- New sculpture by Kobe Bryant unveiled
Together with the Lakers, Vanessa Bryant (42) unveiled another bronze statue of her late husband Kobe Bryant (1978-2020) and their daughter Gianna (2006-2020) last Friday (2nd August), who both tragically died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on January 26, 2020.
Several images from the private ceremony honoring the late NBA star were published on Instagram, with Bryant's three daughters Natalia (21), Bianka (7), and Capri (5) also in attendance. The sculpture, titled "Girl Dad," was placed in a new garden landscape in front of the Crypto.com Arena of the Lakers on 11th Street in Los Angeles. It depicts Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, with his arm around her. Father and daughter are dressed casually and smiling at each other. The figure is meant to represent a scene of the two on the sidelines of the Lakers game, according to the NBA team's website.
Vanessa Bryant called the statue "something very special" on Instagram. "This moment was particularly important for all of us. I knew it would be our favorite moment. I hope you all like this special place." Several celebrities commented on the post, including Vin Diesel (57) and David Beckham (49). The latter wrote: "So beautiful."
The date of August 2, 2024, was chosen for the installation of the statue because Kobe Bryant wore the jersey numbers 8 and 24 during his Lakers career. His daughter Gianna, who also played basketball, had the number 2 on her back. The statue will also be accessible to the public starting Saturday (3rd August).
Another of the planned three statues of Kobe Bryant was unveiled in February, showing the basketball player with his jersey number 8. A third sculpture of Bryant with the jersey number 24 is still to come.
The American professional athlete was one of the most successful basketball players in the world. From 1996 to 2016, he played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. In January 2020, he died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, at the age of 41. His 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant and nine other people also died in the accident.
The sculpture, titled "Girl Dad," is a poignant tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, beautifully capturing their bond. Vanessa Bryant expressed her love for the statue, calling it "something very special."
