The Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a second statue of Kobe Bryant, the latest one also memorializing his daughter Gianna.
The statue, unveiled Friday outside Crypto.com Arena, depicts Kobe in a beanie and sweatshirt with his arm around a smiling Gianna, with the sculpture appearing to be modeled after a photo of them sitting courtside together at a Lakers game in 2019. They are surrounded by angel wings.
A plaque under the statue contains a quote from Kobe, who’s labeled as “Most Valuable Girl Dad.”
“Gianna is a beast,” Kobe’s quote says. “She’s better than I was at her age. She’s got it. Girls are amazing. I would have five more girls if I could. I’m a girl dad.”
8.2.24 – Kobe and Gigi forever immortalized 🦋 pic.twitter.com/WxPDMfEaRq
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 2, 2024
The date of Friday’s unveiling was also significant as it fell on Aug. 2, 2024 (8/2/24). Kobe’s jersey numbers during his illustrious 20-year NBA career with the Lakers were Nos. 8 and 24, while Gianna wore No. 2 on her basketball team.
Kobe, Gianna and seven others died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif., on Jan. 26, 2020, while traveling to a basketball tournament for Gianna. Two of her teammates, three other parents, an assistant coach and the pilot were all on board.
The Bryant family. Forever a beacon of love, strength and hope 💜 pic.twitter.com/GU71bNzUK9
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 2, 2024
Kobe’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, previously said there would be three Kobe statues outside Crypto.com Arena: one of him wearing No. 8, one wearing No. 24 and one with Gianna. The Lakers unveiled a statue of Kobe wearing a No. 8 jersey on Feb. 8.
The team has also honored other legends with a statue in Star Plaza such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, announcer Chick Hearn, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Jerry West.
Required reading
(Photo: Harry How / Getty Images)