Kobe Bryant Statue Unveiling Set for Feb. 8 Outside Lakers Arena
Kobe Byrant (credit: Scott Halleran)
By: Adonis Armstrong
Vanessa Bryant revealed on Thursday, August 24th, that the Los Angeles Lakers intend to reveal a Kobe Bryant statue on February 8, 2024. The announcement was conveyed through a video posted on the Lakers' social media platforms at 8:24 a.m. Set to occur outdoors at the Crypto.com Arena, the ceremony marks the initial in a series of commemorations planned by the team to honor Bryant's enduring legacy.
Kobe’s legacy immortalized.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 24, 2023
2•8•24 pic.twitter.com/WHQBXZJ2gD
For numerous fans, August 24th holds significance as Mamba Day, a tribute to the jerseys Kobe wore during his Lakers career, marked by the numbers 8 and 24.
On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters and me, I am so honored that, right here in the center of Los Angeles, in front of the place known as 'The House that Kobe Built,' we are going to unveil his statue so that his legacy can be celebrated forever, Vanessa stated.
The statue ceremony date also serves as a tribute to their late daughter, Gianna Bryant, who donned the number 2 jersey.
Taking his place among highly regarded Lakers figures, Bryant will be the seventh individual to be commemorated with a statue outside of Crypto.com Arena. He will join the ranks of Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O'Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, and broadcaster Chick Hearn.
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers' General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations, affirmed that Bryant's influence will tangibly manifest in the space he helped shape, affording everyone the opportunity to pay homage to the departed NBA icon.
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss additionally released a statement regarding the impending ceremony, expressing that Kobe stood as one of the most legendary figures in the history of Los Angeles.
“There is no better place for Kobe to be honored with a statue than here, at the center of our city, where everyone can celebrate him and be inspired by his incredible achievements,” Buss stated.
Coinciding with the ceremony, the Lakers are scheduled to face off against the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, on the same day.
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