In a heartwarming turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise valued at an impressive $6,440,000,000, is about to pay another grand tribute to the legendary Kobe Bryant. It’s been four years since the untimely passing of the basketball icon, but his impact continues to reverberate, thanks to the undying love of his fans and the enduring legacy he left behind.
Recently, Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s wife, shared an emotional message on social media, shedding light on a significant development that promises to honor Kobe’s legacy in a monumental way.
A monument of legacy in the City of Angels
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Vanessa Bryant’s heartfelt message resonated deeply with fans and the basketball community alike. She opened up about Kobe’s unbreakable bond with the Los Angeles Lakers, highlighting his two-decade-long journey as a Lakers. Throughout his illustrious 20-year NBA career, Kobe remained a stalwart member of the team, and the city of Los Angeles became his home on and off the court. “Since arriving in the city and joining the Lakers organization, he felt at home here, playing in the city of Angels,” Vanessa said. His undeniable connection with the Lakers’ organization and the city itself was palpable to everyone who watched him play.
Vanessa’s announcement carried a profound promise—right in the heart of Los Angeles, a statue will be unveiled. This statue, a physical embodiment of his legacy, will serve as a permanent tribute to his remarkable contributions to the game of basketball and his profound impact on the city that embraced him. “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,” she added.
Kobe’s legacy immortalized.
2•8•24 pic.twitter.com/WHQBXZJ2gD
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 24, 2023
The anticipation around this unveiling is already building, as fans and admirers eagerly look forward to gathering at the site to honor Kobe’s memory. Vanessa’s message echoed her gratitude for the support and love Kobe received throughout his career, indicating that the statue unveiling will be a momentous occasion that allows everyone to celebrate his enduring legacy together.
Earlier honors for the late Kobe Bryant
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In 2017, the Los Angeles Lakers paid a monumental tribute to Kobe Bryant by retiring his jersey numbers, 8 and 24. This action immortalized his impact on the game and solidified his place in basketball history. The significance of these numbers went beyond the court, representing a journey of growth and evolution that Kobe underwent during his career.
Wearing the number 8, Kobe led the Lakers to three championships, showcasing his explosive scoring ability and undeniable determination. Transitioning to the number 24, he continued to etch his name in the annals of basketball history, adding two more championships to his illustrious career. So, it was only fitting for the Purple and Golds to retire both his jerseys. Six years later, the Lakers’ commitment to build a statue further solidifies what the Black Mamba meant to the organization.
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Well, the Lakers will unveil the statue on February 8, 2024. What do you think of this gesture by the only team he represented? Let us know in the comments below!