Lakers unveil statue of Kobe Bryant to honor the late NBA star outside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles as widow Vanessa gives emotional speech four years on from his and daughter Gianna’s death

The Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a statue of Kobe Bryant on Thursday, honoring their late superstar with a 20-foot bronze likeness outside their downtown arena.

The 4,000-pound statue shows Bryant in his white No. 8 jersey with his right index finger raised as he left the court after his 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006.

Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, said at the dedication ceremony that the statue is the first of three that will be created in honor of the five-time NBA champion and leading scorer in Lakers history.

Another statue will depict Bryant in his No. 24 jersey, which he wore during the second half of his career, while a third will depict Bryant and his daughter Gianna, who died along with him and seven others in a helicopter crash in January 2020.

“And just to be clear, Kobe chose the pose you’re about to see. So if anyone has a problem with it, tough s—. It is what it is,” she added.

His widow, Vanessa, gave an emotional speech at the dedication ceremony in Los Angeles

The first statue was unveiled in front of dozens of Lakers greats and season ticket holders

Bryant and his daughter Gianna (photo left) died in a helicopter crash in January 2020

The first statue was unveiled during a ceremony attended by dozens of Lakers greats and hundreds of season ticket holders. Vanessa Bryant spoke at the ceremony following remarks from owner Jeanie Buss, former teammate Derek Fisher, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and longtime Lakers coach Phil Jackson.

“It goes without saying that today is an especially sad day for us as Kobe and Gigi are not here for what should be an incredibly joyful moment and for Kobe’s legacy,” Vanessa began. “Kobe has so many people who have supported him from the beginning all over the world. And this moment isn’t just for Kobe, it’s for all of you who fought for him all these years.”

“And to the fans here in LA, this is a special city that Kobe was so proud to represent. You welcomed him with open arms and have been so important to him, our family and his legacy.”

“I think about Kobe all the time, and I miss him and Gigi more than words can say,” Buss said. “But today I am filled with joy.”

The base of the statue reads: ‘Kobe Bean Bryant’, with his nickname ‘Black Mamba’ underneath. The platform is surrounded by five replicas of the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

The base also features the box score of his 81-point game, along with a quote from Bryant: “Leave the game better than you found it. And when it’s time to leave, leave a legend behind.”

Bryant is the sixth Lakers player and seventh team employee to be honored with a statue in Star Plaza outside the arena known as the Staples Center throughout Bryant’s career. He joins Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and Lakers announcer Chick Hearn.

The date of the ceremony – 8/2 – was symbolic. No. 2 was the jersey number of aspiring basketball player Gianna Bryant, and her father wore No. 8. The two and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020.

The 4,000-pound statue shows Bryant in his white No. 8 jersey with his index finger raised

Lakers owner Jeanie Buss (left) and NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar attended the event

Vanessa Bryant revealed that the statue is the first of three that will be created in his honor

Buss, Derek Fisher, Abdul-Jabbar, Phil Jackson and Vanessa Bryant (L-R) sit on stage

The dedication took place in front of a small group and not in front of the public, except on television, and local heavy rains this week had forced the ceremony to take place under a tent. The public can visit the statue from Friday morning.

Bryant joined the Lakers as a teenager right out of high school and spent his entire career in Los Angeles, where he won five NBA titles and retired after the 2015-16 season. In the history of a franchise full of great players, Bryant holds numerous team records, including points and games played.

His 33,643 points rank fourth in NBA history, with three men who played for the Lakers – LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone – ahead of him.

“It just makes sense,” James told the Los Angeles Times of the statue. “I mean, the man spent 20 years with the organization, won multiple championships and set a precedent for what it means to strive for excellence.

‘His achievements alone speak. Not just his inspiration, but how he inspires on the floor, in the community and across the basketball landscape. So I think it’s a beautiful moment, not only for him but also for his family.’