Kobe Bryant took to the court against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night to kick off his 20th season in the iconic yellow-and-purple jersey of the Los Angeles Lakers, setting a new NBA record for most seasons played with the same team.
Bryant also surpassed former Lakers legend Wilt Chamberlain in total minutes played, rising to fourth spot on the all-time list, according to Sports Illustrated.
The 37-year-old superstar joined the Lakers in 1996, the first guard to be drafted straight out of high school, and has gone on to win five NBA championships and break several records before this one — with a few more within reach.
Bryant’s unprecedented longevity has been plagued with repeated injuries in recent years, and there is widespread speculation that this season may be his last, but there is little doubt that he has firmly cement his iconic status in basketball (and Laker) history.
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Write to Rishi Iyengar at rishi.iyengar@timeasia.com