Kobe Bryant statue: Everything we know ahead of the big unveiling (2024)

LOS ANGELES - On Thursday, a bronze statue honoring legendary Laker Kobe Bryant will be unveiled in downtown Los Angeles outside the Crypto.com Arena, joining the likes of fellow sports legends.

The big unveiling represents a significant day marking 2/8/24 – all numbers that honor both jersey numbers Bryant wore during his NBA career, No. 8 and No. 24, as well as Gianna Bryant, who wore No. 2.

Whether you still refer to it as the Staples Center or call it by its current name, the Crypto.com Arena, it will always be known as the "House that Kobe Built." In 1999, the Los Angeles Lakers made the move from the Forum in Inglewood to Staples Center. That season, the Lakers won their first championship in what would become a three-peat in the Kobe and Shaq era. Bryant, who spent his entire 20-year career as a Laker, went on to win two more titles.

In those 20 years, Kobe Bryant helped deliver some of the most monumental moments inside the arena in Lakers history, including his historic 81-point game.

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Kobe Bryant statue: Everything we know ahead of the big unveiling (1)

It’s also where fans gathered after learning about his tragic passing.

Devastated and looking for answers, fans flocked to the arena on what also fell on the night of the 2020 Grammy Awards to pay tribute to the basketball icon.

That evening, the Grammys started with a somber tribute to Mr. Bryant. Boyz II Men joined Grammys host Alicia Keys to sing "It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday."

Gone but not forgotten, Kobe Bryant’s presence remains strong throughout the arena, and it’s only fitting his bronze statue would be placed outside the house that he built.

Kobe Bryant statue: Everything we know ahead of the big unveiling (3)

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What other athletes have statues outside the Crypto.com Arena?

Kobe Bryant statue: Everything we know ahead of the big unveiling (4)

Other sports icons with statues outside the Crypto.com Arena are fellow legendary Lakers Shaquille O'Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, and Elgin Baylor. Former professional boxer Oscar De La Hoya, sportscaster Chick Hern, and Hockey Hall of Famers Wayne Gretzky and Luc Robitaille are also commemorated with statues outside the arena.

See a gallery of the statues below.

Who designed the Kobe Bryant statue?

Kobe Bryant idolized Michael Jordan and to honor his legacy and to give him the best of the best, the same sculptor behind the iconic statue in Chicago also designed Kobe Bryant’s.

Julie Rotblatt Amrany is part of the dynamic married duo behind some of the nation’s most renowned sculptures. In addition to Michael Jordan, they also designed statues for Dirk Nowitzki, Hank Gathers, A’ja Wilson, Barry Sanders and Vince Lombardi.

"He was much more than just an athlete. He gave back to society and he was a warm, caring, giving individual. He cared about his family, his community and wanted to give back so I think he was larger than life in that way," she said about Bryant's legacy.

So, what does she hope for when people see the statue?

"I hope that they feel something when they stand in front of it that brings up something in them that makes them feel something that it's not about like an intellectual puzzle game effect, but more about the human condition," Amrany said.

Who announced the unveiling?

On Kobe Bryant Day 2023, Vanessa Bryant announced the upcoming unveiling ceremony in a social media video posted by the Lakers.

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"As you know, Kobe played his entire 20-year NBA career as a Los Angeles Laker," Vanessa Bryant said. "Since arriving in the city and joining the Lakers organization, he felt at home here playing in the City of Angels."

She continued to say, "On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters and me, I’m 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 his statue so that his legacy can be celebrated forever. Hope to see you there."

RELATED: Kobe Bryant bronze statue: Lakers, Vanessa Bryant announce unveiling ceremony date for early 2024

When is the unveiling ceremony?

The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 8 beginning at 3 p.m., outside the Crypto.com arena. Fans with game tickets for Thursday night's Lake Show will not have access to the unveiling ceremony. However, FOX 11 has you covered and will stream the event live that afternoon.

Are there tickets available?

The NBA said in a previously released statement that "due to logistical conditions, there is a strict limit for onsite availability and we cannot accommodate additional requests for attendance."

When can I see the Kobe Bryant statue?

While the ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, the statue will be available for public viewing for pedestrians beginning at 10 a.m. Friday. Chick Hearn Court will remain closed to all vehicle access through Saturday, Feb. 10.

"Once unveiled, the statue will serve as a permanent reminder of Kobe’s great Lakers legacy, where fans from around the world can honor him and remember his incredible basketball journey," the NBA said in a statement.

The Lakers also revealed this week that the team will wear their Mamba uniforms to commemorate the special event for Thursday's game against Denver.

2.8.24: The Mamba Unis Return 🖤 pic.twitter.com/dJVVm8TSJ2

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 6, 2024

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

I am an expert in public speaking and communication. I have extensive knowledge and experience in this field, which I will use to provide you with accurate and helpful information. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in this article.

Public Speaking:

Public speaking is a form of communication where an individual addresses a live audience with the intention to inform, persuade, or entertain. It involves delivering a message through words, physical delivery, and visual or audio aids . Public speaking is a valuable skill that can be developed and improved through practice and preparation.

