What We Know About the Kobe Bryant Statue That Will Be Unveiled Four Years After His Death

What We Know About the Kobe Bryant Statue That Will Be Unveiled Four Years After His Death

The news that a helicopter carrying former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven other people had crashed in California, killing everyone on board, stunned the stunned sports world four years ago.

The Lakers and Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, declared in August that the statue, which was inevitable even before he passed away, would be unveiled on February 8.

“As you are aware, Kobe was a Los Angeles Laker for his entire 20-year NBA career,” Vanessa stated in a video shared on social media.

“He felt at home here, playing in the City of Angels, since arriving in this city and joining the Lakers organization,” she continued. I am incredibly honored that, on behalf of the Lakers, myself, and my daughters, We will install his statue so that his legacy can be honored forever in the heart of Los Angeles, in front of the location known as the house that Kobe built.”

What is known about the statue is as follows:

Before his death, Bryant assisted in its planning.

The Lakers claim that Bryant was involved in the statue’s design before to his passing. That implies, therefore, that Bryant himself approved of the pose that was memorialized for the monument.

Co-owner of the Lakers Jeanie Buss said in an August statement that Kobe Bryant “was one of the most extraordinary athletes of all time, and one of the most iconic individuals 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,” she stated.

This Date Has Great Significance

In order to symbolize a fresh start following the Lakers’ 2004 trade of Shaquille O’Neal, Bryant changed his number midway through his career, changing from 8 (which totaled up the numerals in his Adidas camp number 143) to 24 (his number at Lower Merion High School).

“8” and “24” are both reflected in the unveiling date (2/8/2024). In contrast, Gianna, who wore the number when playing youth basketball, is honored by the “2” of February.

“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,” she stated.

This Date Has Great Significance

In order to symbolize a fresh start following the Lakers’ 2004 trade of Shaquille O’Neal, Bryant changed his number midway through his career, changing from 8 (which totaled up the numerals in his Adidas camp number 143) to 24 (his number at Lower Merion High School).

“8” and “24” are both reflected in the unveiling date (2/8/2024). In contrast, Gianna, who wore the number when playing youth basketball, is honored by the “2” of February.

Julie Rotblatt-Amrany is a sculptor and painter who is the creator of this statue.

“Our universe is made of space and energy. Space exploration is an endless field of study, so I hope to always pursue it,” she remarked.

Statue Seems to Be in Front of Others

Outside Crypto.com Arena, a section designated for Bryant’s statue looks to be blocked off in front of several other statues and adjacent to Magic Johnson. Newsweek requested confirmation via email from the Lakers.

The area is shaped like a triangle, which is also the name of the offense that famous Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who won five titles with the team alongside Bryant, ran.

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