Kobe Bryant, superstar shooting guard of the National Basketball Association's Los Angeles Lakers, stands as the sole survivor of the legendary 1996 rookie class.

Bryant is the last active player of the rookie class '96.

Currently, he is working off two serious injuries. Combined with his age (36-years old) he should be a relic whose playing in the NBA is withering with the advance of time.

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However, Bryant stands opposed to all of that. He stands as an active symbol who is defying the odds and bridging perhaps two or three generations of NBA basketball.

Things were not supposed to be this way though.

Going into the 2014-2015 season, Bryant was supposed to be accompanied by one more draft peer. It was supposed to be his teammate, Steve Nash. But the hopes quickly ended when Nash was unable to play due to his back injury.

Nash has only appeared in 65 games over the past two seasons. The 40-year old even hinted that this year should have been his last.

If it were his last though, Nash goes out as one of the best, ranking third in all-time assists and fourth in field-goal percentage.

Ray Allen was also part of the '96 draft. While he has yet to retire, he is currently in free agency limbo as he watches the season unfold and will step in later on for a championship contender team.

If his last game has also been played, he leaves with two championships and the all-time leader for three pointers made and attempted.

A number of Bryant's peers are also gone from the NBA, and take with them significant talent and achievements. Players like: Allen Iverson, Jermaine O'Neal, Derek Fisher, and Stephon Marbury.

Bryant stands above them all, the sole survivor. His career and achievements speak for themselves. While the Laker's future is bleak, Bryant fights and plays on.

And when Bryant walks away from the NBA, he takes away the 1996 draft's star power with him.

TagsLos Angeles Lakers, 1996 Rookie Class