Future statues announced, featuring #24 Kobe and Kobe with daughter Gianna.
LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, the sports world gathered to witness a long-awaited moment – the unveiling of a statue of the late basketball legend, Kobe Bryant. It was four years in the making, but the day has finally arrived to officially immortalize the beloved Lakers star.
The statue, located outside the Crypto.com Arena, unofficially referred to as “The House that Kobe Built”, stands as a tribute to Bryant’s legacy and contributions to the game of basketball. The location is fitting, as it was the place where Bryant spent his entire 20-year career, leading the Lakers to five NBA championships and cementing his name as one of the greatest players of all time. It’s also the place where the iconic pose for the statue was created, following an 81-point performance against the Raptors on January 22, 2006.
While the unveiling of the statue was penciled in the NBA calendar for nearly a year, the surprise announcement came via Vanessa Bryant, who revealed that two additional statues will be erected on those very same grounds, on a date to be determined. One future statue will feature Bryant in his iconic 24 jersey and the other commemorating both Kobe and his daughter Gianna, who tragically passed away with him in a helicopter crash four years ago.
The news of the statues has been met with overwhelming excitement and reverence from fans, players, and coaches alike. It is a symbol of the profound impact that Kobe had on the sport as well as the world, not just as a legendary basketball player, but as a role model and inspiration to many.
Kobe’s legacy and influence can be felt through the way he played the game, his infamous “Mamba Mentality” that pushed him to always strive for greatness, and his dedication to his family and community. He was more than just a basketball player – he was a global icon and a beloved figure who touched the lives of millions.
As we remember Kobe four years after his passing, this statue serves as a reminder of his enduring legacy and the profound affect he left on the world. The unveiling of this statue is a bittersweet moment, as we celebrate Kobe’s achievements and mourn his loss. But it is also a beautiful tribute to a man who will forever hold a special place in the hearts of fans, not just in Los Angeles, but around the world.
