Kobe Bryant, Philadelphia native, Lower Merion High School graduate, and NBA basketball legend, has been immortalized with a new bronze statue unveiled last week by the Los Angeles Lakers, writes Max Bennett for the Patch. 

Bryant, who gave Lower Merion Aces their first state title in 1996, was drafted by the Lakers just out of high school. He tragically died on January 26, 2020, in a helicopter crash that also claimed the life of his daughter, 13-year-old Gianna. 

In honor of their longtime guard, the Lakers commissioned a statue of his likeness that made its debut last Thursday. 

The 19-foot, 4,000-pound figure depicts Bryant wearing his white No. 8 jersey as he walked off the court in January 2006 after his 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors. 

“Kobe has so many people that have supported him all over the world from the very beginning, and this moment isn’t just for Kobe, but it’s for all of you that have been rooting for him all of these years,” said Bryant’s wife Vanessa. 

The statue can be seen in front of the Crypto.com Arena, where the Lakers play. 

Read more about Kobe Bryant in the Patch.

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