The Los Angeles Lakers will be unveiling a statue of late player Kobe Bryant in his memory.
On Thursday, Kobe Bryant’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, 41, posted a video to her Instagram page announcing the news.
“As you know, Kobe played his entire 20-year NBA career as a Los Angeles Laker. Since arriving in this city and joining the Lakers organization, he felt at home here, playing in the City of Angels,” she said.
Bryant continued, “On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters, and me, I am so honored that, right 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.”
According to the NBA, Kobe Bryant participated in the initial planning of the bronze statue following his retirement.
“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. 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,” Los Angeles Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement.
In a statement from Rob Pelinka, Los Angeles Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager, he said. “Kobe’s transcendent spirit is always and forever in our hearts – inspiring us every day.”
He added, “And now, with the unveiling of this powerful and beautiful statue, he will have a physical presence, too. A place on the hallowed ground Kobe created, where we can all gather and pay honor to a mighty and great man.”
The statue will be unveiled on Feb. 8, 2024, at Star Plaza outside of Crypto.com Arena.
On Jan. 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant along with his daughter, Gianna, 13, were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. He was 41 years old.