Remembering Kobe: A Look Back at Bryant's Legendary Career

Late NBA legend Kobe Bryant was among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in Southern California on Jan. 26, 2020.

On Wednesday -- exactly two years after Bryant's untimely passing -- tributes poured in from the basketball community and beyond.

"Family is forever," the Los Angeles Lakers tweeted along with a photo of Bryant and his daughter Gigi, who was also killed in the 2020 crash.

The lifelong Los Angeles Laker, had his No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys retired on Dec. 18, 2017, becoming the first NBA player to have both his jerseys retired.

Take a look back at Bryant's storied career in photos as we remember the Black Mamba's impact on the sports world and beyond.

34 photos
1/34
Getty Images
Five-time champion Kobe Bryant enjoys his final NBA title with his kids.
2/34
Getty Images
Kobe Bryant played his rookie season in 1996-97.
3/34
Getty Images
No. 8 Kobe Bryant was an athletic monster and won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in his rookie year.
4/34
Getty Images
In 2000, Kobe Bryant played in his first NBA finals.
5/34
Getty Images
With Shaq, Kobe Bryant won the 2000 NBA title.
6/34
Getty Images
No. 8 Kobe's Lakers and Kings had a playoff rivalry.
7/34
Getty Images
Tim Duncan and the Spurs were regular postseason foes.
8/34
Getty Images
In the 2001 finals, Allen Iverson's Sixers offered a challenge.
9/34
Getty Images
Lakers won the 2001 finals and went 15-1 in the playoffs.
10/34
Getty Images
In 2002, Kobe's Lakers do the threepeat. They beat Jason Kidd's Nets.
11/34
Getty Images
Manu Ginobili, one of the few to last from No. 8 to No. 24.
12/34
Getty Images
Kobe led the 2004 Lakers' super team to the NBA finals.
13/34
Getty Images
Lakers fell to Pistons in the 2004 NBA finals.
14/34
Getty Images
Shaq and Kobe split in 2004.
15/34
Getty Images
Kobe looks to Lamar Odom for Lakers' turnaround.
16/34
Getty Images
No. 8: Kobe Bryant outscored the Mavs 62-61 over three quarters.
17/34
Getty Images
Kobe Bryant once scored 61 points at Madison Square Garden.
18/34
Getty Images
Various so-called rivals came and went.
19/34
Getty Images
A new generation of rivals emerged.
20/34
Getty Images
More new challengers to Kobe's throne.
21/34
Getty Images
Kobe changed numbers, rivals changed teams.
22/34
Getty Images
In 2007, Kobe Bryant requested a trade away from the Lakers.
23/34
Getty Images
Instead of trading Kobe, the Lakers traded for Paul Gasol.
24/34
Getty Images
And Kobe Bryant won his only MVP trophy in 2008.
25/34
Getty Images
...But Kobe's Lakers lost in the 2008 NBA finals to the hated Boston Celtics.
26/34
Getty Images
Kobe led team USA to Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008.
27/34
Getty Images
Finally, Kobe wins a title without Shaq.
28/34
Getty Images
No. 24 wins Finals MVP and NBA Title No. 4 in 2009 along with long-time teammate Derek Fisher.
29/34
Getty Images
Kobe Bryant met Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama as Champion.
30/34
Getty Images
Kobe passed me the ball! Lakers beat Celtics in 2010!
31/34
Getty Images
Kobe Bryant: 18-Time All-Star, 4-time All-Star Game MVP.
32/34
Getty Images
Kobe Bryant tears his Achilles' heel, still hits two free throws.
33/34
Getty Images
Kobe Bryant passes his mentor Michael Jordan on NBA's all-time scoring list.
34/34
Getty Images
Mamba Out! Kobe scores 60 points in his farewell game.
Contact Us