Basketball champion Kobe Bryant: His life in pictures
Former NBA legend Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash in Los Angeles, California on Sunday. The tragic event killed all nine onboard including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant.
He was considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Let's take a look at his life on the court.
Kobe's early life
Born in Philadelphia in 1978, son of former NBA player Joe 'Jellybean' Bryant. Kobe Bryant attended Lower Merion High School outside Philadelphia and gained a reputation as one of the best high school players in the country.
He was directly drafted to NBA after his high school. Charlotte Hornet picked him.
(Photograph:Twitter)
Bryant picked by Lakers in 1996
He was chosen as the 13th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 draft and immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
A forward and shooting guard, he made his NBA debut in November 1996 at the age of 18 and played 20 consecutive seasons in the league.
(Photograph:Twitter)
Kobe's rivalry with Shaquille O'Neal
His rivalry with his fellow team-mate and Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal has been known to all.
He and Bryant were involved in a fist-fight against each other in a lockout match which was a turning moment in their relationship.
They won three championships together from the year 2000 to 2002. They parted ways after Shaq was picked by Heats in 2004.
They resolved their issues after their retirement. Both the legends are known for taking the team to a new high. Shaq O'Neal mourned Kobe Bryant's death, he called him a brother.
(Photograph:Agencies)
Kobe Bryant retires in 2016
He retired in 2016 after playing 1,346 regular-season games and averaging 25 points a game, twice leading the league in scoring
He earned more than $300 million on the court during his career, His career points total of 33,643 is fourth on the all-time NBA list.
(Photograph:AFP)
