1997-98 Topps Kobe Bryant #171 Los Angeles Lakers HOF PSA 10

Description: Kobe Bryant, born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was an iconic American professional basketball player. He spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA and is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Here is an overview of his illustrious career: ### Early Life and High School Career- **Youth in Italy**: Kobe spent part of his childhood in Italy, where his father, Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, played professional basketball. This international experience helped shape his game and multilingual abilities.- **Lower Merion High School**: Bryant attended Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, where he led his team to a state championship and earned numerous awards, including the Naismith High School Player of the Year. ### NBA Career #### Draft and Early Years (1996–1999)- **1996 NBA Draft**: Bryant declared for the NBA draft directly out of high school and was selected 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets, then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.- **Rookie Season**: As a rookie, he quickly became known for his scoring ability and athleticism, winning the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest. #### Championship Years with Shaquille O'Neal (1999–2004)- **Three-Peat**: Partnering with Shaquille O'Neal, Bryant led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002. This period solidified his reputation as a clutch performer and elite player. #### Post-Shaq Era and Scoring Prowess (2004–2008)- **Team Leader**: After O'Neal's departure in 2004, Bryant became the unquestioned leader of the Lakers. He scored 81 points in a game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006, the second-highest point total in a single game in NBA history.- **MVP Season**: He won his only regular-season MVP award in 2008, leading the Lakers to the NBA Finals. #### Return to Championship Glory (2008–2010)- **Back-to-Back Titles**: Bryant led the Lakers to back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010, earning Finals MVP honors both times. The 2010 victory was particularly sweet as it came against the Boston Celtics. #### Later Years and Injuries (2010–2016)- **Continued Excellence**: Despite injuries in his later years, Bryant continued to perform at a high level, surpassing several career milestones, including passing Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list.- **Final Game**: Kobe retired after the 2015-2016 season, famously scoring 60 points in his final game against the Utah Jazz. ### International Career- **Team USA**: Bryant was a key member of the USA Men's Basketball team, winning gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics. ### Legacy and Impact- **"Mamba Mentality"**: Known for his relentless work ethic and competitive spirit, Bryant's "Mamba Mentality" has inspired countless athletes and fans.- **Off the Court**: Post-retirement, Bryant ventured into various business and creative endeavors, including winning an Academy Award for his animated short film "Dear Basketball" in 2018. ### Honors and Awards- **NBA Titles**: 5-time NBA Champion (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010)- **MVP Awards**: 1-time NBA MVP (2008), 2-time NBA Finals MVP (2009, 2010)- **All-Star Selections**: 18-time NBA All-Star- **Other Accolades**: Numerous All-NBA Team selections, All-Defensive Team selections, and All-Star MVP awards. ### Death and Posthumous Recognition- **Tragic Passing**: Kobe Bryant tragically passed away in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others.- **Hall of Fame**: He was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020. Kobe Bryant's career is marked by his exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and profound impact on the sport of basketball. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes worldwide.

Price: 150 USD

Location: Olathe, Kansas

End Time: 2024-12-21T17:15:12.000Z

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