Kobe Bryant honored by wife Vanessa, Michael Jordan in Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony
By Kelli Johnson article
ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 14: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after defeating the Orlando Magic 99-86 in Game Five of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 14, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and
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UNCASVILLE, Conn. - At just 17 years old, a National Basketball Association recruit from Lower Merion High School was selected in the first round of the NBA Draft in the summer of 1996. His name was Kobe Bryant and the ambitious teenager would soon become not only one of the greatest players who ever wore a purple and gold uniform, but also one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
USA TODAY
After emulating his idol’s game, competitive instincts and mannerisms during his 20-year NBA career, Kobe Bryant surely would have wanted Michael Jordan as his presenter for his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
It remains inspiring considering Jordan spoke so eloquently at Bryant’s memorial last year about their relationship. It also remains bittersweet since Bryant won’t be there for his induction as a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer on Saturday after dying nearly 16 months ago in a helicopter crash with his 13-year-old daughter (Gianna) and seven others.
Those that knew Bryant well believed his Hall of Fame speech would have been as unique as his on-court performances. And though he admired Jordan for how he played basketball, sought any competitive edge and maximized his business earnings, Bryant would not have wanted to be like Mike with his Hall of Fame speech. For all the endless comparisons on whether Jordan or Bryant finished with a
Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Memorial Hall of Fame on Saturday. Before the ceremony, we take a look back on some of the best moments of his remarkable career.
Looking back on Kobe Bryant s legendary NBA career ahead of his Hall of Fame induction
By Kelli Johnson article
ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 14: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after defeating the Orlando Magic 99-86 in Game Five of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 14, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and
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LOS ANGELES - At just 17 years old, a National Basketball Association recruit from Lower Merion High School was selected in the first round of the NBA Draft in the summer of 1996. His name was Kobe Bryant and the ambitious teenager would soon become not only one of the greatest players who ever wore a purple and gold uniform, but also one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Lower Merion s Zack Wong is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week – PA Prep Live papreplive.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from papreplive.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.