The Los Angeles Lakers have announced plans to commemorate the late Kobe Bryant by erecting a statue of the Hall of Fame guard outside their arena, as confirmed on Thursday.
The bronze statue of Bryant is set to be unveiled on February 8, 2024, at Star Plaza, situated in front of Crypto.com Arena, just ahead of the Lakers’ matchup against the reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets.
In a video shared on social media, Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s wife, made the announcement on what the team has designated “Kobe Day” – a date that corresponds with his jersey numbers, 8 and 24, signifying the eighth month and 24th day.
“Kobe played his entire 20-year NBA career as a Los Angeles Laker,” Vanessa Bryant stated. “Since arriving in this city and joining the Lakers organization, he felt at home here, playing in the City of Angels.
“On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters, and me, I am so honoured that, right in the centre of Los Angeles, in front of the place known as the house that Kobe built, we’re going to unveil his statue so his legacy can be celebrated forever.”
Bryant, renowned for his 18 NBA All-Star selections, concluded his career in 2016, making history as the first player in NBA history to represent a single franchise for a minimum of 20 seasons.
Tragically, he lost his life in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, at the age of 41, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others.
Among Bryant’s illustrious accomplishments were helping the Lakers secure five NBA championships from 2000 to 2010, clinching the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award in 2009 and 2010, and attaining the NBA MVP award in 2008. He also received All-NBA First Team honours eleven times and was named to the All-Defensive First Team nine times.
Bryant’s legacy is deeply rooted in the Lakers’ history, holding records such as the franchise’s all-time leader in regular season scoring with 33,643 points, games played at 1,346, steals at 1,944, 3-pointers made at 1,827, and free throws made at 8,378.
Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka expressed, “Kobe’s transcendent spirit is always and forever in our hearts – inspiring us every day. With the unveiling of this powerful and beautiful statue, he will have a physical presence, too.”
The Lakers disclosed that Bryant had been involved in initial discussions about the anticipated statue at the arena. The sculpture, created by artist Julie Rotblatt Amrany, will join the ranks of other Lakers legends’ statues, including Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Elgin Baylor, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, and broadcaster Chick Hearn.
“Kobe Bryant was one of the most extraordinary athletes of all time and one of the most iconic individuals in the history of Los Angeles,” stated Lakers owner Jeanie Buss. “There’s no better place for Kobe to be honoured with a statue than here, at the centre of our city, where everyone can celebrate him and be inspired by his incredible achievements.”
Having clinched NBA scoring titles in 2006 and 2007, as well as a career-best 81 points against Toronto on January 22, 2006, Bryant’s jersey numbers were officially retired by the Lakers in 2017.
