Los Angeles Lakers Unveil New Statue of Kobe Bryant Outside Home Arena
In a heartfelt tribute to the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a magnificent new statue outside their home arena, the Crypto.com Arena. The statue, standing at an impressive 19 feet, captures Bryant with his index finger raised, reminiscent of his iconic gesture after his historic 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006.
The ceremony, held on February 8, 2024, was a poignant moment for Lakers fans and basketball enthusiasts worldwide. It marked the tragic passing of Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. The unveiling of this statue serves as a lasting tribute to the impact Bryant had on the sport and the city he called home.
The event was attended by Lakers legends and esteemed guests, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, former head coach Phil Jackson, Lakers controlling owner Jeanie Buss, former Laker Derek Fisher, and Bryant’s widow, Vanessa. Each speaker shared heartfelt words about Bryant’s legacy and the profound influence he continues to have on the game.
Vanessa Bryant, in her emotional address, expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. She shared one of her husband’s inspiring quotes: “Leave the game better than you found it and when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend.” These words encapsulate the essence of Kobe Bryant’s impact on basketball and his enduring legacy.
The statue itself is a remarkable work of art. Concealed behind a gold curtain, it was unveiled amid a shower of confetti. The bronze sculpture depicts Bryant in his iconic white Lakers uniform, donning the No. 8 jersey. The base of the statue is a triangle, paying homage to the triangle offense that Bryant mastered under the guidance of Phil Jackson and assistant coach Tex Winter.
This is not the only statue that will honor Bryant’s memory. Two more statues are planned, one featuring him in his No. 24 jersey and another depicting him alongside his beloved daughter, Gianna. The date of the ceremony, February 8, 2024, holds special significance as it represents the jersey number of Gianna (No. 2) and the two numbers (No. 8 and No. 24) that Bryant wore during his illustrious career.
The Lakers’ decision to immortalize Bryant with a statue follows a tradition of honoring their greatest players. Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, and announcer Chick Hearn have all been honored with statues at the downtown Los Angeles venue, formerly known as the Staples Center.
The unveiling of Kobe Bryant’s statue is a testament to his enduring impact on the game of basketball and the city of Los Angeles. It serves as a reminder of his unparalleled talent, unwavering dedication, and indomitable spirit. As fans and admirers gather to pay their respects, they are reminded of the legacy Bryant left behind—a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.