One for what he meant to the Lakers. One for what he meant to Los Angeles.
By Shahan Ahmed ••
Shahan Ahmed/NBCLA
Kobe Bryant speaks to the crowd at Staples Center during his double jersey retirement ceremony in 2017.
Kobe Bryant was part of Los Angeles.
More, he was a part of your family. For two decades, families in Los Angeles welcomed the Black Mamba into their homes three or four times a week for two-thirds of the year. We ate dinner with him. We drank beer with him. We partied with him. We celebrated with him. We suffered defeats with him. We grew up with him.
We loved him.
Eric Garcetti
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti tweeted this photo on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, of Los Angeles City Hall lit in purple and gold “in honor of Kobe Bryant’s storied championship career and in memory of Bryant, his daughter, Gianna, and all who perished in today’s tragedy.”
Pacific Park via AP
This photo provided by Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier shows their Ferris wheel in Los Angeles Lakers purple and gold colors with Kobe Bryant’s No. 24 in honor of the former Lakers star who died with several others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020.
Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
The Empire State Building is illuminated in gold and purple lights to honor the late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in New York, United States, Jan. 28, 2020. Bryant died Sunday in a helicopter accident along with his 13-year-old daughter and seven other people.
NBCLA
The pylons at LAX are glowing in Lakers colors on a somber morning in Los Angeles Monday Jan. 27, 2020, a day after the death of Kobe Bryant.
AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo
Lights of purple and gold illuminate the pylons outside of LAX in remembrance of former NBA basketball player Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, following reports of his death in a helicopter crash in Southern California.
Madeline Kosmala
The InterContinental Hotel, the “tallest” building west of the Mississippi, displayed No. 24, Kobe Bryant’s jersey number, following his untimely death on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020.
Los Angeles County
The fountain at Grand Park LA lit up in purple and gold on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, in honor of Kobe Bryant.
Greg Bennett Jr.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
Photo by James Devaney/Getty Images
Madison Square Garden pays tribute to Kobe Bryant during Brooklyn Nets v New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 26, 2020, in New York City.
Madison Square Garden is lit up in Los Angeles Lakers colors in honor of former Laker great Kobe Bryant prior to the game between the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets tonight at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 26, 2020, in New York City.
Sergio Quintana
The Chase Center in San Francisco, home venue for the Golden State Warriors, displayed a photo of Kobe Bryant and lit up in purple and gold in honor of Kobe Bryant.
NBC 5 News
The Los Angeles Lakers colors — purple and gold — lit up the 7th Street Bridge in Fort Worth, Texas, as the nation remembered one of the NBA’s most iconic players on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020.
NBC 5 News
The Pier 1 Imports building in Fort Worth, Texas, paid tribute to Kobe Bryant on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, by illuminating the corporate building in Los Angeles Lakers purple and gold.
NBC Chicago
The United Center, home to the Chicago Bulls, paid homage to NBA legend Kobe Bryant on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, following the basketball legend’s untimely death.
Tim Bradbury/Getty Images
Escalators at TD Garden are lit up with Lakers purple to memorialize former NBA star Kobe Bryant on Jan. 27, 2020, in Boston, Massachusetts.
NBCLA
The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles honored Kobe Bryant.
Ronak Patel
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu temple complex in Chino Hills, was illuminated in purple and gold to honor Kobe Bryant.
Catalina Island Company
The Catalina Island Company illuminated the iconic Casino with nine alternating purple and gold lights in remembrance of those who passed away in the Jan. 26, 2020, helicopter crash in Calabasas. Purple and gold represent the team colors of the Los Angeles Lakers, whose former star Kobe Bryant was among those lost. The nine lights pay tribute to the eight passengers and pilot, Ara Zobayan, who had deep Catalina connections, and made a significant impact on many residents and visitors during his frequent flights to the island.
Bryant getting a statue for his accomplishments on the court is a formality. He is the greatest Laker of all time, and his successes for the purple and gold warranted a statue long before he scored 60 points and walked off the court to sobbing, disbelieving eyes and dropped, smiling jaws.
