(Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
On Thursday afternoon, Los Angeles Lakers fans were able to get their first look at the long-awaited statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant.
There were many members of NBA royalty in attendance as the statue was revealed, including Bryant’s longtime teammate and friend Pau Gasol.
On Twitter, Gasol celebrated the special moment.
“So many emotions yesterday. Such a beautiful unveiling ceremony! I’m so proud of you brother,” Gasol said.
He also celebrated Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, by saying: “Beside every great man, there’s a great woman.”
“Nothing could be more true, Vanessa,” Gasol added.
So many emotions yesterday. Such a beautiful unveiling ceremony! I’m so proud of you brother. #MAMBAFOREVER
“Beside every great man, there’s a great woman”, well said #StuNantz. Nothing could be more true, Vanessa pic.twitter.com/qWD87ZL15M
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) February 9, 2024
During the ceremony, Lakers legends Derek Fisher, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Phil Jackson gave speeches about Bryant and his legacy.
Vanessa concluded the ceremony by revealing that Bryant would get two more statues built outside of Crypto.com Arena in the future.
One statue will feature Bryant in his No. 24 jersey, while another will have him with his late daughter, Gianna.
It was a very special moment for the team, Bryant’s family, and his friends.
Bryant and Gasol had a very close relationship together both on and off the court.
They won two championships together in 2009 and 2010.
They were also incredibly good friends and Gasol has remained close to Bryant’s family after his passing.
In fact, Gasol was spotted at Thursday night’s game between the Lakers and Denver Nuggets.
It is not clear when the other Bryant statues will be created and unveiled but everyone can bet that Gasol will be there.
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