NEW DELHI: The recent delivery of a 19-foot-tall, 4,000-pound statue of Kobe Bryant in downtown Los Angeles reflects the growing trend of sports teams immortalizing their iconic players with monumental sculptures. Crypto.com Arena features statues of six former Lakers celebrities, including legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and now Kobe Bryant.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
The statue of Abdul-Jabbar, erected in 2012, showcases his signature sky-high hook and symbolizes his dominance on the court. His former teammate Magic Johnson also erected a statue outside the arena to commemorate his leadership and success with the Lakers and Michigan State University, where he led the Spartans to the 1979 NBA championship. Won the NCAA championship.
Larry Bird
A 15-foot-tall statue of Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird stands on the campus of Indiana State University, symbolizing his journey from college success to NBA stardom. The rivalry between Bird and Magic Johnson, which dates back to their college days, is etched in basketball history and adds meaning to their respective statues.
Jim Brown
The Cleveland Browns have honored football great Jim Brown with a statue outside their stadium in recognition of his lasting impact on the sport. Brown’s statue also appears on a memorial commemorating Ali’s summit, highlighting his role as one of America’s top black athletes.
Roberto Clemente
There are multiple statues throughout commemorating the legacy of Roberto Clemente, a Hall of Fame outfielder known for his exceptional talent and humanitarian efforts. The statues are a lasting tribute to Clement’s lasting impact on the sport and his humanitarian legacy.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has a bronze statue erected outside Chicago’s United Center. The statue was commissioned by Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf and unveiled in November 1994 during Jordan’s brief retirement from the NBA. The statue, which stands 12 feet tall and weighs 2,000 pounds, sits on a 5-foot-tall granite base inscribed with the words: “The best ever. Will be the best ever.” In honor of Jordan’s extraordinary achievements with the Chicago Bulls, which included three of the six NBA championships he ultimately won during his illustrious career.
Karl Malone and John Stockton
Famous Utah Jazz teammates Karl Malone and John Stockton both have statues erected south of the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Stockton, the player with the most assists and steals in NBA history, received his statue in 2005, while Malone’s was unveiled a year later. Malone played college basketball at Louisiana Tech and was celebrated with a statue at his alma mater, further highlighting his lasting impact on the game.
Joe Montana
In the NFL, the statue at Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, has become one of the most iconic moments in the NFL. The statues commemorate the legendary game known as “The Catch,” the 6-yard touchdown pass from Joe Montana to Dwight Clark in the 1981 NFC Championship Game at Candlestick Park (Dwight Clark). One statue depicts Clark catching the ball, and another depicts Montana raising his arms in victory.
Jackie Robinson
Statues of Jackie Robinson, who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier, have been erected across the country. In Wichita, Kansas, a statue in McAdams Park was recently vandalized, prompting more than $145,000 in donations. Additionally, since 2017, a statue of Robinson sliding into home plate has stood outside Dodger Stadium, alongside a Brooklyn monument honoring Robinson and his former teammate Pee Wee Reese.
cristiano ronaldo
Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has a bronze statue in his hometown of Madeira, Portugal. Despite being vandalized in 2016 for rival Lionel Messi’s name and number, the statue remains a tribute to Ronaldo’s extraordinary career. Additionally, a bronze bust of Ronaldo is featured at an airport in Portugal, although the bust has been criticized for its lack of resemblance.
Pat Summitt
Legendary University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt has been honored with a statue in “Pat Summitt Plaza” near the team’s home court. The statue of Samit depicts her with her hands crossed, symbolizing her leadership and determination. Other statues honoring Summitt can be found in her hometown of Clarksville, Tennessee, and on the Tennessee-Martin campus.
Dwyane Wade
Finally, a statue of Miami Heat three-time NBA champion Dwyane Wade will be erected outside the Kaseya Center. While construction is still ongoing, this announcement reflects Wade’s significant contributions to the Heat and his legacy in the game of basketball.