But one statue isn’t enough for this man, who meant so, so much to so, so many millions who did not personally know him--and even more to those who did.
One statue simply isn't enough for what he meant to Los Angeles.
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The story of Los Angeles cannot be told without Kobe Bryant and what he meant to a generation of its inhabitants. No other person connected with the people of this great city in the way he did. No movie star, celebrity nor any other public figure suffering an untimely death would have coated the city of sunshine with a dark cloud of sadness the way Bryant’s death has done.
The city isn’t mourning a basketball player. It is mourning the death of a family member.
Dante Diosina Jr./Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
A large mural tribute for basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter as seen painted over the Tenement basketball court by the Tenement Visual Artists, in Taguig, Philippines, Jan. 30, 2020.
Ronen Tivony / Echoes Wire/ Barcroft Media via Getty Images
A man walks past a mural honoring Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, who died in a helicopter crash along with seven others. The mural was painted by artist Artoon.
Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
A mural painted by Australian street artist Lush Sux is seen on Budd Street, Collingwood, Jan. 30, 2020, in Melbourne, Australia.
Marco Cantile/LightRocket via Getty Images
A giant mural painted in Kobe Bryant’s likeness by street artist Jorit Agoch stands in the Montedonzelli district of Naples, Italy, on Jan. 30, 2020.
John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Anaheim Ducks fans, Ducks players and the Arizona Coyotes pay tribute to NBA Hall of Fame player from the Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna and the seven others lost in a helicopter accident on January 26 before a game played on Jan. 29, 2020, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
Harry How/Getty Images
Kurtis MacDermid (56) of the Los Angeles Kings wears a sticker on his helmet honoring Kobe Bryant and Gigi, before the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Staples Center on Jan. 29, 2020, in Los Angeles, California.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Candles spell out “KOBE” at a vigil held at UNLV as a tribute to nine victims killed in a helicopter crash in Southern California, including Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant, on Jan. 29, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Attendees release 24 purple and yellow balloons during a vigil held at UNLV as a tribute to nine victims killed in a helicopter crash in Southern California, including Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant, on Jan. 29, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kobe Bryant played in preseason NBA games at UNLV, as well as having practiced with the USA Basketball Men’s National Team in Las Vegas ahead of the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
Ron Jenkins/AP
Phoenix Suns forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (3) looks down during a 24 second shot clock violation in honor of Kobe Bryant during an NBA basketball game between the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, in Dallas. Bryant and his daughter were among nine people killed Sunday in a California helicopter crash.
Gerry Broome/AP
Duke players wear a No. 24 jersey during a moment of silence in memory of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna Bryant, prior to an NCAA college basketball game against Pittsburgh in Durham, North Carolina, Jan. 28, 2020.
Noah Bullard/NBC 5 Sports
Fans place candles, flowers and mementos in tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, outside of the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Jan. 27, 2020. The NBA legend and his 13-year-old daughter died with six other passengers and the pilot of a helicopter that crashed in Los Angeles on Sunday, shocking fans worldwide.
Noah Bullard/NBC 5 Sports
Fans place candles, flowers and mementos in tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, outside of the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Jan. 27, 2020. The NBA legend and his 13-year-old daughter died with six other passengers and the pilot of a helicopter that crashed in Los Angeles on Sunday, shocking fans worldwide.
David Zalubowski/AP
From left: Houston Rockets center Tyson Chandler, guard Austin Rivers and forward P.J. Tucker cry during a tribute to Kobe Bryant before an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, in Denver. Bryant died in a California helicopter crash Sunday.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Photos of the late Nipsey Hussle and Kobe Bryant are projected onto a screen while YG, John Legend, Kirk Franklin, DJ Khaled, Meek Mill and Roddy Ricch perform onstage in their honor during the 62nd Grammy Awards at Staples Center on Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
People gather around a makeshift memorial for former NBA and Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant after learning of his death at LA Live plaza in front of Staples Center in Los Angeles on Jan. 26, 2020. NBA legend Bryant died January 26 in a helicopter crash in suburban Los Angeles, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
David McNew/Getty Images
People cheer for former NBA star Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, as they mourn near Staples Center, Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. Nine people have been confirmed dead in the crash, among them Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
Scott Legato/Getty Images
Snoop Dogg wears a Los Angeles Lakers sweat suit in memory of Kobe Bryant to perform at The Fillmore on Jan. 26, 2020, in Detroit, Michigan. Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash on January 26th.