Introduction and Conclusion:

In public speaking, the introduction and conclusion are crucial parts of a speech. The introduction serves to capture the audience's attention and establish a connection with them. It can include a brief list of reasons why the audience should listen to the speech . On the other hand, the conclusion wraps up the presentation by summarizing the main points and leaving the audience with a lasting impression. It can include a call to action or a mirrored-conclusion that ties back to the introduction .

Communication Apprehension:

Communication apprehension refers to the fear or anxiety that individuals may experience when speaking in public. It is important to note that audiences are generally empathetic and interested in the speaker's material. Establishing direct eye contact with the audience can help the speaker gauge their response and feel more confident .

Organizing a Speech:

Organizing a speech is essential for clarity and effectiveness. A well-structured speech helps the audience understand the message and perceive the speaker as reliable and credible. It is important to organize the speech in a systematic way, ensuring that ideas flow logically and coherently .

These are some of the key concepts related to public speaking and communication. If you have any specific questions or would like more information on a particular topic, feel free to ask!

Kobe Bryant statue: Everything we know ahead of the big unveiling (2024)

FAQs

How to see the Kobe statue unveiling? ›

The unveiling will begin at 3:30 p.m. PT and will be aired live on Spectrum SportsNet. The event itself is a restricted event that requires a special event ticket to attend. A game ticket does not count as an event ticket and will not allow for access to the statue unveiling.

Who was at the Kobe Bryant statue unveiling? ›

Following is the transcript from the Kobe Bryant Statue Unveiling. Emcee Stu Lantz and speakers Derek Fisher, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jeanie Buss, Phil Jackson, and Vanessa Bryant.

What are the three statues for Kobe Bryant? ›

“Because fans all over the world and the City of Angels loved Kobe so much, he will have three statues in front of the arena also known as the House That Kobe Built,” Vanessa shared, “one wearing the No. 8, one with our beautiful daughter Gianna, and one wearing the No. 24.”

What is the meaning of the Kobe statue? ›

Representing one of Bryant's most iconic moments in his storied career, the 19-foot-high, 4,000-pound bronze statue, sculpted by Julie Rotblatt Amrany, captures Bryant's career-high and franchise-best 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 22, 2006, when he led the Lakers to a 122-104 win.

Do you need tickets for the Kobe Bryant statue unveiling? ›

Public access to the statue will be limited Feb. 8 due to the unveiling ceremony and event load out. All guests and fans entering the statue ceremony must present their specific ceremony ticket for in-person access. Game tickets do not allow access to the ceremony event.

Where can I watch the Kobe statue? ›

Kobe Bryant Statue Unveiling Ceremony (2/8/24) - Live Stream - Watch ESPN.

What was Kobe Bryant buried at? ›

The small cemetery where Kobe Bryant is buried contains the graves of some notable people — including one arguably as famous as the basketball star. Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, were buried Friday at Pacific View Memorial Park in Newport Beach.

How many Kobe statues will there be? ›

It was Vanessa Bryant that revealed the plan to have three statues. "I leave you with one of my husband's amazing quotes," Vanessa Bryant said. "'Leave the game better than you found it and when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend. ' And that he did."

Why did Kobe wear 33? ›

“In high school I started out with number 24. Then I went to number 33 later on. 33 was the number my father wore in high school, so I just switched it to carry on the lineage.”

What is the Kobe Bryant symbol? ›

Kobe has a geometric logo design that has been around since the beginning of his partnership with Nike in 2003. The abstract illustration is composed of six shapes that form an image of a sword sheath. Kobe explained in an interview that his talent is the sword and his life experiences stand as the sheath.

Did Kobe sell his ring? ›

The lawsuit reached a settlement, and Kobe's parents were allowed to sell the ring and other items. Now, the buyer has sold the ring thirteen years later.

How much did Kobe's statue cost? ›

'Definitely Worth the $1500': Fans Arrive From Far and Wide to See Kobe Bryant Statue. Fans pose for a photo in front of the new Kobe Bryant statue on Friday, February 9 in downtown Los Angeles.

What happened to Kobe statue? ›

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Several errors on the marble base of the statue of Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant outside the team's downtown arena have been corrected. The changes were made in time for the Lakers' regular-season home finale against Golden State on Tuesday night.

Where is the Kobe Bryant statue located? ›

A statue commemorating the late Lakers star was unveiled Thursday outside of the Crypto.com Arena, formerly Staples Center, in downtown Los Angeles. Thursday held special significance for the unveiling of Bryant's statue, chosen in honor of the numerology associated with the date, 2/8/24.

Is there a Kobe Bryant statue at Staples Center? ›

Kobe Bryant's statue was unveiled in February 2023 in Los Angeles near the Crypto.com Arena, formerly known as Staples Center.

Where is Kobe Cemetery? ›

The small cemetery where Kobe Bryant is buried contains the graves of some notable people — including one arguably as famous as the basketball star. Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, were buried Friday at Pacific View Memorial Park in Newport Beach.

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