The Los Angeles Lakers will be unveiling the second of three planned statues in honor of Kobe Bryant on Friday. This statue, which will be located outside of Crypto.com Arena, will feature Bryant and his daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in January 2020. The ceremony will be held in a private tented event, according to a report from ESPN.
In addition to the statue outside of Crypto.com Arena, a statue of Bryant and Gigi was also placed at the crash site in Calabasas, California on the two-year anniversary of the tragic accident. This serves as a fitting tribute to the father-daughter duo who were taken too soon.
Bryant’s first statue was unveiled in February and was modeled after his iconic celebration after scoring 81 points in a single game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006. This momentous occasion marked the second-highest single-game scoring mark by a player in NBA history.
The third and final statue, which is yet to have a date attached to it, will showcase Bryant in his legendary No. 24 jersey. Throughout his illustrious career, Bryant wore both the No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys, leaving a lasting impact on the basketball world.
Following the private unveiling ceremony, the second statue will be accessible to the public starting on Saturday. This will allow fans and admirers of Kobe Bryant to pay their respects and honor his legacy in person.
The unveiling of these statues serves as a poignant reminder of the impact that Kobe Bryant had on the basketball community and beyond. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate athletes and fans alike, solidifying his status as a true legend of the game.
As we reflect on Bryant’s incredible career and the lasting memories he created, these statues stand as a permanent tribute to his greatness. The unveiling ceremony is a momentous occasion that honors the life and legacy of a beloved athlete and his daughter, ensuring that their memory lives on for generations to come.