Before their highly anticipated game against the Denver Nuggets, the Los Angeles Lakers are set to unveil the late Kobe Bryant‘s statue. The statue is placed at Star Plaza outside the Crypto Arena. Along with his widow Vanessa Bryant and their daughters, numerous other members of the 5x champion’s inner circle will be in attendance at the ceremony. However, attendance at this momentous occasion isn’t allowed for the fans.

The ‘Black Mamba’ is just the 7th sports star in Lakers history to have a statue built for him. But the entire statue and its surroundings are currently concealed beneath a tightly wrapped white cloth, keeping it hidden from the public eye. The unveiling is scheduled to take place on February 8th at 3:30pm PT. However, until then, the statue remains a guarded secret. What is public information though, is that the Lakers have partnered up with Spectrum Sports to broadcast the event live.

The private nature of the event did upset some fans. One of them shared, “Damn… Kobe for sure would have wanted fans to be able to attend this.” But for those unable to witness the event in person, the franchise has arranged for a live broadcast on Spectrum SportsNet. 

This means fans worldwide can share in the unveiling ceremony, connecting with the legacy of Kobe Bryant as the Lakers immortalize the basketball legend in bronze.

Subtle details of the statue unveiling are a nod to Kobe Bryant’s legacy

The statue will be unveiled on February 8, 2024. However, fans will be able to get a closer look at the statue beginning February 9. But this carefully chosen unveiling date actually pays homage to the iconic jersey numbers that Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna wore.

The ‘Black Mamba’ proudly flaunted jersey numbers 8 and 24 during his career, changing the number almost exactly halfway through his 20-year NBA career. Notably, the date holds a dual meaning, as it also commemorates the No. 2 jersey worn by Kobe’s daughter, Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant. This heartfelt tribute further deepens the emotional connection of the occasion.

Furthermore, the Lakers players playing the game held on the same day as the event will don the iconic Black and Gold Mamba uniform as a gesture to honor the 18x NBA All-Star. This special edition jersey was co-designed by Kobe Bryant himself.

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As fans eagerly await the revelation of the statue, what are your thoughts on this event? Let us know in the comments section below.

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