IN PHOTOS: Kobe Bryant’s journey from phenom to legend

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IN PHOTOS: Kobe Bryant’s journey from phenom to legend

AFP

Love him or hate him, Kobe Bryant elicits strong feelings from all basketball fans

MANILA, Philippines – Kobe Bryant has meant a lot of things to many different people. He’s a Los Angeles Lakers great, a polarizing figure who generates both boos and begrudging respect from detractors while earning adoration from admirers.

He’s played 1,566 games over 20 years, won 5 NBA titles, was an 18-time All-Star and the 2008 Most Valuable Player. From jersey numbers 8 to 24, the Black Mamba has been a global icon for the game’s worldwide appeal.

(READ: 5 career-defining moments for Kobe Bryant)

Past the numbers, what he has meant to fans and the sport of basketball can be summarized in photos. Here is such an attempt on the day of Bryant’s final NBA game.

Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan share a word during a game in December 1997. Bryant would draw comparisons to Jordan throughout his career. Photo by Vincent Laforet/AFP

Kobe Bryant posts up former Philippine President Joseph "Erap" Estrada at Malacañang Palace during a goodwill visit to the Philippines in 1998. Photo by Alex De La Rosa/AFP

Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal celebrate their first NBA title together after defeating the Indiana Pacers in 2000. The two would quarrel many times as teammates but are a big part of each other's legacies. Photo by AFP

Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal are named co-MVPs of the 2009 NBA All-Star Game. Bryant would be the MVP in the 2002, 2007, 2009 and 2011 editions. Photo by John G. Mabanglo/EPA

Kobe Bryant showed in 2009 that he could soar without Shaq. Here he delivers a dunk in the Western Conference finals. The Lakers would later meet the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals and win 4-1. Photo by Larry W. Smith/EPA

Kobe Bryant holds the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy at the Lakers Victory Parade in 2010 after they defeated the Boston Celtics for the Lakers' second straight NBA title. It would be the last time Bryant is NBA champion. Photo by Mike Nelson/EPA

Kobe Bryant wins the second straight of his Olympic gold medals with Team USA at the 2012 London Games. Photo by John G. Mabanglo/EPA

Kobe Bryant plays his final road game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Photo by Larry W. Smith/EPA

Kobe Bryant waves to the fans at Staples Center before his final NBA game. He closed his career with 60 points to beat the Utah Jazz. Photo by EPA/MIKE NELSON

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