Kobe Bryant and Gianna are sitting near Crypto.com Arena entrance named after Lakers icon

At some point, it might be easier to just rename Crypto.com Arena.

Kobe’s Crib, anyone?

Two of three statues saluting the late Lakers great Kobe Bryant have been unveiled outside the arena, the latest Friday a touching tribute to Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. They both died along with seven others in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020.

Now anyone headed into the arena after admiring the statues can use the Kobe Bryant Entrance, formerly the 11th Street Entrance.

Read more: Lakers unveil new statue honoring ‘Girl Dad’ Kobe Bryant’s bond with daughter Gianna

A month after Kobe Bryant died, the NBA All-Star Game most valuable player award was named after him — Bryant’s four All-State Game MVPs are tied with Bob Pettit for the most in NBA history. Although his wife, Vanessa, and three daughters, Natalia, Bianka and Capri, might appreciate the inscription on the new statue even more: “Most Valuable Girl Dad.”

Kobe Bryant’s second statue outside Crypto.com Arena features him and daughter Gianna. (Zoë Cranfill / Los Angeles Times)

The statue re-creates Kobe and Gianna — who was blossoming as a player at age 13 and nicknamed Mambacita — sitting courtside at a December 2019 Lakers game engaged in basketball talk. Kobe has his arm around Gianna and is kissing her head.

Above the Girl Dad inscription on a plaque is a quote from Kobe: “Gianna is a beast. She’s better than I was at her age. She’s got it. Girls are amazing. I would have five more girls if I could. I’m a girl dad.” The top of the plaque features the Mambacita logo and descriptions of dad and daughter: “Gianna Bryant, inspirational icon for girls in sports” and “Kobe Bryant, proud supporter of women in sports.”

Any fan needing even more Mamba mojo can step through the Kobe Bryant Entrance wearing special edition Kobe 4 Protro sneakers, featuring “Girl Dad” printed on the inner tongues.

Read more: Complete coverage: Kobe Bryant’s statue unveiling

Or visit the large downtown Los Angeles mural of Kobe and Gianna wearing angel wings. The building’s landlord attempted to remove it but fans wouldn’t let it happen. More than 90,000 signatures…

Source link : https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kobe-bryant-gianna-sitting-near-232309869.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-08-05 23:23:09

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