Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving “Girl Dad” Statue

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

As I delve into the poignant narrative of Kobe Bryant’s life, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of admiration for the man he was. The images of him with his family, his daughters, and even Magic Johnson, paint a picture of a loving father, a devoted husband, and a dedicated athlete.


The special bond between Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, affectionately known as Gigi, has been deeply cherished and celebrated within the Los Angeles Lakers family.

An ornate, bronze sculpture of the recently deceased NBA icon has been placed on display outside the Crypto.com Arena, alongside a replica depicting a 13-year-old individual.

The sculpture, the second of Kobe unveiled outside the venue this year, “represents Kobe and Gianna’s exceptional basketball legacy and the uplifting relationship Kobe shared with all four of his daughters.”

In a statement released by the NBA on August 2, Vanessa expressed that Kobe was an exceptional father figure to girls, and Gigi was a devoted daughter who adored her dad dearly.

In a helicopter accident on a hill in Calabasas, California, Kobe (aged 41) and his daughter Gianna were two of the nine tragic victims. Kobe and Gianna are survived by their spouse Vanessa, along with their daughters Natalia (21 years old), Bianka (7 years old), and Capri (5 years old).

According to the athlete’s wife, the statue embodies two significant court-side instances involving Kobe and Gigi Bryant, such as their attendance at the Lakers’ match against the Dallas Mavericks in December 2019, which occurred just weeks prior to their tragic passing.

In a casual manner, Vanessa noted, “Gianna is flashing her beautiful grin, and Kobe is giving her a peck on the head while sporting the Philadelphia Eagles beanie that Gigi gave him for Christmas. To complete his outfit, he’s wearing an WNBA hoodie, the same one he donned at the game alongside Gigi.”

As an ardent admirer, I’d like to emphasize this: Kobe, in a defining moment, donned that vibrant orange hoodie during a significant game, symbolizing his unwavering support for Gigi’s aspirations and the empowerment of women in sports. This shared experience between father and daughter stands as an enduring emblem of our family’s commitment to equality, a cause deeply rooted within us.

The bond between Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, affectionately known as Gigi, has been forever enshrined in the home of the Los Angeles Lakers.

A bronze statue of the late NBA legend and the 13-year-old was recently installed outside Crypto.com Arena. The sculpture, the second of Kobe that was placed at the venue this year, “represents Kobe and Gianna’s exceptional basketball legacy and the uplifting relationship Kobe shared with all four of his daughters,” the NBA said in a statement Aug. 2.

Kobe was a fantastic dad to girls, and Gigi adored her daddy.

Two individuals were tragically part of a group of nine who perished in a helicopter accident on a Calabasas hill in California. Kobe, at 41 years old, and Gianna are now departed from this world, leaving behind Vanessa and their daughters – Natalia (age 21), Bianka (7 years) and Capri (5 years).

Karon Davis was the mind behind the creation of the statue, skillfully crafted by artists from Rotblatt Amrany Studio. The sculpture beautifully portrays Kobe Bryant with his arm embracing Gianna, and angel wings adorning them in the background. Surrounding it are lovely purple and yellow blossoms, symbolizing the Los Angeles Lakers’ team colors.

The statue also pays tribute to the basketball star’s childhood in Italy, showing him and his daughter surrounded by hedges and rounded symmetrical benches reflecting an Italianate Garden.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

The setup includes an engraved plaque that reads, “Gianna Bryant, Inspiring Role Model for Young Athletes” and “Kobe Bryant, Devoted Advocate for Women’s Sports.” It additionally showcases a quote from Kobe, affectionately known as the “Ultimate Girl Dad.”

“Gianna is incredibly talented; she surpasses my abilities at her age. She has an innate skill set that’s truly impressive. It’s incredible what girls can achieve. If given the chance, I would love to have five more daughters like her. I consider myself a proud father of girls.”

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but marvel at this statue, for it masterfully encapsulates two unforgettable moments from the courtside shared by Kobe and Gigi, legends in their own right. One such moment was their electrifying presence at the Lakers’ game against the Dallas Mavericks back in December 2019 – a match that took place mere weeks before we tragically lost them both.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

Speaking as a lifestyle enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: “I see myself observing a heartwarming moment – Gianna flashing her radiant grin, and Kobe affectionately touching the top of her head. Notably, he’s sporting a Philadelphia Eagles beanie that Gigi gave him for Christmas. To add to his casual yet stylish look, he’s wearing the WNBA hoodie I remember seeing him wear during the game with Gigi.”

