Lakers Unveiled Kobe Bryant Statue That Immortalized One of His Most Iconic Moments

The Lakers announced plans for three Kobe Bryant statues, the first of which was unveiled Thursday.

The Los Angeles Lakers unveiled the statue of Kobe Bryant on Thursday afternoon in what was an emotional ceremony at Crypto.com Arena. 

Following speeches from the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Derek Fisher, Phil Jackson, Jeanie Buss and Vanessa Bryant, purple and gold confetti rained down from the ceiling as the curtains were removed from in front of the brand new Bryant statue.

The statue unveiled on Thursday captured the moment of Kobe pointing to the sky after he scored a career-high 81 points against the Toronto Raptors back in 2006—one of the most memorable moments of his NBA career, and a feat no player has eclipsed since. 

For Kobe. For the die-hard Laker fans. For our family.

Mamba forever. pic.twitter.com/uExf0oEWgY

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 9, 2024

“Kobe picked the pose you’re about to see. So if anyone has any issues with it, tough sh–,” said Vanessa just before the statue was unveiled.

During her speech, Vanessa announced that there were plans for three Bryant statues to be created, one of him wearing the No. 8 jersey, which was unveiled Thursday, one in which he is wearing his iconic No. 24 jersey and one featuring him together with his late daughter Gianna. 

pic.twitter.com/Pq85Rf7CEM

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 9, 2024

Dates for when the remaining two statues would be unveiled were not yet announced. 

The statue also features five Larry O’Brien Trophies, one for every championship Kobe won in his 20-year career, and a QR code which will direct those who scan it to highlights from Bryant’s career. The statue sits on a triangular base, a nod to the famous triangle offense the Lakers ran with Bryant under coach Phil Jackson.