The Los Angeles Lakers have announced that they will be unveiling a statue of the late Kobe Bryant on February 8th. This monumental tribute to the basketball legend was revealed through a heartfelt video featuring Vanessa Bryant, his widow, which was shared across the Lakers’ social media platforms. The chosen date of the unveiling, August 24th, known as Mamba Day in remembrance of Kobe’s jersey numbers 8 and 24, holds a significant meaning. Furthermore, it symbolizes the inclusion of their daughter, Gianna Bryant, who wore the number 2.
The statue of Kobe Bryant will be placed in front of the iconic Crypto.com Arena, often referred to as “The House that Kobe Built.” This makes him the seventh individual associated with the Lakers to have a statue erected in their honor. Bryant joins a prestigious group of basketball legends such as Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, and revered broadcaster Chick Hearn. However, the honor bestowed upon Kobe does not solely lie within the realm of basketball. Many other prominent athletes, including Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille, and Oscar De La Hoya, have also been immortalized with statues outside the arena.
The Lakers organization has emphasized that Kobe Bryant himself was actively involved in the planning of his statue. This demonstrates the level of personal investment and pride he had in his legacy. The forthcoming unveiling ceremony, to be held outside the arena, marks the beginning of a series of physical tributes planned to honor Bryant’s enduring impact on the world of sports and beyond. The team expressed their deep admiration for Kobe, stating that he was not only an extraordinary athlete but also one of the most iconic figures in the history of Los Angeles.
Jeanie Buss, the owner of the Lakers, conveyed her profound sentiment in a statement, asserting that there is no better location in the heart of Los Angeles to commemorate Kobe Bryant’s legacy. The statue will serve as an everlasting reminder of his incredible achievements, inspiring generations to come. Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations and general manager, who was also Bryant’s agent, expressed the significance of having a physical representation of Kobe in a place that he himself created. This sacred ground will serve as a gathering point for all who wish to pay tribute to the greatness of a remarkable man.
Coinciding with the unveiling of the statue, the Lakers will be facing off against the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets. This convergence of events on February 8th will undoubtedly make it an emotional and momentous day for basketball fans worldwide. As the Lakers organization prepares to honor the life and legacy of Kobe Bryant, the unveiling of his statue will forever serve as a testament to his indomitable spirit and the everlasting impact he has had on the game of basketball.
Leave a Reply