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.
– Rappler.com