Vanessa Bryant sends Kobe Bryant into Hall of Fame with touching tribute

Kobe Bryant's posthumous introduction into the Basketball Hall of Fame was always going to be emotional for the NBA world. On Saturday during the enshrinement ceremony, Vanessa Bryant spoke on behalf her late husband, who was introduced into the Hall of Fame alongside Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan.

Vanessa Bryant's speech was poignant and everything basketball fans wanted to hear on a weekend already filled to the brim with Kobe tributes. The end of the speech, especially, is worth highlighting on its own for her touching, heartfelt message to Kobe in wake of his Hall of Fame induction on Saturday.

"Congratulations, baby. All of your hard work and sacrifice has paid off," Vanessa Bryant said. "You once told me, if you're going to bet on someone, bet on yourself. I'm glad you bet on yourself, you overachiever. You did it. You're in the Hall of Fame now. You are a true champ. You're not just an MVP. You're an all-time great. I'm so proud of you. I love you forever and always, Kobe Bean Bryant."

There were some other great highlights from Vanessa Bryant's speech, including a nice Michael Jordan moment and making a jab at herself for praising Kobe in her speech.

The speech capped off a lovely weekend of Kobe tributes from the Hall of Fame. The NBA revealed the Hall of Fame's Kobe exhibit — designed by Vanessa herself — while his daughter Natalia accepted his Hall of Fame blazer.

Garnett, in speaking with the media, told the press that Kobe was "like a little brother" to him, highlighting the relationship the two shared.

It was a wonderful weekend of Kobe Bryant tributes and celebrations, with Vanessa Bryant's speech officially inducting him and his incredible legacy into the Hall of Fame forever.