Kobe Bryant Statue Unveiling Set for Feb. 8 Outside Lakers Arena
A Kobe Bryant statue is scheduled to be revealed outside the Crypto.com Arena by the Los Angeles Lakers on February 8, 2024. We discuss it here!
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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Nike Confirms 'Halo' Kobe Protro 8 for Kobe's Birthday
Nike honors Kobe Bryant's legacy with Kobe 8 Retro Protro 'Halo' sneaker drop and youth basketball tournament on his 45th Birthday. We discuss it here!
Kobe Bryant (Kevin Winter/GettyImages)
By: Joshua Martin
Despite there being a bit of controversy surrounding Kobe Bryant’s estate and his wife Vanessa following the Los Angeles icon’s death in 2020, fans of the Nike Kobe line will receive another sneaker drop honoring the legend on what would have been the star’s 45th birthday.
The latest Kobe 8 retro Protro release from Nike will be available for the first time in full family-sizing on August 23, 2023, aligning with the vision of Vanessa Bryant that all of his fans should be able to wear his sneakers. First released in 2012, the updated version of the shoe will feature modern materials within the sneaker while sticking to its classic look.
For its reintroduction, we're getting a crisp all-white version of the silhouette. Officially nicknamed "Halo," the colorway was created by his wife as a way to honor Kobe's birthday each year. The shoe will be available through Nike SNKRS and select retailers online and in-store. The retail price for adults will be available ($180), big kids ($120), and little kids ($90).
“I am so proud that my husband’s shoes are still the most worn by players on NBA courts and that the demand for his shoes remain so desired by his fans around the world.”
In addition to the sneaker release, Nike will hold a two-day youth basketball tournament at LA's Crypto.com Arena beginning on Aug. 23 culminating on Mamba Day, Aug. 24.
“Kobe Bryant means so much to so many of us, not just NBA fans but globally beyond the game”
Vanessa Bryant hinted that "this will be one of the many Kobe 8 'Halo' styles coming soon." I personally am a fan of the Kobe Crazy 8’s from Adidas nevertheless the legacy of the Black Mamba will live on forever. On and off the court.
Meet Adonis Armstrong, Co-Founder & President of 247 Live Culture!
Email: Adonis@247LiveCulture.com