In a heartfelt ceremony at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the Lakers unveiled a monument honoring their beloved player, Kobe Bryant. The statue portrays Kobe in his iconic No. 8 jersey, capturing the essence of his greatness on the court.
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s wife, revealed that three sculptures will be created to honor Kobe and their daughter Gianna, who tragically passed away with him in 2020. While only one statue was showcased at the ceremony, the other two will feature Kobe wearing his No. 24 jersey and one with Gianna.
Vanessa emphasized that Kobe had a say in the statue’s design and location, ensuring it reflects his legacy accurately. The statue includes intricate details such as Kobe’s championship trophies, tattoos of his daughters’ names, and a QR code for fans to relive his highlights. Symbolically, it stands on a triangular base, paying homage to the iconic triangle offense associated with Kobe’s success under Phil Jackson. Starting Friday morning, the public can visit the statue outside the arena to pay their respects to the basketball legend.
The ceremony was attended by notable figures like team owner Jeanie Buss, former coach Phil Jackson, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, along with Kobe’s former teammates and friends. Jeanie Buss fondly recalled her father’s admiration for Kobe, highlighting how trading for him in 1996 transformed the Lakers franchise.
Phil Jackson shared anecdotes showcasing Kobe’s competitive spirit and his respect for basketball legend Michael Jordan, revealing a memorable encounter between the two greats. The unveiling of the Kobe Bryant statue adds another iconic landmark to Crypto.com‘s Star Plaza, solidifying Kobe’s enduring legacy in the hearts of fans and the city of Los Angeles.”