EXCLUSIVE: Kobe gives thanks to Lower Merion

ARDMORE, Pa. - June 7, 2008 Lower Merion High School held it's first ever basketball Hall of Fame induction.

Headlining the class was Kobe Bryant.

Although, Kobe is currently handling his business in Beantown, he still had time to deliver a message to his former school.

Transcript of Kobe Bryant's speech to Lower Merion High School:

Well, let me start off by saying thank you for inducting me into the first, inaugural Lower Merion Hall of Fame.

I think it's a tremendous honor. I can flashback to so many memories; I can't believe it's been that long already. It seems that 1996 was just yesterday.

Just remembering the run that we went on in '96 to win the state title and then flashing back to the first year I got there, we're like 4 and 40, or something crazy. We really were terrible.

Just remembering all the experiences and Coach Downer being such a great coach, being one the best coaches I ever had. A lot of lessons that he's taught me, and if you're there, a lot of lessons that you've taught me, I still carry with me to this day, so I want to thank you.

I want to thank all my teammates, assistant coaches, all of my classmates, and the dog pound.

It was a great ride; it was a great run. I still wear my Lower Merion shorts underneath my uniform when I play, just because I represent through and through.

Sorry I can't be there. I have to take care of some business out here, hopefully, bring a ring back to Lower Merion High School where it belongs.

I want to thank you guys so much. I love you guys always. You'll always be in my thoughts and my prayers.

Hopefully, I see back there next time.

Peace.