The Lakers have revealed a new statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi, four years after the tragic helicopter crash that claimed their lives.
Vanessa Bryant, the widow of the NBA icon, unveiled the bronze statue named ‘Girl Dad’ during a private ceremony outside the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Friday.
Situated within a newly designed garden space at the 11th Street entry, the piece was crafted by Rotblatt Amrany Studio, capturing the moment of Kobe embracing Gigi and planting a kiss on her head.
As stated by the Lakers, the statue serves as a tribute to ‘the Bryant family’s advocacy for women and girls in sports,’ featuring Kobe in a WNBA hoodie.
‘This homage symbolizes the exceptional basketball legacy of Kobe and Gianna, reflecting the inspiring relationship Kobe had with all four of his daughters,’ the announcement elaborated.
The Lakers have unveiled a new statue of the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi
The bronze statue is titled ‘Girl Dad’ and shows Kobe wearing a WNBA hoodie
During the statue’s unveiling, Vanessa expressed to a small circle of friends and family that ‘Kobe was the quintessential girl dad and Gigi was the ultimate daddy’s girl.’
‘We confronted the stark reality that regardless of how talented Gianna was or could become, and no matter how well her father taught her to play, she would not receive the same advantages and opportunities that her father and young men currently enjoy simply because she is a girl,’ she continued.
‘That prompted our household’s challenge to alter the perception of women’s sports. Gianna was set to enter her first year of college this year, and we envisioned her excelling on the court. Now her spirit paves the way for young girls and women in sports.’
Vanessa remarked that the sculpture captured ‘two memorable courtside moments of Kobe and Gigi.’
Kobe’s wife Vanessa said the statue took inspiration from ‘two iconic courtside moments’
A plaque underneath the statue features one of Kobe’s gushing quotes about Gianna
‘Gianna showcases her beautiful smile while Kobe kisses the top of her head, adorned with the Philadelphia Eagles beanie that Gigi gifted him for Christmas. He is also seen wearing the WNBA hoodie he donned courtside along with Gigi.’
Vanessa noted that her late husband was the ‘first NBA player to wear that orange hoodie at a major game.’
‘That was his way of supporting Gigi’s ambitions and advocating for women in all sports. That moment with Gigi remains a powerful symbol of the movement toward equality that was crucial to our family.’
The plaque beneath the statue reads, ‘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.’
