[Coca-Cola]].<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/2004/09/03/cz_kb_0903kobe.html Kobe Bryant's Sponsorship Will Rebound – Forbes.com]</ref>

==Personal life==
In November 1999, 21 year old Bryant met 17 year old [[Vanessa Bryant|Vanessa Laine]] while she was working as a background dancer on the [[Tha Eastsidaz]] music video ''G'd Up''.<ref name="rap">{{cite web |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20060219203516/http://www.eonline.com/On/Holly/Shows/Bryant/facts.html |title=Everything You Need to Know About Kobe Bryant |accessdate=2007-10-16}} – Wayback Machine cache from 2006-02-19</ref> Bryant was in the building working on his debut musical album, which was never released.

The two began dating and became engaged just six months later in May 2000,<ref name="rap" /> while Laine was still a senior at [[Marina High School]] in [[Huntington Beach, California]]. To avoid media scrutiny, she finished high school through independent study.<ref name="rap" /> According to Vanessa's cousin Laila Laine, there was no [[prenuptial agreement]]. Vanessa said Bryant "''loved her too much for one''".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070406105500/http://allstarz.hollywood.com/kobe/vanessa02.htm |author=Shawn Hubler |title=Kobe's costar Vanessa Laine was just another sheltered teenager in Orange County. Then she fell in love with a phenomenon. |accessdate=2007-10-16}} – Wayback Machine cache from 2007-04-06</ref>

They married on April 18, 2001 in [[Dana Point, California]]. Neither Bryant's parents, his two sisters, longtime advisor and agent Arn Tellem, nor Bryant's Laker teammates attended. Bryant's parents were opposed to the marriage for a number of reasons. Reportedly Bryant's parents had problems with him marrying so young, especially to a woman who was not African-American.<ref name="rap" /> This disagreement resulted in an estrangement period of over two years, during which Kobe Bryant did not have any contact with his parents.

The Bryants' first child, a daughter named Natalia Diamante Bryant, was born on January 19, 2003. The birth of Natalia influenced Bryant to reconcile his differences with his parents. [[Vanessa Bryant]] suffered a [[miscarriage]] due to an [[ectopic pregnancy]] in the spring of 2005. Their second daughter, Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant, was born on [[May 1]], [[2006]]. Gianna was born 6 minutes ahead of former teammate [[Shaquille O'Neal]]'s daughter Me'arah Sanaa, who was born in Florida. <ref>Contact Music. [http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/shaq%20is%20a%20dad%20six%20minutes%20after%20kobe_02_05_2006 Shaq is a Dad Six Minutes After Kobe]. Accessed [[May 25]], [[2007]].</ref> In an early 2007 interview, it was revealed that Bryant still speaks Italian fluently. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L6nVq2jspU&NR=1]

== NBA career statistics ==

{{NBA player statistics legend}}

==== Regular season ====

{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| align="left" | [[1996–97 NBA season|1996–97]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| 71 || 6 || 15.5 || .417 || .375 || .819 || 1.9 || 1.3 || .7 || .3 || 7.6
|-
| align="left" | [[1997–98 NBA season|1997–98]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| 79 || 1 || 26.0 || .428 || .341 || .794 || 3.1 || 2.5 || .9 || .5 || 15.4
|-
| align="left" | [[1998–99 NBA season|1998–99]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| 50 || 50 || 37.9 || .465 || .267 || .839 || 5.3 || 3.8 || 1.4 || '''1.0''' || 19.9
|-
| align="left" | [[1999–00 NBA season|1999–00]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| 66 || 62 || 38.2 || .468 || .319 || .821 || 6.3 || 4.9 || 1.6 || .9 || 22.5
|-
| align="left" | [[2000–01 NBA season|2000–01]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| 68 || 68 || 40.9 || .464 || .305 || .853 || 5.9 || 5.0 || 1.7 || .6 || 28.5
|-
| align="left" | [[2001–02 NBA season|2001–02]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| 80 || 80 || 38.3 || '''.469''' || .250 || .829 || 5.5 || 5.5 || 1.5 || .4 || 25.2
|-
| align="left" | [[2002–03 NBA season|2002–03]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| '''82''' || '''82''' || '''41.5''' || .451 || '''.383''' || .843 || '''6.9''' || 5.9 || '''2.2''' || .8 || 30.0
|-
| align="left" | [[2003–04 NBA season|2003–04]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| 65 || 64 || 37.6 || .438 || .327 || .852 || 5.5 || 5.1 || 1.7 || .4 || 24.0
|-
| align="left" | [[2004–05 NBA season|2004–05]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| 66 || 66 || 40.7 || .433 || .339 || .816 || 5.9 || '''6.0''' || 1.3 || .8 || 27.6
|-
| align="left" | [[2005–06 NBA season|2005–06]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| 80 || 80 || 41.0 || .450 || .347 || .850 || 5.3 || 4.5 || 1.8 || .4 || '''35.4'''
|-
| align="left" | [[2006–07 NBA season|2006–07]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| 77 || 77 || 40.8 || .463 || .344 || '''.868''' || 5.7 || 5.4 || 1.4 || .5 || 31.6
|-
| align="left" | [[2007–08 NBA season|2007–08]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| '''82''' || '''82''' || 38.9 || .459 || .361 || .840 || 6.3 || 5.4 || 1.8 || .5 || 28.3
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 866 || 718 || 36.5 || .453 || .340 || .839 || 5.3 || 4.6 || 1.5 || .5 || 25.0
|-
| align="left" | All-Star
| align="left" |
| 10 || 10 || 26.8 || .500 || .350 || .778 || 4.6 || 4.7 || 2.6 || .4 || 18.0
{{end box}}

