In 2003, Bryant was charged with sexual assault following an accusation by a younger feminine resort clerk. The criminal costs had been dropped after the accuser refused to testify, and a civil swimsuit was settled out of court docket. Bryant issued a public apology and admitted to a sexual encounter however denied the assault allegation and said it was consensual.

In addition, he averaged 6.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and a pair of.2 steals per sport, all profession highs to that time. Bryant was as soon as again voted to both the All-NBA and All-Defensive 1st groups, and got here in third place in voting for the MVP award. After ending 50–32 within the common season, the Lakers floundered in the playoffs and lost within the Western Conference semi-finals to the eventual NBA champions San Antonio Spurs in six video games. He also had a profession excessive 46.9% shooting and once once more led his group in assists. While making the All-Star team and All-NBA Defensive team again, he was also promoted to the All-NBA First Team for the first time in his profession. The Lakers received fifty eight games that year and completed second place within the Pacific Division behind in-state rival Sacramento Kings.

Bryant was within the constructing working on his debut musical album. The two began courting and became engaged just six months later in May 2000, while Laine was nonetheless a senior at Marina High School in Huntington Beach, California. To avoid media scrutiny, she completed highschool by way of impartial examine. According to Vanessa's cousin Laila Laine, there was no prenuptial settlement.

At the identical time, the Hornets wanted a middle, so West saw that as a perfect alternative to unload Vlade Divac’s wage in trade for the 13th decide, which was the first exterior of the lottery, saving much more money to sign O’Neal. Greg Thomas, the president of Visual Concepts, which developed the game, mentioned in a press release that the decision was made to honor Bryant's "impression" on the game of basketball. The Kobe Bryant Edition will feature the Lakers legend leaping by way of the air in his No. 8 jersey. The Black Mamba Edition will characteristic Bryant in his No. 24 uniform. Both variations of the game might be available for buy later this yr.

At the time of his announcement, he was second on the team in minutes (30.8) behind Jordan Clarkson and leading the group with sixteen.7 area aim makes an attempt per sport, while averaging just 15.7 points and capturing a career-low 31.5 %. In his press conference after the announcement, he acknowledged his declining expertise. "Even though I play like shit, I’ve worked really, really hard not to play like crap and I do everything I possibly can. And I feel good about that", he said.

The couple bought a home within the Newport Beach group of Newport Coast, where they put in his “Star Wars” memorabilia and her Disney collectibles. For her nineteenth birthday, he bought her a Lamborghini with a particular adapter so she wouldn’t need to drive a stick shift. When the Lakers won their second championship in Philadelphia in 2001, Kobe was noticed holding the trophy in the bathe and crying. Some wondered if the battle with O’Neal was taking its toll; Bryant would later say he was excited about the rift in his family. Bryant and Vanessa had been married in Dana Point in 2001.

In addition to his lengthy enjoying career, Bryant was known for his philanthropy and a quantity of other enterprise ventures and film initiatives . With the Lakers combating to secure the eighth and final playoff berth within the Western Conference, coupled with accidents on the staff, Bryant began taking part in almost all forty eight minutes each game. On April 10, 2013, Bryant grew to become the first player in NBA historical past to get 47 points, eight rebounds, 5 assists, four blocks, and three steals in an NBA game. On April 12, Bryant suffered a torn Achilles tendon in opposition to the Golden State Warriors, ending his season. Lakers common manager Mitch Kupchak had spoken to Bryant about his extensive playing time 10 days earlier, however Bryant insisted the minutes needed to proceed given the Lakers' playoff push.

Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka and Capri Bryant honor the late NBA legend throughout a ceremony to unveil his handprints and footprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Vanessa Bryant and her daughters—Natalia, 20, Bianka, 6, and Capri, 3—honored Kobe Bryant as his hand and footprints have been completely put in outside TCL Chinese Theatre in L.A. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science's short films and animation department additionally extended an invitation for Bryant to turn out to be a member of the organization. However, in June 2018 it was revealed that the Academy's governors committee had rescinded the invitation, saying the retired basketball great needed to level out more efforts within the subject before being considered for membership. Kobe Bean Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.