The Los Angeles Lakers will always remember Kobe Bryant. He brought more than just championships to the city. He inspired and continues to impact people’s lives through their legacy. This he organization honored the late great in a ceremony in front of many who wished to pay their respects to his memory.
Los Angeles Lakers Statues Unveiled
Fittingly, Vanesa Bryant gave the keynote speech in Los Angeles California. Her talk culminated in the revealing of three statues of Kobe and Gianna Bryant. Furthermore, on February 2, 2024, two of the statues will show him in his number 8 and 24 jersey separately. The third will be of his daughter, as she wore the number 2 on the back of her uniform.
Numerous notable people affected by Bryant were present from his playing days as well. Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also named him “a defender’s worst nightmare”. He lauded how much better he prepared than anyone else. He also applauded him for everything that he has provided to the game.
Los Angeles Lakers Former Coach Speaks
Phil Jackson recanted part of Bryant’s basketball journey. Few possessed the amount of drive that Kobe did. Additionally, few could even come close to approaching his intensity. However, your greatest strength often doubles as your greatest weakness. Jackson shared how the drive of Kobe would sometimes turn teammates away or lead to him forcing his play.
Yet, he remained coachable. In the mind of the Zen Master, his greatest moment did not come on the court. Instead, it was on the Jay Leno Show. When the host poked fun at the lack of playing time of one of his teammates, Bryant voiced his displeasure with the host’s tone.
Rather he made sure that Adam Morrison’s efforts were respected. According to Jackson, he elaborated on how much work the bench player put into his craft, and how he stayed ready. For someone of Bryant’s caliber and motor to recognize and publically defend a teammate like that, who would be able to argue with him?
For the former Los Angeles Lakers coach, this remains the shiniest moment of his storied career.
Los Angeles Lakers Cemented Legacy
The area becomes available to the public starting on Friday. Visiting Crypto.com Arena makes the new additions a must-see if visiting before any game. But in reality, even fans who are unable to visit the site will remember what he meant to the game of basketball.
Everything Kobe put his mind to, he pursued with 100% obsession. Chasing greatness yielded amazing results on and off the court. While he’ll be most remembered for his basketball heroics, he was of course much bigger than that. However, even in the age of the internet, fans can enjoy his clips for decades to come. The Los Angeles Lakers continue to remember and honor everything that he stood for with a physical token of their appreciation.
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