Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY Sports
Magic Johnson?
Nope.
Shaq?
I don’t think so.
Kobe Bryant wants Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan to present him into the Naismith Hall Of Fame when his time comes.
Bryant recently sat down with Complex magazine to discuss his life after basketball and his new goals. With his tireless work ethic and dedication, it’s hard not to believe that Bryant will be anything but successful at whatever he does.
However, one thing that was a mystery was who would give the speech (or speeches) for Bryant when his time would come for induction. Of course, we’re a few years away, but Bryant already knows who he wants to be represented by on that stage.
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.
Jackson obviously coached Bryant to multiple championships and helped to groom his career while he was still young on the Los Angeles Lakers. And if you’ve followed the careers of Jordan and Bryant, it’s hard to overlook that Bryant’s game closely modeled that of the GOAT. Although they didn’t play side-by-side, there was a lot of respect among the two guards.
Most players would be honored to have one Hall of Famer to speak on their behalf, but for Kobe, I think he’s more than deserving of having two.
