It’s been a minute since that horrific January morning in 2020, but for anyone walking past the "House That Kobe Built," the grief still feels kinda heavy. Yet, there’s something new standing there now. It isn't just a hunk of bronze. The Kobe and Gianna Bryant statue outside Crypto.com Arena is basically a physical manifestation of a "Girl Dad" legacy that changed the way we look at basketball.
Honestly, the first statue—the one of Kobe pointing to the sky after his 81-point game—was for the fans of the "Black Mamba." But this second one? This one is for the families. It’s for the dads who spend their Saturdays at youth gyms and the daughters who believe they can take on the world.
The Story Behind the Bronze
The Los Angeles Lakers officially unveiled the tribute to Kobe and Gigi on August 2, 2024. If you’re a numbers person, you already know why that date matters. 8. 2. 24. It’s the perfect, tragic mathematical alignment of their jersey numbers.
Vanessa Bryant was the one who pushed for three separate statues. She wanted to make sure every facet of Kobe's life was captured. This specific piece, sculpted by Julie Rotblatt-Amrany and Omri Amrany, isn't about a championship trophy or a fadeaway jumper. It’s a snapshot of a father and daughter sitting courtside, caught in a private moment that just happened to be in front of thousands of people.
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What You’ll See When You Visit
The statue is tucked near the Los Angeles Kings monument, and it’s surprisingly intimate. Kobe has his arm draped over Gigi. They’re smiling. It’s based on that famous courtside footage from a Lakers-Mavericks game in 2019, where Kobe was breaking down the game to her.
- The Details: Kobe is wearing a Philadelphia Eagles beanie and an Orange WNBA hoodie.
- The Symbolism: The base is surrounded by purple and gold flowers—Lakers colors, obviously—and butterflies.
- The Wings: There are subtle angel wings involved in the design, which sounds a bit cheesy until you’re standing right in front of it and realize what it represents.
Why People Got So Worked Up About the First Statue
You might remember the drama with the first statue unveiled in February 2024. People on Twitter (or X, whatever) went absolutely nuclear because of a few typos. "Vom Wafer" instead of Von Wafer. "Jose Calderson" instead of Jose Calderon. It was a whole thing.
The Lakers fixed it, of course. But it served as a reminder of how high the stakes are when you’re dealing with a legend. Fans don't just want a likeness; they want perfection. Luckily, the Kobe and Gianna Bryant statue avoided those weird "decicion" spelling errors. It focuses purely on the emotion of the bond.
Not Just a Lakers Thing
There was actually another statue that popped up earlier, though it wasn't permanent. Back in 2022, on the second anniversary of the crash, sculptor Dan Medina hauled a 160-pound bronze piece up to the actual crash site in Calabasas.
It was a temporary installation, but it set the tone for what the permanent monument should be. It featured the names of all nine victims: John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, and Ara Zobayan.
The permanent one at the arena keeps that spirit alive. It’s a place for healing. You see people leaving shoes, jerseys, and handwritten notes. It’s become a shrine as much as a landmark.
The "Girl Dad" Revolution
If you look closely at the plaque, it calls Gianna an "inspirational icon for girls in sports" and Kobe a "proud supporter of women in sports." This isn't just fluff.
Before the accident, Kobe was becoming the face of the WNBA's marketing push. He was taking Gigi to games, coaching her Mamba Academy team, and proving that greatness doesn't have a gender. That’s why the orange hoodie on the statue is such a big deal. It wasn't just a fashion choice; it was a statement of intent.
Planning Your Visit to Crypto.com Arena
If you’re heading to downtown LA to see it, here’s the deal. The plaza is generally open to the public from 6 a.m. to midnight. It’s free. You don't need a ticket to a game to walk up and take a photo.
Quick Tips for Fans:
- Timing: Go early in the morning or late at night if you want a photo without twenty other people in the shot.
- Location: It’s located in Star Plaza. You’ll find it alongside other Laker legends like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Shaq.
- The Third Statue: Just a heads-up, there is still one more statue coming. That one will feature Kobe in his No. 24 jersey.
The Kobe and Gianna Bryant statue isn't just about what happened on the court. It’s about the life that happens in the stands and the legacy passed down to the next generation. It’s a bit sad, yeah. But it’s also remarkably beautiful.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the official Crypto.com Arena event schedule before you go; sometimes the plaza is restricted during high-security events or private functions.
- Download the Lakers' official mobile app, which often features "Statue Row" digital guides that explain the specific accolades and easter eggs hidden in the bronze work.
- If you're looking for the full experience, walk two blocks over to the various murals on Lebanon Street to see how local street artists have interpreted the same father-daughter bond.