On Thursday afternoon, late Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant was immortalized in perpetuity when a statue of his likeness was unveiled just outside of Crypto.com Arena. It was the building that he called home for each of his 20 seasons; in fact, for years, some have informally referred to the building as “the house that Kobe built.”
Many legends and figures from the Lakers’ illustrious past were on hand, including some that were directly associated with Bryant, such as teammates Derek Fisher, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, as well as former head coach Phil Jackson.
It was a ceremony to cherish for Lakers fans, now and forever. Below are just a few highlights from this historic event.
Fisher talks about Bryant as a player and as a man
“His leadership went beyond scoring points. It was about fostering a winning mentality." pic.twitter.com/P4gQoqTHVt
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 9, 2024
Jackson talks about Bryant's evolution and growth throughout his career
FULL SPEECH: Phil Jackson speaks at the Kobe Bryant statue unveiling pic.twitter.com/F9LEftuNh1
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 9, 2024
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar praises his fellow Lakers legend
Kareem on Kobe Bryant | Kobe Bryant statue unveiling ceremony pic.twitter.com/IMzxtyeYB5
— Lakers Empire (@LakersEmpire) February 8, 2024
Owner Jeanie Buss speaks about Bryant's career and legacy
Jeanie Buss on Kobe Bryant | Kobe Bryant statue unveiling ceremony pic.twitter.com/OKuvs03JvA
— Lakers Empire (@LakersEmpire) February 8, 2024
The statue is unveiled
For Kobe. For the die-hard Laker fans. For our family.
Mamba forever. pic.twitter.com/uExf0oEWgY
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 9, 2024
Another view of the statue
“And that he did.” pic.twitter.com/H9WDT4ymiD
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 9, 2024
The statue is a re-creation of an iconic pose and moment
Eighty-one. Forever. pic.twitter.com/v6Wfxkk5m1
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 9, 2024
And there's more to come
Vanessa Bryant announces that Kobe Bryant will have three statues outside of https://t.co/JZKgZ5CCZs Arena pic.twitter.com/kBXAjLMin5
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 9, 2024
