Report: Kobe, Gianna Bryant Statue to Be Unveiled By Lakers in Private Ceremony

The Los Angeles Lakers are unveiling a statue featuring Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna in a private ceremony Friday.

Dave McMenamin of ESPN reported news of the unveiling, which will be Bryant's second statue outside of Crypto.com Arena. His first statue was unveiled in February.

Kobe and Gianna Bryant were among nine people who died in a January 2020 helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.

One of the greatest Lakers in history, Bryant spent his entire 20-year career with the team before retiring in 2016. He is the franchise's all-time leader in points, games played and steals and won five championships during his tenure.

The Lakers retired his Nos. 8 and 24 in 2017. Friday's date is 8/2/2024, which was chosen for the unveiling because it represents his two numbers with the Lakers and the number Gianna used when playing youth basketball (No. 2).

Gianna Bryant was 13 years old and was considered a rising potential superstar in the women's game.

A third Kobe Bryant statue is expected to be unveiled during the 2024-25 season.