Kobe Bryant -- Breaks Out the Chopper ... For Valentine's Day

His rotator is still jacked up, but his rotors are doing just fine -- which is why Kobe Bryant broke out the helicopter for a special Valentine's Day date with his wife Vanessa.

The two took to the skies for a little romantic V-Day getaway over the weekend ... and made sure to take a few mid-flight selfies along the way.

Sidenote -- Vanessa's earrings ... damn.

Legend has it, Kobe has been using the 'copter for years to go from his home in Orange County to the Staples Center in L.A. so he can beat freeway traffic.

But with his season over, it's good to see Kobe's still finding use for his favorite method of travel.