==== Playoffs ====

{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| align="left" | [[1997 NBA Playoffs|1996–97]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| 9 || 0 || 14.8 || .382 || .261 || .867 || 1.2 || 1.2 || .3 || .2 || 8.2
|-
| align="left" | [[1998 NBA Playoffs|1997–98]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| 11 || 0 || 20.0 || .408 || .214 || .689 || 1.9 || 1.5 || .3 || .7 || 8.7
|-
| align="left" | [[1999 NBA Playoffs|1998–99]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| 8 || 8 || 39.4 || .430 || .348 || .800 || 6.9 || 4.6 || '''1.9''' || 1.2 || 19.8
|-
| align="left" | [[2000 NBA Playoffs|1999–00]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| '''22''' || '''22''' || 39.0 || .442 || .344 || .754 || 4.5 || 4.4 || 1.5 || '''1.5''' || 21.1
|-
| align="left" | [[2001 NBA Playoffs|2000–01]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| 16 || 16 || 43.4 || .469 || .324 || .821 || '''7.3''' || '''6.1''' || 1.6 || .8 || 29.4
|-
| align="left" | [[2002 NBA Playoffs|2001–02]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| 19 || 19 || 43.8 || .434 || .379 || .759 || 5.8 || 4.6 || 1.4 || .9 || 26.6
|-
| align="left" | [[2003 NBA Playoffs|2002–03]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| 12 || 12 || 44.3 || .432 || '''.403''' || .827 || 5.1 || 5.2 || 1.2 || .1 || 32.1
|-
| align="left" | [[2004 NBA Playoffs|2003–04]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| '''22''' || '''22''' || 44.2 || .413 || .247 || .813 || 4.7 || 5.5 || '''1.9''' || .3 || 24.5
|-
| align="left" | [[2006 NBA Playoffs|2005–06]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| 7 || 7 || '''44.9''' || '''.497''' || .400 || .771 || 6.3 || 5.1 || 1.1 || .4 || 27.9
|-
| align="left" | [[2007 NBA Playoffs|2006–07]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| 5 || 5 || 43.0 || .462 || .357 || '''.919''' || 5.2 || 4.4 || 1.0 || .4 || '''32.8'''
|-
| align="left" | [[2008 NBA Playoffs|2007–08]]
| align="left" | [[Los Angeles Lakers|L.A. Lakers]]
| 21 || 21 || 41.1 || .479 || .302 || .809 || 5.7 || 5.6 || 1.7 || .4 || 30.1
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 152 || 132 || 39.1 || .445 || .325 || .798 || 5.0 || 4.6 || 1.4 || .7 || 24.3
{{end box}}

