Lakers to unveil Kobe Bryant statue in February 2024
The Los Angeles Lakers have announced they will be honoring Kobe Bryant's legacy with a statue, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The unveiling has been scheduled for February 8, 2024. The decision to immortalize Bryant will be popular amongst their fanbase and the wider NBA audience.
Since his untimely passing, along with his daughter Gigi, Bryant's fierce will to win and exceptional offensive talent have become the stuff of legend. To this day, there is a daily discussion surrounding Bryant's achievements on every social media platform.
“As you know, Kobe played his entire 20-year NBA career as a Los Angeles Laker,” Vanessa Bryant said. “Since arriving in this city and joining the Lakers organization, he felt at home here, playing in the City of Angels. On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters and me, I am so honored that, right in the center of Los Angeles, in front of the place known as the house that Kobe built, we are going to unveil his statue so that his legacy can be celebrated forever.”
Due to his longevity with the franchise and his championship-laden career, Bryant was always likely to receive a statue at the Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers' decision to immortalize their former talisman isn't one born out of grief. Instead, it's born out of celebration for the player and man that Bryant was.
Bryant's impact on the NBA will continue to be felt for decades to come. Even now, young players entering the league and some of the younger stars already present within the NBA cite Bryant as their primary influence. Anthony Edwards and Jayson Tatum have recently discussed their approach to load management is based on how Byrant (and also Michael Jordan) viewed sitting out of games.
The Lakers didn't need a statue to immortalize Bryant. He was already immortal in the hearts of NBA fans. However, ensuring the memory of a true great lives on is a classy touch that will be appreciated by fans around the world.
More must-reads: