Kobe Bryant quit playing basketball directly after high school.
Kobe Bean Bryant ( born August 23 , 1978 ) is an American retired professional basketball player and businessman . He entered the NBA directly from high school and won five NBA championships with the Lakers . As a rookie , Bryant earned himself a reputation as a high-flyer and a fan favorite by winning the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest , and he was named an All-Star by his second season .