Vanessa Bryant Comments on Kobe and Gigi Statue at Unveiling

On Friday, a private ceremony was held for the reveal of the second of three commemorative structures designed in dedication to the late legendary Kobe Bryant, and his daughter Gianna. Bryant’s widow gave a brief statement at the ceremony attended by intimate friends and family. Regaling attendees with reflective thoughts regarding her late husband and child. Vanessa Bryant commented on the Kobe and Gigi statue; revealing intriguing background aspects about the monument’s decorative features.

The statue which will sit prominently outside of the Crypto.com Arena depicts Kobe and Gigi having a happy family moment at a Los Angeles Lakers game. A game they attended back in December 2019. Nevertheless, Vanessa went into a more in-depth description of the statue’s significance; and she also included a heartfelt plea in support of women’s sports. Ms. Bryant states,

“We merged two iconic courtside moments of Kobe and Gigi. Gianna has her gorgeous smile on her face and Kobe is kissing the top of her head while wearing the Philadelphia Eagles beanie that Gigi gifted him for Christmas. He’s also wearing a WNBA hoodie he wore courtside to the game with Gigi. Kobe was the first NBA player to wear that orange hoodie to a big game and that was to show his support for Gigi’s dreams and for women across all sports. That was a moment he shared with Gigi that will always be a powerful representation of the movement towards equality that was always so important to our family.

We were faced with the harsh reality that no matter how great Gianna was or could be, no matter how great her daddy taught her how to play, or even if she played exactly like Kobe, she would not have had the same benefits and opportunities that her dad and young men currently have because she’s a girl. That’s when the challenge to change the perception of women’s sports started in our household. Gianna would be going into her first year of college this year. We would be watching her shine on the court. Now her spirit is shining a path she has created for young girls and for women in sports.

In honor of Kobe and Gigi, I ask you this: give young girls your time. Give them your support. Tell them they can do anything any man can do and tell them they can exceed that, because they can, they have and they will. Iron sharpens iron. Reassure that confidence and see how much they thrive.

Sometimes, all we need is one person to believe in us, even if that one person is ourselves. Take girls to watch women play sports. Buy those tickets to the game if you can. Watch women’s games on TV with your daughters, nieces and cousins. If young girls can see professional women play, they know they have the potential to be them.

They know those ambitions aren’t just dreams but will become a reality. Let’s build up the next generation of athletes. It’s what Gigi and Kobe would want us to do.

Kobe was the ultimate Girl Dad and Gigi was the ultimate Daddy’s girl.”

Vanessa Bryant Comments on Kobe and Gigi Statue at Unveiling

Beautiful words. Some other interesting elements of the statue is its garden-like features. This entire structure was originally designed by Karon Davis and then created, as well as built by the artists of Rotblatt Amrany Studio. This touching “girl dad” sculpture displays Kobe Bryant with his arm lovingly around Gianna with angel wings behind them.

Moreover, the Bryants are surrounded by hedges and rounded symmetrical benches reflecting an Italianate Garden. Many fans may recall Kobe’s Italian past. Therefore, this feature of the statue stands as a nod to Kobe’s childhood in Italy. A very nice touch.

Furthermore, Bryant’s NBA career is still clearly highlighted. Visitors will be able to see purple and gold flowers throughout the monument area. A well thought out component that gives a wink to the iconic Lakers colors that Kobe wore for 20 years. Engraved butterflies made of purple onyx and golden vein onyx border the flowers symbolizing transformation and hope.

Today’s date for the unveiling of the Gigi and Kobe installation is also of special significance. As 8/2/24 honors the jersey numbers that both Kobe wore during his career with the Los Angeles Lakers (8 and 24), as well as the number Gigi wore while playing competitive youth basketball (2).

Final Thoughts on the Gianna and Kobe Statue

Visitors will be able to begin seeing the statue for themselves on Saturday, August 3rd. The monument area will open promptly at 9am. Fans will have to navigate towards the outside of Crypto.com Arena’s 11th Street Entrance near Chick Hearn Court and Georgia Street.

There is one more statue on the way to remember the five time champion, Kobe Bryant. Ms. Bryant already revealed back in February that the third statue would show her late husband donning his No. 24 Lakers uniform. So far there is not an exact date known for the unveiling of this final structure. However, it will occur sometime during the upcoming NBA season.

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