New Statue Honoring Kobe Bryant , to Be Unveiled in February.
ESPN reports that the Los Angeles Lakers are getting ready to unveil a new statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant.
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The team, along with Vanessa Bryant, made the announcement in a video posted to the Lakers' social media accounts on August 24.
Both Kobe and his daughter, Gianna Bryant, died in a Calabasas, California, helicopter crash along with seven other people in January 2020.
On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters and me, I am so honored that, right here in the center of Los Angeles, in front of the place known as 'The House that Kobe Built,' we are going to unveil his statue so that his legacy can be celebrated forever, Vanessa Bryant, via ESPN.
ESPN reports that Kobe joins a number of other legendary sports figures with statues outside the arena, including Wayne Gretzky and Oscar De La Hoya.
ESPN reports that Kobe joins a number of other legendary sports figures with statues outside the arena, including Wayne Gretzky and Oscar De La Hoya.
According to the team, the unveiling ceremony will be held outside the arena and will be "the first in a series of physical tributes to honor [Bryant's] legacy.".
Kobe Bryant was one of the most extraordinary athletes of all time and one of the most iconic individuals in the history of Los Angeles, Jeanie Buss, Lakers owner, via ESPN.
There is no better place for Kobe to be honored with a statue than here, at the center of our city, where everyone can celebrate him and be inspired by his incredible achievements, Jeanie Buss, Lakers owner, via ESPN.
The Lakers' vice president of basketball operations and general manager, Rob Pelinka, who was also Bryant's agent, called the statue , "a place on the hallowed ground Kobe created where we can all gather to pay honor to a mighty and great man.".
ESPN reports that the unveiling ceremony will take place the same day that the Lakers are scheduled to face off against defending champs the Denver Nuggets.
ESPN reports that the unveiling ceremony will take place the same day that the Lakers are scheduled to face off against defending champs the Denver Nuggets
