Kobe Bryant Becomes First Non-Movie Jock Ever Immortalized in Cement

Lakers superstar received a history-making honor at Grauman's Chinese Theatre Saturday

By Brandi Fowler Feb 21, 2011 12:30 AMTags

After snagging five NBA championship rings, it was time for Kobe Bryant to take the next literal step into ball player superstardom.

The Lakers star became the first athlete ever to be honored at Grauman's Chinese Theatre Saturday afternoon when his hands and Nike-clad feet were immortalized in cement.

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"I feel like I've grown up in this city, and we've had a lot of ups and downs, but here we are—five championships, plenty of more to go, and I just feel extremely honored to be able to do this," Bryant said during the ceremony for the event.

While Bryant's block will join the likes of Marilyn Monroe and George Clooney, the sports star told fans not to expect an acting career from him anytime soon (Black Mamba aside, of course).

But, ceremony host Jimmy Kimmel couldn't resist taking a playful dig about that very topic, nevertheless.

"It's fitting that Kobe Bryant would have a place in Grauman's Chinese Theatre because although he's not an actor nor does he have any experience in theatrical arts he is—wait, why is this fitting?" Kimmel joked. "The closest Kobe's come to acting is pretending he's going to pass the ball to Luke Walton."

Kimmel wasn't the only celeb in attendance for Bryant's big day, however. Director Penny Marshall and Lakers coach Phil Jackson were also in the audience, along with Bryant's wife and two daughters.

Following his ceremony, Bryant went on to lead the West team to victory during the NBA All-Star game Sunday night and took home yet another honor: his fourth (and record tying) all-star MVP award.