In the brief time that has passed since Kobe Bryant‘s sudden passing, it has been quite challenging to come to grips with the situation. There has been a tremendous outpouring of gratitude and appreciation for what he brought to the game and his overall impact. Although it’s been quite a difficult time, it’s also a chance to reflect on his career and what he accomplished over his two decades on the court. All of that has already led to the NBA to declare one thing about an upcoming honor he will receive.

Kobe Bryant’s illustrious career

Over his 20 years in the league, Bryant accomplished many individual and team accolades along the way with the Los Angeles Lakers.

He has numerous personal achievements, such as being an 18-time All-Star, a five-time NBA champion, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, an 11-time All-NBA First Team selection, nine-time All-Defensive First-Team member, and three-time All-Defensive Second Team selection, among others. He also holds many Lakers’ all-time record while placing himself fourth on the all-time regular-season scoring list and fourth on the all-time postseason scoring list.

Bryant has many all-time franchise records, and NBA marks to his name that further establish him as being an all-time great. He has already earned the honor of being the first player to have two jerseys retired while there will be a statue honoring him in front of Staples Center soon.

All of that has placed one significant achievement that he will receive shortly that he has is more than deserving of garnering.

NBA set to give Kobe Bryant a huge honor

Since Bryant completed his illustrious career, the one notion that was quite clear was that he was going to one day head to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Before his tragic passing, he was announced as being a finalist to be apart of the 2020 class for the Hall of Fame. It was expected that he would become a first-ballot inductee alongside the likes of Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett, which Hall of Fame chairman Jerry Colangelo has made ever so clear, according to Sham Charania of The Athletic.

“Expected to be arguably the most epic class ever with Kobe, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett,” Hall of Fame chairman Jerry Colangelo said about the upcoming 2020 class. “Kobe will be honored the way he should be.”

It wasn’t anticipated to unfold in any other manner as Bryant had done more than enough to earn that honor. He is one of the greatest players to play in the NBA, and a first-ballot induction in the Hall of Fame is going to cement his status in league history further.

Bryant will be part of the Hall of Fame screening process that will take place on Wednesday along with the finalists in February at the All-Star break. He will also be apart of the formal inductees at the Final Four in April.

Kobe Bryant’s timeless legacy

The reality of Bryant being gone at age 41 is quite harsh to come to terms with, but it’s another chance to remember him fondly for what he did on the court and the impact that he has made. He helped change the league to what it has become today, making basketball one of the most popular sports in the world.

Bryant is an enduring icon that has influenced many people well beyond the world of sports. His dedication, commitment, and work ethic are all things that people can aspire to be in their own lives and careers. It’s difficult to fathom what he has meant to the NBA entirely, and the outpouring of love, support, and gratitude towards him from all walks of life shows how much of a difference he made.

His impact on the league has forever been etched with his Hall of Fame induction, adding another layer to his everlasting legacy.