Kobe Bryant Sets New Record for Most Seasons with a Single Team

1 minute read
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 28, 2015 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 28, 2015 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.Andrew D. Bernstein—2015 NBAE/Getty Images
By Rishi Iyengar

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.

[Sports Illustrated]

More Must-Reads from TIME

Write to Rishi Iyengar at rishi.iyengar@timeasia.com