The statue will be revealed on February 8, 2024, according to a video posted to the LA Laker’s Instagram page featuring Vanessa Bryant, 41, the late NBA legend’s widow.
“As you know, Kobe played his entire 20-year NBA career as a Los Angeles Laker. Since arriving in this city and joining the Lakers organization, he felt at home here, playing in the City of Angels”, she said.
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On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters, and me, I am so honored that, right 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,” she continued.
The caption for the video said, “Kobe’s legacy immortalized 2•8•24.”
Kobe Bryant is no doubt one of the most iconic LA Lakers of all time. Bryant played for the Lakers for most of his 20-year career, where he amassed five championships, two Finals MVPs, one regular-season MVP, 18 All-Star appearances, and 15 All-NBA selections. He also ranks No. 4 on the league’s all-time scoring list with 33,643 points, making him one of the best scorers and competitors in NBA history.
To name, Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Jerry West, and Chick Hearn are the six legendary LA Lakers who already have statues erected in their honour. And in 2024 outside the Los Angeles Lakers’ Crypto.com Arena., Kobe would join them.
“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, Jeanie Buss, the governor of the Lakers, said in a statement.