Vanessa Bryant gives Hall Of Fame speech on behalf of Kobe Bryant

Vanessa Bryant, wife to the late basket-baller Kobe Bryant gave an emotional acceptance speech on behalf of her late husband during the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame ceremony.

Vanessa started of by saying she avoided praising him in public as she felt he had enough praise from fans  "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"

She continued;

"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. 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."

Vanessa remembered her late husband talking about the wall of fame just a week before his tragic death

"My husband and I were sitting on our kitchen island, and he and I had a conversation about my mother[in-law] and father-in-law attending tonight's enshrinement. I invited my mother[in-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. Thank you to all of Kobe's family. Sharia, you've gone above and beyond. I love you,"

"There will never be anyone like Kobe. Kobe was one of a kind. He was special, he was humble off the court but bigger than life. To all of our close friends and family that have been present for my girls and I, thank you. That list is long and it takes a village but know that your kindness and love does not go unappreciated. I know that Kobe is thankful that you're all coming through for his girls. We love you and are forever grateful for you,"

She thanked Michael Jordan for being there too;

"Last February, I called Michael and asked if he would introduce Kobe tonight and he graciously accepted. Thank you for being here, Michael. Kobe admired you, this means so much to us."

Kobe died on the 26 January 2020 in a helicopter crash at Calabasas, California, United States.