Kobe Bryant was a professional basketball player who played his entire 20-year career for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. He was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and entered the league directly from high school. Known for his scoring ability and competitive spirit, Bryant won five NBA Championships and was an 18-time All-Star. In addition to his success on the court, Bryant was also recognized for his work off the court. He won an Academy Award for his animated short film "Dear Basketball" in 2018. Tragically, he passed away in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020.