A Kobe Kind of Year

For those counting at home, the Los Angeles Lakers‘ just-won 16th NBA championship gives transcendent superstar Kobe Bryant five titles for his career. That’s five more than LeBron James, one more than Shaquille O’Neal and just one shy of Michael Jordan.

All that math got us to thinking about what a banner year it’s been for Bryant — and how Beckett’s been there every step of the way.

Here’s how Beckett Basketball started the 2009-10 season:

And here’s Beckett Basketball‘s just-released July/August 2010 cover:

In between, he starred on the cover of Beckett Sports Card Monthly:

Oh, and before all of that, Kobe also appeared on the cover of the 2009-10 Beckett Basketball Price Guide annual:

But Beckett’s year of covering Kobe has included more than just a bunch of pretty pictures. Lots more . . .

Kobe Bryant Set to Sign Exclusive Deal with Panini America

Upper Deck Comments on Kobe Signing, Redemptions

Panini’s Official Announcement Regarding Kobe Signing

Panini Aims to Keep Kobe On-Card

Just In Case You Wanted to Hear More from Kobe on his New Panini Deal

First Look: Kobe’s Prestige Autographs

Exclusive Interview: What Does Kobe Collect?

Panini America Sets Guinness Record with Huge Kobe Card

World’s Largest Basketball Card is Ready for Pack Out

Panini CEO Mark Warsop Busts Some Packs with Kobe Bryant

Panini Giving One Fan the Chance to Go One-on-One with Kobe

Kobe Bryant, Rajon Rondo Primed to Soar in NBA Finals

ESPN.com Page 2 Special: Kobe Bryant Loves Trading Cards . . . Seriously