The Los Angeles Lakers have unveiled a statue in tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
5-time NBA champion Bryant died aged 41 in a helicopter crash, alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and 7 others, in 2020.
His bronze statue, standing at 19ft and weighing 4,000lb, is located exterior the Lakers’ house, the Crypto.com Enviornment.
It reveals Bryant, who performed for the Lakers his complete profession, in his well-known quantity eight jersey.
“This statue could seem like Kobe, however actually, it is what excellence seems like,” mentioned Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was joined on the unveiling by fellow Lakers legends Magic Johnson, Jerry West and Derek Fisher.
Former head coach Phil Jackson and Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, had been additionally in attendance.
“As I see at this time’s present technology of star gamers observe in Kobe’s footsteps with big scoring video games, I do know he would take pleasure in realizing that he’s nonetheless pouring inspiration into the sport that was so particular to him,” Vanessa Bryant mentioned.
“I depart you with one among my husband’s superb quotes,” she added. “‘Depart the sport higher than you discovered it and when it comes time so that you can depart, depart a legend.’ And that he did.”
The statue is the primary of three that can honour Bryant, with one other set to characteristic him in his quantity 24 jersey, whereas the third will depict Bryant and Gianna.