Nearly four years after his untimely passing, the day has come when the Mamba’s immortality will have a physical manifestation in the form of his Statue in the Crypto.com arena. This moment is truly historical based on Kobe Bryant’s impact on the NBA and Laker culture. After being drafted out of Lower Marion High School he kept the franchise relevant in the modern era. And now Lakers are paying him back.

Last year, the Los Angeles Lakers revealed their intention to honor their legend Kobe Bryant with a statue, marking the seventh such tribute in franchise history. On the cusp of his momentous occasion, Stephen A. Smith gives a heartfelt tribute to the legend. “We honor and revere Kobe Bryant because of the great player he was, the great ambassador he was, the great champion he was, the girl dad that he was and so many other things. But his level of brilliance and the wisdom he had Shanon(Sharpe), and what he brought to not just the game off basketball, but to the world,” said Smith.

Even WNBA legend Candice Parker noted the legacy of Kobe saying, “And, you know I think, we in the WNBA feel like Kobe was the person that uplifted our league. And, I think just in terms of him having his daughters and really teaching the game.”

Fellow legends and players alike acknowledge and celebrate the legacy of Bryant.

The statue of brilliance

The statue stands as both a tribute to the legendary Kobe Bryant and a recognition of his extraordinary contributions and unforgettable career with the Los Angeles Lakers, thus celebrating his life and enduring legacy.

Furthermore, his exceptional talent, relentless work ethic, and deep passion for the game have served as sources of inspiration for countless athletes and fans worldwide. The statue serves as a tangible symbol of this inspiration for future generations.

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While Kobe remains eternally cherished in our hearts as a timeless icon, the statue offers a physical space for fans to connect with his memory. It provides a place where they can always gather to pay their respects, reflect on his legacy, and experience a sense of closeness to him.

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