Los Angeles Lakers Honor Kobe Bryant with Unveiling of Statue

In a poignant ceremony held on Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers franchise paid tribute to the late Kobe Bryant by revealing a majestic sculpture capturing the essence of the legendary shooting guard. The sculpture depicts Bryant adorned in his iconic number 8 jersey, with his right hand extended skyward in a gesture immortalizing his legacy.

Vanessa Bryant, widow of the esteemed athlete, conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the fans who have steadfastly supported Bryant throughout his illustrious career. She further disclosed plans for two additional statues at the Lakers’ stadium, one in tandem with Bryant’s late daughter Gigi, and another featuring the number 24 jersey, symbolizing another chapter of his storied career.

Adding a touch of levity to the proceedings, Vanessa Bryant shared that Kobe himself had chosen the pose for the initial statue, asserting, “That’s how it is,” with characteristic humor.

The design of the statue draws inspiration from a defining moment in NBA history, specifically Bryant’s monumental performance in the 2006 Lakers game against the Toronto Raptors, where he achieved the second-highest single-game scoring record with an astonishing 81 points.

Crafted from bronze and towering nearly six meters in height, the statue, weighing approximately 1,800 kilograms, bears the signature of acclaimed sculptor Julie Rotblatt-Amrany and is dedicated to “Kobe Bean Bryant – ‘Black Mamba’”.

The unveiling ceremony, attended by a distinguished array of guests including Bryant’s ‘brother’ Pau Gasol seated in the front row, paid homage to Bryant’s enduring legacy. The date of the unveiling, February 8, 2024, holds significance, subtly acknowledging Bryant’s two jersey numbers (8 and 24) and his daughter Gigi’s number 2.

The addition of Bryant’s statue to the environs of the Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center) serves as a fitting tribute, joining the esteemed ranks of Lakers luminaries such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, and Jerry West in the pantheon of purple and gold legends.