THE Los Angeles Lakers have set a date for the long-anticipated unveiling of Kobe Bryant’s bronze statue outside of Crypto.com Arena.

The ceremony will take place on February 8, 2024 – and NBA fans are realizing the timing has a special meaning.

 

The Los Angeles Lakers have revealed they will unveil Kobe Bryant’s bronze statue on February 8, 2024 Credit: Getty

The date is a nod to the jersey numbers of Kobe as well as his daughter Gianna, who died in a helicopter crash together with the NBA legend in January 2020Credit: Getty
The date can be written as 2.8.24, representing the two jersey numbers Bryant donned in his 20-year career in LA.

It also features No. 2, the number worn by his daughter Gianna, who died in a helicopter clash together with the NBA legend and seven other passengers in January 2020.

Gianna, also known as Gigi, followed in the footsteps of her dad, playing basketball at Kobe’s Mamba Sports Academy.

What’s more, the Lakers made the announcement on August 24, declared as Kobe Bryant Day in Orange County, California, in another nod to the five-time NBA champion’s iconic Nos. 8 and 24.

And they did it at 8:24am PT with Vanessa Bryant sharing the news in front of her late husband’s two jerseys in a special video.

The symbolism of the tribute to the 18-time All-Star had NBA fans mesmerized.

“Just wow. Announced on 8/24 for 2/8/24,” one tweeted.

“Makes sense. … Mind blown,” another wrote.

 

“So on 2/8/24… that’s dope,” a third said.

“Perfect date,” one also wrote.

Vanessa Bryant said the statue will be the ultimate homage to the legendary Laker, which will immortalize his legacy.

“As you know, Kobe played his entire 20-year NBA career as a Los Angeles Laker,” she said.

“Since arriving in this city and joining the Lakers organization, he felt at home here, playing in the City of Angels.

“On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters, and me, I am so honored that, right in the center of Los Angeles, in front of the place known as the house that Kobe built, we are going to unveil his statue so that his legacy can be celebrated forever.”

On the day of the unveiling, the Lakers will be hosting the Denver Nuggets, who will try to defend their NBA title in 2023-24.

Bryant will be the seventh Laker icon to be honored with a bronze statue at Star Plaza outside of Crypto.com Arena.

The others are Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Earvin Johnson, Jerry West, and legendary Lakers announcer Chick Hearn.

Bryant would have turned 45 on August 23 this year.