NBA: Los Angeles pays tribute to Kobe Bryant

In this June 7, 2009 file photo, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) points to a player behind him after making a basket in the closing seconds against the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the NBA basketball finals in Los Angeles. After two decades spent dazzling the world, Bryant ended his basketball career on April 13, 2016. AP FILE

LOS ANGELES, United States — Five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant will be honored Wednesday with a ceremony in Los Angeles, the city where he played his entire 20-year professional career.

As part of the tribute ceremony, to be held at city hall, officials in the southern California city have declared Wednesday as Kobe Bryant Day.

“It is Los Angeles’ way of thanking him for his single-minded dedication to excellence, the fans and the entire city and region of Los Angeles,” said councilman Jose Huizar. “For 20 years, we were all the beneficiaries of Kobe’s incredible talent and legendary work ethic.”

READ: Los Angeles City Council declares 8/24 as Kobe Bryant Day

Bryant helped the Los Angeles Lakers win five NBA championships, and was chosen as the finals MVP for the two most recent titles.

He scored 33,643 points — the third most in league history — behind only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387) and Karl Malone (36,928).

Bryant was the league’s MVP in the 2007-2008 season and was chosen to play in the league’s All-Star Game 18 times.

RELATED STORIES

NBA: Lakers sign Chinese Olympian Yi

Kobe Bryant starts $100 million investment fund