Kobe Bryant, the Lakers legend, stands as one of the franchise’s all-time greats. He tragically passed away at the age of 41, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Over his 20-year NBA career, Kobe achieved iconic status with five NBA championships.
Following his stellar NBA career, the Lakers paid tribute to Kobe by retiring both of his iconic jersey numbers, 8 and 24. However, reports now suggest that the franchise is planning something even more significant. It is said that they will unveil a statue in honor of Kobe, alongside his daughter, next year.
Kobe disclosed his statue preference
NBA fans have always been in debated over the years which Kobe’s version was better, his 8 or 24 version, but before the untimely death of the legend Kobe Bryant, he disclosed a number to be inscribed on his statue. The legend revealed this before the Los Angeles Lakers jersey retirement ceremony in 2017, according to a video posted on YouTube by ESPN.
Kobe said “I think 24 was more challenging and you know. I tend to gravitate to things that are harder to do and physically for me it was really really hard to get up night in the night out man.”
Kobe added, “It’s a grind….Taking on the Boston Celtics, having a bone fragment and my foot during that series having a broken finger and muscling through that in back half of the career some of the toughest stretches of basketball ever. So, I guess if you force me to pick one, I probably go with 24 because of that.”
Though Kobe won more championships with the number 8 jersey compared to the number 24 and shared the stage with fellow legends like Shaquille O’Neal, the jersey 24 paved the way for his journey to attaining the “Black Mamba” recognition, which has been an inspiration to many even after his demise.
Lakers set to unveil Kobe Bryant statue next year
The Lakers will unveil the promised legendary Kobe Bryant’s statue outside LA’s Crypto.com Arena which will include his daughter Gianna, on August 8, 2024. The franchise’s president, Jeanie Buss had previously revealed plans to erect a statue for Bryant and his daughter after his death, along with six friends and pilot, in January 2020, and the legend’s wife Vanessa is also reportedly involved in the plans.
Kobe’s 150-pound bronze statue, featuring his daughter Gianna, was initially placed at the crash site in Calabasas, California. It was created by Southern California artist Dan Medina, depicting Kobe in his Lakers uniform with his arm around Gianna. However, there are no plans to make it a permanent fixture there.
The Lakers are set to erect a statue in honor of the legend, bearing the number 24. This act will undoubtedly evoke a flood of memories. Even in death, Kobe Bryant’s legacy continues to endure.
