Capturing Kobe: A photographer's best shots

Kobe Bryant throws down a slam dunk as he splits between two Celtic defenders during Game 4 of the 2008 NBA Finals.

Kobe Bryant during Game 3 of the 2008 NBA Finals.

Kobe Bryant fights for a rebound vs. Kevin Garnett in Game 1 of the 2008 NBA Finals.

Kobe Bryant grabs a rebound in front of teammate Lamar Odom and Boston's Ray Allen during the fourth quarter of game 7 of the NBA Finals in 2010.

The Lakers' Kobe Bryant takes the court before playing San Antonio in Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference Semi-Finals in 2003.

The Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant during a 126 - 104 blow out win against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center in 2008.

The Lakers' Kobe Bryant flies to the hoop past Boston Celtics' Tony Allen during first quarter action of game 6 of the NBA Finals in 2010.

Kobe Bryant leaps into the post-game celebration after the Americans beat Spain in the men's basketball gold medal game in 2008.

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant is surrounded during the NBA All Star Game media availability at the Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans in 2008.

Kobe Bryant celebrates being awarded the MVP trophy by NBA commissioner David Stern during the 2011 NBA All Star Game.

Washington's Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant share a laugh when facing each other in 2003.

The Lakers' Kobe Bryant drives to the hoop between the Warriors' Dale Davis and Clifford Robinson during the regular season in 2004.

Laker All Star guard Kobe Bryant is greeted by Cynthia Dabney, one of the home owners at a Habitat for Humanity construction site in 2008.

6/12/08 7:40:54 PM --- Kobe Bryant hangs in the air as he splits between two Celtic defenders to score in Game 4 of the 2008 NBA Finals.

Laker head coach Phil Jackson talks to guard Kobe Bryant during Los Angeles' 94 - 79 win over Toronto at the Staples Center in 2003.

The Lakers' Kobe Bryant pumps his fist and lets out a yell as time runs out in Los Angeles' 99 - 91 overtime win over the Pistons in game 2 of the NBA Finals in 2004.

Cleveland's Lebron James battles the Lakers Kobe Bryant for position on the baseline in a 2004 matchup.

Kobe Bryant throws down a two-handed dunk in the first half against Portland in 1st round NBA Playoff action in 2001.

Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant drives between Sacramento Kings shooting guard Marcus Thornton, Aaron Brooks and Jason Thompson during first half action at Staples Center in 2012.

Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard is all smiles as he an teammate Kobe Bryant wait on the bench for pre-game player introductions in 2012.

Laker guard Kobe Bryant during an NBA preseason game against the Clippers at Staples Center in 2011.

Portland's Scottie Pippen and the Lakers' Kobe Bryant scramble for a loose ball during Game1 of their NBA Playoff series in 2002.

Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant hangs in the air as he puts up a shot past San Antonio Spurs forward DeJuan Blair during first half action at Staples Center in 2011.

Laker guard Kobe Bryant is defended by the Dallas' Jason Kidd during second half action of game 2 of the Western Conference semi-finals in 2011.

The Celtics' Eddie House tries to go through Kobe Bryant's jersey for the ball during 1st half action at Staples Center in 2007.

Kobe Bryant goes up for a shot against Dwight Howard and Mickael Pietrus during game two of the NBA Finals in 2009.

Newly acquired Pau Gasol with Kobe Bryant and Sasha Vujacic at the end of the Lakers' 96-83 win over Portland in 2008.

Head coach Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant watch the Lakers prepare for game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics in 2010.

Kobe Bryant throws down a slam dunk past Australia's David Anderson in the Men's Basketball Quaterfinals at Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium in 2008.

Laker guard Kobe Bryant shoots over the Suns' Jared Dudley in game 1 of the Western Conference Finals in 2010.