LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a statue of Kobe Bryant on Thursday, honoring their late superstar with a 19-foot bronze likeness outside their downtown arena. The 4,000-pound statue depicts Bryant in his white No. The first statue was unveiled at a ceremony attended by dozens of Lakers greats and hundreds of season ticket holders. Vanessa Bryant spoke at the ceremony after remarks from owner Jeanie Buss, former teammate Derek Fisher, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and longtime Lakers coach Phil Jackson. “But today, I'm filled with joy.”Photos You Should See View All 21 ImagesThe statue's base reads: “Kobe Bean Bryant,” with his nickname, “Black Mamba,” carved below.

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Persons: Kobe Bryant, Bryant, Bryant's, Vanessa, Gianna, Vanessa Bryant, Jeanie Buss, Derek Fisher, Kareem Abdul, Jabbar, Phil Jackson, “, Gigi, ” Buss, Kobe Bean Bryant, ”, Larry O'Brien, ” Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Chick Hearn, ___ Organizations: ANGELES, Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, Lakers, Staples, Elgin Baylor Locations: Kobe, Star Plaza