According to Vanessa Bryant, the statue’s unveiling is also a tribute to those who helped Kobe Bryant throughout his career
Although Kobe Bryant’s statue was unveiled to commemorate his contributions to basketball and the Los Angeles Lakers, Vanessa Bryant added that it was also a memorial to the individuals who supported her husband during his illustrious NBA career.
BREAKING: Kobe Bryant statue. 🙏🐍
(via @mcten) pic.twitter.com/faistjoTRj
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 9, 2024
She made note of that during her address during the unveiling, shedding tears as the audience greeted her with such warmth. Speaking about the “especially sad” day, Vanessa Bryant said:
“It goes without saying that today is an especially sad day for us since Kobe and Gigi aren’t here for what is supposed to be an incredibly joyous moment and Kobe’s legacy. “Kobe has so many people that have supported him all over the world from the very beginning. And this moment isn’t just for Kobe, but it’s for all of you that have been rooting for him all of these years.”
She had earlier posted the image with a caption from Kobe on her Instagram account.
Vanessa also mentioned that the Crypto.com Arena, home of the Los Angeles Lakers, will have three statues in front of it. Kobe will be wearing the No. 8 in one, his daughter Gianna in another, and the No. 24 in yet another.
Despite strong performances from LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers fell short against the Denver Nuggets 114-106.
