2-8-24: Vanessa Bryant & The Lakers Immortalize Kobe Bryant With Tribute Statue & Reveal Two

Kobe Bryant Source: MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images / Getty




The Los Angeles Lakers unveiled one of three Kobe Bryant statues outside the Crypto.com Arena as family and friends remembered the legend.

The death of Kobe Bryant is still a sore spot for fans of the NBA champion and even those who cheered against him. When the late basketball great initially retired, fans knew it was a matter of time before he would immortalized with a statue for his greatness, and on February 8, his tribute statue was finally revealed.



During a small ceremony that was streamed online, not only was the first Kobe statue revealed but it was announced that the late legend will have three more made that will be placed outside of the Crypto.com Arena.




Source: Ronald Martinez / Getty




According to ESPN, Kobe’s widow Vanessa Bryant made it clear that she’s not listening to opinions about the first statue because Kobe had a say in it before his passing.

“For the record, Kobe picked the pose you’re about to see, so if anyone has any issues with it, tough s—,” Vanessa said.

Source: MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images / Getty




 



Lakers GM Rob Pelinka revealed the three-statue idea came from the need to do something nobody else had done and it’s a testament to Los Angeles’ love for the icon.

“When I found out there was going to be three statues, I just said, ‘That’s fitting,'” said Pelinka, Bryant’s longtime friend, former agent and current the vice president of basketball operations and general manager of the Lakers.



“Because it’s just how the City of Angels feels about Kobe. He deserves something that no other athlete that’s ever played here deserves.”

 




via: https://bossip.com/2593309/kobe-bryant-statue/