Bryant became the second-youngest player when he debuted for the Lakers way back in the 1996/97 season. He was only 18 years of age on his debut. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Kobe Bryant
Kobe, nicknamed as 'Mamba' went on to win the championship 5 times with the Lakers and retired from the sport in 2016. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Kobe Bryant
The Byrant and Shaquille O'Neal duo was phenomenal for the Lakers and was feared by every other team in the league. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Kobe Bryant
Bryant already had the basketball genes in him when he was born; his father Joe Bryant played 8 seasons in the NBA before playing internationally in countries like Italy. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Kobe Bryant
Kobe's image was tarnished in 2003 when he was accused of raping a woman. But the charges were soon dropped. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Kobe Bryant
The NBA star was named as the league's MVP for the first time in 2008. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Kobe Bryant
Apart from his NBA accomplishments, he had also won the gold medal with the US team at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Kobe Bryant
Kobe was married to Vanessa Bryant and the two of them had 4 daughters together. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Kobe Bryant
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