Photo:KTLA
KTLA
Vanessa Bryantbecame emotional at the unveiling of the statue honoring her late husbandKobe Bryant.
A bronze statue honoring the NBA player, whodied in 2020 at the age of 41, was revealed on Thursday during a ceremony ahead of the Lakers' game against the Denver Nuggets.
Kobedied alongside their daughter Gianna Bryant, 13, and nine other people in a Calabasas, California helicopter crash in January 2020.
His statue now stands in Star Plaza outside of the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif. where the Lakers play their home games. His likeness stands alongside six other former Lakers: Elgin Baylor,Shaquille O’Neal,Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,Magic Johnson,Jerry Westand Chick Hearn.
After being welcomed with a standing ovation, Vanessa shared how this unveiling celebrated her late husband and the fans who supported him throughout his career.
“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,” began Vanessa. “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.”
“And to the fans here in LA, this is a special city Kobe was so proud to represent. You welcomed him with open arms and have been so important to him, our family and his legacy.”
Vanessa Bryant.KTLA
She explained that there will be three statues in front of Crypto.com Arena — “also known as the house that Kobe built.” One statue will include him “wearing the number eight, one with [their] beautiful daughter Gianna, and one wearing the number 24.”
“And for the record, Kobe picked the pose you’re about to see. So if anyone has any issues with it, tough s—. It is what it is,” she added.
“As I see today’s current generation of star players following Kobe’s footsteps with huge scoring games. I know he would take pride in knowing that he is still pouring inspiration into the game that was so special to him,” continued Vanessa.
A curtain then dropped to reveal the gleaming statue as confetti rained from the ceiling and applause filled the room.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The statue was unveiled on Thursday in honor of Kobe’s two numbers during his 20-year career with the Lakers — 8 and 24. The date also honors Gianna, who played in the number 2 jersey during her basketball career.
Kobe Bryant Statue.ktla
ktla
“Since arriving in this city and joining the Lakers organization, he felt at home here, playing in the City of Angels. On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters and me, I am 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," Vanessa said in her originalstatement announcing the statue, which was released at 8:24 p.m. on August 24, 2023, to honor her late husband and daughter.
source: people.com
