”The most important thing is you must put everybody on notice that you’re here and you are for real.” You said it, Kobe, and man, you meant every single word of it. And even if there were any doubts in the last five years, they’re long gone now. No NBA fan will ever forget this name. The Kobe Bryant, arguably second only to Michael Jordan, and in many hearts, even above him. How could anyone forget that Mamba mentality? Even five years after your tragic passing, you’re still breaking records and rewriting history. Truly, hats off to you, sir.

The Naismith Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is officially here. And man, it’s stacked. Sure, every Hall of Fame class is special, but the one announced Saturday is different. This time, we’re talking names like Carmelo Anthony, Sue Bird, Billy Donovan, and the legendary 2008 USA Men’s Olympic Team, the iconic “Redeem Team”. But while the world celebrates these legends, something quietly is happening in the background. A record’s being broken. And the name behind it is again Kobe Bryant. Even five years after he left us, he’s still out there making history. That’s heavy. Any guesses as to what the record might be?

Remember when Kobe got inducted into the Hall of Fame back in 2021 just a year after his heartbreaking passing? But he wasn’t the only one to receive that honor posthumously. Legends like Bill Walton and Dikembe Mutombo also made it in after they were gone. But here’s something that’s never happened before, not even once in basketball history. Kobe just became the first player ever to be inducted into the Hall of Fame twice after his death.

How? The 2008 USA Men’s Olympic Team, the gold medal-winning Redeem Team, just got inducted. And guess who led that squad? None other than Kobe Bryant. That team had LeBron, Melo, Dwight Howard, D-Wade… and Kobe was the leader of all of them. Just think about that. That’s the kind of presence, the kind of aura he carried. Even now, years later, he’s still adding to his legacy.

Kobe Bryant enshrined among legends in Basketball’s most sacred hall

After 20 seasons, five championships, and countless unforgettable moments, Kobe Bryant‘s first-ballot Hall of Fame induction in 2021 felt inevitable. Of course, he made it in. He was Kobe, after all. But when that moment finally came, it was hard to smile through the tears. His presence was deeply missed, and the night wasn’t just a celebration anymore, it became a tribute.

On that night, his daughter Natalia stood tall, wearing his Hall of Fame jacket and ring. The Hall even dedicated a special exhibit, “Kobe: A Basketball Life,” filled with mementos from pieces of his high school court to replicas of his championship rings. And then Michael Jordan spoke. Vanessa Bryant spoke. And when Vanessa took the stage, she carried every ounce of heartbreak and strength a person possibly could. She didn’t just speak for Kobe, the player. She spoke for Kobe, the husband, the father, the man.

Now, in 2025, Kobe’s name is back in that sacred spotlight. This time, as part of the Redeem Team. And once again, he’s making history, becoming the only person inducted into the Hall of Fame twice after passing. We hope his family finds the strength to stand tall again, just like they did before.

Rest easy, champ. You’re still leading, still inspiring, even from beyond.