Back in 2018, Kobe Bryant became the first NBA player ever to win an Academy Award. Now the Los Angeles Lakers legend is going to yet again make history by being the first NBA player to be inducted into a newly established Hall of Fame in California. But this time he is joined by his friend from golf, Tiger Woods, who is also inducted into the new Orange County Hall of Fame.

According to ABC 7, the newest Hall of Fame is set to recognize individuals and honor people who have contributed to “Orange County’s rich cultural, societal, and professional landscape.“

Tiger Woods was born in Orange County and lived and trained there before becoming a professional player. He still owns a house in Orange County. Kobe Bryant, on the other hand, has his house in Newport Beach. This is also in Orange County, which he reportedly purchased in 2002.

Along with their residential addresses, the sporting legends also shared a close bond. Back in 1996, Tiger Woods started his professional career, the same year Kobe Bryant was drafted into the NBA. Kobe Bryant is already immortalized in basketball history, as he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021. His friend Tiger Woods was also immortalized in his own sport, as in 2022 he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

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The two have supported each other in their journeys on numerous occasions.

Tiger Woods connected with Kobe Bryant through their work ethic

The desire both of them had to become the best brought them together. They respected the work the other person put into their craft to become better. Woods once said, “We really connected on more the mental side of it, the prep: How much it takes to be prepared.”

Kobe Bryant also understood Tiger Woods because they both shared the essence of wanting to be the best and were willing to put in the work to achieve it. He cheered for Woods during the PGA Masters in 2019. When Woods heard of Bryant’s tragic demise, he said “It’s one of the most shocking, tragic days.”

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Now the two of them will be honored in the inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony on this Friday. Surely the golfing legend will honor the Black Mamba on the special occasion.

What do you think of Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods getting recognized by Orange County? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!