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Kobe Bryant: 50 Greatest Moments of Black Mamba’s Career

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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28. Making a 9th All-Defensive First Team Appearance

Kobe Bryant is often heralded for his offensive brilliance, but it’s the balance of his game that made him a legend. During his prime years, it was just as likely that Bryant would score 30 points as it was that he’d lock his man down.

That proven ability to dominate both ends helped Bryant achieve a prestigious measure of history.

Bryant has made nine career All-Defensive Team appearances, including a record nine on the All-Defensive First Team. That number matches three other players for the most all-time: Kevin Garnett, Michael Jordan, and Gary Payton.

Prestigious company, to say the very least.

In 2011, Bryant and Garnett became the third and fourth players in NBA history to make a ninth appearance on the All-Defensive First Team. Both Bryant and Garnett have 12 total All-Defensive Team appearances, which ranks second to Tim Duncan, who has 15.

Bryant’s 12 are the most by any perimeter player in NBA history.

Next: Mamba Untamed

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