The Los Angeles Lakers have unveiled their second Kobe Bryant statue, the latest of which also honors his daughter Gianna.
The statue, unveiled outside Crypto.com Arena on Friday, depicts Kobe wearing a beanie and sweatshirt with his arm around a smiling Gianna, and appears to be modeled after a photo of the two sitting courtside together at a Lakers game in 2019. They are surrounded by angel wings.
A plaque beneath the statue features a quote from Kobe labeled “The Most Precious Father, Daughter.”
“Gianna is a beast,” Kobe quoted him as saying. “She’s better than I was at her age. She’s got it all. Women are amazing. I’d have five more daughters if I could. I’m a girl dad.”
8.2.24 – Kobe and Gigi are forever immortalized 🦋 pic.twitter.com/WxPDMfEaRq
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 2, 2024
The Friday release date was also significant: August 2, 2024 (8/2/24). Kobe wore numbers 8 and 24 during his illustrious 20-year NBA career with the Lakers, while Gianna wore 2 for the basketball team.
Kobe, Gianna, and seven others died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on January 26, 2020. They were traveling to Gianna’s basketball tournament. Two of her teammates, three other parents, an assistant coach, and a pilot were all on board.
The Bryant Family. Forever a beacon of love, strength and hope 💜 pic.twitter.com/GU71bNzUK9
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 2, 2024
Kobe’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, previously said there will be three statues of Kobe outside Crypto.com Arena: one of Kobe wearing No. 8, one of Kobe wearing No. 24, and one of Gianna. The Lakers unveiled the statue of Kobe wearing No. 8 on Feb. 8.
The team also erected statues at Star Plaza to honor other legends, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, announcer Chick Hearn, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Jerry West.
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(Photo: Harry Howe/Getty Images)
