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Kobe Bryant Statue To Be Unveiled Thursday At Crypto.com Arena
The Kobe Bryant mural along Melrose Avenue.
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Chava Sanchez/LAist
)
Topline:
The Los Angeles Lakers will unveil a statue of Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant just outside of Crypto.com arena on Thursday before playing in their Black Mamba uniforms when they take on the Denver Nuggets.
Why it matters: Bryant, an 18-time NBA All-Star and five-time NBA champion, had a hand in the design of the uniform and the uniform is a play on his nickname. With a snakeskin print, the uniform also features other details that honor the legend, including his jersey numbers 8 and 24 on the shorts.
In 2020, Bryant’s death in a helicopter crash sent shockwaves throughout Los Angeles and the greater Southern California area.
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Date significance: The unveiling will take place on 2/8/24 paying homage to Bryant’s jersey numbers as well as his daughter Gianna Bryant’s jersey number 2. Gianna died in the crash along with seven other people.
What’s next: Public access to view the statue will be restricted during the unveiling ceremony, but fans can get up close Friday starting at 10 a.m.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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