The Lakers are adding a franchise icon to their illustrious lineup of statues outside Crypto.com Arena.
Los Angeles will unveil a statue of Hall of Fame guard Kobe Bryant on Feb. 8, 2024—a nod to the guard’s Nos. 8 and 24—the franchise announced Thursday morning. Bryant’s statue will join renderings of guard Magic Johnson, announcer Chick Hearn, guard Jerry West, center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and center Shaquille O’Neal.
The Lakers made the announcement on Aug. 24 at 8:24 a.m. PT, further reflecting the two numbers Bryant wore in the NBA.
"As you know, Kobe played his entire 20-year NBA career as a Los Angeles Laker. Since arriving in the city and joining the Lakers organization, he felt at home here in the City of Angels," Bryant's widow, businesswoman Vanessa Bryant, said. "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 a statue so that his legacy can be celebrated forever. Hope to see you there."
Kobe’s legacy immortalized.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 24, 2023
2•8•24 pic.twitter.com/WHQBXZJ2gD
Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others.
With Los Angeles, Bryant won five NBA titles and was named to 15 All-NBA teams. He is the franchise's all-time leader in points and games played.
