Kobe Bryant: Best of the Best of the LA Lakers Legend's Career

Kobe Bryant turned 33 years old on August 23, and it's incredible to think that he's been in the NBA for 15 seasons already.

While the Black Mamba's career certainly won't last forever, he's been able to accomplish things during his playing days that most can only dream about.

He has established himself as someone who has a knack for taking the ball in crunch time situations, and he seems to be able to pour in his best efforts when they matter most for his club.

Bryant's career is one of the bests that we'll ever see, and it's fairly easy as to see exactly why that's the case.

The shooting guard has one of the longest lists of individual accolades in the history of the sport.

Individual Game: 81-Point Performance

Stat Line: 81 points, 28-of-46 FG, 18-of-20 FT, 7-of-13 three-pointers, six rebounds, two assists, three steals, one block, 42 minutes

As mind-blowing as all of those numbers are, arguably the most impressive part of his overall performance is that he was able to do all of that without playing the entire game.

Bryant registered an incredible 55 points in the second half of the game, and his efficiency from the field, free throws and beyond the arc was absolutely staggering.

The video does a fantastic job of recapping the performance in short time.

Most Memorable Playoff Run: 2000 Postseason

The 2000 postseason was the first step toward the eventual Los Angeles three-peat, and the championship certainly didn't come easily to the Lakers.

After a full five-game battle against the Sacramento Kings in the first round, the Lakers breezed by Phoenix in the semi-finals before facing their toughest test against the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Lakers took a 3-1 series lead in the conference finals, but after the Blazers tied the series at 3-3, the eventual champs had to battle back in the final game from a significant hole in an effort to eventually pull out the victory.

Greatest Accolade: Regular Season MVP

Although some might point toward multiple Finals MVP awards, there's no doubt that every player wants to wrap his hands around the regular season award.

After an MVP campaign had alluded him throughout his career, Bryant finally got his moment in 2007-08 when he averaged 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists.

It was about time that Bryant finally earned the recognition that many thought he had long deserved, and it remains his only one to date.

Best Game Winner: Second Overtime vs. Portland Trail Blazers in 2000 Postseason

This remains one of the most incredible things that Bryant has accomplished in his storied career, and that's really saying a lot considering his accomplishments.

With the Lakers battling the Suns in an intense postseason moment, Bryant delivered not once, but twice, scoring the final four points for his team over the last 15.7 seconds of the action.

The entire Phoenix club looked absolutely dejected after Bryant rose up over two defenders and nailed the jumper in both of their faces, sending the loudest message that he possibly could to the opposition.

Sickest Dunk: 180 over Yao Ming

It's not often that someone who is 6'6" emphatically slams it over a center that's a legitimate 7'5", but Bryant didn't seem to have any issue on this attempt.

After coming off a screen at the top of the key and with Shane Battier attempting to strip the ball from behind, the mamba wiggled his way through the lane, crossed over Yao, and dunked it right into the basket.

The best part about the dunk was that it looked like Bryant did it rather effortlessly, as if he had planned that exact move when thinking about what he was going to do with the ball.

Best Playoff Moment: Domination over Indiana Pacers in 2000 Finals, Game 4

When the Lakers won the 2000 title, it was really the beginning of something special for Bryant.

With Shaquille O'Neal having been sent to the sidelines with a sprained ankle, Bryant absolutely took over in the waning moments of the game, asserting himself as the dominant force that we've come to appreciate him as currently.

He cemented his place as the future leader of the Lakers and showed off amazing skill coupled with impressive basketball IQ, and Bryant looked like anything but a young gun in the process.

Instead, he looked like a veteran with ice water running through his veins.

Best All-Star Weekend Moment: 1997 Dunk Contest

Remember when the NBA had a dunk contest that was actually fun to watch when every contestant took to the hardwood? I do, and I'm certain that Mr. Bryant does, too.

In 1997, the shooting guard delivered one of the more memorable performances that the event has ever seen, using his natural athleticism to put on an unbelievable show for the lucky spectators in the crowd.

Looking like it was no sweat off of his brow, Bryant finished off his opponents with a between-the-legs dunk that left everyone with their jaw on the ground.

Best Individual Season: 2005-06

Bryant delivered a monstrous campaign during the 2005-06 season, where he stepped up and literally carried the Lakers by himself.

Playing on a roster that featured both Smush Parker Kwame Brown, Bryant stepped up and poured in an incredible 35.4 points per game.

Although the team finished just 45-37 in the regular season, it certainly was no fault of their starting shooting guard's efforts, as he looked like the only player on the floor that was capable of contributing.

Best Pass: 2000 Alley-Oop to Shaq vs. Portland Trail Blazers

This one was a rather easy one, as there simply isn't a close second place to this iconic moment in Lakers postseason history.

With the team down by four points and under a minute left in the game, Bryant appeared as if he was set to pull up with a jumper from the foul line, but instead let a floater loose to Shaq at the rim which the big fella proceeded to slam down with authority.

A moment that sent chills up the spines of basketball fans everywhere, this one was an incredibly special moment in the Shaq & Kobe story.

Best Sneaker: Crazy 8

These might not be the most aesthetically pleasing shoes for some fans to look at, but they were extraordinary upon their release and remain one of the best vintage shoes in the game.

Extraordinarily comfortable, the Crazy 8's were unique and radical upon their release, but that's exactly what gave them their tremendous appeal.

With cushioning and support that really aided those seeking to use it as a basketball sneaker, these kicks were fashionable both on and off the court.

I still rock mine with regularity.