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Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant was an American professional basketball player who spent his entire 20-season NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kobe Bryant was an American professional basketball player who spent his entire 20-season NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He won five NBA championships, was named NBA Most Valuable Player in 2008, and later won an Academy Award for the animated short film *Dear Basketball*. He died in a helicopter crash in California on January 26, 2020.

Early life

Kobe Bean Bryant was born in Philadelphia on August 23, 1978. He spent part of his childhood in Italy and entered the NBA directly from high school.

NBA career

Bryant was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 and was soon traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. He became one of the league’s most accomplished players, winning five championships and earning widespread recognition as one of basketball’s greats.

Later career and retirement

Bryant’s later years were affected by injuries, but he remained a major figure in the NBA. He retired after the 2015–16 season, ending a 20-year career with the Lakers.

Death and legacy

Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on January 26, 2020, along with eight other people, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. He remains one of the most widely recognized figures in basketball history.

Key facts

  • Played his entire 20-season NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
  • Won five NBA championships with the Lakers.
  • Was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2008.
  • Won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for *Dear Basketball* in 2018.
  • Died on January 26, 2020, in a helicopter crash that killed nine people, including his daughter Gianna.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kobe Bryant?
Kobe Bryant was an American professional basketball player who spent his entire 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
How old was Kobe Bryant when he died?
He was 41 years old when he died on January 26, 2020.
What happened to Kobe Bryant?
He died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on January 26, 2020. Nine people died in the crash, including Bryant and his daughter Gianna.
How many championships did Kobe Bryant win?
He won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.
What was Kobe Bryant's net worth?
Reliable sources in the provided results do not give a single verified net worth figure, so it is best left unspecified here.
Where did Kobe Bryant play?
He played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA for his entire professional career.

References

  1. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/athletes/kobe-bryant
    Supports: Birth date, NBA championships, Lakers career, retirement, Academy Award, and death details.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kobe-Bryant
    Supports: Biographical overview, Lakers career, five championships, MVP award, retirement, and death.
  3. NBA.com — https://www.nba.com/news/kobe-bryant-10-things-to-know
    Supports: Lakers career, five championships, 2008 MVP, and major career accomplishments.
  4. NBA Los Angeles Lakers — https://www.nba.com/lakers/history/alumni/kobe-bryant
    Supports: Full Lakers career, championships, and major career statistics.
  5. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/us/kobe-bryant-fast-facts
    Supports: Birth, death, Lakers career, championships, and helicopter crash context.