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Kobe Bryant Statue Unveiled in Los Angeles as Lakers Players Wear Black Mamba Jerseys

The NBA legend was honored on Thursday alongside a number of other L.A. Lakers icons.

The star-studded event featured speeches from several important figures in Kobe's life, including his widow, Vanessa Bryant, former coach Phil Jackson, NBA legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar, former teammate Derek Fisher, longtime commentator Stu Lantz and Lakers president Jeanie Buss. "He didn't just play the game, he defined it... the legacy he left behind is the foundation that players build their dreams.... the echoes of his accomplishments will reverberate in those who wear his sneakers today." Vanessa also revealed that the pose -- which shows Kobe standing with his hand raised in the air -- was chosen by the NBA star himself long ago.

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