It’s just the second month of the year and this year is already filled with surprises for the NBA fans. From Andre Iguodala’s and Derrick Rose’s jersey retirement to Luka Dončić trade to the Lakers, the year is full of happenings. Now this involves even the late NBA legend, Kobe Bryant. So what’s the big news? Keep on reading to know the answer! Bryant’s career was legendary. Eighteen All-Star selections, five NBA championships, and two Olympic gold medals are more than enough testament to his greatness. These achievements place him among basketball’s elite.
Beyond the game, Kobe inspired countless individuals. Mamba Mentality became a symbol of perseverance. Even beyond the hardwood, he remained influential, championing women’s sport as well. He mentored young athletes, including his daughter, Gigi. He broke barriers in the sporting world. Kobe also used his platform for social change. He addressed issues of racial inequality. He gave voice to the underrepresented.
President Donald Trump recently made a huge announcement, which revealed that Bryant will receive a statue in the National Garden of American Heroes. He will join other iconic figures in American history. The garden honors heroes from diverse backgrounds. This includes civil rights leaders and sports legends.
The National Garden, established in 2020, stands on the National Mall. It showcases revered figures in American history. Statues, busts, and plaques commemorate their achievements. Bryant’s inclusion recognizes his impact. This honor will take place during Black History Month. Other prominent figures being recognized are- Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Coretta Scott King, Frederick Douglass, Jackie Robinson, Martin Luther King Jr., and Muhammad Ali! While the news is not anything less than amazing, fans of the basketball legend are worried. They even dragged Dwyane Wade into the conversation! So what’s causing Kobe’s fans to be uneasy?
Kobe Bryant to receive a statue: Will it stand up to the expectation?
Kobe Bryant, a legend etched in basketball history, is finally getting his statue. This well-deserved honor has sparked a wave of emotions among fans. However, it has to be said that the reactions from the fans are mixed. They have flooded the social media post each with their own concerns about the statue to be made. Here are some of the responses from the fans.
Some netizens took the sarcastic route. One of them pointed out the various statues in the past that have not earned any points from the fans. He wrote, “Let’s hope this person has eyes because whoever been doin these statues is blind af,” they commented, referencing some questionable past statues.
The recent Dwyane Wade statue that was not well received by the NBA community was also brought up by the fans. One fan shared his concerns writing, “Let’s hope it isn’t the same person that did D. Wade’s”. Well, we will only get to know that in the future. For now, fans can only wait to see the result.
Image credits: Imago
In the meantime, it turns out that this worry seems to be on most fans’ minds. Surely no one would like another statue like that of DWade, right? This netizen agrees as he jokingly asks, “So yall think they finna flop this too?”
However, not every person is a fan of the idea. Some are even questioning whether this action is even needed or not, one of whom shared his disagreement with the idea. He wrote, “I love Kobe but don’t we have more important things he could be working on?”. However, it has to be said that this action definitely earned Trump some thumbs up from Kobe’s fans. Someone jokingly asked, “Why Biden didn’t do this?”. Well, that is not a question for us to answer.
While this is certainly a huge honor for Kobe, the fans have mixed opinions about it for now. Worry, anticipation, disagreement, and all sorts of emotions are surging in the hearts of the fans. What do you think about the situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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