The Los Angeles Lakers announced plans Thursday to unveil a statue of Kobe Bryant on Feb. 8, 2024. The date is significant because it includes his two retired jersey numbers — 8 and 24 — with the Lakers.
Vanessa Bryant, who lost her husband and daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash in 2020, made the announcement. “Hello everyone. As you know, Kobe has played her entire 20-year NBA career for the Los Angeles Lakers, she said in a video posted to social media. Ever since he arrived in the city and joined the Lakers organization, he has felt at home here, playing in the City of Angels. On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters and myself, I am very honored that in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, in front of the place known as “The House that Kobe Built”, we will be unveiling a statue to that his legacy may be celebrated forever. I hope to see you there.”
An 18-time All-Star and five-time NBA champion, Bryant was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020. He is the best player in Lakers history in points (33,643), steals (1,944), 3-point shots (1,827) and games (1,346).
“Kobe Bryant was one of the most extraordinary athletes of all time and one of the most iconic people in Los Angeles history,” Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said in a statement. There’s no better place to honor Kobe with a statue than here in the center of our city, where everyone can celebrate him and be inspired by his incredible accomplishments.”
Bryant’s bronze statue will join those of legendary Lakers players Magic Johnson Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West and Shaquille O’Neal outside Crypto.com Arena.
