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