Image Source: Times Now
The Los Angeles Lakers revealed a monumental tribute to Kobe Bryant on Thursday, commemorating the beloved basketball icon with a 19-foot bronze statue outside their downtown arena.
Weighing 4,000 pounds, the statue captures Bryant adorned in his iconic white No. 8 jersey, his right index finger raised as he exits the court after his historic 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006.
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, spoke at the dedication ceremony, announcing that this statue is the first of three planned to honor the legacy of the five-time NBA champion and Lakers’ all-time leading scorer. Another statue will portray Bryant in his No. 24 jersey, symbolizing the latter part of his illustrious career. A third statue is envisioned to depict Bryant alongside his daughter, Gianna, who tragically perished with him and seven others in a helicopter accident in January 2020.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said “This statue may look like Kobe, but it’s what excellence looks like,” “What discipline looks like. What commitment looks like. The statue captures a moment suspended in time, yet it also serves as a reminder that its subject transcends time itself. Today, we gather to pay homage to an individual who embodies not only remarkable athletic prowess but also enduring principles that motivate us to strive for excellence, to be not just improved versions of ourselves, but our utmost selves.
The unveiling ceremony for the first statue drew dozens of Lakers legends and hundreds of season ticket holders. Vanessa Bryant delivered a speech following remarks from team owner Jeanie Buss, former teammate Derek Fisher, Abdul-Jabbar, and longtime Lakers coach Phil Jackson.
“I constantly think of Kobe, and the absence of him and Gigi leaves an indescribable void,” Buss expressed. “However, today, I’m filled with happiness because I know that in the future, fans will gather here by this statue, near this arena where Kobe created countless memories for us. We’ll come together to share what he meant to us. Through this, we’ll inspire a new generation to embody the Mamba Mentality.”
Bryant retired in 2016 after an illustrious 20-year career exclusively with the Lakers. With 33,643 points, he ranks as the fourth-highest scorer in NBA history. His accolades include 18 NBA All-Star selections and two NBA Finals MVP awards.
Even in death, Bryant’s presence in Los Angeles remains undiminished, as he continues to be a cherished icon of the city. His image, along with his daughter’s, adorns hundreds of vibrant public murals across the Southland.
Even before his passing, Lakers fans speculated about the pose or image that would be immortalized in Bryant’s statue. Although the announcement of three statues alters the discussion, Vanessa Bryant revealed there should be no debate at all: Kobe himself selected the pose for the first statue before his passing.
“Kobe has had unwavering support from people all over the world since the very beginning, and this moment is not just for Kobe, but for all of you who have been cheering him on for all these years,” she remarked. “To the fans here in LA, this city was special to Kobe, and he was immensely proud to represent it. You embraced him wholeheartedly and have been crucial to him, our family, and his legacy.
“It warms my heart to see the immense love you have for all of us. We love you back.”
The base of the statue bears the inscription: “Kobe Bean Bryant,” along with his moniker, “Black Mamba,” etched below. The triangular platform, a tribute to Tex Winter’s renowned triangle offense, fundamental to the Lakers’ success in the 2000s, is encircled by five replicas of the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
The base features the box score from his historic 81-point game and a QR code for fans to relive highlights from that performance. Additionally, a Bryant quote is prominently displayed: “Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend.”
Bryant becomes the sixth Lakers player and seventh team figure to be immortalized with a statue in Star Plaza outside the arena, formerly known as Staples Center, throughout his tenure. He joins Shaquille O’Neal, Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and Lakers announcer Chick Hearn.
“He wasn’t just a champion,” Fisher reflected. “He was unparalleled. A rare talent who left opponents in awe and teammates inspired. He didn’t merely play the game; he defined it. That’s the essence of what it was like to be around him daily. He set the bar. He shattered records. The legacy he leaves behind is the groundwork upon which current and future players build their aspirations.”
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