After Dismissing NBA Tribute to Kobe Bryant, Ex-Laker Vows to Attend Monumental ‘Mamba Day’

The date is out. NBA fans everywhere are awaiting the moment Kobe Bryant’s statue at the Crypto.com Arena where he made some of his most epic shots will be unveiled. Everyone wants to be there on February 8, 2024. But it’s not going to be easy. This major event has made the Lakers’ ticket prices skyrocket. Even NBA players are going to struggle to find a way in on this day. His former teammates wouldn’t think of missing it. And one retired Laker will exhaust every means to get inside.

Robert Horry shared three out of his seven championship glories with Kobe Bryant. He wants to be there by any means necessary. Surprisingly, he wasn’t this enthusiastic for another tribute to Bryant before.

Robert Horry marks his spot on Kobe Night

Vanessa Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers announced that Kobe Bryant will be immortalized at the Crypto.com Arena in bronze on February 8, 2024. The dates are significant of Bryant and his daughter, Gianna’s jersey numbers, 8, 24, and 2. It’s also the day of the Western Conference Finals rematch. The Lakers will play against Denver Nuggets after the statue is unveiled.

Tickets for the Lakers vs Nuggets game are highly priced for that date. But the teams are the side-show. Everyone wants to witness the historic moment Kobe Bryant is iconized. This event alone is making game tickets very dear. Some are willing pay the prices, while others are looking for alternatives.

One of them is Robert Horry. He played for the Lakers alongside ‘The Bean’ from 1997 to 2003. Together, they won their first three-peat from 2000 to 2002. And maybe even that won’t guarantee Horry special access.

Fortunately, ‘Big Shot Rob’ has an alternate. He’s part of the NBA media community now and host of a podcast. On the same podcast, he declared he’s going to be at the statue unveiling. “Imma get there on my press pass.” We’re officially jealous.

His co-hosts demanded he use his “Horry magic” to get them tickets too. Horry laughed it off with an “okay,” but they insisted they’re being real. His co-hosts even joked they’ll act as Horry’s interns on “Kobe night” to tag along with him.

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Previously, on Big Shot Rob, though, Horry had an interesting take on NBA honors being named after players.

Robert Horry was lukewarm about the Kobe Bryant Trophy

He is of the opinion that winning a title multiple times shouldn’t be the qualifier for having the trophy named after the player. He wondered in regard to the discussion about renaming the Sixth Man of the Year honor after Lou Williams.

The All-Star trophy was named after ‘Black Mamba’ following his passing in January 2020. “People don’t acknowledge you until something tragic happens to you… which sucks,” the podcast’s hosts said. Nonetheless, they don’t believe tragedy or the number of wins should decide renaming a trophy.

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He is however all for giving Bryant the best tribute ever. While the statue’s design is still up in the air, Horry recommended a bold two-faced design to honor both his #8 and #24 eras. What did you think about his suggestion? Tell us in the comments!