Vanessa Bryant Debuts ‘Extra Special’ Statue of Kobe and Gianna Outside Crypto.com Arena
On August 2, in a deeply moving and emotional tribute, Vanessa Bryant officially unveiled a statue of her late husband Kobe Bryant and their beloved daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant outside of Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena. The statue, commissioned to honor the basketball legend and his daughter’s enduring legacy, stands as a powerful symbol of love, inspiration, and remembrance.
The bronze statue captures Kobe and Gianna in a moment that transcends sports—a father and daughter bonded not just by blood, but by a shared love for basketball. Kobe is depicted in his Lakers uniform, lovingly guiding Gigi, who is also in a basketball outfit, symbolizing her dreams of following in his footsteps. Their smiles and confident posture reflect the joy they found in the game and in each other.
Vanessa Bryant, surrounded by family, friends, NBA legends, and fans, delivered an emotional speech during the unveiling ceremony. “This statue represents not just the athlete Kobe was, but the incredible father he was to our daughters,” she said. “Gigi had so much potential and so much heart. This is a reminder of her dreams and his commitment to helping her and other girls believe they could do anything.”
The statue’s placement outside the Crypto.com Arena, formerly the Staples Center, holds significant meaning. It was here that Kobe made history with the Lakers, delivering unforgettable performances across two decades and winning five NBA championships. It was also where thousands of fans gathered after his death in 2020 to grieve and celebrate his life. Now, this new statue joins the growing legacy of Kobe’s memory in the very heart of Los Angeles.
The unveiling ceremony drew emotional reactions from fans, many of whom had followed Kobe’s entire career and had come to love the father-daughter duo seen courtside during games. The statue also includes a plaque with an inscription that highlights Kobe and Gianna’s contributions to basketball, family, and youth development.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who was present at the event, remarked, “Kobe and Gianna were more than just figures in basketball. They were symbols of perseverance, love, and hope. This statue is a beautiful way to ensure their story lives on for generations.”
The statue is the first of three planned tributes to Kobe Bryant that will be placed around the arena. According to Vanessa Bryant, future statues will honor different phases of Kobe’s iconic career, including his early years and his final game in which he scored 60 points. This particular statue, however, holds a unique place in her heart.
“This one is extra special,” Vanessa said, her voice breaking with emotion. “Because it’s not just about Kobe—it’s about Gigi too. She had so many dreams, and she deserved to be remembered alongside her dad.”
Fans and visitors can now visit the statue, located on the Star Plaza outside the arena. Already, it has become a gathering point for tributes, photos, and quiet moments of reflection. For many, the monument offers a space to reconnect with the legacy of one of the game’s greatest icons and the daughter who shared his passion.
In the words engraved at the base of the statue: “Heroes come and go, but legends are forever.”
Through this statue, Kobe and Gigi’s bond, love for basketball, and impact on the world wil
l never be forgotten.