Errors on base of Kobe Bryant’s statue outside the Lakers’ arena corrected
The bronze statue, standing at 19 feet, has already become a favored meeting point and photo spot for Lakers fans.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Several errors on the marble base of the statue of Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant outside the team’s downtown arena have been corrected.
The modifications were completed in time for the Lakers’ final regular-season home game against Golden State on Tuesday night. The 19-foot bronze statue, unveiled in early February, has quickly become a favorite spot for photo ops and meetups among Lakers fans.
However, the names of ex-NBA players Jose Calderon and Von Wafer were spelled incorrectly on the base, in a depiction of the box score from Bryant’s 81-point game in January 2006, along with an incorrect spelling of the term “Coach’s Decision.” In addition, there were slight formatting errors in another area on the crowded base of the statue that showcases many of Bryant’s achievements.
A spot showcasing a replica of Bryant’s signature has been altered to say “Kobe” instead of “Kobe 24.” The bronze statue of Bryant is donned in the No. 8 jersey he sported during the initial part of his career.
Vanessa Bryant, the widow of Bryant, has revealed that this statue is the first of three planned in tribute to her husband and daughter, Gianna. Both tragically died with seven others in a helicopter crash in January 2020.
