Kobe Bryant’s posthumous introduction into the NBA Hall of Fame this weekend was always going to be emotional for the basketball world. On Saturday, during the induction ceremony, Vanessa Bryant spoke on behalf of Kobe, who was introduced into the Hall of Fame alongside Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan.
Vanessa’s speech was long, poignant, and everything basketball fans wanted to hear on a weekend already filled to the brim with Kobe tributes. The end of Vanessa’s speech, especially, is worth highlighting on its own for her touching, heartfelt message to Kobe in wake of his Hall of Fame induction on Saturday.
Vanessa Bryant's message for Kobe at the end of her Hall of Fame speech 💜💛
"I love you forever and always Kobe Bean Bryant." pic.twitter.com/5pSkrNxMkX
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 16, 2021
Here’s the end of Vanessa’s speech in full:
“Congratulations, baby. All of your hard work and sacrifice has paid off. You once told me, if you’re going to bet on someone, bet on yourself. I’m glad you bet on yourself, you overachiever. You did it. You’re in the Hall of Fame now. You are a true champ. You’re not just an MVP, you’re an all-time great. I’m so proud of you. I love you forever and always, Kobe Bean Bryant.”
There were some other great highlights from Vanessa’s speech, including a nice Michael Jordan moment and Vanessa making a jab at herself for praising Kobe in her speech.
Vanessa Bryant “I can see him now with arms folded with a huge grin saying isn’t this some shit” pic.twitter.com/zc0K2ggd36
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) May 15, 2021
"(Kobe) would thank all (his doubters) for helping him get here. After all, he proved you wrong," Vanessa Bryant said with a smiling Michael Jordan behind her.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 15, 2021
Vanessa’s speech capped off a lovely weekend of Kobe tributes from the Hall of Fame. The NBA revealed the Hall of Fame’s Kobe exhibit — designed by Vanessa herself — while his daughter Natalia accepted his blazer from the event.
Garnett, in speaking with the media, told the press that Kobe was “like a little brother” to him, highlighting the relationship the two shared.
What a wonderful weekend of Kobe tributes and celebrations, with Vanessa’s speech officially inducting him and his incredible legacy into the NBA Hall of Fame forever.
