The Kobe and Gianna Bryant Memorial Statue is a work of public art designed by American visual artist Karon Davis and created by the Fine Art Studio of Rotblatt-Amrany. The bronze sculpture of the American basketball player Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant was commissioned by Vanessa Bryant, the wife of Kobe and mother of Gianna. It stands on a base located near Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles. The statue was unveiled in 2024.[1][2][3]
| Statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant | |
|---|---|
 The statue in 2024 | |
 | |
| Medium | Bronze sculpture |
| Subject | Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant |
| Location | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| 34°02′37.5″N 118°16′03.9″W / 34.043750°N 118.267750°W | |
History
editOn August 2, 2024, the Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a statue of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna Bryant, outside Crypto.com Arena.[4][5] The statue, which was revealed during a private ceremony, depicts Kobe embracing Gianna while they sit on a bench, wrapped in angel wings. The statue contains a plaque with a quote from Kobe Bryant, stating,
Gianna is a beast. She's better than I was at her age. She's got it. Girls are amazing. I would have five more girls if I could. I'm a girl dad.
— Kobe Bryant
The memorial is located near the Los Angeles Kings Monument.
On January 26, 2020, Bryant and his daughter Gianna were tragically killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. The crash claimed the lives of all nine people on board, including Kobe and Gianna.[6] The statue serves as a poignant reminder of their legacy and the bond they shared.
The date of the unveiling, 8/2/24, holds numerological significance as it represents Kobe's two NBA numbers (8 and 24) and Gigi's number 2, which she wore on the basketball court.[7] The statue captures a moment of affection between Kobe and Gigi, inspired by their interactions while sitting courtside at various NBA games in 2019.[8]
Future Plans
editThe statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant is the second of three planned memorials outside the Crypto.com Arena, being unveiled 5 months and 24 days after the Statue of Kobe Bryant. The third statue, which will depict Kobe in his No. 24 jersey, is expected to be unveiled during the upcoming NBA season.[9] These statues serve as a lasting tribute to Kobe Bryant's illustrious career and his enduring impact on the sport of basketball.[10]
See also
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References
edit- ^ "Lakers Honor Kobe and Gianna Bryant With Rotblatt Amrany Sculpture | Studio Rotblatt Amrany". rotblattamrany.com. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ Golliver, Ben (2024-08-03). "Lakers unveil statue honoring Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ Bernabe, Angeline Jane. "New Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant statue celebrates the basketball legend's love for his daughters". ABC News. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ "MSN". www.msn.com. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ "MSN". www.msn.com. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ "LA County Coroner releases autopsy reports for Calabasas helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant and 8 others". KTVU FOX 2. 2020-05-15. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ "Lakers unveil statue of Kobe Bryant with daughter Gigi outside Crypto.com Arena". NBA.com. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ Stiles, Matt; Kannan, Swetha; Miller, Casey; Roberson, Andrea (2020-01-28). "The final moments of Kobe Bryant's fatal flight, turn by turn". www.latimes.com. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ "Lakers unveil statue of Kobe and Gigi Bryant". FOX Sports. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ "Lakers unveil 2nd Kobe Bryant statue, honoring his bond with daughter Gianna". Orange County Register. 2024-08-03. Retrieved 2024-08-04.