Kobe Bean Bryant (born August 23, 1978) is an American professional basketball player who plays shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Bryant enjoyed a successful high school basketball career at Lower Merion High School, where he was recognized as the top high school basketball player in the country. He decided to declare his eligibility for the NBA Draft upon graduation, and was selected with the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. As a rookie, Bryant earned himself a reputation as a high-flyer and a fan favorite by winning the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest. Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002. A heated feud between the duo and a loss in the 2004 NBA Finals was followed by O'Neal's trade from the Lakers after the 2003–04 season. Following O'Neal's departure Bryant became the cornerstone of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. He led the NBA in scoring during the 2005–06 and 2006–07 seasons, setting numerous scoring records in the process. In 2006, Bryant scored a career-high 81 points against the Toronto
After finally conquering the Denver Nuggets, Kobe Bryant was greeted outside the locker room by his two daughters ... and estranged wife Vanessa Bryant ... the latest photo to fuel rumors of a… READ MORE >
Just two months after Kobe Bryant and his estranged wife Vanessa shared a Valentine's Day kiss (below) -- fueling hopes of a reconciliation -- the two hit up the L.A. Kings playoff game with their… READ MORE >
Looks like Kobe Bryant still has plenty of spending cash, because he just dropped a HUGE chunk of change on a sick new car. Must be nice.According to our sources, Kobe's new ride is a Ferrari 458… READ MORE >
Not everyone hates Kobe Bryant's wife ... in fact, she has a pretty big fan in Shaunie O'Neal -- Shaq's ex-wife -- who tells TMZ she "LOVES" that the Bryants seem to be reconciling. Shaunie --… READ MORE >
Vanessa Bryant and her kids were in New York City over the weekend, looking for a big ol' apartment ... TMZ has learned.Real estate sources tell us ... Vanessa won't say if she's packing up and… READ MORE >
Kobe Bryant is making a full court press to save his marriage ... and has sworn up and down to Vanessa he will never stray again if she takes him back.Sources connected with the couple tell TMZ… READ MORE >
Kobe Bryant making out with his nearly-ex-wife Vanessa means there's still hope for their marriage -- and still hope Kobe can get back into the 3 mansions Vanessa got in their divorce. Ahh,… READ MORE >
Another come-from-behind victory for Kobe Bryant ... sucking face with the woman who has now taken all of his homes, Vanessa Bryant ... and now TMZ can confirm the two are working on a… READ MORE >
Kobe Bryant is no sinner ... so says the San Diego City Attorney's Office ... which decided it will NOT pursue charges against the NBA star over an altercation at a local church last year. Bryant… READ MORE >
Vanessa Bryant has become the Holy Grail for "Basketball Wives" producers ... and TMZ has learned, the people behind the VH1 show are prepping to make her an offer she can't refuse.Multiple… READ MORE >
