The statue honors Kobe Bryant’s pride in being a ‘Girl Dad’ and highlights the Bryant family’s commitment to supporting women and girls in sports.
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Bryant family have unveiled a new statue outside Crypto.com Arena honoring five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Maria-Onor’e Bryant.
This bronze statue commemorates a special moment from December 29, 2019, when Kobe and Gigi were seated courtside at a Lakers home game. The tribute highlights Kobe’s pride in being a “Girl Dad” and the Bryant family’s dedication to supporting women and girls in sports. It captures Kobe and Gianna’s significant basketball legacy and their close bond.
Vanessa Bryant, addressing friends and family at the unveiling, described the statue as merging two iconic moments: Kobe, wearing a Philadelphia Eagles beanie and a WNBA hoodie gifted by Gigi, and Gigi’s joyful smile. This outfit was symbolic of Kobe’s support for Gigi’s dreams and women’s sports. Vanessa emphasized the importance of supporting young girls in sports and creating opportunities for them, reflecting the values Kobe and Gigi cherished.
The statue, designed by Karon Davis and created by Rotblatt Amrany Studio, depicts Kobe with his arm around Gianna and angel wings behind them. It is situated near Crypto.com Arena’s 11th Street Entrance and features an Italianate Garden theme with purple and gold flowers representing Lakers colors. Engraved butterflies symbolize transformation and hope.
A plaque at the base reads: “Gianna Bryant, Inspirational Icon for Girls in Sports” and “Kobe Bryant, Proud Supporter of Women in Sports,” including the Mamba and Mambacita logos. It also features a quote from Kobe: “Gianna is a beast. She’s better than I was at her age. She’s got it. Girls are amazing. I would have five more girls if I could. I’m a girl dad.”
The statue will be open to the public starting August 3, 2024, at 9 a.m. PT. Earlier this year, the Lakers also unveiled a statue of Kobe Bryant at Star Plaza, making him the seventh Laker to receive such an honor.
