But he was n't always an icon. Bryant entered the NBA in 1996 - 97 fresh out of high school and thrust into the bright spotlight that comes with playing in Los Angeles .
Kobe Bryant rookie cards are some of the most popular of the modern era .
Kobe Bryant was n't always an icon. Kobe Bryant entered the NBA in 1996 - 97 fresh out of high school and thrust into the bright spotlight that comes with playing in Los Angeles .
Kobe Bryant rookie cards are some of the most popular of the modern era .