==Accomplishments and records==
{{main|Kobe Bryant accomplishments and records}}

==See also==
*[[List of individual National Basketball Association scoring leaders by season]]
*[[List of National Basketball Association players with 60 or more points in a game]]
*[[List of active NBA players who have spent their entire career with one team]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{wikiquote}}
{{Commons}}
*[http://www.kb24.com Official Site]
*[http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/index.html Player Profile] at NBA.com
*{{espn nba|id=3118|name=Player Profile}}
*{{imdb name|id=1101483}}
*[http://www.nba.com/news/kobe_ultimate.html NBA.com – The Ultimate Kobe Page]
*[http://videos.espn.com/basketball/la-lakers/kobe-bryant.htm Kobe Bryant Video on ESPN Video Archive]
*[http://multimedia.foxsports.com/basketball/la-lakers/kobe-bryant.htm Kobe Bryant Video on FoxSports Video Archive]

{{Los Angeles Lakers current roster}}
{{1996 NBA Draft}}
{{Los Angeles Lakers 1999–2000 NBA champions}}
{{Los Angeles Lakers 2000–01 NBA champions}}
{{Los Angeles Lakers 2001–02 NBA champions}}
{{United States Squad 2008 Summer Olympics}}
{{NBA MVP's}}
{{NBA All-Star Game MVP Award}}
{{Slam Dunk Contest Winners}}
<br />
{{start box}}
{{s-awards}}
{{succession box | title=[[National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Award]] | before=[[Dirk Nowitzki]] | years=[[2007–08 NBA season|2007–08]]| after=Incumbent}}
{{succession box | title=[[National Basketball Association All-Star Game|NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player]] | before=[[Allen Iverson]]<br>[[LeBron James]] | years=[[2002 NBA All-Star Game|2002]]<br>[[2007 NBA All-Star Game|2007]]| after=[[Kevin Garnett]]<br>[[LeBron James]]}}
{{succession box|title=[[National Basketball Association]]<br/> Scoring champion|before=[[Allen Iverson]]|after=[[LeBron James]]|years=[[2005–06 NBA season|2005–06]], [[2006–07 NBA season|2006–07]]}}
|}

{{Persondata
| NAME=Bryant, Kobe Bean
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
| SHORT DESCRIPTION=Professional basketball player
| DATE OF BIRTH=[[August 23]], [[1978]]
| PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], [[United States]]
| DATE OF DEATH=
| PLACE OF DEATH=
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bryant, Kobe}}
[[Category:1978 births]]
[[Category:African American sportspeople]]
[[Category:American basketball players]]
[[Category:United States men's national basketball team members]]
[[Category:Basketball players at the 2008 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Basketball players from Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Charlotte Hornets draft picks]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Los Angeles Lakers players]]
[[Category:McDonald's High School All-Americans]]
[[Category:National Basketball Association high school draftees]]
[[Category:NBA Slam Dunk Contest champions]]
[[Category:Olympic basketball players of the United States]]
[[Category:Olympic gold medalists for the United States]]
[[Category:People from Newport Beach, California]]
[[Category:People from Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Shooting guards]]

[[bn:কোবি ব্রায়ান্ট]]
[[bs:Kobe Bryant]]
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[[da:Kobe Bryant]]
[[de:Kobe Bryant]]
[[es:Kobe Bryant]]
[[eu:Kobe Bryant]]
[[fr:Kobe Bryant]]
[[gl:Kobe Bryant]]
[[ko:코비 브라이언트]]
[[hr:Kobe Bryant]]
[[id:Kobe Bryant]]
[[it:Kobe Bryant]]
[[he:קובי בראיינט]]
[[lt:Kobe Bryant]]
[[hu:Kobe Bryant]]
[[mn:Коби Брайант]]
[[nl:Kobe Bryant]]
[[ja:コービー・ブライアント]]
[[no:Kobe Bryant]]
[[pl:Kobe Bryant]]
[[pt:Kobe Bryant]]
[[ru:Брайант, Коби]]
[[simple:Kobe Bryant]]
[[sk:Kobe Bryant]]
[[sr:Коби Брајант]]
[[fi:Kobe Bryant]]
[[sv:Kobe Bryant]]
[[tl:Kobe Bryant]]
[[ta:கோபி பிரயன்ட்]]
[[vi:Kobe Bryant]]
[[tr:Kobe Bryant]]
[[zh-yue:高比拜仁]]
[[zh:科比·布莱恩特]]

Revision as of 06:24, 11 October 2008

Summary

Non-free media information and use rationale – non-free album cover true for Scouts Honor... By Way of Blood
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Scouts Honor... By Way of Blood

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