Vanessa went on, “Kobe donned an orange hoodie during a significant game as a symbol of his support for Gigi’s aspirations and women in sports at large. That instance, which he shared with Gigi, will forever stand as a potent emblem of the push for equality that our family held dear.”

Kobe Bryant’s spouse pointed out that if she were alive, their daughter Gianna would have begun her freshman year at college this academic year.

Vanessa remarked, “We’ll see her excel on the court.” Now, it appears that her vibrant energy has paved a trail, lighting the way for young ladies and women involved in sports.

Look back at photos of Kobe with his family over the years…

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

The champion basketball player was pictured alongside his parents Joe Bryant and Pamela Bryant following their victory in the NBA Championship on June 19, 2000.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

The duo were all smiles while posing for a portrait in November 2000.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

Vanessa showed off her baby bump at the 2019 Baby2Baby Gala in Los Angeles.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

On Instagram, back in December 2019, Kobe penned: “Happy Third Birthday B.B.! I can hardly believe it. We adore you, our little sweetheart!”

 Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

“My Bianka Bella Bryant (BBB),” Kobe wrote on Instagram back in November 2019.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

“Happy Thanksgiving! Thankful for my family!” Kobe wrote via Instagram back in November 2019.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

The Bryants dressed up as characters from The Wizard of Oz back in October 2019.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

“My Gigi,” Kobe wrote on Instagram back in September 2019.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

In 2019, a pair consisting of a father and daughter took their seats right beside the court during the Lakers versus Mavericks matchup at the Staples Center.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

In September 2019, Vanessa Bryant left me astonished by appearing with our two cute babies, B.B and KoKo, at my book signing for #legacyandthequeen at Barnes & Noble.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

“Kobe posted on Instagram in May 2019, expressing his Mother’s Day wishes to Vanessa Bryant. He wrote that she is the foundation of our most valued possessions and that he loves her. He used the hashtags #mybaby, #lioness, #mamabear, and #queenmamba to show his affection.”

 Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

“In March 2019, I had an amazing visit to UConn Women’s Basketball (UConnWBB) for senior night and the retirement ceremony of basketball legend @promise50. I appreciated the warm reception from Gampel, Coach Geno, and everyone there. Wishing you success in the future.” – Kobe wrote on Instagram.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

Kobe Bryant, along with his daughter Gianna, had a memorable experience during a match-up between the LA Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks on the basketball court.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

Back in 2018, Vanessa, Kobe, Natalia, and Gianna were present at the initial screening of “A Wrinkle in Time” held in Los Angeles.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

“Unexpected getaway to Cabo San Lucas for my birthday! #bryantbunch #40thBirthday #queenmamba #mambacitas”

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

Kobe and his family members attended a women’s basketball game in Los Angeles back in 2017.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

2017 saw Kobe beaming with joy as he struck poses alongside his family during his jersey retirement event. Notably, Magic Johnson graced the occasion too.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

Kobe attended the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards with Vanessa, Gianna and Natalia in 2016.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

Here, the family members were pictured at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

Bryant celebrated his major win with his daughter Gianna by his side.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

Gearing up here! Back in 2016, I (a diehard fan) was on the edge of my seat watching the NBA All-Star Game. The legend himself was about to take the court, and just before he did, a heartwarming moment unfolded – his daughter gave him an affectionate hug. What a beautiful sight!

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

In the year 2011, Kobe Bryant’s spouse and children were present at the event where his imprints of hands and feet were cemented in Hollywood, California.

 Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

Kobe, his wife and their daughters celebrated the Lakers’ NBA championship at Disneyland in 2010.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

In 2009, the celebrated basketball player joined his wife Vanessa and their children to revel in a Lakers win during a festive parade held in the city of Los Angeles.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Honored With Moving "Girl Dad" Statue

Back in 2017, during an interview with Extra, I – yes, the overjoyed fanboy here – was reminded of the profound love Kobe Bryant had for his girls when he affectionately called them “Daddy’s little princesses.” Interestingly enough, a picture of him with Vanessa and Natalia from 2007 also showcases this beautiful bond they share.

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2024-08-03 21:48