Pinoy fans gather for unveiling of Kobe Bryant statue
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Pinoy fans gather for unveiling of Kobe Bryant statue
Steve Angeles,
ABS-CBN News
Published Feb 09, 2024 05:25 PM PHT
The Kobe Bryant Statue during an unveiling ceremony at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Ronald Martinez, Getty Images via AFP
The Kobe Bryant Statue during an unveiling ceremony at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Ronald Martinez, Getty Images via AFP LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a statue of Lakers legend and five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant on Thursday (US time).
LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a statue of Lakers legend and five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant on Thursday (US time).
The date honors both numbers 8 and 24, which Bryant wore during his career, along with the number 2 his daughter Gianna Bryant wore playing basketball.
The date honors both numbers 8 and 24, which Bryant wore during his career, along with the number 2 his daughter Gianna Bryant wore playing basketball.
The 19-foot-tall bronze statue is modeled after Bryant’s historic 81-point game, pointing to the sky in his number 8 jersey.
The 19-foot-tall bronze statue is modeled after Bryant’s historic 81-point game, pointing to the sky in his number 8 jersey.
The statue is displayed outside of the Crypto.com arena where many Los Angeles sports figures are honored.
The statue is displayed outside of the Crypto.com arena where many Los Angeles sports figures are honored.
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It will be open to the public beginning on Friday.
It will be open to the public beginning on Friday.
Filipino hoops and Kobe fans gathered around LA Live to be part of Mamba Day watching on screens throughout the plaza.
Filipino hoops and Kobe fans gathered around LA Live to be part of Mamba Day watching on screens throughout the plaza.
Jopeth Matelin and Gladys Matelin from Fontana, California said, "He’s my idol, Kobe. I miss Kobe. I miss him so much. He loves all his shoes he has a collection of his shoes. I’m excited to see it tomorrow."
Jopeth Matelin and Gladys Matelin from Fontana, California said, "He’s my idol, Kobe. I miss Kobe. I miss him so much. He loves all his shoes he has a collection of his shoes. I’m excited to see it tomorrow."
"I grew up watching Kobe when I was very very little I would literally stay up all night to watch Kobe he’s my biggest hero he’s my idol," Chris Vista from Long Beach said.
"I grew up watching Kobe when I was very very little I would literally stay up all night to watch Kobe he’s my biggest hero he’s my idol," Chris Vista from Long Beach said.
It’s been four years since Bryant along with 8 others including Filipina Mamba Academy coach Christina Mauser passed away in a helicopter crash, but fans continue to mourn the loss of the Los Angeles legend.
It’s been four years since Bryant along with 8 others including Filipina Mamba Academy coach Christina Mauser passed away in a helicopter crash, but fans continue to mourn the loss of the Los Angeles legend.
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"Just sad because he’s gone," another fan said.
"Just sad because he’s gone," another fan said.
Lakers players, staff, and legends were among the select guests at the statue unveiling. Among them is current head-coach Darvin Ham, who had the task of leading the lakers against the defending champion Denver Nuggets.
Lakers players, staff, and legends were among the select guests at the statue unveiling. Among them is current head-coach Darvin Ham, who had the task of leading the lakers against the defending champion Denver Nuggets.
"Well deserved, totally fitting. I feel a certain way about that guy so it’s tough. It’s still tough to not have him around. It’s tough just seeing Vanessa, his family, everyone that he’s touched, everyone that he’s worked with played for played with it was great to see everybody there supporting this special moment," Ham said.
"Well deserved, totally fitting. I feel a certain way about that guy so it’s tough. It’s still tough to not have him around. It’s tough just seeing Vanessa, his family, everyone that he’s touched, everyone that he’s worked with played for played with it was great to see everybody there supporting this special moment," Ham said.
"I’m happy I got to be there along with my wife. It’s one of those thing you always remember where you were," he added.
"I’m happy I got to be there along with my wife. It’s one of those thing you always remember where you were," he added.
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