When can fans expect Kobe Bryant's statue to be built at Staples Center? Timeline and Jeanie Buss' comments explored

The Lakers have announced the statue of Kobe Bryant will be unveiled on August 8, 2024. It is a nod to his jersey numbers ‘8’ and ‘24’. The organization announced the statue will go alongside the other Laker greats outside of Crypto.com Arena.

The statue will also incorporate Bryant’s late daughter Gigi. His daughter also played basketball and died in the helicopter crash alongside her father in January 2020.

The statue will be one of many things honoring the late Bryant. He had his jerseys retired in the rafters of the arena before his passing. Fans have also painted many murals in tribute to the late, great Laker around downtown Los Angeles.

Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal and iconic broadcaster Chick Hearn all have their own iconic statues erected.

Lakers owner Jeanie Buss previously gave an update on the status on the statue, speaking in an interview with NBA.com reporter Mark Medina:

“Those are all things we are discussing internally. Rest assured, we haven’t forgotten anything. But it has to be done the right way and at the right time."

The statue is not the only honor to Bryant that LA residents are waiting on. The LA City Council planned to rename a road near the Lakers' home arena ‘Kobe Bryant Blvd.’

Remembering Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant’s legacy continues in the NBA today and many players even wear his iconic Nike shoes in games.

Young stars like Jayson Tatum and Devin Booker model their games after him, and both have admitted how much of an inspiration he was to them growing up.

Bryant will forever be remembered for his competitive spirit and scoring abilities. He won five NBA titles, and dropped 81 points in a single game against the Toronto Raptors.

Fans Pay Tribute Marking One Year Since Kobe Bryant's Death

The man known as the "Black Mamba" won the 2008 MVP. He was named Finals MVP twice, was an All-NBA First Team an incredible 11 times and led the league in scoring twice.

Bryant died in a helicopter crash in January 2020, alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others. He was 41 years old.