When Did Kobe Bryant Use the Quotes Carved on His and Gigi’s Statue Plaque?

The Los Angeles Lakers have attempted to immortalize Kobe Bryant as THE Girl Dad with his second statue unveiling. The Black Mamba‘s statue, unveiled this Friday, holds a special significance, as it includes Gigi as well. Not only is it a celebration of the former Lakers star as a Girl Dad, but also the bond that the father-daughter duo shared. A plaque placed ahead of the statue states ‘Gianna Bryant, Inspirational Icon for Girls in Sports‘, and ‘Kobe Bryant, Proud Supporter of Women in Sports‘.

Apart from this, the plaque also features a quote from Kobe Bryant, while underlining him as the Most Valuable Girl Dad. “Gianna is a beast. She’s better than I was at her age. She’s got it. Girls are amazing. I would have five more girls if I could. I’m a girl dad,” reads the quote. However, there is an interesting story behind this quote that we’ll have a look at.

The quote on the plaque comes from Kobe Bryant’s interaction with an ESPN anchor

These comments that have become popular by Kobe’s name were actually first given by ESPN’s Elle Duncan in parts while recalling her first and only interaction with the Black Mamba. As stated by her, the interaction was at an ESPN event in New York. She was reportedly 8 months pregnant back then, reaching out to the 5x NBA champ for a picture. But before Duncan could ask anything, she recalled Bryant asking her, “‘How are you? How close are you? What are you having?’ ‘A girl,’ I said. And he then high-fived me. ‘Girls are the best.'”

As for the advice on parenting the girls, the Lakers icon told her to be just grateful that she has been given that gift because girls are amazing. It is worth mentioning that this was the time Kobe Bryant was a father to three girls, as Capri had not yet entered this world. Duncan recalled on ESPN, asking the 18x All-Star if he was planning for another child. As revealed by the Black Mamba to the anchor, Vanessa wanted to try for a boy back then. However, she was concerned that what if it was another girl?

Even Duncan was surprised at the possibility of another girl and asked how Kobe would feel about it. “Without hesitation, he said, ‘I would have five more girls if I could. I’m a girl dad.'” The 5x NBA champ further went on to praise his daughter’s athletic skills while speaking to Elle. As stated by the 41-year-old anchor, Bryant said his oldest daughter, Natalia, was an accomplished volleyball player while the youngest one back then, Bianka, was a toddler. “‘But that middle one,’ he said. ‘That middle one was a monster. She’s a beast, she’s better than I was at her age. She’s got it,”’ the Lakers icon told Duncan.

That middle one was, of course, Gianna Bryant. Further, in her appearance on ESPN, the 41-year-old anchor stated her only comfort is in the fact the 5x NBA champion died doing what he loved the most — being a girl dad. And now this legacy has been symbolized by the statue in front of the Crypto Arena.

“Merged two iconic courtside moments of Kobe and Gigi“: The inspiration behind the statue, revealed by Vanessa

As mentioned above, the statue has been placed outside the Crypto.com Arena, fka Staples Center, and also popularly known as The House That Kobe Built. As far as the inspiration behind the statue is concerned, Vanessa said in a private ceremony, “We merged two iconic courtside moments of Kobe and Gigi”. She further mentioned one moment when Gigi had a smile on her face, while Kobe kissed the top of her head.

As for the beanie in the statue, the 42-year-old revealed the Philadelphia Eagles beanie was gifted to the 5x NBA champ by Gigi herself. Apart from this, the 18x All-Star can be seen donning an orange WNBA hoodie. Vanessa further highlighted that Kobe was the first one to wear that orange hoodie to a big game.

She emphasized this as her husband’s attempt to show his support for Gigi’s dreams and for women across all sports. “Kobe was the ultimate girl dad and Gigi was the ultimate daddy’s girl,” she added. Vanessa believes this statue will continue to serve as a reminder to help young girls achieve greatness in sports.

It is worth mentioning the Black Mamba‘s third statue will reportedly be installed during next season. Meanwhile, one statue had already been unveiled in February this year. However, the dates of the statues released so far (08/02/24 and 02/08/24) reflect an interesting pattern. The dates reflect both the jersey numbers of Kobe (8 and 24) and also reflect Gigi’s jersey no. 2. The statue will reportedly be available for public viewing from Saturday onwards. Highlighting Kobe Bryant as the Girl Dad he always was.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.