Kobe Bryant Statue

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Lore & Background

The statue was unveiled on February 8, 2024. It depicts Bryant's right index finger skyward pose after his 81-point game on January 22, 2006, against the Toronto Raptors, with his name and the scorer's report from that game etched into the statue. The back of the statue includes a quote from Bryant: 'Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend.' The statue received mixed reactions from fans shortly after its unveiling. Around one month later, fans spotted multiple spelling errors, including 'Jose Calderson' for José Calderón, 'Vom Wafer' for Von Wafer, and 'decicion' for 'decision' in 'Coach's decision.' Bryant's facsimile signature read 'Kobe 24' despite him wearing his white No. 8 uniform. Some fans criticized the statue's face and size. The Lakers announced plans to correct the errors on March 11, 2024, and completed corrections on April 9, 2024. The second statue, honoring Kobe and Gianna Bryant, was unveiled on August 2, 2024.

In Their Own Story

Shortly after the unveiling, reactions were mixed. Some fans felt the face resembled Andre Ingram more than Kobe and criticized the lack of detail or the small size, calling it disrespectful. Others noted formatting errors on the base listing his accomplishments. Despite these early critiques, the statue remains a focal point where Bryant's legacy is physically present. The sculpture stands as the first in a trio of memorials; the second, depicting Kobe and Gianna Bryant, was unveiled on August 2, 2024, honoring their passing in the January 2020 helicopter crash. A third statue, showing Bryant in his No. 24 jersey, is still planned for the future.

Reader's Guide

The statue is located in front of Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles. It is the first of three planned memorials. The second statue, honoring Kobe and Gianna Bryant, was unveiled on August 2, 2024. Future installations will include one additional statue depicting Bryant in his No. 24 jersey.

Did You Know?

• The statue is 19 feet tall and made of bronze.
• It was commissioned by Bryant's widow, Vanessa Bryant.
• The statue depicts Bryant's pose after his 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006.
• Spelling errors on the statue were corrected on April 9, 2024.