Not only do these statues immortalize the sporting achievements of these luminaries, but they serve as symbols of inspiration for future generations, reminding us of their enduring legacies and contributions to their respective sports and communities.
(With input from The Associated Press)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
The statue of Abdul-Jabbar, erected in 2012, showcases his signature sky-high hook and symbolizes his dominance on the court. His former teammate Magic Johnson also erected a statue outside the arena to commemorate his leadership and success with the Lakers and Michigan State University, where he led the Spartans to the 1979 NBA championship. Won the NCAA championship.
Larry Bird
A 15-foot-tall statue of Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird stands on the campus of Indiana State University, symbolizing his journey from college success to NBA stardom. The rivalry between Bird and Magic Johnson, which dates back to their college days, is etched in basketball history and adds meaning to their respective statues.
Jim Brown
The Cleveland Browns have honored football great Jim Brown with a statue outside their stadium in recognition of his lasting impact on the sport. Brown’s statue also appears on a memorial commemorating Ali’s summit, highlighting his role as one of America’s top black athletes.
Roberto Clemente
There are multiple statues throughout commemorating the legacy of Roberto Clemente, a Hall of Fame outfielder known for his exceptional talent and humanitarian efforts. The statues are a lasting tribute to Clement’s lasting impact on the sport and his humanitarian legacy.
expansion
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has a bronze statue erected outside Chicago’s United Center. The statue was commissioned by Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf and unveiled in November 1994 during Jordan’s brief retirement from the NBA. The statue, which stands 12 feet tall and weighs 2,000 pounds, sits on a 5-foot-tall granite base inscribed with the words: “The best ever. Will be the best ever.” In honor of Jordan’s extraordinary achievements with the Chicago Bulls, which included three of the six NBA championships he ultimately won during his illustrious career.
Karl Malone and John Stockton
Famous Utah Jazz teammates Karl Malone and John Stockton both have statues erected south of the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Stockton, the player with the most assists and steals in NBA history, received his statue in 2005, while Malone’s was unveiled a year later. Malone played college basketball at Louisiana Tech and was celebrated with a statue at his alma mater, further highlighting his lasting impact on the game.
Joe Montana
In the NFL, the statue at Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, has become one of the most iconic moments in the NFL. The statues commemorate the legendary game known as “The Catch,” the 6-yard touchdown pass from Joe Montana to Dwight Clark in the 1981 NFC Championship Game at Candlestick Park (Dwight Clark). One statue depicts Clark catching the ball, and another depicts Montana raising his arms in victory.
Jackie Robinson
Statues of Jackie Robinson, who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier, have been erected across the country. In Wichita, Kansas, a statue in McAdams Park was recently vandalized, prompting more than $145,000 in donations. Additionally, since 2017, a statue of Robinson sliding into home plate has stood outside Dodger Stadium, alongside a Brooklyn monument honoring Robinson and his former teammate Pee Wee Reese.
cristiano ronaldo
Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has a bronze statue in his hometown of Madeira, Portugal. Despite being vandalized in 2016 for rival Lionel Messi’s name and number, the statue remains a tribute to Ronaldo’s extraordinary career. Additionally, a bronze bust of Ronaldo is featured at an airport in Portugal, although the bust has been criticized for its lack of resemblance.
Pat Summitt
Legendary University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt has been honored with a statue in “Pat Summitt Plaza” near the team’s home court. The statue of Samit depicts her with her hands crossed, symbolizing her leadership and determination. Other statues honoring Summitt can be found in her hometown of Clarksville, Tennessee, and on the Tennessee-Martin campus.
Dwyane Wade
Finally, a statue of Miami Heat three-time NBA champion Dwyane Wade will be erected outside the Kaseya Center. While construction is still ongoing, this announcement reflects Wade’s significant contributions to the Heat and his legacy in the game of basketball.
Not only do these statues immortalize the sporting achievements of these luminaries, but they serve as symbols of inspiration for future generations, reminding us of their enduring legacies and contributions to their respective sports and communities.
(With input from The Associated Press)