Kobe Bryant honored by wife Vanessa, Michael Jordan in Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony By Kelli Johnson article ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 14: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after defeating the Orlando Magic 99-86 in Game Five of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 14, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and Expand UNCASVILLE, Conn. - At just 17 years old, a National Basketball Association recruit from Lower Merion High School was selected in the first round of the NBA Draft in the summer of 1996. His name was Kobe Bryant and the ambitious teenager would soon become not only one of the greatest players who ever wore a purple and gold uniform, but also one of the greatest basketball players of all time.