Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant was officially inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday. It's just two months after his tragic passing in a helicopter crash. With that being said, few people around the NBA know Bryant as well as Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.
Pelinka served as Bryant's agent throughout the shooting guard's illustrious 20-year career. And when talking about Bryant's induction, Pelinka became emotional:
“Kobe was always one to downplay his professional accomplishments – MVPs, NBA championships, gold medals, Oscars, and on and on and on,” said Pelinka, via Ryan Ward of ClutchPoints. “But all of us can trust that this Basketball Hall of Fame honor is one Kobe would, and will, deeply appreciate. The highest of congratulations to you, dear friend. This one is so well deserved. For all the hard work, sweat and toil. Now, a part of you will live in the Hall with the rest of the all-time greats. Where your legend and spirit will continue to grow forever.”
Bryant was initially drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996, but he was immediately traded to the Lakers for Vlade Divac.
He proceeded to spend two decades with the Lakers, winning five championships and capturing 18 All-Star appearances along the way.
Bryant's first three titles came alongside of Shaquille O'Neal between 2000 and 2002 when the Lakers three-peated. No other NBA franchise has accomplished that feat since. He later added a couple of more rings in 2009 and 2010.
The Philadelphia native also won back-to-back scoring titles in 2006 and 2007.
Bryant is widely regarded as the second-best shooting guard ever behind Michael Jordan and one of the greatest players to ever step on the hardwood, period.
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