Washington (AFP)

Basketball legend Kobe Bryant, who accidentally died at age 41, was a relentless winner, a hard-hitting batter, capable of scoring 81 points in a game or playing until exhaustion ensued.

His career is filled with memorable moments, where he stood out for his talent or strength of character.

- Shaq, the best enemy -

Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal loved to hate each other. Together, the duo dominated the NBA in the early 2000s, winning three titles in a row. But despite the efforts of "Zen" coach Phil Jackson, however a fine psychologist, the two men could not bear each other.

The first does not accept that the second (who then outrageously dominates the NBA) is the main star of the team and makes no secret of his desire to become caliph instead of the caliph.

In 2004, "Shaq" was transferred to Miami by the Lakers and Kobe then recovered the keys from the truck. Who will advance in slow motion a few years, while another pivot, less bulky, Pau Gasol, arrives in LA to help the "Black Mamba" to win two new titles.

- 24> 8 -

In 2006, Kobe changed his jersey number and abandoned his 8 for the 24. Or that of his idol Michael Jordan (unanimously considered the best basketball player of all time) on the 23, plus one.

"A fresh start," said Bryant. The promise of a player - and a man - more mature, less impulsive and soloist on the fields, able to pass the ball to his teammates by trusting them.

As a result, he will become the first player in history to have two shirts removed by the same team, one for each number, during a tribute ceremony in 2017.

- Shhh -

In addition to the five NBA champion rings, Kobe had two Olympic gold medals.

The first, at the Beijing Games in 2008, followed a thrilling final won 118-107 against Spain.

With 20 points and 6 assists, Bryant splashes the match, considered one of the most beautiful in the history of basketball, his class and his talent.

Especially in the "money time", his favorite "momentum": while Spain returns to only five points 3 minutes from the end, Kobe succeeds in an extremely rare action at four points (basket with three points plus fault) which practically secures victory for the Americans.

And famous by making the sign "hush" with his index finger placed on his mouth.

- Achilles' tendon -

In spring 2013, the Lakers whipped to win the play-offs. The "Black Mamba", who was already 34 years old at the time, plays all the matches and rests very little.

At the end of a match against Golden State, when he is the victim of a foul, his body lets go: there is a rupture of the Achilles tendon. At his age, a wound of such a serious nature (he remained absent from the floors for six months) signifies the beginning of the end. And he knows it.

Due to his injury, the regulations allow him to leave the field and let his replacement take care of the free throw. But despite the pain, Kobe decides to return to the floor to shoot (and succeed) his two shots. He then left the Staples Center under the cheers of the public.

- 60 to finish -

In April 2016, Bryant played - at home - the last game of his career against Utah Jazz. He is only the shadow of himself and the Lakers' season, a huge farewell tour of Kobe, was painful to see.

But for his "der", Bryant does what is expected of him: he crunches (50 shots taken), scores (60 points) and above all allows his team to win a narrow victory by dominating alone the end of match.

The Staples Center explodes, Snoop Dogg, Jack Nicholson and Jay-Z exult. The story could not end other than yet another feat on his part.

© 2020 AFP