Kobe Bryant’s induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame has been postponed to May 2021.
The late sporting legend – who died in a helicopter crash in January alongside several others, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna inJanuary – was due to be inducted in August before the event was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the ceremony will now take place over the weekend of 13-15 May next year.
Kobe, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett – who had a combined 48 All-Star Game selections and 11 NBA championships between them – were announced in April to be being inducted this year, in their first year as finalists.
Others who made the cut for induction in 2020 include Kim Mulkey, Rudy Tomjanovich, Eddie Sutton – who passed away in May – and Barbara Stevens.
Former FIBA Secretary General Patrick Baumann was chosen for induction this year by the international committee. He died in October 2018.
Kobe Bryant’s widow pays tribute to her late spouse
Last month, Kobe’s widow Vanessa showed off a tattoo tribute to her late spouse and their children, Gianna, Natalia, 17, Bianka, three, and Capri, 16 months.
She captioned the Instagram post: “#MiFamilia Thank you @misterctoons. Thank you! #throwback l.a love #tattooplacement
“check #KobeVanessaNataliaGiannaBiankaCapri Together Forever. (sic)”
Vanessa was inked by tattoo artist Mr. Cartoon, who also gave Snoop Dogg a tribute to Kobe earlier this week.
Vanessa previously revealed she had had inkings in honour of her late loved ones, and though she didn’t specify what they were, she explained the work on her wrist is a special message from Gianna and there is a “sweet message” from Kobe tatted on her neck.
Also in October, the LA Lakers claimed the NBA Championship and Vanessa admitted she wished that Kobe and Gianna had seen the moment.
She wrote on Instagram: “Wish Kobe and Gigi (Gianna) were here to see this.”
Vanessa also passed on her congratulations to Lakers general manager and Gianna’s godfather Rob Pelinka. Alongside a picture of Kobe and Rob, she wrote: “Congratulations Uncle P! Congratulations @Lakers Kobe was right. .. ‘Stay the course – block out the noise.’” – BANG Showbiz
