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We just learned that the late NBA star will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 2020 class.

In a statement to E! News, a spokesperson for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame stated, “The Hall of Fame joins the rest of the basketball world in mourning the untimely passing of Kobe Bryant, a nominee for the Class of 2020 and an icon of the game.”

They added, “We offer our sincerest condolences to the Bryant Family and all of those affected by this tragedy. We look forward to announcing our Finalists at NBA All-Star Weekend and revealing the full Class of 2020 at the NCAA Men’s Final Four in April.”

In addition, basketball stars Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett will be inducted.

Kobe Bryant retired from the NBA in 2016 and won five NBA titles during his 20-year professional career. In addition, Bryant was named MVP of his 2007-2008 season.

This exciting news comes after the legend’s passing in a fatal helicopter crash. His daughter Gianna Bryant, 13 was also onboard as well as seven other victims.

Many of Bryant’s fellow teammates and loved ones took it to social media following the news to mourn the legendary player.

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I’m still in disbelief about the passing of Kobe Bryant. I never got the pleasure of meeting him but I was a fan of his for his whole career growing up loving and playing the game of basketball. Everything I ever watched from him was inspirational and I took so much of what he said to heart in my own career. I related to him so much as an athlete because of his work ethic, passion and drive. He was just on a different level and was one of the best players to ever step on a basketball court…but I respected him for his “Mamba Mentality” and for the way he approached everything in life. – Now as a dad to my two sons seeing these pictures of him with his daughter break my heart because I can see the pride he has for her and I have been able to feel that with my own sons and it’s special. At only 13 years old she was on her own path to greatness and for her to be taken so young is heartbreaking. – My heart goes out his wife and 3 other daughters who lost a dad and daughter/sister and to the other people who lost their lives in the crash as well because I’m sure if they were around Kobe they were probably all truly amazing people with so much more to give to this world. – Thank you to Kobe Bryant for being a great human being who inspired the world to be better, work harder and strive for greatness. You will be missed but never forgotten. #ripkobebryant #kobebryant

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I’m Not Ready but here I go. Man I sitting here trying to write something for this post but every time I try I begin crying again just thinking about you, niece Gigi and the friendship/bond/brotherhood we had! I literally just heard your voice Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to LA. Didn’t think for one bit in a million years that would be the last conversation we’d have. WTF!! I’m heartbroken and devastated my brother!! 😢😢😢😢💔. Man I love you big bro. My heart goes to Vanessa and the kids. I promise you I’ll continue your legacy man! You mean so much to us all here especially #LakerNation💜💛 and it’s my responsibility to put this shit on my back and keep it going!! Please give me the strength from the heavens above and watch over me! I got US here! There’s so much more I want to say but just can’t right now because I can’t get through it! Until we meet again my brother!! #Mamba4Life❤️🙏🏾 #Gigi4Life❤️🙏🏾

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Heroes come and go LEGENDS live forever‼️#8 #24

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