Saturday, 17 February 2024
Friday, 9 February 2024
LAKERS UNVEILS FIRST OF THREE KOBE BRYANT STATUES
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| USA TODAY Sports |
Kobe Bryant was known for exceeding expectations, so it should have come as no surprise that on the day the late star's statue was unveiled outside of the Los Angeles Lakers' home arena, it was revealed that three statues will ultimately don the downtown L.A. property.
In a private ceremony outside of Crypto.com Arena on Thursday, the biggest names in Lakers history were in attendance -- from Jerry West to Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and former head coach Phil Jackson. Pau Gasol was there, as was Norm Nixon, Michael Cooper and Robert Horry.
Abdul-Jabbar and Jackson spoke at the ceremony, along with Lakers controlling owner Jeanie Buss, former Laker Derek Fisher and Bryant's widow Vanessa.
"As I see today's current generation of star players follow in Kobe's footsteps with huge scoring games, I know he would take pride in knowing that he is still pouring inspiration into the game that was so special to him," Vanessa Bryant said.
It was Vanessa Bryant that revealed the plan to have three statues.
"I leave you with one of my husband's amazing quotes," Vanessa Bryant said. "‘Leave the game better than you found it and when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend.' And that he did."