The Los Angeles Lakers immortalized Kobe Bryant's legacy with a majestic statue that now adorns the exterior of Crypto.com Arena. The opening ceremony of this emotional tribute, which took place last Thursday, February 8. The statue, a 5.79-metre bronze work, captures Bryant in an iconic pose: his white No. 8 jersey with his right index finger raised, recalling his astonishing 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006.
This iconic gesture, personally chosen by Kobe Bryant, embodies his relentless determination and tireless pursuit of greatness on the court Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's widow, emotionally shared some revealing details about the creation of the statue during the unveiling ceremony. "For the record, Kobe chose the position you are going to see," Vanessa noted.
“So if anyone has a problem with it, tough luck. "It is what it is," said Vanessa, underlining the importance of respecting Kobe's vision and wishes in this very special tribute.
The date selected for the statue's unveiling, February 8, 2024, has deep symbolic meaning. Not only does it match the iconic numbers associated with Kobe's Lakers career - 8 and 24 - but it also matches the number of his daughter Gigi, who shared his passion for basketball and her legacy in the game. basketball court.
This tribute is just the first in a series of planned honors for Kobe Bryant and his enduring legacy. Vanessa Bryant announced during the ceremony that two more statues will be erected at the Lakers' stadium in Kobe's honor: one alongside his daughter Gigi and another representing the iconic number 24 she wore in the second half of his career.
The opening ceremony was an event full of emotional moments and fond memories, with the presence of prominent personalities from the world of basketball, including legendary figures such as Pau Gasol, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Derek Fisher and Metta World Peace, among others.
The Kobe Bryant statue now joins the distinguished collection of monuments at Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena, paying tribute to the Lakers' greatest icons throughout their history. It is a lasting reminder of Kobe's immense contribution to basketball and his everlasting legacy in the city of Los Angeles and beyond.
