Walk past Star Plaza in downtown Los Angeles, and you’ll see him. 19 feet of bronze. 4,000 pounds of metal.
The statue of Kobe Bryant isn't just a monument; it’s basically a lightning rod for memories, a few spelling controversies, and a massive amount of "Girl Dad" pride. Honestly, if you grew up watching the Lakers, seeing that right hand pointed at the ceiling brings back the 81-point night against Toronto like it was yesterday. But there is a lot more to these sculptures than a simple pose.
The Secret in the Numbers
The Lakers didn't just pick a random Tuesday for the unveiling. Everything about the statue of Kobe Bryant is steeped in numerology.
The first one was revealed on February 8, 2024. Look at the date: 2/8/24.
- 2 was Gianna’s number.
- 8 was Kobe’s first half.
- 24 was the legend he became.
It’s kinda heavy when you think about it. The team intentionally waited until those three numbers aligned in the calendar to pull the curtain back.
Why the 81-Point Pose?
Some fans expected a fadeaway. Others wanted a fist-pump. Instead, the artist, Julie Rotblatt Amrany, went with the moment Kobe walked off the court after droping 81 points on the Raptors.
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Why? Because Vanessa Bryant chose it.
She mentioned during the ceremony that Kobe himself picked that pose before he passed. He wanted the fans to see him in that white No. 8 jersey, finger raised, leaving the floor after one of the greatest individual performances in the history of the sport. It’s a snapshot of pure, unadulterated "Mamba" confidence.
Those Infamous Typos (And the Fix)
You probably saw the headlines. A few weeks after the statue of Kobe Bryant went up, some eagle-eyed fans noticed things were... a bit off on the base.
Basically, the marble box score had some embarrassing glitches.
- Jose Calderon was spelled "Jose Calderson."
- Von Wafer became "Vom Wafer."
- The term "Coach's Decision" was etched as "Coach's Decicion."
It was a bit of a mess for a minute there. You’d think for a $5 million project, someone would have hit spellcheck. But the Lakers owned it. By April 2024, they had crews out there grinding down the marble and re-etching the names. If you go see it today, it's perfect. They even fixed a small formatting error in Kobe's signature that originally said "Kobe 24" even though he was wearing No. 8.
It's Actually a Trilogy
Most people talk about "the" statue, but there are actually three.
The second one—the one that really hits the heartstrings—was unveiled on August 2, 2024 (8/2/24). This is the "Girl Dad" statue. It depicts Kobe and Gianna sitting courtside, wings of an angel surrounding them. It’s located in a different spot outside the arena, tucked away in a more intimate setting compared to the towering 19-footer.
The third one is still the big mystery for some. It’s going to feature Kobe in the No. 24 jersey.
The Lakers have been a bit coy about the exact pose for the third installment, but the word is it will focus on the championship years of the late 2000s. It completes the timeline: the young "frobe" scorer, the devoted father, and the seasoned champion.
The Artistry of Julie Rotblatt Amrany
If the style looks familiar, that’s because the Amrany studio is responsible for almost every major sports statue in the country. They did Michael Jordan’s "Flight" statue in Chicago. They did Magic Johnson and Shaq.
Julie worked specifically on Kobe's face to ensure it didn't just look like a generic basketball player. She spent months looking at photos from every conceivable angle. She wanted to capture the "human condition," as she put it.
The base of the first statue is a triangle. That’s not just a geometric choice. It’s a direct nod to Tex Winter and the triangle offense that Phil Jackson used to win five rings with Kobe. There are five replicas of the Larry O’Brien trophy surrounding the base.
What to Do When You Visit
If you're heading to Crypto.com Arena (which everyone still calls Staples, let's be real), don't just take a selfie and leave.
- Scan the QR code: There’s a code on the base that leads to a short film narrated by Denzel Washington and directed by Antoine Fuqua. It’s worth the five minutes of your time.
- Check the stats: Look at the box score. Seeing the names like Lamar Odom and Smush Parker etched in bronze next to Kobe’s 81 points is a wild trip down memory lane.
- Look for the "Gigi" statue: Don't miss the second statue. It's often less crowded and feels a lot more personal than the main one in Star Plaza.
Practical Tips for Fans
- Go early: The plaza gets packed two hours before tip-off.
- Lighting: If you want the best photos, go about an hour before sunset. The bronze catch the light perfectly then.
- Parking: Don't pay the $40 arena parking just for a photo. Park a few blocks away at a meter or a cheaper lot on Flower St.
The statue of Kobe Bryant stands as a permanent reminder that "Mamba Mentality" isn't just a marketing slogan. It’s about the work. It’s about being "frozen in time" while remaining "timeless," as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said during the dedication.
Go see it. Touch the marble. Read the quote on the base: "Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend."
He definitely did.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Plan your visit during a non-game day to avoid the crowds and get a clear view of the 81-point box score.
- Check the official Lakers website for any temporary closures of Star Plaza due to private events or arena construction.
- Visit the second statue (Kobe and Gigi) located near the 11th Street entrance for a more quiet, reflective experience.