The Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a new statue honoring franchise icon Kobe Bryant on February 8th, 2024.
The 19-foot tall, 4,000-pound bronze statue depicts Bryant in his #8 jersey walking off the court while pointing to fans after his legendary 81-point performance in 2006.
Kobe Bryant’s Legendary Career
Kobe Bryant spent his entire 20-year NBA career with the Lakers, winning 5 championships and cementing himself as one of the greatest players in basketball history.
He retired after the 2015-16 season as the Lakers‘ all-time leading scorer with 33,643 points.
Some of Bryant‘s career highlights include:
- 18 NBA All-Star selections
- 2 NBA Finals MVP Awards
- 2008 NBA MVP Award
- 4 NBA All-Star Game MVP Awards
- 11 All-NBA First Team selections
- 9 NBA All-Defensive First Team selections
- 3rd all-time in NBA scoring
Beyond the stats and accolades, Bryant endeared himself to Los Angeles and Lakers fans with his tireless work ethic, competitive spirit, and “Mamba Mentality.”
He spent his entire career with one franchise, helping lead the Lakers back to glory with 5 championships in the 2000s alongside Shaquille O’Neal and again in 2009 and 2010 with Pau Gasol.
His shocking death at age 41 in a 2020 helicopter crash was mourned by many.
Kobe Bryant Statue Unveiled Outside Crypto.com Arena
The Lakers honored Bryant‘s legacy with a statue outside Crypto.com Arena, where the Lakers play their home games.
Several Lakers legends were in attendance for the emotional unveiling ceremony, including NBA icons Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Jerry West.
Bryant‘s family, including his wife Vanessa and daughters, were on hand for the statue’s dedication.
Statue Details
The Kobe Bryant statue, carved by sculptor Dan Medina, captures an iconic moment from Bryant‘s career – his “fingers up” celebration as he walked off the court following a 2006 game where he remarkably scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors.
The bronze statue shows Bryant looking up at fans he interacted with during the unforgettable night.
Vanessa Bryant revealed that her late husband handpicked the pose himself for his statue.
Engraved details also help tell Bryant‘s story. His daughters’ names are imprinted on his arm band. The statue’s base includes the triangle offense diagram; the box score from the 81-point game against Toronto is engraved next to Bryant‘s “Mamba” nickname.
The base has a quote Bryant said later in his career:
“Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend.”
Kobe Bryant
Locations of Future Kobe Statues
According to Vanessa Bryant‘s remarks, two additional Kobe Bryant statues will be built outside Crypto.com Arena in the future.
Another statue will depict Bryant wearing his #24 jersey from the second half of his NBA career.
And one statue will feature Bryant with his daughter Gianna, who tragically passed away with him in 2020.
Former Teammates & Lakers Legends Remember Kobe
Many NBA legends spoke about Bryant‘s legacy and impact at the emotional statue unveiling ceremony.
Former Lakers coach Phil Jackson shared insights into Bryant‘s tireless work ethic and competitive drive. Jackson highlighted Bryant growing into more of a team player and leader later in his career.
Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar called the statue a representation of “excellence” and “timeless values that inspire us to be better.”
Point guard Derek Fisher emphasized Bryant‘s otherworldly talent and skill, saying “He didn’t just play the game. He defined it.”
Ongoing Impact
While his tragic death at 41 cut his life far too short, Kobe Bryant‘s legacy lives on.
The new Lakers statue will give fans a place to reflect on his career and visit a sight depicting an iconic moment from his Hall of Fame highlight reel.
Off the court, Bryant‘s “Mamba Mentality” and work ethic inspire athletes across many sports to push themselves physically and mentally.
On the court, today’s NBA stars like LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Joel Embiid help carry on his legacy with their stellar play and competitive fire. But there will only ever be one Kobe Bryant – an athlete so transcendent he inspired a generation of basketball players and earned a statue immortalizing his “fingers up” walk off the court after an unforgettable 81-point performance.
Sources:
www.nba.com/news/lakers-unveil-kobe-bryant-statue
www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2024-02-08/kobe-bryant-statue-unveiling-plaschke
