In addition to future animation initiatives, he had been in talks with animator veteran Bruce Smith for the last six months earlier than his death about starting his personal animation studio. He performed at a 1997 concert by Sway & King Tech and recorded a verse for a remix of Brian McKnight's "Hold Me". Bryant even appeared on Lakers teammate O'Neal's Respect, beginning the track "three X's Dope", although Bryant's name was not listed on the credits.

He was additionally the overall league MVP in 2008.The accident shocked basketball fans and athletes from throughout the nation and around the globe. Countless tributes were held to honor Bryant, his daughter and the others killed within the crash. Bryant returned for the 2014–15 season, his 19th season with the Lakers, who had changed D'Antoni with Bryant's former Lakers teammate, Byron Scott. On November 30, 2014, in a 129–122 overtime victory in opposition to the Toronto Raptors, Bryant recorded his 20th career triple-double with 31 factors, 12 assists and 11 rebounds. At age 36, he turned the oldest NBA participant to ever achieve 30 factors, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game.

On June 23, 2008, he was named to the USA Men's Senior National Team for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Bryant declined to play in the 2000 Olympics as he was getting married in the off-season. Bryant was initially chosen for the FIBA Americas Championship in 2003, however withdrew after present process arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgical procedures. Along with LeBron James, he was one of many first two gamers to publicly named to the 2006–2008 U.S. preliminary roster in 2006 by Jerry Colangelo.

Thanksgivings at the Bryant household should have been awkward. The creators of NBA 2K24 not only pay tribute to Kobe Bryant’s career but be positive that his spirit lives on. As a end result, this cover shall be a heartbreaking reminder for followers of his greatness and love of the sport. Finally, Kobe’s lasting legacy as the final word competitor on the courtroom will final eternally. As a becoming tribute to his lasting legacy, NBA 2K24 selected Bryant as the duvet athlete. He had a big influence on the game and the NBA community, leaving an imprint that will live on for generations to come.

"He would publicly say that neither of us may stop the opposite," added Bryant. "I refused to consider that. I rating 50. You score zero. That is what I consider. When I began guarding AI, he had 16 at the half. He completed the sport with 16. Revenge was sweet." In the fourth quarter, as Bryant made shot after shot in opposition to the Utah Jazz, on his way to 60 points, the world was crammed with a steady, deafening cheer. Bryant picked up a microphone afterward to deal with the gang. Flying again to L.A., he known as a news convention at Staples Center and, with tears in his eyes and voice quavering, acknowledged having intercourse with the girl however insisted it was consensual. Bryant took refuge in his relationship with Vanessa, as bodyguards accompanied them to Disneyland and got them seats at the local Cineplex after the lights went down.

On April 13, 2016, Bryant dazzled a sold-out crowd at the Staples Center and fans all over the place in the last recreation of his career, scoring 60 points and leading the Lakers to a win towards the Utah Jazz. In 2008, Bryant was named Most Valuable Player and carried his group to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics. In the 2009 NBA Finals, the Lakers beat the Orlando Magic to win the championship. Shortly afterward, Bryant was a half of the memorial service to honor pal and music superstar Michael Jackson. The following year, the Lakers won their second straight title by defeating the Celtics.

Explore a shocking tropical backdrop and flex your customized, personalized style in an all-new City, rich with elective facet quests and sizzling streetball competition. Receive a MyPLAYER gamerplate and a pair of extra MyTEAM Promo Packs when you order through the PlayStation Store. Kobe's mom's brother, John Cox, additionally performed within the NBA.

His $680 million in earnings from taking half in salary and endorsements throughout his enjoying career had been a record for a group athlete. Bryant died, alongside with his daughter Gianna and seven others, in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, in 2020. A variety of tributes and memorials were subsequently issued, including renaming the All-Star MVP Award in his honor. He wished to meet the Lakers legend, but he additionally understood the character of movie star, and Prescott didn’t want to intrude on Bryant while he was at dinner with pals or family. Besides, the home the place Prescott was staying was less than a mile from Kobe’s house.