After 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant retired at the end of the 2015-16 NBA season following a 60-point performance against the Utah Jazz. While Bryant is focused on his businesses, he is still involved with the game of basketball.
As the Lakers are set to retire both of his jersey numbers on Dec. 18 against the Golden State Warriors, Bryant discussed being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame one day. When asked who he wants to present for him, Bryant named two people according to Liz Levy of Complex:
Wow, that’s a great question. In terms of who might present, for me it’s two people: Michael Jordan or Phil Jackson. They’ve been the greatest mentors, not only in my career as an athlete, but also as a person. And what I might say is just a lot of thank yous. ‘Cause I’ve had a lotta help along the way. A lotta lotta help.
It is not surprising Bryant mentioned Michael Jordan and head coach Phil Jackson. While many tried and failed, Bryant was the closest player to the Chicago Bulls legend and there is mutual respect between them. As for Jackson, they won five championships together in 11 seasons with the Lakers.
Along with Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett are expected to be part of the 2021 Hall of Fame class, which will perhaps be the greatest in history.
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