Kobe Bean Bryant was born August 23, 1978(1978-08-23)), frequently referred to simply as Kobe, is an American All-Star shooting guard who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Kobe Bryant enjoyed a successful high school basketball career and made instant headlines when he decided to go directly into the NBA upon graduation. Kobe Bryant and then-teammate Shaquille O'Neal led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002. After O'Neal's departure following the 2003–04 season, Kobe Bryant became the cornerstone of the Lakers franchise. He led the NBA in scoring during the 2005–06 and 2006–07 seasons. In 2006, Bryant scored a career high 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, the second highest number of points scored in a single game in NBA history, second only to Wilt Chamberlain's 100 point performance.
The Lakers started the playoffs on April 19, 2009 against the Utah Jazz. The Lakers won that series 4–1. In the second round, the Lakers faced the Houston Rockets, prevailing in seven games, 4–3. In the third round, the Lakers faced the Denver Nuggets winning the series in six games, 4–2. The victory earned the Lakers their second straight trip to the NBA Finals and Bryant's 6th overall.
Kobe Bryant is eligible to opt-out of his contract following the 2008–09 season.
