"For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement on Sunday. "He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary: five NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, 18 NBA All-Star selections, and two Olympic gold medals.  But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability. He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna."

Considering the impact that Bryant had on the game, and the fact that he had one of the most decorated careers in recent memory, the Hall's decision doesn't come as a surprise at all. However, the fact that Bryant won't be there himself will certainly put a damper on what would have been an otherwise celebratory evening. It's nice to know that Bryant will be where he belongs in the annals of basketball history surrounded by peers whose respect he earned through his dedication to the game, but it still stings that he won't get to experience the induction himself.

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