The Los Angeles Lakers revealed a majestic 19-foot bronze statue of the basketball icon Kobe Bryant outside their downtown arena on 8 February 2024. It captures his iconic moment, walking off the court with his right index finger raised, immortalizing his legend 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006.
Two other statues were also planned and announced during the dedication ceremony by his widow, Vanessa Bryant-one representing him in his No. 24 jersey, the other of him with daughter Gianna, who tragically, with other passengers died when his helicopter crashed in 2020.
Scores of the other basketball icons have passed through their statues across the league as a way to give them a nod regarding their legendary careers and as service to the sport as parts of the greater pantheon tributes in the NBA.
Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
This Michael Jordan statue erected in 1994 speaks volumes for itself. He represents six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and countless others.
George Mikan, Minneapolis Lakers
George Mikan is the unmasked statue in 2001, in honor of his leadership in the early years of the NBA and five championships and multiple MVPs.
Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers
Magic Johnson statue, 2004, pays tribute to his five championships and being a good leader and playmaker, as well.
Wilt Chamberlain, Philadelphia 76ers
Wilt Chamberlain statue, 2004 celebrate him as one of the unbelievable careers, two championships with all kinds of records within the record of a 100-point game.
John Stockton, Utah Jazz
The statue unveiled 2005 by John Stockton he is the one in his entire career holds an asset of making and also is the leader for most successful and renowned steals assists in NBA.
Karl Malone, Utah Jazz
He is being unveiled of his statue this year end as for almost a great run period wherein he made many more choices like being twice included in the two-year-run MVP award apart from earning three All-Star.
Jerry West, Los Angeles Lakers
The Jerry West Statue 2011 pays off to all the wins and triumphs that got him into Lakers’ winning, his championships, and hundreds of All-Star game performances.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Los Angeles Lakers
The Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Statue was in 2012. That represents unmatched scoring prowess, which makes Kareem unmatchable in any aspect.
Dominique Wilkins, Atlanta Hawks
The Dominique Wilkins statue released in 2015 introduced thrilling performances as well as an incredible legacy of being one of the most handsome dunkers.
Shaquille O’Neal, Los Angeles Lakers
Shaquille O’Neal unveiled the statue in his honor in 2017. His focus on domination in the paint and his presence in Lakers championships was still prevalent.
Elgin Baylor, Los Angeles Lakers
Elgin Baylor statue in the year 2018 reminding everyone of a glorious career with Elgin Baylor and long-lasting influence through Lakers Franchise.
Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
The Dirk Nowitzki statue is designed in the year 2022 keeping in mind the paying of tributes to him as an all-time leader, along with his unbeatable shooting, which has bestowed player status as the NBA champion while also holding the MVP of the Final NBA.
Other legends are remembered through statues spread all over from NBA arenas to colleges to other places so that nobody forgets them as they gave their life long to this game of basketball.
Bill Russell, Julius Erving, Charles Barkley, Allen Iverson, Moses Malone, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Hot Rod Hundley, Bob Pettit, Pete Maravich, Charles Barkley, George Gervin.
Apart from the players, there are other important personalities in the NBA that are remembered. For example, famous coaches like Red Auerbach and great announcers such as Chick Hearn are commemorated by putting up statues to emphasize the prominence of basketball globally.
Each is a tribute, a memorial to great players and personalities left on courts which shall inspire generations yet unborn of fans and athletes-from the streets of Los Angeles to Chicago’s courts and beyond.
Sam, a dedicated blogger, has immersed himself in the world of content creation for the past five years. His journey reflects a profound passion for storytelling and insightful commentary. Beyond the digital realm, Sam is a devoted NBA enthusiast, seamlessly blending his love for sports with his writing pursuits.
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