In Pictures

In Pictures: The life of NBA icon Kobe Bryant

Bryant was considered one of the greatest basketball players of his generation during a 20-year career with LA Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers'' Kobe Bryant chews on his jersey as he turns around to listen to coach Mike Brown during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks in Los Angeles December — Bryant chews on his jersey as he turns around to listen to coach Mike Brown during the first half of an NBA basketball game against New York Knicks in Los Angeles on December 29, 2011. [Danny Moloshok/Reuters]

Former NBA player Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash near Calabasas, California in the United States, officials said.

Bryant, 41, was considered one of the greatest basketball players of his generation during a 20-year career spent entirely with the Los Angeles Lakers.

He retired in 2016 as the third-leading scorer in NBA history, finishing 20 years with the Lakers as a prolific scorer with a sublime all-around game and a relentless competitive ethic.

Bryant had one of the greatest careers in recent NBA history and became one of the game’s most popular players as the face of the 16-time NBA champion Lakers franchise.

He was the league’s Most Valued Player in 2008 and a two-time NBA scoring champion.

Bryant won five NBA championship rings with the Lakers and an 18-times NBA All-Star who wore the number 24 during his career with the team.