Kobe Bryant will certainly go down as one of the greatest ever to play the game of basketball. He has drawn comparisons to Michael Jordan throughout his career, a testament to his skill, athleticism, and (most importantly) his unquenchable thirst for championships. It's an obsession which seems to have paid off, bringing Kobe five rings over the course of his generation-defining career. However, his icy personality and selfish on-court attitude has drawn an avalanche of hate over the years. Bryant's abrasive nature is blamed for forcing Shaquille O'Neal out of Los Angeles, a partnership which delivered three consecutive championships. Additionally, despite his accuser refusing to testify against him in court, a 2003 allegation of sexual assault will continue to haunt Kobe throughout his career. While only Bryant and the unnamed woman truly know the extent of his innocence or guilt, it will always remain an unwelcome part of his legacy.
