All in all, it’s been an amazing career for Kobe Bryant. He’s won five championships, an MVP, and has made 11 All-NBA First Teams. His 31,700 points are currently good for fourth all-time, and so long as he can stay healthy, he should be able to pass Michael Jordan and move into the third spot this season. His Hall of Fame plaque was secured a long time ago.
But it’s not just the accolades that have made Kobe special; it’s the way he’s done it. From the beginning of his career, Bryant has made his name by coming up huge in the biggest moments and on the biggest stage. There’s a reason fans selected him to be the youngest All-Star in history during his second NBA season, and likewise there was a reason the Lakers were happy to hand the franchise over to him when they had to make a choice between Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.
Despite turning 36 years old today and battling two serious injuries during the past 16 months, Kobe still has plenty to offer for his 19th NBA season. Although we’ll save the G.O.A.T. debate for another time, we’ll happily use the anniversary of his birth to honor the man’s accomplishments. Here are the 24 Greatest Moments of Kobe Bryant's Career.
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