The Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant drew out all kinds of emotions from NBA Twitter.
Kobe Bryant’s posthumous Hall of Fame induction was always going to be an emotional affair.
The Los Angeles Lakers legend is one of the greatest basketball figures of all time and an absolute icon of the sport.
Sadly, he wasn’t there to celebrate the big moment. That just made it all the more poignant.
Here’s how the Lakers honored Bryant in a video tribute:
You changed the game. You inspired the world. Thank you, Kobe. #MambaForever x #20HoopClass pic.twitter.com/mHp0A3eOE7
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) May 15, 2021
And here’s how the NBA marked his Hall of Fame induction:
#20HoopClass enshrinee, Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/j328vaUZiZ
— NBA (@NBA) May 15, 2021
Those were good reminders of just how incredible Bryant was as a basketball player.
Former LA Clippers guard Jamal Crawford couldn’t help but comment on the breath of his career.
https://twitter.com/JCrossover/status/1393713180036059136?s=20
Official accounts went to town with graphics celebrating the all-time great.
Mamba forever.
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 15, 2021
Kobe Bryant has been inducted into @hoophall. #20HoopClass pic.twitter.com/gyCUrgpSNT
https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/status/1393711969929207815?s=20
Fellow inductee Kevin Garnett paid respect to Tim Duncan and Vanessa Bryant in his own speech:
Kevin Garnett shares some kind words on fellow #20HoopClass enshrinees, Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/iaczIfIdRd
— NBA (@NBA) May 15, 2021
Vanessa Bryant’s Hall of Fame speech for Kobe Bryant was emotional
Vanessa Bryant’s speech in honor of her husband produced the strongest reactions of the day. She had an incredibly difficult task and handled it with remarkable grace. NBA Twitter gave her all the praise for it.
Vanessa Bryant.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 15, 2021
Damn.
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) May 15, 2021
I don’t know how long it will be before my heart doesn’t crack a little bit when I look at Vanessa. She’s a strong woman and isn’t defined by Kobe, but for the moment my heart just breaks every single time.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) May 15, 2021
Vanessa Bryant just embodies strength
— Jasmine (@JasmineLWatkins) May 15, 2021
Vanessa Bryant... She was simply incredible and powerful.
— Jorge Sedano (@Sedano) May 15, 2021
Vanessa Bryant is the GOAT at giving speeches
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) May 15, 2021
Bryant will be remembered for his immense success on the court as an 18-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA First Team selection, five-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, two-time scoring champion and the 2008 NBA MVP.
Those accolades were all part and parcel of his renowned competitive spirit. He was up there with Michael Jordan when it comes to having that kind of mentality.
After his retirement in 2016, he forged on with an admirable and fulfilling post-basketball life. He won an Academy Award and devoted himself to his family, particularly his daughters Natalia, Gianna, Bianca and Capri.