TORONTO - His legacy as a Laker no longer a topic of debate, Kobe Bryant will now become the first athlete to have his hand and foot featured at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in a marriage of sports and celebrity.
The ceremony, fittingly, will take place on Feb. 19, which coincides with NBA all-star weekend in Los Angeles.
“To be a part of such elite company is a tremendous honour,’’ Bryant, a five-time NBA champion and former league MVP, said in a statement. “I’m proud to be the first athlete to be recognized.” Bryant’s all-star weekend also includes the unveiling of a short film with Nike.
Long before all-star weekend, Bryant will continue his assault of the NBA’s career scoring list.
With the Lakers, winners of nine of their last 11, about to get ready for a five-game homestand, it’s just a matter of time before Kobe surpasses Hakeem Olajuwon for eighth spot in career scoring.
The Dream netted 26,946 points during his Hall of Fame career.
Bryant, whose Lakers play host to Utah on Tuesday, needs 34 to usurp the Dream.
