The four-hundred-pound bronze monument shows Kobe Bryant leaving the court after his memorable 81-point game in 2006.
On Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers honored their late superstar with a 19-foot bronze statue outside their downtown arena in honor of Kobe Bryant.
The four thousand-pound monument shows Bryant leaving the court after an 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006, his right index finger up. Bryant is wearing a white No. 8 jersey.
We are all here to honor a man who represents not only extraordinary sports achievement but also timeless values that inspire us all to try harder to be not just better, but our best. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar claimed that this statue embodies the essence of excellence, despite resembling Kobe. “What discipline looks like. What commitment looks like…. It captures a person frozen in time, while at the same time acknowledging that the reason there is a statue in the first place is because that person is timeless.”
Vanessa Bryant spoke during the initial statue unveiling ceremony, which was attended by hundreds of season ticket holders and dozens of Lakers greats. Abdul-Jabbar, former player Derek Fisher, club owner Jeanie Buss, and longtime Lakers coach Phil Jackson all made statements.
I am overwhelmed with joy today, knowing that in the future, fans will come together near this statue by the building where Kobe left us with so many cherished moments, and we will honor his legacy. Kobe Bryant is always on my mind, and I miss him and Gigi beyond words.
After playing with the Lakers for his entire 20-year career, Bryant retired in 2016. With 33,643 points,Kobe bryant is the fourth-leading scorer in NBA history. Among his many honors are two NBA Finals MVP trophies and eight nominations to the NBA All-Star team.
In Los Angeles, where Kobe bryant is still regarded as a revered symbol of his chosen city, his passing has not lessened the brilliance of his presence; hundreds of colorful public murals throughout the Southland portray Bryant and his daughter.
Though the announcement of three statues changes the debate, Vanessa Bryant stated there should not be any debate at all because Kobe bryant himself chose the pose for the first statue prior to his death. Before kobe Bryant’s death, Lakers fans conjectured about the pose or image that would be immortalized in his statue.
You welcomed him with open arms and are a great city that Kobe was honored to represent.” Kobe has so many people that have supported him all over the world from the very beginning, and this moment is not just for Kobe, but for all of you that have been rooting for him all these years,” she said.
“We love you back, and it makes me happy to see how much love you have for all of us.”
Five Larry O’Brien Trophy replicas surround the triangular platform, which pays homage to Jackson assistant Tex Winter’s renowned triangle offense, which was the cornerstone of the Lakers’ dominance in the 2000s. The base of the statue says “Kobe Bean Bryant,” with his nickname, “Black Mamba,” etched underneath.
The base features a quotation from Bryant that reads, “depart the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to depart, leave a legend.” It also has the box score from his 81-point effort and a QR code that allows fans to see highlights of the game.
Throughout his career, Bryant has been recognized with a statue in Star Plaza outside of the Staples Center, joining the ranks of Shaquille O’Neal, Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn as the sixth player and seventh club employee to receive this honor.
He did not just play the game; he defined it. That is really what it was like to be around him every day. He set the standard, broke records, and left a legacy that current and future players can build upon. He was unequaled, a unique specimen who inspired teammates and left rival players in amazement, according to Fisher. He was not only a champion.