The Los Angeles Lakers have acknowledged errors on the base of the recently unveiled statue of Kobe Bryant outside their arena. The errors include misspelled names of former NBA players Jose Calderon and Von Wafer, as well as a misspelling of the phrase 'Coach's Decision' in a rendering of the box score from Bryant's historic 81-point game in January 2006. Additionally, there are minor formatting mistakes on another part of the base, which showcases many of Bryant's achievements.
In response to the errors, the Lakers have stated that they have been aware of the issues for a few weeks and are actively working to correct them promptly. The box score, depicting Bryant's remarkable performance, is etched into the marble base of the 19-foot bronze statue, capturing his postgame celebration after the second highest-scoring game in NBA history.
The statue has become a focal point for fans, with hundreds gathering daily around it. Situated alongside statues honoring other Los Angeles sports legends in front of the arena, the statue is the first of three renditions of Bryant that will be erected outside the downtown arena, as confirmed by his widow, Vanessa. The Lakers unveiled the initial statue on February 8 as a tribute to Bryant, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in January 2020, along with his daughter, Gianna, and seven others.
Bryant, a five-time NBA champion who spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers, holds the distinction of being the fourth-leading scorer in NBA history. The team is committed to rectifying the errors on the statue base to ensure that Bryant's legacy is accurately represented for fans and visitors.
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