It is a quiet corner outside the massive, glass-clad Crypto.com Arena, but the energy there feels heavy. Emotional. Honestly, if you’ve spent any time in Los Angeles, you know that the "House that Kobe Built" is more than just a stadium. It’s a cathedral. And the latest addition to its hallowed ground—the statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant—is a gut-punch of a tribute that does way more than just honor a basketball player.
It honors a father.
Most people saw the first statue. You know the one: Kobe in his No. 8 jersey, finger pointed at the sky after dropping 81 points on the Raptors. It’s iconic. It’s the "Black Mamba" in his most ruthless form. But this second monument? It’s the opposite of ruthless. Unveiled on August 2, 2024—a date purposefully chosen because it combines their jersey numbers (8, 24, and Gigi’s 2)—it captures a moment that feels almost too private for the public eye.
The Story Behind the Pose
The bronze work, crafted by the artists at Rotblatt Amrany Studio (the same team behind the Jordan statue in Chicago), doesn’t show a buzzer-beater. It shows a bench. Specifically, it recreates a famous courtside moment from 2019. Kobe is sitting there, his arm wrapped around Gigi’s shoulder. He’s wearing an orange WNBA hoodie. That hoodie wasn't just a fashion choice; it was a loud, public declaration of his support for women’s sports and his daughter’s dreams.
If you look closely at the statue, Gigi has this massive, radiant smile. Kobe is kissing the top of her head. He’s wearing a Philadelphia Eagles beanie—a gift Gigi gave him for Christmas. It’s these tiny, hyper-specific details that make the statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant feel human.
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Basically, the sculpture isn't about the 18 All-Star selections or the five rings. It’s about the "Girl Dad" movement. It’s about a man who found his second act in life coaching his daughter's middle school team and showing the world that "Gianna is a beast," as he once famously said.
Why the Location Matters
You’ll find the memorial near the Los Angeles Kings monument, tucked into a space that feels slightly more intimate than the main Star Plaza. The area is surrounded by purple and gold flowers—obviously—and the ground is inlaid with onyx butterflies. It’s open to the public from 6 a.m. to midnight daily. There’s no fee. You just walk up, and suddenly you’re standing in front of a 4,000-pound piece of history.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Tribute
There’s a misconception that this is the final word on the Bryant legacy. It’s not. Vanessa Bryant has already confirmed there is a third statue coming. While the first was "The Mamba" (No. 8) and the second is "The Father" (with Gigi), the third will reportedly feature Kobe in his No. 24 jersey.
Some fans were initially skeptical when the first statue had those weird typos—names like "Vom Wafer" instead of Von Wafer. It was a mess for a minute. But the Lakers fixed it. By the time the statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant was unveiled, the attention to detail was airtight. The sculpture even includes angel wings behind the pair, a stylistic choice by artist Karon Davis to signify their eternal bond.
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It’s also worth noting that this isn't the only statue out there. Back in 2022, on the second anniversary of the crash, a sculptor named Dan Medina actually hiked a 160-pound bronze statue up to the crash site in Calabasas. That was a temporary, unsanctioned tribute, but it showed just how desperate the city was for a place to mourn. The official arena statue finally gives fans that permanent anchor.
Real Evidence of Impact
Since the unveiling, the site has become a pilgrimage point. You see people there at 2 a.m. sometimes. Just sitting on the nearby benches. Looking. It’s a weirdly quiet spot in a very loud city. The plaque on the base features a quote from Kobe that really sums up the whole project: "Gianna is a beast. She's better than I was at her age. She's got it."
That quote matters because it reframes Kobe's legacy. He wasn't just a Laker; he was the primary architect of a new era for women's basketball.
Technical Details for Your Visit
If you’re planning to go, don't just rush the photo and leave.
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- Timing: Mid-morning is best for lighting, though the evening glow from the arena lights makes the bronze look incredible.
- Accessibility: It’s fully wheelchair accessible and located right near the Metro Blue and Expo Lines.
- The Butterflies: Look at the floor. The onyx butterflies aren't just decoration; they represent transformation and are a nod to Vanessa Bryant’s personal tributes to her husband and daughter.
The Nuance of Public Art
Public art is always polarizing. Some people think the faces aren't a "perfect" likeness. Others think the angel wings are a bit much. But art isn't a photograph. It’s a feeling. When you stand in front of the statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, you don't feel like you're looking at a basketball god. You feel like you're looking at a dad who really, really loved his kid. And in a town like LA, where celebrities are usually treated like untouchable myths, that vulnerability is what makes this specific statue the most important one on the block.
The Lakers have solidified their place as a franchise that takes care of its own. Kobe joins the ranks of Magic, Kareem, Shaq, and Elgin Baylor, but he’s the only one who gets to share that immortality with his child.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
To truly experience the legacy beyond just a quick photo at the arena, consider these steps:
- Visit during the "Golden Hour": The bronze reflects the California sunset in a way that emphasizes the "purple and gold" aesthetic of the plaza.
- Explore the Star Plaza: Walk the full perimeter to see how Kobe’s first statue (No. 8) contrasts with the father-daughter piece to get the full scope of his 20-year career.
- Check the Third Reveal: Keep an eye on official Lakers announcements for the 2025-2026 season regarding the unveiling of the final "No. 24" statue.
- Support the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation: The statue is a physical reminder, but the foundation’s work in youth sports is the living version of that bronze monument.