Kobe Bryant, Gigi statue unveiled outside Crypto.com Arena

The second Kobe Bryant statue has been unveiled outside of Crypto.com Arena featuring daughter Gigi and it’s perfect.

We have our first look at the second Kobe Bryant statue outside of Crypto.com Arena ahead of Friday’s official unveiling and, man, it’s perfect.

While the first statue unveiled during the season was dedicated to Kobe’s playing career, this statue features his daughter Gigi and it looks incredible.

The Lakers released a statement on the new statue, including quotes from Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, delivered at the private ceremony unveiling the trophy:

“We were faced with the harsh reality that no matter how great Gianna was or could be, no matter how great her daddy taught her how to play, or even if she played exactly like Kobe, she would not have had the same benefits and opportunities that her dad and young men currently have because she’s a girl. That’s when the challenge to change the perception of women’s sports started in our household. Gianna would be going into her first year of college this year. We would be watching her shine on the court. Now her spirit is shining a path she has created for young girls and for women in sports. In honor of Kobe and Gigi, I ask you this: give young girls your time. Give them your support. Tell them they can do anything any man can do and tell them they can exceed that, because they can, they have and they will. Iron sharpens iron. Reassure that confidence and see how much they thrive.

Sometimes, all we need is one person to believe in us, even if that one person is ourselves. Take girls to watch women play sports. Buy those tickets to the game if you can. Watch women’s games on TV with your daughters, nieces and cousins. If young girls can see professional women play, they know they have the potential to be them. They know those ambitions aren’t just dreams but will become a reality. Let’s build up the next generation of athletes. It’s what Gigi and Kobe would want us to do.”

“Kobe was the ultimate Girl Dad and Gigi was the ultimate Daddy’s girl.”

Underneath Gigi’s name reads “Inspirational Icon for Girls in Sports” and under Kobe’s name reads “Proud Supporter of Women in Sports.” The plaque at the bottom features the following quote from Kobe about Gigi:

“Gianna is a beast. She 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 quote comes from the emotional story Elle Duncan of ESPN shared on Sportscenter after his passing. Duncan shared a story about meeting Kobe while pregnant with her daughter.

It’s a perfectly fitting quote for the statue as #GirlDad became a trending hashtag following the story and has since remained popular.

The statue itself appears to be a combination of a couple of moments, as confirmed by Vanessa. Their outfits are based on the final game they attended at Staples Center/Crypto.com Arena while the kiss is from a different Lakers game the pair attended.

Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

The statue's unveiling on 8/2/24 was not a coincidence, either. The 8 and 24 connections with Kobe are probably obvious to Lakers fans, while Gigi donned No. 2 on her jersey during her career.

Really, I could not imagine a better statue honoring the pair. It was also the right call to have multiple statues to honor them. And, fortunately, it looks like this statue is mistake-free.

There will be one more statue for Kobe yet to be unveiled, as initially reported in February. All that is known about that statue is that it will be in the No. 24 jersey.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.