Kobe Bryant, known as the “Black Mamba,” was one of the most iconic and influential basketball players in NBA history.
His remarkable career with the Los Angeles Lakers spanned 2 decades and left an indelible mark on the sport.
In this article, you will learn about Kobe Bryant’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Kobe Bryant’s Biography
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kobe Bean Bryant |
| Date of Birth | August 23, 1978 |
| Place of Birth | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Date of Death | January 26, 2020 |
| Place of Death | Calabasas, California, USA |
| Height | 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) |
| Weight | 212 pounds (96 kg) |
| Parents | Joe Bryant (father), Pamela Cox Bryant (mother) |
| Siblings | Sharia Bryant, Shaya Bryant |
| Education | Lower Merion High School, Pennsylvania |
Early Career
Kobe Bryant’s basketball journey began at Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania, where he quickly gained national attention.
As a freshman, he started for the varsity team and went on to lead the school to its first state championship in 53 years.
Bryant’s exceptional skills and dedication to the game made him a top prospect, and he decided to skip college and enter the 1996 NBA draft straight out of high school.
Professional Career
Bryant’s 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers was nothing short of extraordinary.
Alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Bryant led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002.
After O’Neal‘s departure, Bryant took on a more prominent role and continued to dominate the league.
He retired in 2016 after a memorable 60-point performance in his final game, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Wife
Kobe Bryant married Vanessa Laine on April 18, 2001. The couple had 4 daughters together:
- Natalia Diamante Bryant (born January 19, 2003).
- Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant (born May 1, 2006 – died January 26, 2020).
- Bianka Bella Bryant (born December 5, 2016).
- Capri Kobe Bryant (born June 20, 2019).
Kobe Bryant’s Net Worth Details
DKobe Bryant’s net worth is estimated to be $600 million as of 2025.
Contract
Kobe Bryant signed several lucrative contracts throughout his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. His final contract, signed in 2013, was a 2-year extension worth $48.5 million.
This deal made him the highest-paid player in the NBA for the 2015-16 season, his final year in the league.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2015/16 | Los Angeles Lakers | $25,000,000 |
| 2014/15 | Los Angeles Lakers | $23,500,000 |
| 2013/14 | Los Angeles Lakers | $30,453,000 |
| 2012/13 | Los Angeles Lakers | $27,849,000 |
| 2011/12 | Los Angeles Lakers | $25,244,493 |
| 2010/11 | Los Angeles Lakers | $24,806,250 |
| 2009/10 | Los Angeles Lakers | $23,034,375 |
| 2008/09 | Los Angeles Lakers | $21,262,500 |
| 2007/08 | Los Angeles Lakers | $19,490,625 |
| 2006/07 | Los Angeles Lakers | $17,718,750 |
Endorsements
Bryant was one of the most marketable athletes in the world, securing numerous high-profile endorsement deals throughout his career. Some of his most notable endorsements included:
- Nike (signed in 2003 after leaving Adidas)
- Sprite
- McDonald’s (ended in 2003)
- Nintendo
- Turkish Airlines
- Lenovo
- Hublot
- Panini
- Mercedes-Benz
- Call of Duty video game series
Career Stats
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| All-time scoring | 4th (33,643 points) |
| All-Star selections | 18 (tied for 2nd) |
| All-NBA First Team selections | 11 (tied for 2nd) |
| NBA championships | 5 |
| Olympic gold medals | 2 |
| 81-point game | 2nd highest single-game score in NBA history |
| Seasons with one team | 20 (NBA record) |
FAQs
1. Who was Kobe Bryant, and what is he most known for?
Kobe Bryant was an American professional basketball player who spent his entire 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Known as “The Black Mamba,” he won five NBA championships, scored 81 points in a single game (the second-highest in NBA history), and earned numerous accolades, including two Olympic gold medals and an Academy Award for his short film Dear Basketball.
2. What were Kobe Bryant’s major career achievements?
Kobe Bryant was a five-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, 2008 NBA MVP, 18-time All-Star, and 15-time All-NBA Team member. He also won two Olympic gold medals, scored 81 points in a game, and retired as one of the top scorers in NBA history.
3. How did Kobe Bryant earn the nickname “Black Mamba”?
Kobe adopted the nickname “Black Mamba” to symbolize his approach to basketball—focused, agile, and deadly. He created the persona to separate his personal life from his professional career during challenging times and used it to inspire his relentless drive on the court.
4. What is Kobe Bryant’s legacy in basketball?
Kobe is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time due to his skill, work ethic, and competitive spirit. His “Mamba Mentality” philosophy emphasizes hard work and resilience, influencing athletes worldwide. He also left a lasting impact through youth sports initiatives and storytelling.
5. When did Kobe Bryant retire from basketball?
Kobe retired on April 13, 2016, after scoring 60 points in his final game against the Utah Jazz. His farewell performance was celebrated as one of the most iconic moments in NBA history.
6. What were Kobe Bryant’s contributions outside of basketball?
Beyond basketball, Kobe was an author, filmmaker, and philanthropist. He won an Academy Award for Dear Basketball, wrote books like The Mamba Mentality, and supported youth sports through the Mamba Sports Academy. He also emphasized education and empowerment for young athletes.
7. How did Kobe Bryant die?
Kobe Bryant tragically died on January 26, 2020, in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. The accident claimed the lives of nine people, including his daughter Gianna. His death shocked the world and led to widespread tributes.
8. What is “Mamba Mentality”?
“Mamba Mentality” is Kobe’s philosophy of constant self-improvement and striving for excellence in all aspects of life. It emphasizes focus, resilience, and dedication to achieving one’s goals while inspiring others to do the same.
9. What were Kobe Bryant’s jersey numbers, and why did he change them?
Kobe wore #8 from 1996 to 2006 and switched to #24 from 2006 until retirement. #8 represented his early career ambitions, while #24 symbolized growth and maturity as a player and leader. Both numbers were retired by the Lakers in his honor.
10. How is Kobe Bryant remembered today?
Kobe is remembered as a basketball legend, cultural icon, and devoted father. His influence extends beyond sports through his storytelling projects and philanthropic efforts. The NBA All-Star Game MVP Award was renamed after him to honor his legacy.
