A statue in honor of the late-Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant will be unveiled outside the Crypto.com Arena next year following the death of the NBA superstar and his daughter Gianna in January 2020.

Bryant’s widow Vanessa Bryant posted a video for fans on Thursday morning announcing that right in the place “known as the house Kobe built,” there will be a statue honoring the five-time champion and his 20 years with the Lakers.

“As you know, Kobe played his entire 20-year NBA career as a Los Angeles Laker,” Bryant said. “Since arriving in this city and joining the Lakers organization, he felt at home here, playing in the City of Angels.”

Vanessa Bryant and the Lakers announced that a statue honoring Kobe Bryant will be unveiled outside "The House That Kobe Built" on 2-8-24 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/0OG6OhsBjy

— ESPN (@espn) August 24, 2023

“On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters and me, I am so honored that, right in the center of Los Angeles, in front of the place known as the house that Kobe built, we are going to unveil his statue so that his legacy can be celebrated forever,” she added.

The statue will be officially unveiled on February 8, 2024, with Bryant joining the likes of other famed Lakers who have also been honored with statues — such as Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

“Kobe’s transcendent spirit is always and forever in our hearts – inspiring us every day,” Rob Pelinka, Los Angeles Lakers Vice president of basketball operations and general manager, said. “And now, with the unveiling of this powerful and beautiful statue, he will have a physical presence, too. A place on the hallowed ground Kobe created, where we can all gather and pay honor to a mighty and great man.”

The numbers 2, 8, and 24 definitely have a significance for the late professional and his daughter, who was also killed in 2020 when the helicopter they were riding in crashed.

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Bryant wore the Nos. 8 and 24 on his jersey during his legendary career and Gianna sported the No. 2 during her time on the court, TMZ noted.

“Kobe Bryant was one of the most extraordinary athletes of all time, and one of the most iconic individuals in the history of Los Angeles,” Jeanie Buss, Los Angeles Lakers governor, said. “There is no better place for Kobe to be honored with a statue than here, at the center of our city, where everyone can celebrate him and be inspired by his incredible achievements.”

Rock legend Carlos Santana paused his New Jersey concert in late July to talk to his audience about an issue that was apparently close to his heart. In a speech that critics attacked as “anti-trans,” the famed guitarist said, “A woman is a woman and a man is a man. That’s it.”

Attendees at the Atlantic City show said that Santana had paused his set after just one song, addressing the crowd for several minutes before returning to the music. Video of his comments circulated on Thursday.

WATCH:

Last night at a concert in New Jersey, rock legend Carlos Santana said “when God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are… a woman is a woman and a man is a man.”
pic.twitter.com/zCZibZIkM2

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) August 24, 2023

“When God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are,” he began. “Later on, when you grow out of it, you see things, and you start believing that you could be something that sounds good, but you know it ain’t right. Because a woman is a woman and a man is a man. That’s it. Whatever you wanna do in the closet, that’s your business. I’m OK with that.”

Santana then offered support to comedian Dave Chappelle, who has often been attacked for making similar comments. “I am like this with my brother Dave Chappelle,” he said.

The rock legend later provided a statement to Billboard, clarifying his position on the issue — but, as the outlet noted, not walking back the things he had said onstage.

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“Here is my personal goal that I strive to achieve every day. I want to honor and respect all person’s ideals and beliefs whether they are LGBTQ or not,” he said in the statement. “This is the planet of free will and we have all been given this gift. I will now pursue this goal to be happy and have fun, and for everyone to believe what they want and follow in your hearts without fear.”

“It takes courage to grow and glow in the light that you are and to be true, genuine, and authentic. We grow and learn to shine our light with Love and compliments. Have a glorious existence. Peace,” he concluded.