Lakers to Unveil Kobe Bryant Statue on 2.8.24

Save the Date: A Lasting Tribute to Kobe Bryant

Circle the date, fans! February 8, 2024, will forever commemorate the beloved Lakers superstar and five-time champion, Kobe Bryant. The Los Angeles Lakers, partnering with Vanessa Bryant, have officially announced their plans to reveal the striking bronze statue of Kobe Bryant at Star Plaza, just steps away from Crypto.com Arena. This special unveiling will take place on the evening of February 8, 2024, right before the Lakers' home game.

Vanessa Bryant's Heartfelt Message




In an emotionally charged video shared at 8:24 AM today, Vanessa Bryant expressed, «Kobe dedicated his remarkable 20-year NBA journey to the Los Angeles Lakers. This city, this team, held his heart. On behalf of myself, our daughters, and the entire Lakers organization, I'm honored to share that we're installing his statue right here in Los Angeles, at the very core of the iconic venue often referred to as the house that Kobe built. This is our tribute to his enduring legacy.»

A Vision Realized: Kobe Bryant's Statue

Kobe Bryant actively contributed to shaping the concept of the eagerly anticipated statue that will soon grace the Star Plaza. This marks the first in a series of tangible tributes aimed at immortalizing his legacy. Kobe will be the seventh revered Lakers icon to receive this distinction, joining luminaries such as Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O'Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Earvin «Magic» Johnson, Jerry West, and Chick Hearn. The mastermind behind this artistic marvel is the esteemed sculptor Julie Rotblatt Amrany, known for her exceptional work at the Fine Art Studio of Rotblatt Amrany.

A City's Icon: Kobe's Statue Finds Its Home

Jeanie Buss, the Los Angeles Lakers Governor, conveyed, «Kobe Bryant stands as one of the most extraordinary athletes in history, an icon inseparable from the essence of Los Angeles. Our city's very soul is intertwined with his legacy. It's only fitting that his statue stands as a source of inspiration for generations to come.»

A Tangible Legacy: Honoring Kobe Bryant

Rob Pelinka, Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager for the Lakers, emphasized, «Kobe's indomitable spirit continues to kindle our passion. With this evocative and exquisite statue, his presence takes on a tangible and lasting form. It secures a place on the hallowed ground he played a pivotal role in establishing—a gathering spot to pay homage to an unequivocally exceptional man.»

A Glittering Career: Kobe's Achievements

Kobe Bryant, a remarkable 18-time NBA All-Star, etched his name into the annals of history by retiring as the first player in NBA history to dedicate 20 seasons to a single franchise. His famed 'Mamba Mentality' propelled the Lakers to five NBA Championships (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010), earning him the esteemed Finals MVP accolade in 2009 and 2010. The recipient of the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player award, Bryant garnered All-NBA honors an impressive 15 times, including 11 First Team selections. Throughout his illustrious career, he secured 12 All-Defensive Team nods, of which nine were First Team honors.
A Hall-of-Famer and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Kobe stands tall as the purple and gold's all-time leader in regular-season games played (1,346), points (33,643), 3-pointers made (1,827), steals (1,944), and free throws made (8,378). His name is synonymous with Lakers' playoff history, holding records for games played (220), points (5,640), 3-pointers made (292), and free throws made (1,320). His pinnacle moment arrived on January 22, 2006, when he scored a franchise-best 81 points against Toronto. The unforgettable retirement of his No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys took place on December 18, 2017, etching an indelible mark.

According to the team's release, Bryant was initially involved in the team's making of the statue following his retirement. This will also mark only the first of several «physical tributes» to honor the late Lakers' legacy.

@Lakers

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