The Los Angeles Lakers have recently revealed the inaugural Kobe Bryant statue, the first in a series of three tributes to the late basketball legend. This particular sculpture captures the iconic No. 8 Kobe, famously raising his finger skyward, clad in the Lakers’ Sunday white jersey—an homage to the unforgettable night he scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors.
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, shared her thoughts during the unveiling, stating, “For the record, Kobe chose the pose you’re seeing today. So, if there are any objections, well, that’s too bad.” Her remarks underscore the personal connection and influence Kobe had over how he is memorialized.
The inscription on the statue serves as a powerful reminder of Kobe’s philosophy: “Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend.” This message encapsulates the ethos Kobe lived by, both on and off the court.
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager, reflected on the significance of erecting three statues in Kobe’s honor, noting, “It’s perfectly fitting. It reflects exactly how the City of Angels feels about Kobe. He earned a tribute unlike any other athlete who has played here.”
Adding to the immersive experience, visitors of the statue are invited to scan a QR code, which leads to a video tribute narrated by acclaimed actor Denzel Washington, allowing fans to engage further with Kobe’s enduring legacy.
The Lakers organization and its fans see this statue not merely as a representation of Kobe’s physical likeness but as a testament to his impact on basketball, the city of Los Angeles, and the sports world at large. It stands as a beacon for future generations to aspire towards greatness, humility, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
This unveiling marks a poignant moment for the basketball community and Kobe Bryant fans worldwide, commemorating a player whose life and career transcended the sport itself. Through this statue, and the two forthcoming, the Lakers and their global fanbase continue to celebrate Kobe Bryant’s monumental contributions to basketball, his indelible spirit, and the enduring lessons he imparted on how to live and play with passion and determination.
