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BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JULY 18: Professional basketball player Kobe Bryant speaks onstage at the “Kobe Bryant’s Muse” panel during the SHOWTIME Network portion of the 2014 Summer Television Critics Association at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 18, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
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BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JULY 18: Professional basketball player Kobe Bryant speaks onstage at the “Kobe Bryant’s Muse” panel during the SHOWTIME Network portion of the 2014 Summer Television Critics Association at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 18, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
It was just a few years ago when the Los Angeles Lakers honored Kobe Bryant by hanging his No. 8 and No. 24 in the Staples Center rafters. At that ceremony, many brilliant stars were present with some heartfelt speeches from Jeanie Buss and Magic Johnson. Any player having their jersey raised is considered a high honor. However, having a statue built outside the center is even more glorious.
At the moment, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal are the only Lakers part of that elite club. However, it looks like Kobe Bryant is about to join the gang as well.
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The only question that arises now is- which of Kobe’s signature poses will be emulated to make that statue? Looks like Kobe’s former arch-nemesis and teammate knows the answer to that.
Kobe Bryant and his statue in the making
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Lakers Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal sit on the bench with foul trouble against the Timberwolves in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals at Staples Center Monday. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
On ‘The Players Tribune’, Dorrel Wright is joined by Shaquille O’Neal to discuss plenty of topics. Thus, it is impossible for Kobe Bryant to not pop up in the conversation. Bryant and Shaq were considered the most deadly duo in the league. Although the pair have had a rocky history, they’ve always shown immense respect for one another.
Talking about Kobe’s statue that’s speculated to go up, Wright asked, “So, I wanna ask, with the statue going up at staples…Which of Kobe’s signature moves should be on his statue?”
Shaq stated, “That pull up jumper at the buzzer versus Phoenix in the first round of the 2006 playoffs.” Nobody can forget that pull up jumper Kobe made. Therefore, Shaq’s suggestion is one they can think about. Also, who wouldn’t want a statue of Kobe dunking on someone? No matter what they choose, it’ll be a statue that everyone will look forward to.
Ever since Kobe Bryant died in a tragic helicopter crash earlier this year, the entire league has been reminiscing on their moments with the legend. Not only that, but the Los Angeles Lakers paid tribute to Kobe throughout the playoffs in various ways. Like wearing the Mamba Jersey’s during crucial games, imitating his buzzer-beater shots, and finally winning another championship for the franchise.
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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 01: Kobe Bryant hosts a Kobe A.D. event at MAMA Gallery on November 1, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
The only thing left is to give him the ultimate honor, and that is his statue. The man deserves it.