Vanessa Bryant accepted her late husband Kobe Bryant's admission into the NBA Hall of Fame on Saturday (May 15th) with a speech on his behalf. According to People, Bryant — who stood on the stage with Michael Jordan, said,”I wish my husband was here to accept this incredible award. He and Gigi deserve to be here to witness this. Gigi would be so proud to watch her daddy get enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame.”
She said, “I used to always avoid praising my husband in public because I felt like he got enough praise from his fans around the world, and someone had to bring him back to reality. Right now, I’m sure he’s laughing in heaven because I’m about to praise him in public for his accomplishments on one of the most public stages. I can see him now, arms folded, with a huge grin, saying, ‘Isn’t this some sh*t?'”
She continued, “I know Kobe was looking forward to being here. He asked the Hall of Fame to specifically add a sixth ticket for Capri, he was so happy. He didn’t really talk about upcoming awards but he did mention this one a week before he and Gigi passed. . . . he and I had a conversation about my motherin-law and father-in-law attending tonight’s enshrinement. I invited my motherin-law and father-in-law to tonight’s enshrinement to thank them one of the most amazing human beings into this world. Pam and Joe, thank you for raising Kobe to be exceptional.”
She added, “Thank you to all of Kobe’s family. Sharia, you’ve gone above and beyond. I love you.”
She then congratulated Kobe, saying, “There will never be anyone like Kobe. Kobe was one of a kind. . .. Congratulations, baby. All of your hard work and sacrifice has paid off. You once told me, ‘If you are 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.”
