Kobe Bryant is a legendary NBA athlete who has inspired many across the world with his extraordinary basketball career. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 23rd 1978 and began playing basketball when he was three years old. His father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant was also an NBA player and coached Kobe throughout his childhood.

Bryant began to make a name for himself during high school as he continued to excel at the game of basketball and showed impressive skills for someone so young. His talent earned him numerous college offers before he chose to pass up college and enter the 1996 NBA draft straight out of high school; becoming only one of six players ever to do so at that time.

He joined the Los Angeles Lakers with great expectations and quickly proved himself as a rising star in the league by winning multiple All-Star games, All-NBA teams, scoring titles and MVP awards over his 20 year career. Despite experiencing various injuries throughout his career such as torn ligaments in his wrist or fingers, Kobe kept pushing forward through dedication and hard work towards greatness which eventually led him to become one of the greatest players of all time; being named among names like Michael Jordan or LeBron James whom have considered him their equal on court rivals for years.

Kobe’s most legendary accomplishments are arguably leading Los Angeles Lakers team three consecutive championships from 2000-2002 alongside Shaqoun O’Neil , making 81 points in one game against Toronto Raptors (the second-highest single game score ever) or breaking Jerry West’s scoring record by surpassing 30 thousand total points scored in 2008 . He went on break more records such as most missed shots taken (which still stands today) or total minutes played with 57 thousand plus . In 2016 Kobe retired from professional basketball after recording 60 points in final matchup against Utah Jazz ; yet another celebration worthy accomplishment given it would go down into history books as third highest point performance recorded since 1974 season started .

Aside from this sports achievements Kobe has been credited distinctively for being influential mentor figure off court , inspiring next generations through example while constantly stressing importance of hard work , focus & ambition needed reach goals no matter how unattainable they may seem initially . For these reasons he will continue be remembered hall fame level player recognized by all sport fans any part world ; living legend forever admired admirers all ages everywhere ..