Los Angeles Lakers Unveil Bronze Statue of Kobe Bryant Outside Downtown Arena
The Los Angeles Lakers have paid tribute to one of their greatest players, Kobe Bryant, by unveiling a stunning 19-foot bronze statue outside their downtown arena. Weighing a staggering 4,000 pounds, the statue captures Bryant in his iconic white No. 8 jersey, with his right index finger raised as he confidently walks off the court. This particular pose immortalizes his legendary 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006.
Designed to honor the legacy of Bryant, the statue is the first of three that will be created. The second statue will feature Bryant in his iconic No. 24 jersey, and the third will commemorate his daughter, Gianna, who tragically lost her life in a helicopter crash last year.
The unveiling ceremony was a star-studded event, with Lakers greats including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Jeanie Buss in attendance. Hundreds of season ticket holders also joined the celebration, eager to pay their respects to the Lakers’ all-time leading scorer. Bryant retired in 2016 after an illustrious 20-year career with the Lakers, leaving a lasting impact on the franchise and the NBA as a whole.
Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, delivered a heartfelt speech at the ceremony, expressing her gratitude for the unwavering support and love they have received from fans over the years. The statue’s base serves as a symbolic tribute, bearing Bryant’s nickname, “Black Mamba,” along with replicas of the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Surrounding these replicas are the actual box score from his historic 81-point game, further capturing the essence of that incredible achievement.
The bronze statue now joins an esteemed collection in Star Plaza outside the arena, as Bryant becomes the sixth Lakers player and seventh team employee to be honored with such a testament. This remarkable tribute serves as a constant reminder of Bryant’s impact on the Lakers organization and his lasting legacy in the hearts of basketball fans worldwide.
As the Lakers continue to build on their storied history, this statue stands as a physical manifestation of Bryant’s unparalleled contributions to the sport, forever inspiring future generations of basketball players and fans alike.
