In a long-anticipated ceremony, the Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a statue of the late Kobe Bryant outside the Crypto.com Arena, honoring one of the most iconic players in NBA history. The statue, depicting Bryant in his No. 8 jersey after his 81-point game in 2006, was intended to celebrate his legacy. However, the design has sparked a wave of mixed reactions from fans across the basketball world.
The bronze statue stands 19 feet tall and shows Bryant pointing upward, commemorating the historic night when he scored the second-highest point total in a single NBA game. Alongside the statue are etched names of his teammates from that game and a quote from Kobe himself: “Leave the game better than you found it.” Despite the symbolic elements, the sculpture has not resonated with all fans.
Many supporters praised the gesture and called the statue a fitting tribute to Kobe’s drive, passion, and legendary performance. They believe the 81-point game was the ultimate representation of his competitive spirit and killer instinct. Lakers officials and members of the Bryant family emphasized that the statue was created in consultation with Vanessa Bryant and reflects a meaningful moment in Kobe’s career.
But criticism quickly followed. Detractors argue that the statue fails to capture the full essence of Kobe Bryant, a player who wore two jersey numbers, won five championships, and had a storied 20-year career. “He was more than one game,” one fan tweeted. “This should’ve captured the Mamba Mentality, not just a single night.”
Others pointed to the statue’s physical likeness, saying it doesn’t fully resemble the Kobe fans knew and admired. Social media lit up with side-by-side comparisons between the statue and real photos of Bryant, with some users calling the facial details “off” and “lifeless.” Comparisons to past controversial sports statues also surfaced, adding to the skepticism.
Some fans advocated for a dual-statue concept – one in the No. 8 jersey and another in the No. 24 – to honor the two distinct eras of Kobe’s career. “He’s the only player to have two numbers retired by the same team,” a commenter on Reddit pointed out. “Why not two statues?”
The Lakers responded to the backlash by reiterating that this is the first of three planned statues for Kobe. Team president Jeanie Buss said that future statues will showcase different moments from Bryant’s life and career, including one with his daughter Gianna, who tragically passed away with him in 2020.
Despite the controversy, the unveiling ceremony was an emotional event. Vanessa Bryant delivered a heartfelt speech, thanking fans for their unwavering support and love over the years. “Kobe is forever in our hearts,” she said, fighting back tears. The crowd responded with cheers of “Kobe! Kobe! Kobe!”
NBA legends like Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Derek Fisher attended the event, sharing their memories and tributes. “We’re not just honoring a great player,” said Johnson. “We’re honoring a man who gave everything to the game, to his family, and to this city.”
The statue has now become a popular photo spot, with crowds of fans visiting daily to pay their respects. Whether they admire or criticize the design, most agree that Kobe’s impact on the game is undeniable and deserves recognition.
As the Lakers prepare to unveil the next two statues, the debate over how to best honor Bryant’s legacy continues. What remains clear is that Kobe Bryant left an indelible mark not only on basketball but on the hearts of millions worldwide.
