Kobe Bryant has been immortalized in Los Angeles.
The Lakers paid tribute to the late Basketball legend by unveiling a bronze 19-foot statue of him. In the base of the statue, there’s a quote from Bryant that reads, “Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend.”
Family, friends, and loved ones of Bryant also attended the ceremony and paid tribute to him. His statue joins the likes of other former Lakers players such as Kareem Abdul-Jabar, Ervin “Magic” Johnson, Chick Hearn, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and his former teammate Shaquille O’Neal.
The date, 2/8/24, that the ceremony was held on was also a tribute to Kobe’s daughter, Gianna and combination of their Jersey numbers. Gianna wore the number 2, while Kobe wore the numbers 8 & 24.
During the ceremony, Kareem Abdul-Jabar, Derek Fisher, Jeanie Buss, Phil Jackson, and Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s wife all spoke about his greatness and the legacy that he left behind.
While giving her speech, Vanessa revealed that two more statues will go up. One of Kobe wearing the number 8 Jersey and another of him and Gianna. Kobe and Gianna Bryant along with seven other passengers tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in 2020.