Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers had a very close friendship and working relationship with Kobe Bryant.
Throughout the years, the two rose through the ranks together and ended up becoming a very important part of the team’s history.
Of course, Bryant will always be a legend and hero for fans of the team and now he will be forever memorialized with an upcoming statue.
On Wednesday, the Lakers announced that they’d reveal Bryant’s statue on February 8, 2024.
Pelinka spoke about just what it meant and how it honors Bryant and his impact on the team.
According to Ryan Ward, Pelinka said:
“Kobe’s transcendent spirit is always and forever in our hearts — inspiring us every day. And now, with the unveiling of this powerful and beautiful statue, he will have a physical presence, too. A place on the hallowed ground Kobe created, where we can all gather and pay honor to a mighty and great man.”
Rob Pelinka: “Kobe’s transcendent spirit is always and forever in our hearts — inspiring us every day. And now, with the unveiling of this powerful and beautiful statue, he will have a physical presence, too. A place on the hallowed ground Kobe created, where we can all gather…
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) August 24, 2023
Those are the words of someone who clearly cared about Bryant and also knows just what he meant to the Lakers.
He’s absolutely right when he says that Bryant’s spirit still lives on to this day.
Years after his passing, he is still spoken about by fans, analysts, and players.
They all talk about the way that he played and the way that he led the Lakers through thick and thin.
From Trae Young to Jayson Tatum and many other current NBA superstars, Bryant is still a huge inspiration.
The Lakers have an important season ahead of them but the unveiling of this statue might be one of their biggest moments of the year.
There is no doubt that people are already planning their trips to Los Angeles for the great unveiling.
There is also no doubt that this statue will be visited, photographed, and honored for years to come.
