Kobe Bryant is first athlete to get Hollywood honor

LOS ANGELES — Twelve-time time All-Star and five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant will add an honor usually reserved for the stars of Hollywood to his list of athletic achievements.

Bryant, a Newport Coast resident, will be the first athlete to have his hands and feet imprinted at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

“To be a part of such elite company is a tremendous honor. I’m proud to be the first athlete to be recognized,” the Los Angeles Lakers star said in a statement.

The ceremony is set for Feb. 19 as part of the NBA’s All-Star weekend festivities.

The event takes place the day before the All-Star game at Staples Center.

More than 200 Hollywood luminaries including John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe and Brad Pitt have had their hands and feet set in cement in front of the Hollywood landmark.