As a rookie, Bryant earned a popularity as a high-flyer and a fan favourite by successful the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest, and he was named an All-Star by his second season. Despite a feud with teammate Shaquille O'Neal, the pair led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002. In 2003, Bryant was charged with sexual assault following an accusation by a young female lodge clerk. The felony costs had been dropped after the accuser refused to testify, and a civil swimsuit was settled out of court docket. Bryant issued a public apology and admitted to a sexual encounter however denied the assault allegation and said it was consensual. Hopefully, this loud and proud stance men took loving on their daughters will promote a greater sense of gender equality.

He was chosen to his 11th consecutive All-Star Game as a starter, and was named the Western Conference Player of the Month for December and January along with being named Western Conference Player of the week 3 times. In a game in opposition to the Knicks on February 2, 2009, Bryant scored 61 points, setting a report for probably the most factors scored at Madison Square Garden. During the 2009 NBA All-Star Game, Bryant tallied 27 factors, 4 assists, four rebounds, and 4 steals and was awarded All-Star Game co-MVP with former teammate O'Neal. The Lakers completed the regular season with the best document in the West (65–17). Bryant was runner-up within the MVP voting behind James, and was selected to the All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team for the seventh time in his profession.

Bryant picked up a microphone afterward to deal with the crowd. Flying again to L.A., he called a information conference at Staples Center and, with tears in his eyes and voice quavering, acknowledged having intercourse with the woman however insisted it was consensual. Bryant took refuge in his relationship with Vanessa, as bodyguards accompanied them to Disneyland and got them seats on the local Cineplex after the lights went down. The couple bought a house in the Newport Beach group of Newport Coast, the place they installed his “Star Wars” memorabilia and her Disney collectibles. For her nineteenth birthday, he bought her a Lamborghini with a particular adapter so she wouldn’t need to drive a stick shift.

Bryant spoke of the injustice aimed at homeless people who are blamed for his or her state of affairs, saying that homelessness should not be ignored or made a low precedence. Bryant mentioned he needed more out of life than only a profitable basketball career. In 2018, Bryant became the first African-American to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film and the primary former skilled athlete to be nominated and to win an Academy Award in any category for his film Dear Basketball. Despite successful the Oscar, he was denied membership into the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences as a end result of his past sexual abuse case and their new set of standards of conduct throughout the latest MeToo movement. The film additionally received the Annie Award for Best Animated Short Subject and a Sports Emmy Award.

On December 1, 2015, Bryant performed his last game in opposition to his hometown staff, the Philadelphia 76ers, where the Lakers lost 103–91. In the 2001–02 season, Bryant performed 80 games for the primary time in his career. On January 14, 2002, Bryant recorded a then career-high 56 factors to go collectively with 5 rebounds and four assists in a 120–81 win over the visiting Memphis Grizzlies. He continued his all-round play by averaging 25.2 factors, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per sport.

At the identical time, the Hornets needed a middle, so West saw that as a perfect alternative to unload Vlade Divac’s salary in change for the 13th decide, which was the primary outside of the lottery, saving even more cash to signal O’Neal. Greg Thomas, the president of Visual Concepts, which developed the sport, said in a press release that the choice was made to honor Bryant's "impression" on the game of basketball. The Kobe Bryant Edition will feature the Lakers legend leaping via the air in his No. eight jersey. The Black Mamba Edition will characteristic Bryant in his No. 24 uniform. Both variations of the game will be out there for buy later this 12 months.

In 2009, he partnered with the Soong Ching Ling Foundation to create the Kobe China Fund, dedicated to the welfare and training of youth in China. Historically Bryant invested in entrepreneurial companies, corresponding to BODYARMOR and Red Ventures, that shared in his vision. Kobe was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 23, 1978.

"Even although I play like shit, I've labored really, really onerous to not play like crap and I do every thing I possibly can. And I be ok with that", he mentioned. Bryant driving in course of the basketDuring the 2006–07 season, Bryant was selected to his ninth All-Star Game look, and on February 18, he logged 31 factors, 6 assists, and 6 steals, earning his second career All-Star Game MVP trophy. Over the course of the season, Bryant grew to become involved in numerous on-court incidents. On January 28 whereas attempting to attract contact on a possible game-winning leap shot, he flailed his arm, striking San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginóbili within the face together with his elbow.