Looking at Kobe Bryant's top 5 achievements in the NBA

#4 2008 NBA MVP award

Kobe Bryant collects the award from the then NBA Commissioner David Stern

Despite his performances throughout his time as a player, Bryant was named to just one NBA MVP. That occurred in the 2007-08 season, where Bryant averaged 28.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 5.4 apg, and 1.8 spg.

That was also the season where Bryant played all 82 regular season games since 2002-03 season, marking a healthy season for him after combating a few injuries the seasons prior. However, it is important to note that those averages were not his career highs. His career-high for points per game came in the 2005-06 season, where he averaged 35.4 of the same per outing.

While he could not help the Lakers past the Boston Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals, his performance in the regular season certainly made him deserve the MVP award. Bryant used that MVP award as a catalyst to drive the Lakers to the NBA Finals in the 2008-2009 season, where he helped bring a championship to Los Angeles. His winning mentality will certainly be missed by all NBA fans around the world.

#3 Winning 5 championships with the Lakers

NBA Finals Game 7: Boston Celtics v Los Angeles Lakers

While Kobe did not carry the Los Angeles Lakers for the most part, he certainly was part of the reason why they were able to win 5 NBA Championships in the 20 years he played for the franchise.

Kobe and the Lakers won the NBA Finals in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010. Besides the Boston Celtics who had won 8 straight championships, the Lakers are the next team to win 3 straight back-to-back championships alongside the Chicago Bulls, who also have won 3 straight championships.

In the last championship win, Bryant led the team throughout the NBA Finals in scoring against the Boston Celtics. After a gruesome seven games, Bryant led a win in the series and won what would be his last championship and the Lakers' last win in the league (as of now). His performances not only brought a championship win to the city of Los Angeles, but also an NBA Finals MVP title for himself.