In a development that can only be called a fumble, the Los Angeles Lakers' tribute to one of their greatest players has come under scrutiny due to several typos found on the newly unveiled Kobe Bryant statue outside the Crypto.com Arena. German sports journalist André Voigt exposed the errors, which swiftly went viral on social media, showcasing a series of blunders in the box score that was etched into the marble base of the 19-foot bronze likeness that seeks to honor Bryant's legendary 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006.
As reported by CBS News Detroit, former players Jose Calderon and Von Wafer's names were victim to the misspelling debacle, appearing as "Jose Calderson" and "Vom" Wafer, respectively. They worked on this for a few weeks, the Lakers said in a statement, with plans already in the works to correct the inaccuracies.
According to Sports Illustrated, Aaron Williams was also dragged into the typo tirade. Not having played in the game, he was listed on the box score with a "DNP - Coach's Decicion." The Lakers have acknowledged the blunders, saying they are "already working to get it corrected soon."
The statue and its accompanying errors stand at the vanguard of a three-statue series designed to celebrate Kobe Bryant's legacy, as outlined by Hoodline. With Bryant's wife, Vanessa, the unveiling was described as "what excellence looks like," a sentiment marred only by the etched missteps. Two more sculptures will join the one with a finger pointing to the sky – one featuring Bryant in his No. 24 jersey and another with his daughter Gianna, who passed away with him tragically in a 2020 helicopter crash.
As if to further cement his legendary status, the Crypto.com Arena plaza now groups Bryant along with other Lakers icons such as Shaquille O'Neal, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. "Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend," read the inspired words on the base of Bryant’s statue – typo-free and capturing the quintessence of his "Mamba Mentality."
