Kobe Bryant’s long-awaited statue will finally be unveiled on February 8, 2024, outside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This tribute to the Lakers legend was announced by his wife, Vanessa Bryant.
During his entire 20-year NBA career, Kobe played for the Los Angeles Lakers, and he considered the city his home. Vanessa expressed her gratitude on behalf of herself, their daughters, and the Lakers organization for the honor of having a statue in the center of Los Angeles, right in front of “The House That Kobe Built.” She believes that this statue will ensure that Kobe’s legacy is celebrated forever.
The chosen date for the unveiling, February 8, 2024, holds special significance. Throughout his career, Kobe wore the jersey numbers 8 and 24, both of which will forever be associated with his name. Additionally, his daughter Gigi, who tragically passed away with him in a helicopter crash in January 2020, wore the number 2 on the court. The date pays homage to these numbers and the impact they had on both Kobe and Gigi’s lives.
While it has not been confirmed, there are rumors that Gigi may also be honored in some capacity during the statue unveiling ceremony. However, no renderings of the project have been released at this time.
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Kobe will join the ranks of other Lakers superstars like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Shaquille O’Neal, who have been honored with their own statues outside the venue in previous years. The statues serve as permanent reminders of the incredible contributions these players made to the Lakers franchise.
Fans have eagerly awaited a permanent tribute to Kobe and Gigi outside the arena since their untimely passing. The unveiling of the statue will fulfill these desires and give fans a place to gather and remember the legacy of their beloved basketball icon.
The ceremony will take place before the Lakers host the Denver Nuggets, and it is expected to be an incredibly emotional event. Kobe’s impact on the game of basketball and the city of Los Angeles is immeasurable, and his statue will serve as a reminder of his greatness for generations to come.
In addition to the statue unveiling, there may be other tributes and events planned to honor Kobe on this special day. The details have not been released, but fans can anticipate a day filled with emotions, memories, and celebration of Kobe’s life and career.
The unveiling of Kobe Bryant’s statue will mark a significant moment in Lakers history and provide a lasting memorial to one of the greatest basketball players of all time. It will stand as a symbol of his achievements, his dedication to the game, and the impact he had on the city of Los Angeles.
