This Day In Lakers History: Kobe Bryant Inducted Into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Of Fame (2024)

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This Day In Lakers History: Kobe Bryant Inducted Into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Of Fame? ›

Bryant was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame along with contemporaries Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan on May 15, 2021, though the night was bittersweet.

On May 15, 2021, Bryant was posthumously inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. His wife, Vanessa, accepted the induction in Kobe's honor, alongside Michael Jordan, a player Kobe admired his whole life. “There will never be anyone like Kobe,” Vanessa said in her speech.

"With 17 NBA All-Star selections, an NBA MVP, five NBA championships with the Lakers, two Olympic gold medals and a relentless work ethic, Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players in the history of our game," Silver said in a statement.

Everyone remembers where they were when Kobe Bryant scored 60 points in his career finale, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a win over the Utah Jazz.

On Nov. 3, 1996, Kobe Bryant made his NBA debut with the Los Angeles Lakers, beginning what would become an illustrious 20-year career. At 18 years, 72 days old, he became the youngest player to ever appear in an NBA game.

Kobe was 6'3" at 16.

Kobe Bryant was selected 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets (traded to the Los Angeles Lakers).

Lost in the Finals to Boston Celtics, 4-2. Lakers' regular-season record, 57-25. Bryant won his only league MVP, averaging 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists during the regular season.

The oldest active player is LeBron James, who is currently 39 years, 146 days old. The youngest active player in the NBA is Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson, the 45th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, who was born on December 17, 2004.

Yes, you heard that right. Lebron sleeps 12 hours a night and Kobe sleeps (or at least slept) 4 hours a night. This is only being mentioned here because it is interesting that these two players who are often compared and measured against each other by fans both have extreme sleep patterns but in opposite ways.

Did Kobe try to leave the Lakers? ›

Jerry West, the former Lakers executive who drafted Bryant before leaving for the Grizzlies in 2002, said Kobe considered bolting for Memphis in 2004. "He became a free agent, OK? And he called me and his agent then was Rob Pelinka.

He continued to be among the premier players in the league through the 2012–13 season when he suffered a torn achilles tendon at age 34. His next two seasons were cut short by injuries to his knee and shoulder, respectively. Citing physical decline, Bryant retired after the 2015–16 season.

Kobe Bryant played 25 games with 50+ points.

On Saturday, Bryant's introduction into hall of fame enshrinement was presented by living-legend and dear friend, Michael Jordan. Bryant's wife, Vanessa, delivered the acceptance speech. “Last February, I asked Michael if he would introduce Kobe tonight and he graciously accepted.

The 18-time All-Star led the NBA in scoring four seasons and still managed to make the NBA's All-Defensive First Team nine times, making him one of the best two-way players in history.

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announces 14 finalists for Class of 2024. Vince Carter, Chauncey Billups, Michael Cooper and Walter Davis will be voted on for possible induction. Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups headline 14 finalists announced Friday for enshrinement in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Of the inaugural Hall of Fame class of 1959, seven individuals were inducted as contributors, including James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. All former NBA commissioners (Maurice Podoloff, J. Walter Kennedy, Larry O'Brien, and David Stern) have been inducted.