From No. 8 to No. 24: Kobe Bryant's Incredible Career

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant had his No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys retired on Dec. 18, 2017, becoming the first NBA player to have both his jerseys retired. Bryant was among five people killed in a helicopter crash in California on Jan. 26, 2020. Take a look at his storied career in photos.

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Five-time champion Kobe Bryant enjoys his final NBA title with his kids.
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Five-time champion Kobe Bryant enjoys his final NBA title with his kids.
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Kobe Bryant played his rookie season in 1996-97.
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Kobe Bryant played his rookie season in 1996-97.
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No. 8 Kobe Bryant was an athletic monster and won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in his rookie year.
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No. 8 Kobe Bryant was an athletic monster and won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in his rookie year.
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In 2000, Kobe Bryant played in his first NBA finals.
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In 2000, Kobe Bryant played in his first NBA finals.
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With Shaq, Kobe Bryant won the 2000 NBA title.
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With Shaq, Kobe Bryant won the 2000 NBA title.
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No. 8 Kobe's Lakers and Kings had a playoff rivalry.
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No. 8 Kobe's Lakers and Kings had a playoff rivalry.
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Tim Duncan and the Spurs were regular postseason foes.
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Tim Duncan and the Spurs were regular postseason foes.
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In the 2001 finals, Allen Iverson's Sixers offered a challenge.
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In the 2001 finals, Allen Iverson's Sixers offered a challenge.
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Lakers won the 2001 finals and went 15-1 in the playoffs.
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Lakers won the 2001 finals and went 15-1 in the playoffs.
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In 2002, Kobe's Lakers do the threepeat. They beat Jason Kidd's Nets.
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In 2002, Kobe's Lakers do the threepeat. They beat Jason Kidd's Nets.
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Manu Ginobili, one of the few to last from No. 8 to No. 24.
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Manu Ginobili, one of the few to last from No. 8 to No. 24.
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Kobe led the 2004 Lakers' super team to the NBA finals.
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Kobe led the 2004 Lakers' super team to the NBA finals.
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Lakers fell to Pistons in the 2004 NBA finals.
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Lakers fell to Pistons in the 2004 NBA finals.
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Shaq and Kobe split in 2004.
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Shaq and Kobe split in 2004.
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Kobe looks to Lamar Odom for Lakers' turnaround.
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Kobe looks to Lamar Odom for Lakers' turnaround.
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No. 8: Kobe Bryant outscored the Mavs 62-61 over three quarters.
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No. 8: Kobe Bryant outscored the Mavs 62-61 over three quarters.
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Kobe Bryant once scored 61 points at Madison Square Garden.
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Kobe Bryant once scored 61 points at Madison Square Garden.
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Various so-called rivals came and went.
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Various so-called rivals came and went.
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A new generation of rivals emerged.
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A new generation of rivals emerged.
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More new challengers to Kobe's throne.
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More new challengers to Kobe's throne.
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Kobe changed numbers, rivals changed teams.
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Kobe changed numbers, rivals changed teams.
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In 2007, Kobe Bryant requested a trade away from the Lakers.
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In 2007, Kobe Bryant requested a trade away from the Lakers.
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Instead of trading Kobe, the Lakers traded for Paul Gasol.
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Instead of trading Kobe, the Lakers traded for Paul Gasol.
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And Kobe Bryant won his only MVP trophy in 2008.
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And Kobe Bryant won his only MVP trophy in 2008.
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...But Kobe's Lakers lost in the 2008 NBA finals to the hated Boston Celtics.
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...But Kobe's Lakers lost in the 2008 NBA finals to the hated Boston Celtics.
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Kobe led team USA to Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008.
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Kobe led team USA to Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008.
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Finally, Kobe wins a title without Shaq.
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Finally, Kobe wins a title without Shaq.
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No. 24 wins Finals MVP and NBA Title No. 4 in 2009 along with long-time teammate Derek Fisher.
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No. 24 wins Finals MVP and NBA Title No. 4 in 2009 along with long-time teammate Derek Fisher.
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Kobe Bryant met Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama as Champion.
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Kobe Bryant met Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama as Champion.
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Kobe passed me the ball! Lakers beat Celtics in 2010!
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Kobe passed me the ball! Lakers beat Celtics in 2010!
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Kobe Bryant: 18-Time All-Star, 4-time All-Star Game MVP.
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Kobe Bryant: 18-Time All-Star, 4-time All-Star Game MVP.
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Kobe Bryant tears his Achilles' heel, still hits two free throws.
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Kobe Bryant tears his Achilles' heel, still hits two free throws.
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Kobe Bryant passes his mentor Michael Jordan on NBA's all-time scoring list.
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Kobe Bryant passes his mentor Michael Jordan on NBA's all-time scoring list.
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Mamba Out! Kobe scores 60 points in his farewell game.
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Mamba Out! Kobe scores 60 points in his farewell game.
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