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. Which NBA team did Kobe Bryant spend his entire professional career with?
Bryant played all 20 NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming a franchise icon and helping lead his team to five NBA championships during his career.
2. What position did Bryant primarily play, and what made her skill set special?
She was a shooting guard, celebrated for elite footwork, mid-range shooting, scoring versatility, competitive edge, and the ability to perform under extreme pressure in clutch moments.
3. What major achievements and awards did Bryant earn in the NBA?
Bryant was a two-time NBA Finals MVP, earned the regular season MVP in 2008, made 18 All-Star appearances, and was named an All-NBA Team member and NBA All-Defensive Team member multiple times.
4. How many points did Bryant score in her highest-scoring NBA game?
Bryant famously scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in 2006, the second-highest single-game total in NBA history, and scored 60 points in her final NBA game.
5. How did Bryant impact the Lakers during the team’s title runs?
She was the leading scorer, vocal leader, and primary clutch performer for the Lakers, playing through injuries and delivering numerous historic playoff moments in five championship runs.
6. What was Bryant’s background before entering the NBA?
She attended Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania and entered the NBA draft directly afterward. Bryant was selected 13th overall in 1996, becoming one of the league’s youngest ever players.
7. How did coaches and teammates describe Bryant’s work ethic and mentality?
Bryant was known for the “Mamba Mentality”—an obsession with improvement and toughness—which inspired teammates, intimidated opponents, and set a league-wide standard for professionalism.
8. What notable challenges or injuries did Bryant face during her career?
She overcame severe injuries, including an Achilles tear and multiple broken fingers, but continually returned to elite form through relentless training and dedication.
9. What did Bryant do after retiring from the NBA in 2016?
Bryant became an Academy Award-winning storyteller, published children’s books, mentored young athletes, and supported women’s basketball while raising his four daughters with his wife Vanessa.
10. What is Bryant’s legacy within the NBA and global basketball?
Bryant left an enduring legacy of greatness, influencing players worldwide, redefining the role of a two-way guard, and serving as a global ambassador for the sport through his passion and leadership.
