In a ceremony at the Star Plaza outside the Cryto.com Arena on Thursday afternoon, a towering bronze statue paying homage to the late Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant, was unveiled.
The 19-foot sculpture, crafted by renowned artist Julie Rotblatt Amrany, now stands as a permanent fixture, commemorating the indelible legacy of the Black Mamba.
Weighing an impressive 4,000 pounds, the statue captures a defining moment from Kobe’s illustrious career – a pose chosen by the basketball icon himself, symbolizing his historic 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006, a feat etched in NBA history as the second-highest point total in a single game.
The base of the statue tells a story of its own, adorned with the box score from that remarkable game and featuring a poignant Kobe quote: “Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend.”
Below the engraved moniker “Kobe Bean Bryant” is his legendary nickname, “Black Mamba,” and a striking display of five NBA championship trophies, underscoring his unparalleled contributions to the Lakers’ success.
The Lakers organization expressed that the statue will serve as a lasting tribute, allowing fans from around the globe to honor and reminisce about Kobe’s extraordinary basketball journey.
The unveiling, conducted prior to the Lakers’ game against the Denver Nuggets at 3:30 p.m., was a heartwarming moment attended by Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow. She announced that the statue is part of a trilogy, aptly named “The House that Kobe Built.”
The statue incorporates modern technology with a QR code that, when scanned with a smartphone, directs viewers to a short film directed by Antoine Fuqua and narrated by Denzel Washington. The film provides an intimate look into Kobe’s career, with a focus on the iconic 81-point game.
During the evening game, Lakers players paid tribute by donning the Kobe-inspired “Black Mamba” jerseys, unveiled during the 2017-18 season, further solidifying the enduring impact of Kobe’s legacy on the team.
The unveiling comes almost two years after Kobe’s tragic death in a helicopter crash in Calabasas on January 26, 2020, which also claimed the life of his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others.
Plans for the statue were revealed last year on “Mamba Day,” an annual celebration on August 24, paying homage to the two uniform numbers Kobe wore throughout his storied career – 8 and 24.
Vanessa Bryant expressed her gratitude to the fans, acknowledging the absence of Kobe and Gianna at what should have been a joyous occasion. “I want to thank you all for being here and showing your love and support for Kobe and our family. I’m thankful for all of the fans, including those watching and supporting from home,” she said during the ceremony.