Vanessa Bryant Unveils Kobe Bryant Statue in Emotional Tribute at Lakers Arena
In a poignant tribute to the late basketball icon Kobe Bryant, his widow Vanessa Bryant unveiled a statue of the legendary athlete outside the Los Angeles Lakers’ home ground.
The bronze monument, situated in Star Plaza at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, immortalizes Kobe Bryant, who tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in 2020 along with his daughter Gianna, aged 13.
During the unveiling ceremony, Vanessa Bryant delivered a heartfelt speech, reminiscing about Kobe and Gianna and expressing gratitude to the fans who have supported them over the years.
Addressing the crowd, she said, “It goes without saying that today is an especially sad day for us since Kobe and Gigi [Gianna] aren’t here for what is supposed to be an incredibly joyous moment and Kobe’s legacy.”
Vanessa acknowledged the global outpouring of support for Kobe throughout his career and emphasized the significance of the statue not only for Kobe but also for his devoted fans worldwide.
She revealed that Kobe had personally approved the pose depicted in the statue, adding a touch of humor by jokingly stating, “For the record, Kobe picked the pose you’re about to see. So if anyone has any issues with it, tough … It is what it is.”
Reflecting on Kobe’s enduring influence on the game of basketball, Vanessa remarked, “As I see today’s current generation of star players following Kobe’s footsteps with huge scoring games, I know he would take pride in knowing that he is still pouring inspiration into the game that was so special to him.”
Vanessa concluded her poignant tribute by quoting Kobe’s own words, encapsulating his legacy: “Leave the game better than you found it and when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend. And that he did.”
The unveiling of the Kobe Bryant statue marks a significant milestone in honoring the legacy of one of basketball’s greatest players, whose impact transcended the sport and touched the lives of millions worldwide.
