Kobe Bryant and Robert Downey Jr. are on top of the world right now, each experiencing incredible career and public perception resurgences after massive falls from grace. Take a minute to think about it and the the parallels are kind of eerie.

Name

Kobe Bryant__________Robert Downey Jr.

Profession

Professional Basketball__________Performing Arts

Hit the Scene

The ‘96 Draft__________“Weird Science”, “The Pick-up Artist”, “Johnny Be Good”

Early Success

Lakers’ three-peat (’00-’02)__________Best Actor Nomination for “Chaplin”

Warning Signs

Went to the prom with Brandy__________Dated Sarah Jessica Parker

Outdated half-fro__________Frequent trips to bathrooms

Married a high school senior__________Would snort your dandruff if you let him

All-Time Low Point

Sexual assault charges in Colorado__________Driving naked with heroin in car

Resulted In

Zero endorsements, Public disdain__________Prison, Countless rehab stints

Reduced To

Calling himself “Mamba”__________Appearing on “Ally McBeal”

Signs of Life after Fall from Grace

Scored TONS of points on EVERYONE__________“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”, “Zodiac”

Completely Redeem Themselves in 2008

NBA Most Valuable Player__________“Iron Man” makes a Gazillion Dollars

What the Future May Hold?

New Lakers dynasty?__________The first funny Ben Stiller movie in years?

[Sources: Wikipedia, here and here]

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