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Quick Bytes
- A statue of Gianna and Kobe Bryant was unveiled at Crypto.com Arena.
- The public can view the statue starting Saturday at 9 a.m. PT.
- Vanessa Bryant delivered a heartfelt speech and statement at the unveiling.
- The statue represents a movement towards equality in sports.
Remembering Legends: The New Gianna and Kobe Bryant Statue
The Los Angeles Lakers honored the memory of Gianna and Kobe Bryant with a new statue outside Crypto.com Arena, revealed in a private ceremony.
The statue captures a tender moment between the father and daughter, reflecting their shared love for basketball and Kobe’s support for Gianna’s dreams and women’s sports. Lakers broadcaster Stu Lantz and Kobe’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, spoke at the event, with Vanessa’s speech lasting about eight minutes. She emphasized the importance of supporting young girls in sports and the pursuit of equality, a cause close to Kobe and Gianna’s hearts.
This is the second of three planned statues, with the first unveiled last February showing Kobe after his iconic 81-point game. The third statue, expected in the 2024-25 season, will feature Kobe in his No. 24 jersey. Vanessa’s statement highlighted the significance of the statue, urging people to support and believe in young female athletes, just as Kobe was the “ultimate Girl Dad” to Gianna, the “ultimate Daddy’s girl.”
