CNN) — A monumental 19-foot statue honoring Los Angeles Lakers franchise legend Kobe Bryant was erected at Crypto.Com Arena on Thursday night amid a tearful ceremony.
The 4,000-pound bronze statue of Bryant, donning his No. 8 jersey, is aimed upward, depicting the star walking off the field after a game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006 that saw him score a career-high 81 points.
Before the statue’s unveiling, Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, stated, “For the record, Kobe picked the pose you’re about to see.” Saying, “This moment isn’t just for Kobe, but it’s for all of you that have been rooting for him all these years,” she expressed her gratitude for her husband’s enormous fan base.Furthermore, the first of three statues that will be erected outside the arena was revealed by Vanessa Bryant. He will be seen in the second one sporting a No. 24 shirt, and in the third, his daughter Gianna Bryant will be shown.
Nine individuals, including Kobe and Gianna Bryant, perished in a helicopter crash in January 2020. The two jersey numbers Bryant wore during his playing career, 8 and 24, coincided with the date of the statue’s presentation, 2-8-2024; Gianna’s jersey number is represented by the No. 2.
“To the supporters in Los Angeles, Kobe was extremely proud to represent this unique city.” Seeing how much love you have for each and every one of us makes me happy. Vanessa Bryant said on Thursday, “We love you back,” as per a Lakers press release.
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