A year after the tragic helicopter crash that cost the life of Kobe Bryant, he is now enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in class 2020.
In an emotional induction, Bryant became a first-ballot HOF, and the ceremony was led by his close friend and a brother, Michael Jordan. Vanessa, the wife of Kobe, received it on behalf of his late husband.
The crowd in attendance shouted the famous “Kobe, Kobe, Kobe” chant. This is commonly used by hoopers when shooting the basketball while holding. They are followed through.
“Right now, I’m sure he’s laughing in heaven because I’m about to praise him in public,” Vanessa said.
“There will never be anyone like Kobe,” Vanessa Bryant said. “Kobe was one of a kind. He was special. He was humble — off the court — but bigger than life,” she added.
Bryant won the 2008 MVP, had five NBA championships, and played all his 21 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Along with Bryant, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan were also inducted into the Hall of Fame. Both big men had their respective speeches upon their culmination.