Kobe uses his long arms to avoid shot blockers like the Birdman. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
- Kobe uses his long arms to avoid shot blockers like the Birdman. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
- Kobe has the ability to rise up over defenders and knock down jump shots. (AP Photo/Hector Mata)
- Kobe's first step allows him to get past even the quickest defender. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
- Of course, Kobe can finish at the rim with two hands. (AP Photo/Hector Mata)
- ...or with one hand, even the left. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
- Kobe's defense is what separates him from the league's elite players. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
- Kobe takes a lot of hits but rarely comes out of the game. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
- He's had a couple scares, but Kobe's never been seriously injured. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
- Kobe hates to lose as much as he loves to win. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
- Part of Kobe's leadership is joking around with teammates on the bench. (AP Photo/Rick Pedroncelli)
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