SHOCK NEWS: Los Lakers current Head coach JJ Redick make a surprising Announcing statement that Kobe Bryant who is the best player of Los Angeles Lakers ad become…….. veiw more

SHOCK NEWS: Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick Makes Stunning Announcement About Kobe Bryant!

In a move that has taken the basketball world by storm, current Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick made a surprising and emotional statement earlier today that left fans and sports analysts stunned.

During a press conference at the Lakers’ training facility in El Segundo, Redick made an unexpected tribute to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, calling him “the greatest Laker of all time” — a sentiment shared by many but rarely so publicly and emphatically declared by a current head coach.

But Redick didn’t stop there. In a heartfelt announcement, he revealed that the Lakers organization will be honoring Kobe Bryant in a historic way: by unveiling a permanent statue of him at center court during the opening game of the 2025–26 NBA season. This move marks the first time in franchise history that a statue will be placed inside Crypto.com Arena itself, rather than outside the venue.

“Kobe Bryant wasn’t just the heart of the Lakers — he was the heartbeat of basketball. His legacy is more than stats and titles; it’s about mentality, leadership, and eternal excellence,” Redick said.

The statue, designed in collaboration with the Bryant family and longtime Lakers sculptor Julie Rotblatt-Amrany, will depict Kobe in his iconic #24 jersey, fist raised in triumph. According to sources, there will also be a digital holographic tribute that plays during Lakers home games, showcasing highlights from his 20-year career.

Fans and former teammates, including Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher, and even longtime rival Dwyane Wade, have already expressed overwhelming support for the tribute online. Social media platforms are ablaze with the hashtag #MambaEternal, which trended worldwide within minutes of the announcement.

More Than a Tribute

Coach JJ Redick, who took over head coaching duties last season, has been vocal about bringing a “culture-first” philosophy to the Lakers. He stated that honoring Kobe Bryant this way is not just a tribute — but a foundation of inspiration for the current roster, including rising stars like Bronny James, Anthony Davis, and rookie standout Malik Rice.

“When players walk into this arena, they need to feel Kobe’s presence — his work ethic, his fearlessness, his greatness. That’s what this statue symbolizes,” Redick added.

This announcement comes just weeks after speculation swirled about the Lakers making major offseason moves, and now, with Kobe Bryant’s legacy officially immortalized within the arena itself, the message is clear: the Mamba Mentality lives on — not just in memory, but in the heart of Lakers basketball.

View More Updates on This Story ➤ [LakersOfficialNews.com]

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