The late Lakers legend and basketball superstar, Kobe Bryant, serves as a true role model and hero for aspiring young basketball players. His impact globally changed the game, inspiring millions with his hunger for success and competitive spirit.
Earlier today, the Los Angeles Lakers unveiled the long-awaited statue honoring the late legend in the presence of his wife, Vanessa Bryant, and their children. The private ceremony drew attendance from multiple celebrities and other basketball legends.
Vanessa Bryant announces plans for multiple statues
The Lakers unveiled a spectacular 19 foot bronze statue which showcases Kobe’s celebration where he points up to the sky after scoring 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in 2006.
Speaking to honor the husband’s legacy and his work towards basketball, Vanessa Bryant, as elegant as ever, spoke with grace revealing the plans of unveiling two more statues in the near future to honor the player magnanimously. Kobe Bryant established himself as the greatest Laker in the team’s history leading the team to five championships and marking his legacy as the top scorer for the time.
In his time, the superstar accumulated millions of fans from around the world for his unwavering confidence in the face of pressure and intensity, never backing down from any competition. Kobe’s elite work ethic and craftsmanship is an attribute which resonates with multiple budding athletes and also NBA stars.
While addressing the gathering, Vanessa Bryant revealed the plans to showcase the two other statues in a short while to give the star a fitting tribute. The second statue, yet to be revealed, shows Bryant in his iconic number 24 jersey, while the third statue comprises of Kobe and his daughter, Gianna, who died with seven others in a tragic helicopter crash on the 26th of January, 2020.
Speaking on the statue, Kareem Abdul Jabbar said, “This statue may look like Kobe, but really it’s what excellence looks like. What discipline looks like. What commitment looks like … It captures a person frozen in time, while at the same time acknowledges that the reason there is a statue in the first place is because that person is timeless.”
Bryant family ensuring Kobe and Gianna’s legacy remains alive
Kobe Bryant is immortalized not only in the hearts of basketball fans but also within his family, who draw daily inspiration from the way the legend carried himself – not just as a basketball player but as a father and a support system.
Reflecting on the tragic event that fractured the family, they have managed to transcend their sadness by celebrating the former superstar’s achievements and spreading his message worldwide. During the very private ceremony, Vanessa Bryant took the stage and expressed her happiness and delight in witnessing how young kids were amazed by Kobe’s work ethic.
Vanessa said, “As I see today’s current generation of star players follow in Kobe’s footsteps with huge scoring games, I know he would take pride in knowing that he’s still pouring inspiration into the game that was so special to him.”
Previously, Kobe’s eldest daughter Natalia Bryant also spoke about continuing to honor her father’s legacy, citing the iconic Mamba Mentality. “Mamba mentality is about constantly trying to be the best version of yourself. It’s putting your best foot forward at all times regardless of all the noise. I want to make sure that mentality stays intact, because it can be so easy to give up on yourself when things get tough,” she said.
The unveiling dates of the next two Kobe statues are yet to be revealed but it is certain that the occasion will be celebrated as grandly as ever to honor one of basketball’s greatest legends.
