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The Strange Final Chapter in Kobe’s Legendary Career

Kobe Bryant will soon enter his twentieth season in the NBA, a feat that very few players in any sport have ever achieved. Yet his career has always been marked by controversy, and his legacy will be complicated. On the one hand he is an international global superstar as evidenced by the rousing reception he receives even in foreign countries such as China. Whenever Laker games are televised from arenas throughout the United States hordes of fans can be spotted wearing Bryant’s jersey with the number “24” proudly displayed. At the same time, he is often called aloof, selfish, overly demanding, and ill-tempered.