Kobe Bryant’s long-awaited statue finally has a release date — the Lakers legend’s wife, Vanessa, just announced the five-time champion’s tribute will be unveiled outside Crypto.com Arena on a special date — 2/8/24.
“As you know, Kobe played his entire 20-year NBA career as a Los Angeles Laker,” Vanessa said in a video from the team facility.
“Since arriving in the city and joining the Lakers organization, he felt at home here playing in the City of Angels.”
“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 a statue so that his legacy can be celebrated forever.”
Feb. 2, 2024 is truly symbolic — Kobe wore Nos. 8 and 24 during his Hall of Fame career … and his daughter, Gigi, donned No. 2 throughout her time on the court.
There are rumblings Gigi may be honored in some capacity as well … although renderings of the project have not been released.
Kobe will join fellow Lakers superstars like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal and more … who have gotten their own statues outside the venue in years past.
Kobe and Gigi tragically died in a helicopter crash in Jan. 2020 … and fans have been wanting a permanent tribute outside the arena for years.
The ceremony — which will take place before the Lakers host the Denver Nuggets — will undoubtedly be an emotional one.