Kobe Bryant Statue Unveiling: A Tribute to the Legendary Black Mamba
What a day. What a player. Today, Lakers fans and the entire world finally got to view the long-awaited Kobe Bryant Statue unveiling. A tribute to the legendary Black Mamba and the man with 18 consecutive All-Star Game selections (the league’s longest streak); 5x NBA Champion who also hit 33,643 points.
Yes, Kobe will forever be in conversations about players who are among the greatest to ever touch a basketball. Nevertheless, why was the date of February 8, 2024 selected for this momentous unveiling? Well, for one thing, Bryant’s No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys were retired by the Lakers team in 2017; so then, Kobe Bryant’s statue revealing seven years later also honors both those iconic numbers. Additionally, Gigi Bryant wore number 2, therefore 2/8/24 is very fitting for the occasion.
Furthermore, the statue will not be the only way Los Angeles will honor the man who built the House of Staples. Tonight the Lakers franchise will also be paying tribute to Kobe’s distinguished career in the form of their jerseys. Clutch Points confirmed the news posting a video of tonight’s black, purple and gold accent jerseys. Via social media they state, “The Lakers will be rocking their “Mamba” jerseys in tonight’s game against the Nuggets.” Perfect.
However, what about the ceremony for Bryant’s statue. What occurred?
Well, after a superstar procession onto the stage, including Kobe’s widow Vanessa Bryant, former coach Phil Jackson; as well as former teammate Derek Fisher and basketball legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Each individual gave amazing speeches about their personal experiences with Kobe. Their words made you laugh, cry and just smile thinking about Kobe’s confidence, work ethic and icon status.
Moreover, controlling owner and president of the Lakers, Jeanie Buss also spoke about Kobe. She regales the audience with details about how Bryant changed the franchise forever. Also, how her father really felt about Bryant. According to Jeanie, Dr. Buss said,
“Kobe [could not be traded even for 5 guys because he] was as rare as a flawless five-carat diamond, and five one-carat diamonds don’t have as much value.
Seeing Kobe play was like watching a miracle unfold.”
What wonderful sentiments. It was very nice to hear of intimate moments and memories about Bryant. One of our favorites, is Phil Jackson reminiscing on the moment he finally knew Kobe was ready to be team captain. Spoiler: on a late show where Kobe defended his teammate against a cruel joke.
Kobe Bryant Statue Pose: How It Was Chosen
Nonetheless, Kobe’s statue is in a great pose. The statue where he is wearing number 8 (the first of 3 to be revealed); is based on his insane game where he put up 81 points in Staples Center. During the game, Kobe just purely stuns the Toronto Raptors. As forward Chris Bosh would later note, “We were just watching him shoot.”
The NBA also fondly recalls this historic moment; and mentions another reason why this game is one of Bryant’s personal favorites. The National Basketball Association reveals,
“When Bryant scored his final two points on a pair of free throws with 43.4 seconds remaining, the chants of “M-V-P! M-V-P!” from the 18,997 fans at Staples Center couldn’t have been more fitting. Bryant finished the second half scoring 55 of his 81 points — the second highest point total in a half in NBA history behind Chamberlain’s 59-point second half in his 100-point game.
As Bryant would later note, his 81-point game was the first and only professional game his grandmother had ever seen him play live.
She picked the right one.”
No wonder that prior to his passing, Kobe chooses his famous pose from the end of this January 22, 2006 matchup with Toronto. He put on a show for the fans. AND his granny got to see all the action go down.
If you recall, once the game ends, he raises one arm towards the ceiling. With one finger pointing up. Bryant truly was number one that night and now this moment shall be immortalized forever.
Kobe Bryant Statue Unveiling: A Tribute to the Legendary Black Mamba
Lastly, during the statue ceremony, Bryant’s widow speaks. Vanessa Bryant quickly lets the audience in on a surprise. That Kobe and his family’s legacy is not only going to be apart of just one statue; but three.
The host of NBA Today and NBA Countdown, Malika Andrews rehashes Ms. Bryant’s statue details. Andrews states,
Vanessa Bryant announces there will be three statues unveiled: Kobe wearing no. 24, Kobe wearing no. 8, as well as Kobe and his daughter, Gianna.
Just wonderful. Moreover, Vanessa Bryant ends her heartfelt, touching speech with a famous quote from her iconic husband. She says,
“Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend.”
Kobe… that’s exactly what you did brother. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for everything.
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