Then, the Lakers and their rising star began winning after the acquisition of head coach Phil Jackson and super center Shaquille O'Neil. Still in his youth, Bryant was still one of the few being mentioned in the same category as Michael Jordan.
The hot-headed Bryant won three consecutive titles being Jackson's go-to guard and Shaq's wing man.
Though the end of the Lakers run at the top of the NBA has been blamed on Bryant, he has risen above it and in spectacular fashion.
He wanted the spotlight and not only did he get it, he has harnessed it and become one of the most dominant players in the league.
Bryant started his career as a good player, then after the loss to the Detroit Pistons in the 2003-2004 NBA Finals, the young and arrogant Bryant evolved into a great player.
Bryant become the league's premier scorer. He also became one of the most hated players in the game because of his attitude. However, the beginning of his bad attitude began with poor judgement.
In the summer of 2003 Bryant was arrested in Colorado after being accused of rape. Though Bryant was not convicted, he continued to perform to an even higher standard than anyone thought was possible while being stuck in a legal controversy.
He played with reckless abandon. The Lakers were Bryant's team, and his alone. He became loved by many for his passion and hated by more for his "one-man show" presence.
Bryant then exploded, his offense game seemed to push the limits of reality during the 05-06 season, averaging more than 35 points.
After the end of that season, however, Bryant made a change that many have questioned since. He changed jersey numbers, from 8 to 24.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
