“Kobe chose the pose that you’re about to see, so if anyone has any problem with it, that’s tough,” Vanessa Bryant said during the unveiling of the statue honoring her late husband today.
For those wondering, the Lakers legend stands in this pose, with his right hand extended upward, and raising one of his index fingers in what could be considered an “I’m No. 1” gesture.
It may already be so. Everyone knows that Bryant did not lack confidence in his talents.
But it’s also a snapshot of game over Against the Toronto Raptors on January 22, 2006. In that contest, Bryant scored 81 points, the second-highest single-game point total in NBA history. When Bryant walked off the court that night, he raised his index finger as much in recognition of the fans’ cheering as it was in celebration of himself.
(Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Also in remembrance of that night, the team released a seven-minute video narrated by Lakers tight end Denzel Washington and directed by frequent collaborator Antoine Fuqua. He also celebrates the night of Bryant’s 81-point milestone.
In her speech, Vanessa Bryant said the statue would be one of three of her late husband outside the plaza. There will be one wearing both his numbers – 8 and 24 – and another for Kobe and his daughter Gianna. They and seven others were tragically killed in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020.
You can watch the statue’s unveiling and Vanessa Bryant’s speech in full below.