Kobe Bean Bryant is a pro basketball player who plays shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant was an early stand-out player and already recognized for his talent by high school (considered a one of the best high school players in the nation). As a result, Kobe bypassed college and went straight into the NBA drafted as the 13th overall pick in 1996 by the Charlotte Hornets then traded to the Lakers. As a rookie, Kobe immediately became a fan favorite. He was young (barely 18), confident, good-looking and a high-flying slam dunker. Bryant quickly demonstrated his leadership during the seasons 2000-2002 when he and Shaq led the team to three consecutive NBA Championship titles. He then went onto lead the NBA in scoring during the 2005/06 and 2006/07 seasons, and at one point in 2006 scored an 81-point game (his career high). Only Wilt Chamberlain has him beat with his 1962 100-point game. He is also the all-time leading scorer in Lakers franchise history. In other words, Kobe Bryant has a mutual admiration society going on with that hoop and basket. He has too many records and accolades in the game of basketball to even recite herein. Suffice it to say that Kobe Bryant will end up in the Basketball Hall of Fame. His personal reputation took a huge beating after being accused of rape, a charge dropped when his accuser refused to testify. A civil suit was later settled out of court.
