Kobe Bryant: A career in pictures (38 images)

Team USA's Kobe Bryant goes for a slam dunk between Australia's Andrew Bogut (6) and David Andersen during second quarter basketball action at the Olympic Basketball Gymnasium, August 20, 2008, at the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. The Americans won easily, 116-85. File Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI

Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James receives the pass as Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant defends during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles on January 19, 2009. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI

Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) has his shot blocked by Chicago Bulls small forward Luol Deng (9) in the final seconds of the second half of their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles on December 25, 2011. The Bulls won 88 to 87. File Photo by Lori Shepler/UPI

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant dunks two of his 28 points during second half action against the New York Knicks at Staples Center in Los Angeles on December 16, 2008. The Lakers beat the Knicks 116-114. File Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI