The late Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant, was honored with the unveiling of a bronze statue outside the Crypto.com Arena. The emotional ceremony took place on a special day, 02/08/24, symbolizing Kobe’s two jersey numbers with L.A. and his daughter Gigi’s basketball career. The statue depicts Kobe pointing to the sky, a pose he personally chose, and includes references to the triangle offense and the five championships he won during his Hall of Fame career.
Key Takeaway
The unveiling of Kobe Bryant’s statue outside the Crypto.com Arena, with two more statues in the works, marks a significant moment for Lakers fans and honors the enduring legacy of the late basketball legend.
Emotional Unveiling Ceremony
The unveiling ceremony was attended by Kobe’s wife and kids, former Lakers players, staffers, and front office executives. Vanessa Bryant, Phil Jackson, Stu Lantz, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Derek Fisher, and Lakers owner Jeanie Buss delivered touching speeches as the statue was revealed for the first time.
Future Tributes
Vanessa Bryant announced that two more statues of Kobe will be erected, each representing his two different jersey numbers, along with a third statue featuring Gigi. Despite any potential criticism, Vanessa emphasized that the statue reflects exactly what Kobe wanted.
Legacy and Anticipation
The unveiling of Kobe’s statue is a significant moment for Lakers fans, who have been eagerly anticipating this tribute since the tragic helicopter crash in January 2020. The statue will undoubtedly become a focal point for tributes from fans as it becomes accessible to the public in the coming days.
Enduring Legacy
Kobe’s statue now stands alongside those of other Lakers greats such as Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Abdul-Jabbar, and Shaquille O’Neal. His remarkable career, including five NBA championships, two scoring titles, two Finals MVPs, a regular season MVP, and 15 All-NBA nods, solidifies his place as one of the greatest Lakers of all time.
