The Los Angeles Lakers have announced plans to unveil a statue of Kobe Bryant outside their downtown arena on February 8th. The statue is intended to honor Bryant, who was a beloved figure in the franchise for 20 seasons and is the fourth-leading scorer in NBA history. Bryant, along with his daughter Gianna, tragically died in a helicopter crash in January 2020.
Bryant himself was involved in the initial planning of the statue after his retirement in 2016. The date chosen for the unveiling, February 8th, holds significance as Bryant wore the numbers 8 and 24 during his Lakers career, while Gianna wore the number 2 in her youth basketball games. The statue will be located in the "Star Plaza" outside the Lakers' arena, joining the statues of other Lakers legends such as Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O'Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, and broadcaster Chick Hearn.
The Lakers have stated that they plan to have additional physical tributes to honor Bryant, in addition to the statue. The sculpture itself is being designed by Julie Rotblatt Amrany, a renowned sculptor.
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss expressed her belief that there is no better place to honor Bryant than in the center of Los Angeles, where his achievements can be celebrated and serve as inspiration to others. The unveiling of the statue will be a significant moment for Lakers fans and basketball enthusiasts alike.
Overall, this announcement represents a meaningful tribute to Kobe Bryant and his impact on the Los Angeles Lakers and the sport of basketball. The statue will join others in the Star Plaza, commemorating the achievements of Lakers greats and other sports icons. The Lakers have made it clear that they intend to honor Bryant's legacy in various ways, ensuring that his contributions to the team and the city are remembered for years to come.