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Australia’s Nick Kyrgios wears a Lakers jersey with Kobe Bryant’s number to warm up to play against Spain’s Rafael Nadal during their men’s singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Jan. 27, 2020.
Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images
Lonzo Ball (2) of the New Orleans Pelicans holds the ball for a 24 second shot clock violation to honor the passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant during a game against the Boston Celtics, Jan. 26, 2020, at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Harry How/Getty Images
Victor Nava holds up his sign at LA Live to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant who died earlier in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California.
Rachel Luna/Getty Images
Los Angeles Lakers fan Victor Chavez, 30, of Los Angeles, mourns the death of retired NBA star Kobe Bryant outside the Staples Center prior to the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards on Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. Bryant, 41, died in a helicopter crash in near Calabasas, California, to the shock and grief of fans nationwide.
Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
Coco Gauff wear shoes that pay tribute to NBA star Kobe Bryant during her third round match Women’s doubles match against Shuko Aoyama and Ena Shibahara of Japan on day eight of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park, Jan. 27, 2020, in Melbourne, Australia.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images
Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men sing in honor of late NBA legend Kobe Bryant during the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles.
Harry How/Getty Images
Billboards around LA Live pay tribute to Kobe Bryant who died earlier in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California.
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Nike shoes worn by Josh Hart (3) of the New Orleans Pelicans memorializing former NBA player Kobe Bryant are pictured during a game against the Boston Celtics at the Smoothie King Center on Jan. 26, 2020, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
NBC Los Angeles
The Los Angeles International Airport light in up gold and purple on Jan. 27, 2020, in honor of Kobe Bryant. Bryant died on January 26th when the helicopter carrying him, his daughter Gianna and seven other people crashed, killing all onboard.
Harry How/Getty Images
Fans gather at LA Live to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant who died earlier in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California.
Michael Tullberg/Getty Images
Darrin Dnote Milton poses with his Lakerbug car at a vigil for the late NBA star Kobe Bryant, Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California.
Azmi Tuncel/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Fans place flowers, candles and memorabilia at a makeshift memorial during a vigil held for NBA legend Kobe Bryant outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, Jan. 27, 2020. Fans gathered outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles to mourn the passing of NBA star Kobe Bryant. The 41-year-old Bryant died alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Photos of the late Nipsey Hussle and Kobe Bryant are projected onto a screen while YG, John Legend, Kirk Franklin, DJ Khaled, Meek Mill and Roddy Ricch perform onstage in their honor during the 62nd Grammy Awards at Staples Center on Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California.
Michael Tullberg/Getty Images
Distraught Los Angeles Lakers fan Naima Smith cries at a vigil for the late NBA star Kobe Bryant on Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California.
James Devaney/Getty Images
Exterior (above) and interior lights of the Madison Square Garden shine in purple and gold to honor NBA great Kobe Bryant after the game between the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets on Jan. 26, 2020, in New York.
Maria Tan/AFP via Getty Images
Children look at a memorial wall painted in the image of former Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Kobe Bryant following his death, near the “House of Kobe” gym built in honour of his 2016 visit to the Philippines, in Manila on Jan. 27, 2020.
Azmi Tuncel/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Fans place flowers, candles and memorabilia at a makeshift memorial during a vigil held for NBA legend Kobe Bryant outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, Jan. 27, 2020. Fans gathered outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles to mourn the passing of NBA star Kobe Bryant. The 41-year-old Bryant died alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images
People gather around a makeshift memorial for former NBA and Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant after learning of his death, at LA Live plaza in front of Staples Center in Los Angeles, Jan. 26, 2020.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Exterior and interior lights (above) of the Madison Square Garden shine in purple and gold to honor NBA great Kobe Bryant after the game between the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets on Jan. 26, 2020, in New York.
Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images
People gather around a makeshift memorial for former NBA and Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant after learning of his death, at LA Live plaza in front of Staples Center in Los Angeles, Jan. 26, 2020.
David McNew/Getty Images
Fans mourn at a makeshift memorial near Staples Center for former NBA star Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. Nine people have been confirmed dead in the crash, among them Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
Fans gather at a makeshift candlelight memorial across from Staples center to mourn the death of former Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, California, Jan. 26, 2020.
David McNew/Getty Images
People mourn at a makeshift memorial at Mamba Sports Academy for former NBA great Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash while commuting to the academy, Jan. 26, 2020 in Newbury Park, California. Nine people have been confirmed dead in the crash in Calabasas, among them Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
Agustin Paullier/AFP via Getty Images
People gather around a makeshift memorial for former NBA and Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant after learning of his death, at LA Live plaza in front of Staples Center in Los Angeles, Jan. 26, 2020.
Aaron Favila/AP
A boy plays basketball in front of images of former NBA basketball player Kobe Bryant at the “House of Kobe” basketball court in Valenzuela, Philippines, Jan. 27, 2020. Fans left flowers and messages on the walls at the newly inaugurated court after learning of Bryant’s death. Bryant died in a helicopter crash.
Growing up in LA, everyone dreamed of being Kobe, and for those who didn’t want to be him, they wanted to beat him. Either way, growing up in LA meant Kobe Bryant was a part of your life. He was as unavoidable as the smog in the air or traffic on the 405 Freeway.
Sick, injured or tired, no. 8 and no. 24 would seemingly always suit up.
After announcing that his 20th season would be his last, Bryant was asked how he wanted to be remembered on the court. He responded with two words: "talented overachiever."
From the moment he arrived in Southern California, his talent was undeniable. His work ethic, though, made him iconic. No one could outwork no. 8. No one was more determined than no. 24. No matter the challenge, he would overcome it. You could "count on Kobe," as a famous Nike campaign once perfectly proclaimed.
Through his work, he taught the city of angels that talent alone isn't enough. He taught Angelenos the value of working while the enemy was sleeping, literally. Leaked details of his predawn workouts were so unbelievable that even Hercules would start sweating at the thought of a 3 a.m. mamba workout.
He embodied always working harder to become the best version of yourself and never being satisfied with success.
Blessed with NBA genes from a basketball family and being afforded a comfortable upbringing that provided him a clear path to becoming a professional ball player, Bryant was determined to overachieve.
And he did. Then, he overachieved some more. Three titles weren't enough. Four titles weren't enough. He needed five--"one more than Shaq."
He wasn’t blue collar or white collar; his jersey didn’t have any collars. From the boardroom CEOs to the bathroom janitors, everyone connected with Kobe Bryant. He connected the city like few before him ever have.
Whether sitting up in the rafters in the 300 sections or sitting courtside and touching the hardwood, Los Angeles cheered “Kobe! Kobe! Kobe!” all the same.
No matter the level of celebrity, Bryant always outshone the biggest stars sitting courtside in the house that he built. Bryant was the embodiment of how to succeed in LA. Talent alone wasn't enough. You had to put in the work. After tasting success, he only grew hungrier and worked harder.
Bryant inspired and taught a generation how to succeed, not only on the court but in life.
For so long, he was the brightest star in the city full of celestial beings. For him and for the city, one statue isn't enough.
The first statue, in line with the other statues already erected, should represent Bryant's greatness as an athlete and as a Laker. The second statue, though, should represent what he meant to the city.
One statue simply isn’t enough to convey what he meant to LA—rather, what he means to LA. After all, Bryant already has two jerseys retired inside Staples Center, so why not give him two statues outside Staples Center, too?
Monitors outside Staples Center continue to project images of Kobe Bryant and his daughter in the wake of their deaths. Fans from around the world have stopped to mourn the Laker they felt they knew, including a couple who had a Lakers themed wedding. Angie Crouch reports for the NBC4 News at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, 2020.
