The hall of fame is a museum where the best of the best sports players are commemorated. The National Basketball Association has a hall of fame museum located in Springfield, Massachusetts. The museum’s mission is to preserve and promote the history of basketball. Each year, the Hall of Fame produces nominees who are then honored in a ceremony the following year. Last year, the late Kobe Bryant was nominated, and on Saturday, May 16th, he was inducted into the hall of fame. He was presented the award by Michael Jordan, and his wife Vanessa Bryant gave an emotional speech on his behalf. 

On January 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant and eight other people, including his young daughter tragically died in a helicopter crash while on his way to her basketball game. 

Kobe Bryant started playing basketball professionally in 1996, after forgoing college and going straight to the league from high school. He was the 13th draft pick in the NBA draft and went to play for the Charlotte Hornets. Shortly after going to the Hornets, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers the same year. He was the youngest player in the 1996-1997 season. He went on to spend his entire 20-year career with the Lakers. In his 20 years of playing, he played shooting guard and small forward. Bryant sported the numbers 24 and 8.  Bryant won five championships in the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010. He also holds the 4th place spot for the most point scored in one career at 33,643. He was admired for his mental toughness, and would ultimately retire in 2016.