A Look At NBA Legend Kobe Bryant’s Illustrious Career Highlights

Bryant played his entire career - two decades - with the Lakers. His untimely death sent shockwaves throughout the world, with global sports icons and basketball fans saddened by the news

Photo: virat.kohli (Instagram)

New Delhi: 'Magician' Kobe Bryant, son of former NBA player Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, died in a helicopter crash on Sunday. The Los Angeles Lakers legend’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant was one of nine people killed in the crash. Frequently hailed as one of the greatest basketball minds' of his generation, Bryant was a five-time NBA champion, 18-time All-Star and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. Bryant played his entire career - two decades - with the Lakers. His untimely death sent shockwaves throughout the world, with global sports icons and basketball fans saddened by the news. A look at some highlights of the most celebrated basketball careers of all time in NBA:

1. 4th all-time scorer in NBA history (33,643 points)
2. Won two Olympic Gold Medals for USA (2008 Beijing, 2012 London)
3. 18-time All-Star (1998, 2000–2016)
4. Academy Award winner for animated short film (2018)
5. 2-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (2009–2010)
6. 4-time All-Star game Most Valuable Player (2002, 2007, 2009, 2011)
7. Won the Slam Dunk contest as a rookie (1997)
8. Went straight from high school to the NBA (13th pick in 1996 Draft)
9. 5-time NBA Champion with the Lakers (2000-2002, 2009, 2010)
10. Scored 81 points in a game, the second-most in NBA history
11. Led NBA in scoring twice

As screens began flashing the dateline 'Kobe Bryant, 1978-2020', the Bryant fandom struggled to come to terms with their hero's mention in past tense.