Updated 26 Aug 2023 10:02 am:
On February 8, the LA Lakers will unveil a Kobe Bryant statue outside their downtown arena. Lakers owner Jeanie Buss stated, “No better place for Kobe to be honoured with a statue than here at the centre of our city.”
The Los Angeles Lakers have announced their intention to unveil a statue of Kobe Bryant outside their downtown arena on February 8. This move comes as a heartfelt tribute to the legendary basketball player who had a profound impact on the franchise and the sports world at large. Bryant, a 17-time NBA champion, left an indelible mark on the game, ranking as the fourth-highest scorer in NBA history. His association with the Lakers spanned an illustrious 20 seasons, making him an enduring and beloved figure within the organization.
Tragically, Bryant, along with his daughter Gianna, met their untimely demise in a helicopter crash in January 2020. In a poignant gesture, the Lakers have chosen to honor his memory by unveiling the statue on February 8, a date laden with symbolism. Kobe Bryant’s jersey numbers were an integral part of his legacy: No. 8 and No. 24, representing different halves of his Lakers career, and No. 2, the number his daughter Gianna wore during her youth basketball games.
The planning of the statue had originally involved Bryant himself after he retired from professional basketball in 2016. This speaks to his active role in shaping his own legacy within the Lakers community. The statue will be located in the ‘Star Plaza’ just outside the arena, a space that already pays tribute to several other Lakers luminaries. Notable figures such as Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, and broadcaster Chick Hearn have been honored with statues in this area, solidifying Bryant’s place among the team’s legends.
Kobe’s legacy immortalized.
2•8•24 pic.twitter.com/WHQBXZJ2gD
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 24, 2023
Beyond the statue, the Lakers have expressed their commitment to honoring Kobe Bryant through a series of other physical tributes. This initiative underscores his lasting impact and the profound inspiration he continues to provide. The sculptor responsible for crafting the statue is Julie Rotblatt Amrany, known for her skill in capturing the essence of notable figures in her work.
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss articulated the sentiment shared by many: Kobe Bryant was not only an extraordinary athlete but also an iconic individual synonymous with the history of Los Angeles. The unveiling of his statue in the heart of the city is a fitting testament to his remarkable achievements and the inspiration he offered to countless individuals.
In summary, the Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to unveil a statue of Kobe Bryant on February 8 is a poignant and heartfelt tribute to a basketball legend who left an indelible mark on the team, the sport, and the community. This gesture not only immortalizes his contributions but also serves as a source of inspiration for generations to come.
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