The Los Angeles Lakers recently unveiled a 19-foot bronze statue of the late Kobe Bryant outside their downtown arena, honoring the basketball superstar’s legendary career. The 4,000-pound statue depicts Bryant in his iconic white No. 8 jersey, with his right index finger raised as he walked off the court following his historic 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006.
During the dedication ceremony, Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, revealed that the statue is the first of three planned to honor the five-time NBA champion and top scorer in Lakers history. The next statue will feature Bryant in his No. 24 jersey, worn during the second half of his career, while a third will depict Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, who tragically passed away with him and seven others in a helicopter crash in January 2020.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by numerous Lakers greats and dedicated fans. Owner Jeanie Buss and former teammate Derek Fisher made remarks, with Vanessa Bryant expressing her ongoing grief and gratitude for the opportunity to honor her late husband and daughter.
The statue’s base includes a carving of Bryant’s nickname, “Black Mamba,” and is surrounded by five replicas of the Larry O’Brien Trophy. It also features the box score from Bryant’s 81-point game, along with an inspiring quote: “Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend.”
Notably, Bryant is the sixth Lakers player and seventh team employee to be honored with a statue in Star Plaza outside the arena, joining the ranks of Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and Lakers announcer Chick Hearn.
The unveiling of the statue serves as a poignant reminder of Bryant’s enduring impact on the game of basketball and the city of Los Angeles. His legacy as a dedicated athlete and community leader continues to inspire fans and future generations.
In addition to his numerous accolades and contributions to the Lakers organization, Kobe Bryant’s iconic status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time solidifies his place in NBA history. The unveiling of the bronze statue is a fitting tribute to his everlasting impact on the sport and the city he called home.
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