Kobe Bryant was an ultra-competitive athlete who always pushed himself to the limit to secure victories. Throughout his 20 seasons with the Lakers, Bryant remained fiercely loyal to the team. The Buss family showed their appreciation for his loyalty by taking care of him since he was drafted in 1996. Despite facing setbacks like an Achilles injury, Bryant was offered a lucrative $48 million deal in his 17th season. Although some critics questioned the decision, Kobe believed that NBA players deserved more of the financial pie. His presence on the team not only boosted ticket sales but also significantly increased the Lakers' annual revenue.
