This biography gives readers a courtside seat to the achievements of one of basketball's greatest legends as it traces Kobe's life from childhood to his five NBA championships to his successful career outside of the game to his tragic death and lasting legacy.

"Originally published as On the court with... Kobe Bryant"--Title page verso.

1978-1983 : Jellybean goes to Italy -- 1984-1991 : His father's son -- 1992 : Back to America -- 1993-1995 : The ace of the aces -- 1995-1996 : Senior season -- 1996 : State champs -- 1996 : Decisions, decisions -- 1996-1997 : Showboat or showtime? -- 1997-1998 : One step at a time -- 1998-1999 : The lost season -- 1999-2000 : Triangle turnaround -- 2000-2002 : "Back to back to back" -- 2002-2005 : 10,000 and beyond -- 2005-2006 : 81 and "the shot" -- 2006-2007 : Chasing the championship -- 2007-2008 : MVP? -- 2008 : Nightmare and redemption -- 2009 : Kobe's team -- 2010 : Celtics redemption -- 2011-2016 : Winding down -- 2017 and beyond : legacy.