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LA Lakers Unveil Spectacular Kobe Bryant Statue
Photo credit: Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers proudly revealed the first of three breathtaking statues paying tribute to the legendary Kobe Bryant. Standing at an impressive 19 feet, the bronze statue captures the iconic moment when Bryant, clad in a white Lakers jersey bearing his number eight, raised his right finger in triumph after his historic 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006.
The meticulously crafted monument features intricate details, including Bryant's full name, "Kobe Bean Bryant," his renowned moniker, "Black Mamba," the box score from the record-breaking game, and an inspiring quote: "Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend."
During the unveiling, Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's wife, delivered a candid and humorous speech, stating, "Kobe picked the pose you're about to see. If you have any issues with it, tough shit. It is what it is." The date of the statue's unveiling in the United States, 02/08/24, holds special significance for fans and admirers alike.
The statue, which marks the first of a trilogy, is a heartfelt tribute to Bryant's illustrious career, showcasing his enduring impact on the game. The next two statues, as confirmed by Vanessa Bryant, will feature Kobe with the No. 24 jersey and another alongside his daughter, Gianna.
Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the statue includes elements requested by Vanessa, such as tattoos on Kobe's arms featuring the names of all their daughters, his five championship trophies, career accolades, and a triangle-shaped base as a nod to Tex Winter and the famed triangle offense.
Acknowledging the trend of emerging stars achieving high-scoring performances, Vanessa expressed, "I know he would take pride that he is still pouring inspiration into the game that was so important to him."
In a touching gesture, the Lakers will don their Black Mamba jerseys in an upcoming game against the Denver Nuggets to honor Bryant's legacy. The newly unveiled statue will join the revered company of other Lakers legends in Star Plaza, including Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, and broadcaster Chick Hearn. The iconic plaza also features statues of hockey greats Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille, Dustin Brown, and announcer Bob Miller, along with champion boxer Oscar De La Hoya.
The meticulously crafted monument features intricate details, including Bryant's full name, "Kobe Bean Bryant," his renowned moniker, "Black Mamba," the box score from the record-breaking game, and an inspiring quote: "Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend."
During the unveiling, Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's wife, delivered a candid and humorous speech, stating, "Kobe picked the pose you're about to see. If you have any issues with it, tough shit. It is what it is." The date of the statue's unveiling in the United States, 02/08/24, holds special significance for fans and admirers alike.
The statue, which marks the first of a trilogy, is a heartfelt tribute to Bryant's illustrious career, showcasing his enduring impact on the game. The next two statues, as confirmed by Vanessa Bryant, will feature Kobe with the No. 24 jersey and another alongside his daughter, Gianna.
Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the statue includes elements requested by Vanessa, such as tattoos on Kobe's arms featuring the names of all their daughters, his five championship trophies, career accolades, and a triangle-shaped base as a nod to Tex Winter and the famed triangle offense.
Acknowledging the trend of emerging stars achieving high-scoring performances, Vanessa expressed, "I know he would take pride that he is still pouring inspiration into the game that was so important to him."
In a touching gesture, the Lakers will don their Black Mamba jerseys in an upcoming game against the Denver Nuggets to honor Bryant's legacy. The newly unveiled statue will join the revered company of other Lakers legends in Star Plaza, including Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, and broadcaster Chick Hearn. The iconic plaza also features statues of hockey greats Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille, Dustin Brown, and announcer Bob Miller, along with champion boxer Oscar De La Hoya.
Feb 9, 2024
