CNN  —  In 2003, Kobe Bryant was on top of the world. By that time, seven years after he was drafted, he had already established himself as an NBA superstar, winning three championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and earning five All-Star selections. Bryant was a cultural icon, too, transcending basketball in a way that only a select few players in history have managed. There was a new mega signature shoe deal with Nike, various endorsements for fast food, drink and sports companies, plus