Kobe Bryant‘s 19-foot bronze statue outside the Los Angeles Lakers’ downtown arena.
The Los Angeles Lakers recently unveiled a statue of Kobe Bryant outside their downtown arena. Standing at 19 feet tall, it’s a tribute to the basketball legend who passed away tragically. This statue commemorates Bryant’s lasting impact on the team and the sport.
The recently unveiled 4,000-pound statue of Kobe Bryant depicts him wearing his iconic white No. 8 jersey. It captures the moment when he raised his right index finger while exiting the court after his incredible 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006.
During the dedication ceremony, Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, announced plans for three statues to honor the basketball legend. The first statue, already unveiled, features Kobe in his iconic No. 8 jersey. The next one will depict him in his later No. 24 jersey. The third statue will include Kobe alongside his daughter Gianna, who also tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in January 2020.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar stated, “This statue may resemble Kobe, but it embodies excellence, discipline, and commitment… We’re here to honor a man who represents not just sports achievement, but timeless values inspiring us to be our best.
The first statue was unveiled at a ceremony attended by numerous Lakers icons and hundreds of season ticket holders. Vanessa Bryant, alongside team owner Jeanie Buss, former teammate Derek Fisher, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and longtime Lakers coach Phil Jackson, addressed the crowd during the event.
Buss shared her heartfelt sentiments, expressing, “I constantly think of Kobe and Gigi, and I miss them more than words can say. But today brings me joy because I know that in the future, fans will gather around this statue. We’ll reminisce about Kobe’s legacy by this building where he created countless memories. And through this, we’ll inspire a new generation to embody the Mamba Mentality.
Bryant ended his basketball career in 2016 after spending 20 years exclusively with the Lakers. He’s renowned as the fourth highest scorer in NBA history, tallying an impressive 33,643 points. Over his career, he earned 18 NBA All-Star selections and clinched two NBA Finals MVP awards.
Even after his passing, Kobe Bryant remains a beloved icon in Los Angeles. He’s honored in numerous vibrant murals across the city, often alongside his daughter.
“Kobe has had support from fans worldwide since the beginning. This moment isn’t just for him, but for all who’ve cheered for him,” Vanessa Bryant said. “To LA fans, Kobe was proud to represent this city. You’ve meant so much to him, our family, and his legacy.”
It brings me joy to see how much love you have for all of us. We love you back,” expressed Vanessa Bryant.
The statue’s base reads: “Kobe Bean Bryant,” with his nickname, “Black Mamba,” carved below. The triangular platform is a tribute to Tex Winter’s triangle offense, pivotal to the Lakers’ success in the 2000s. Surrounding it are five replicas of the Larry O’Brien Trophy, symbolizing the championships Bryant helped secure for the Lakers.
The base of the statue displays Kobe’s 81-point game box score and a QR code for fans to watch highlights. It also features a quote from Kobe: “Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend.”
Kobe now joins Shaquille O’Neal, Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and Lakers announcer Chick Hearn as the sixth Lakers player and seventh team member to have a statue in Star Plaza outside the arena, once called Staples Center.
He wasn’t just a champion,” Fisher said. “He was unmatched. He left opponents in awe and teammates inspired. Kobe didn’t just play the game; he defined it. Being around him daily, he set the standard, broke records, and left a legacy for current and future players to build upon.