On Thursday, February 8, 2024, the Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a statue of the late Kobe Bryant outside of Crypto.com Arena, formerly Staples Center, providing a heartfelt and enduring tribute to the Lakers superstar. At the Star Plaza, where other Lakers greats are also honored, the unveiling took place.

Date of Symbolism: 2/8/24

The day of the statue’s unveiling, which was selected on 2/8/24, was very significant. This sequential configuration honored the two jersey numbers that Kobe Bryant wore during his remarkable career: 8 and 24. Notably, the number 2 was a tender homage to Gianna Bryant’s jersey number, honoring the deaths of Gianna and Kobe, along with seven other people, in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020.

An inheritance among legends

Kobe Bryant currently shares the Star Plaza with sculptures of former Lakers players Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Jerry West, and commentator Chick Hearn. These heroes’ common relationship serves as a representation of the Lakers franchise’s rich heritage and ongoing influence.

Restricted Public Access

On the day of the unveiling, public access to the Kobe Bryant statue was limited in order to guarantee a special and private occasion for fans. Fans can pay their respects at the Star Plaza when it reopens on Friday, February 9 at 10 a.m. But until Saturday, Chick Hearn Court will be off-limits to all cars.

Lakers Will Wear “Black Mamba” Uniforms in Honor of

The Lakers intended to pay respect to Kobe Bryant by donning their recognizable “Black Mamba” uniforms during their game versus the Nuggets, as an appropriate homage. The team’s City Edition uniforms from the 2017–18 season were these black alternate jerseys with the words ‘LA 24’ printed on the waist and a snakeskin print.

With drop shadows evoking those years on the jersey numerals, the design honors Bryant’s debut campaign in 1996–1997. The ‘Black Mamba’ outfits are sentimental because they were used to help the Lakers win their 17th league championship in the 2020 NBA Playoffs.

A Crucial Role for Vanessa Bryant and the Lakers Organization in Statue Design

The Los Angeles Lakers organization and Kobe Bryant’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, had a very personal hand in the statue’s design, which highlights the statue’s emotional resonance. The talented Illinois-based team of Omri Amrany and Julie Roblatt-Amrany, who also created all of the Lakers monuments outside the Crypto.com Arena, created the sculpture.

Bryant’s Legendary Career and Induction Into the Hall of Fame

After 20 amazing seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, during which he won five NBA Championships, was selected for eight NBA All-Star teams, and won two Olympic gold medals, Kobe Bryant’s career came to an end on May 15, 2021, when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. His legacy will always be etched in Lakers history, as he is the only player to have had two jersey numbers retired and hang in the Crypto.com Arena rafters.