Drafting 08/24/2023 NBA
Los Angeles Lakers have announced that they will inaugurate the statue of Kobe Bryant next February 8, a date full of symbolism [2/8/24 en Estados Unidos]to honor his eternal legend.
Kobe, who would have turned 45 this Wednesday, August 23, will receive an honor that only six Lakers personalities had achieved before him. The statue of the Black Mamba will shine for posterity, like his legacy, in the Star Plaza, in front of the Crypto.com Arena where the legend was forged.
This has been the full statement issued by the Los Angeles Lakers:
On February 8, 2024, fans will be able to forever pay tribute to beloved Lakers Legend and five-time champion, Kobe Bryant. Los Angeles Lakers y Vanessa Bryant today announced that they will unveil a bronze statue of Kobe Bryant in Star Plaza outside of Crypto.com Arena on February 8, 2024, ahead of the Lakers’ home game that night.
«As you know, Kobe played his entire 20-year NBA career as a Laker.Vanessa Bryant said in a video to fans, posted at 8:24 this morning. «Ever since he came to this city and joined the Lakers organization, he has felt at home here, playing in the city of Los Angeles. On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters, and myself, I am honored that, right in downtown Los Angeles, in front of the place known as the house that Kobe built, we will be unveiling his statue so that his legacy can be celebrated forever”.
???????? Vanessa Bryant announces that the LAKERS will inaugurate the KOBE statue on February 8, 2024.pic.twitter.com/6QpTnpfnkM
– Giants of Basket (@GIGANTESbasket) August 24, 2023
Following his retirement, Kobe Bryant was involved in the initial planning for the highly anticipated statue to be erected at Star Plaza. It is the first in a series of physical tributes to honor his legacy. Bryant will be the seventh Laker honored with a statue, joining Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Earvin «Magic» Johnson, Jerry West y Chick Hearn. The statue has been created by renowned sculptor Julie Rotblatt Amrany of the Fine Art Studio of Rotblatt Amrany.
«Kobe Bryant was one of the most extraordinary athletes of all time and one of the most iconic people in the history of Los Angeles“, declared Jeanie Buss, Owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. «There is no better place to honor Kobe with a statue than here in the center of our city, where everyone can celebrate and be inspired by his incredible achievements.«.
The ceremony on February 8 will be held outside the pavilion and details will be released in the coming months.
«The spirit of Kobe transcends and is always and forever in our hearts, inspiring us every day.”said Rob Pelinka, Vice President of Operations and General Manager of the Los Angeles Lakers. «And now, with the unveiling of this powerful and beautiful statue, it will also have a physical presence. A place on the hallowed ground that Kobe created, where we can all come together and pay homage to a great and powerful man.«.
Bryant, an 18-time NBA All-Star, retired as the first player in NBA history to play at least 20 seasons with a single franchise. Known for his “Mamba mentality,” he helped the Lakers win five NBA championships (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010) and was MVP of the 2009 and 2010 Finals. Voted NBA MVP in 2008, Bryant He was 15 times All-NBA, 11 of them as a member of the First Quintet, and 12 times All-Defensive, nine of them as a member of the First Quintet.
The Hall of Fame member and two-time Olympic gold medalist is the all-time purple and gold leader in regular-season games played (1,346), points (33,643), 3-pointers (1,827), steals (1,944) and free throws ( 8,378), and holds the franchise playoff records for games played (220), points (5,640), 3-pointers (292) and free throws (1,320). A two-time leading scorer, Bryant had 81 points on January 22, 2006, at home against Toronto. The Lakers retired Bryant’s number 8 and 24 jerseys on December 18, 2017.
Foto: Getty & Lakers
Keep scrolling down to see more content
2023-08-24 17:19:12
#Lakers #inaugurate #Kobe #Bryant #statue #special #date
