In 2013, Bryant launched a manufacturing company known as Granity Studios, which developed different media, starting from films to tv shows and novels. Bryant was the subject of Spike Lee's 2009 documentary film Kobe Doin' Work, which chronicled Bryant in the course of the 2007–08 NBA season. In 2009, American rapper Lil Wayne released a track referred to as "Kobe Bryant". Similarly, in 2010, American rapper Sho Baraka released a music called "Kobe Bryant On'em", which was featured on his album Lions and Liars. In 2012, American rapper Chief Keef launched a song paying tribute to Bryant known as "Kobe". It was featured on his debut studio album, Finally Rich, as part of the deluxe version.

Because of Kobe, partially, Diggins-Smith produced a documentary collection for Nickelodeon. Because of Kobe, partially, she continued to refine her skilled basketball profession. Because of Kobe, partially, she pursued extra Olympic glory.

However, some critics have instructed that Bryant's defensive accolades in his later years have been primarily based more on his status than his actual play. By the end of the season, he averaged 15.5 minutes a game. During the All-Star weekend, Bryant participated within the Rookie Challenge and won the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest, turning into the youngest dunk champion at the age of 18.

” We’re watching a man climb the ladder and tinker with the rim. I’d by no means actually heard about maintenance issues with a rim earlier than a recreation. A quarter of an inch.” After the buzzer sounded, I was strolling off the courtroom and I noticed one of many maintenance guys — one of the guys who was carrying the ladder onto the courtroom during warm-ups. ” “Oh, someone notified us that it was slightly lower than regulation.” Then he told me how much it was off by. I might inform you his answer, but I assume you already know what he said.

Bryant not often draws charges taking half in defense, which he believes has spared his physique and contributed to his longevity. Some critics have advised that the defensive accolades in his later years were earned extra on his popularity than his actual play. His role with the Lakers grew to become more focused on offense and conserving his vitality for the playoffs, and Metta World Peace assumed the duty of guarding the opponent's top participant on the wing. Bryant requested that opposing teams on the road not hold any on-court ceremonies in his honor or current him any presents in public. Bryant died at age forty one, alongside with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and 7 others, in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. A number of tributes and memorials were subsequently issued, together with renaming the All-Star Game MVP Award in his honor.

In Game 2, Bryant finished the sport with thirteen assists, setting a new playoff profession excessive; it was essentially the most assists by a Laker within the playoffs since Magic Johnson had thirteen in 1996. The Lakers went on to win the series in six games capturing the Western Conference Championship and advancing to the NBA Finals for a third straight season. Bryant gained his fifth championship and earned his second consecutive NBA Finals MVP award. This marked the primary time the Lakers received a Game 7 in opposition to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. Bryant said that this was the most satisfying of all of his 5 championships.

The single debuted in January 2000, and was performed at NBA All-Star Weekend that month; the track was not nicely received. Sony abandoned plans for the album, which was never released, and dropped Bryant later that yr. The Sony president who originally signed Bryant had already left, and Bryant's different backers had principally deserted him.

He referred to as Breanna Stewart after she ruptured her Achilles tendon to offer steerage on an injury he understood too nicely. He founded the Mamba Sports Academy, which supplied access to sports for women and other children. “In our sport, no one had extra influence,” Diggins-Smith says.