JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX/AFP via Getty Images
Vanessa Bryant shared an incredibly heartwarming message with Kobe Bryant fans a day after the late NBA player’s 45th birthday.
On Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers and Vanessa Bryant took to Instagram to share a special video message with the team’s fans worldwide. In the clip, Bryant explained that “Kobe played his entire 20-year NBA career as a Los Angeles Laker.” Additionally, she added that the late basketball ball star “felt at home… playing in the City of Angels.”
Bryant explained that a statue would be unveiled in her husband’s memory on behalf of the Lakers and her daughters.
“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 explained.
“Hope to see you there,” Bryant told fans before ending the video with a smile. As the clip begins to fade, viewers are greeted with the statue’s unveiling date, February 8, 2024.
According to PEOPLE, the statue’s unveiling date is significant because Bryant often donned the jersey numbers 8 and 24. Additionally, his late daughter Gigi often donned jersey number 2.
Additionally, an NBA press release adds that Byrant participated “in the initial planning of the anticipated statue.” Furthermore, the structure will reportedly be unveiled ahead of the Laker’s home game at the Crypto.com arena on the evening of February 8, 2024.
The press release also adds the statue unveiling is the “first in a series of physical tributes to honor” Bryant’s legacy. With this honor, the late basketball legend will join the ranks of figures such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Jerry West, and more.
The release adds that Julie Rotblatt Amrany of the Fine Art Studio of Rotblatt Amrany will create the statue.
Jeanie Buss, the Los Angeles Lakers Governor, shared a statement regarding the honor.
“Kobe Bryant was one of the most extraordinary athletes of all time, and one of the most iconic individuals in the history of Los Angeles. There is no better place for Kobe to be honored with a statue than here, at the center of our city, where everyone can celebrate him and be inspired by his incredible achievements.”
According to TMZ, it has been speculated that the ceremony will also honor Bryant’s late daughter, Gigi, in some capacity. As The Shade Room previously reported, Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter passed away in a helicopter crash in January 2020. According to PEOPLE, the crash also claimed the lives of seven others.
The NBA adds that more details will be released on the event in the upcoming months. Please check back in with The Shade Room for more updates.
