On Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a 19-foot bronze statue of Kobe Bryant outside their downtown arena, honoring their late superstar.
Standing at 4,000 pounds, the sculpture shows Bryant leaving the court after scoring 81 points in a January 2006 game against the Toronto Raptors while wearing his white No. 8 jersey and raising his right index finger.
The first of three statues to be erected in honor of the five-time NBA champion and all-time leading scorer for the Lakers, Bryant will be dedicated by Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, at the event. In a separate sculpture, Bryant will be shown wearing the number 24 jersey that he wore throughout his latter half of the career. A third sculpture would portray Bryant alongside his daughter Gianna, who tragically perished in a helicopter crаsh in January 2020 along with seven others.It may resemble Kobe, but in reality, it represents perfection, as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar put it. “Discipline in action. How dedication manifests itself… It immortalizes a person who stands the test of time while also recognizing that their immortality is the very reason for the statue’s existence. In honoring this man, we gather here today to celebrate not only his remarkable athletic accomplishments, but also the enduring principles that motivate us to strive for greatness.
Dozens of Lakers legends and hundreds of season ticket holders were present at the unveiling of the first statue. Following statements from Abdul-Jabbar, legendary Lakers coach Phil Jackson, former teammate Derek Fisher, and team owner Jeanie Buss, Vanessa Bryant took the stage.According to Buss, “I miss him and Gigi more than words can sаy,” and that she thinks about Kobe all the time. However, I am elated today because I know that one day Kobe’s devoted followers will come together under the shadow of this monument next to the building where he left an indelible mark, and we will celebrate his life and all that he stood for. By doing so, we can inspire the next generation to adopt a mindset similar to the Mamba.
Bryant played for the Lakers for 20 years before retiring in 2016. With 33,643 points, he is the fourth-leading scorer in NBA history. Among his many achievements are two MVP honors and 18 nominations to the NBA All-Star team.
Even after his passing, he will always be remembered as a cherished symbol of his adopted hometown of Los Angeles. Hundreds of colorful public murals all throughout Los Angeles portray Bryant and his daughter.
Speculation among Lakers fans regarding the pose or image that would be immortalized in Bryant’s statue began even before he passed away. According to Vanessa Bryant, there’s no need to discuss anything because Kobe chose the posture for the first statue before he passed away. However, the announcement of three statues does change the argument.
This moment isn’t just for Kobe, but for all of you who have been supporting for him all these years. “Kobe has so many people that have supported him all over the world from the very beginning,” she continued. Kobe was incredibly delighted to represent this beautiful city to the people here in Los Angeles. You have been incredibly significant to him, our family, and his legacy; you welcomed him with open arms.
Seeing the amount of love you have for each and every one of us makes my heart sing. Thank you for loving us too.
The sculpted nаme “Black Mamba” appears underneath the inscription “Kobe Bean Bryant” on the base of the monument. Five replicas of the Larry O’Brien trophy surround the triangular platform, which is a reference to Jackson assistant Tex Winter’s renowned triangle offense, which was the foundation of the Lakers’ dominance in the 2000s.Included in the base is the box score of his 81-point game as well as a QR code that fans can use to view performance highlights. Bryant once said, “Leave the game better than you found it.” That comment is also featured. And when your time here on Earth ends, make your mark like a legend.
Throughout his career, Bryant became the seventh Lakers employee and sixth player to have a statue erected in Star Plaza, outside of the Staples Center arena, in his honor. Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, and Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn are among his teammates.
Adding, “He wasn’t just a champion,” Fisher continued. “No one could match him. An exceptional specimen that astonished opponents and motivated teammates. He wasn’t merely a spectator. “He defined it,” I said. Being in his presence every day was truly an experience like that. He established a benchmark. He set new benchmarks. His legacies provide the groundwork for present and future athletes to realize their aspirations.
