Vanessa Bryant officially announces Kobe Bryant's statue unveiling: "In front of the place known as the house that Kobe built"

Vanessa Bryant has officially announced the statue unveiling of her late husband and Lakers legend Kobe Bryant outside the Crypto.com Arena, formerly known as the Staples Center.

The Lakers X/Twitter account released the video of Vanessa announcing the statue unveiling. Here's what she said:

"Kobe played his entire 20-year career as a Los Angeles Laker. Since arriving in this city and joining this Lakers organization he felt at home here, playing in the City of Angels.

"On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters, and me, I'm so honored that right in the center of Los Angeles, in front of the place known as the house the Kobe built, we're going to unveil a statue, so that his legacy can be celebrated forever. Hope to see you there."

When will Kobe Bryant's statue unveiling take place?

Kobe Bryant's statue unveiling will take place on February 8th, 2024. The Lakers organization couldn't have picked a more iconic date to honor the five-time champion who spent his entire career with the Purple and Gold.

The date represents the two jersey numbers #8 and #24, which Kobe donned during his playing days as a Laker. The franchise has retired both jerseys.

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Kobe Bryant participated in the initial planning of the statue

Kobe Bryant was heavily respected as part of the Lakers organization during and after his playing days. The front office and ownership involved him whenever they needed to do so. According to the statement released by the Lakers following his statue unveiling announcement, Bryant participated in planning this occasion after his retirement.

He will become the seventh player the Lakers will honor with a statue. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O'Neal, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, and Chick Hearn are the other Lakers who have been honored with a statue outside the Crypto.com Arena.

Lakers governor Jeanie Buss reflected on the anticipated moment of Kobe's statue unveiling, saying:

"Kobe Bryant was one of the most extraordinary athletes of all time and one of the most iconic individuals in the history of Los Angeles. There is no better place for Kobe to be honored with a statue than here, at the center of our city, where everyone can celebrate him and be inspired by his incredible achievements."

Kobe left his mark, not just on the Lakers, but on the entire city of LA. He meant a lot to the community and the people beyond his basketball career with the team from Hollywood. It was only a matter of time before he had his statue placed next to other Lakers greats.