The world may have lost Kobe Bryant, but the NBA legend’s legacy will live on for all time.
It’s hard to believe it’s been four years now since the sudden death of arguably one of the greatest basketball players to have ever lived. Bryant’s immense talent and influence in the world of sport transcended the game that made him famous, making him a household name across the world.
Now, a new statue of Kobe has been unveiled at the Crypto.com Arena in LA, reflecting one of the most iconic moments of his scintillating career.
As per reports, the bronze statue in question – sculpted by Julie Rotblatt Amrany – is 19 feet high and weighs a whopping 4,000 pounds.
It was Kobe himself who chose the pose for the statue, years before his death, settling on a moment from his famous 81-point game versus the Toronto Raptors in 2006.
“Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend,” reads the quote etched into the statue’s base.
The Lakers legend’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, told how her late husband had a huge hand in developing the statue prior to his death in 2020.
“For the record. Kobe picked the pose you’re about to see,” she explained to the the crowd at the unveiling ceremony. “So if anyone has any issues with it, tough (expletive). It is what it is.”
Not only that, but Vanessa then announced another surprise.
She went on: “Because fans all over the world and the City of Angels loved Kobe so much, he will have three statues in front of the arena – also known as the house that Kobe built. One wearing the number eight, one with our beautiful daughter Gianna, and one wearing the number 24.”
Reportedly, the statue of Kobe includes a number of special details, such as the names of his daughters tattooed on his arm, though some of them weren’t yet born at the time of the 81-point game.
“It goes without saying that today’s an especially sad day for us, since Kobe and Gigi aren’t here for what is supposed to be an incredibly joyous moment in Kobe’s legacy,” Vanessa said at the ceremony.
“I want to thank you all for being here and showing your love and support for Kobe and our family. I’m thankful for all of the fans, including those watching and supporting from home.”
Rest in peace, Kobe Bryant, and thanks for the memories.
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