Numerous renowned Lakers’ players such as Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol and Gary Payton, and basketball legends Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker were present to pay their respects to Kobe Bryant during the unveiling ceremony of his statue outside the Crypto.com Arena. Additionally, former NBA superstar Dwyane Wade was present. Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson and his wife Ciara were also among the attendees of the ceremony.
After the death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash in early 2020, Russell Wilson paid tribute to them after a Seahawks game later that year. In December of 2020, Wilson wore a “Black Mamba” jersey at Lumen Field after the Seahawks secured the NFC West and subsequently posted an emotional video on Instagram.
In the emotional Instagram video posted by Russell Wilson, he expressed his admiration for Kobe Bryant as an inspiration during his formative years and throughout his professional football career. He admired Bryant’s graciousness and hardworking spirit in everything he did. Moreover, Wilson acknowledged Kobe’s daughter Gianna Bryant, who at the tender age of thirteen had a promising future in basketball that was cut short.
Wilson referred to Kobe as a “girl dad” and underlined how Gianna had been an inspiration to numerous girls. The Lakers will wear the “Black Mamba” jerseys in honor of Bryant during their game against the Denver Nuggets scheduled for later today. Kobe was merely 41 years old when he died, leaving behind a legacy that has been unparalleled.
