Kobe Bryant Statue Outside Crypto.Com Arena Revealed To Contain Glaring Typos

The recently unveiled statue of Kobe Bryant outside Crypto.com Arena has been revealed to contain several egregious typos. German basketball journalist Andre “Dre” Voigt published photos on social media showing that the engraving of the box score for Kobe’s 81-point game was riddled with errors. Jose Calderon’s name is misspelled as “Calderson”. Von Wafer’s name is misspelled as “Vom”. Finally, an instance of Coach’s Decision is misspelled as “decicion”. A subsequent report by ESPN noted that the Lakers had been made aware of the errors and would rectify them in the near future.

The statue, just the eighth in Lakers history, was unveiled on February 8 as part of a larger celebration to commemorate the team legend. The Lakers also wore their Kobe-designed Black Mamba jersey variant for the first time since Kobe’s death in early 2020.

Read More: Shaq Narrates Tribute To Kobe Ahead Of Lakers Statue Unveiling

Caitlin Clark Pays Tribute To Kobe Byrant

Elsewhere, Caitlin Clark paid tribute to one of the greats, posing for photos to replicate Kobe’s iconic trophy poses. Shot by Bri Lewerke, Clark hit the poses that came from Kobe’s three-peat in 2002. Iowa captured their third consecutive Big Ten title in a wild OT thriller against Nebraska. Trailing by 11 at the half, Iowa needed a huge 30-point second half from Caitlin Clark to force OT. In the extra period, the Hawkeyes were finally able to pull away from the relentless Huskers. With the win, Iowa has likely captured a No. 1 seeding during next week’s Selection Sunday. Iowa had a fairly easy run to the title game, beating Penn State and Michigan, both by double digits.

The automatic bids for the women’s bracket are quickly filling up. UT Martin was the first to secure a bid. Despite losing the OVC title game to Southern Indiana, the Skyhawks are going dancing due to Southern Indiana’s postseason ineligibility. Meanwhile, Notre Dame, South Carolina, USC, and Texas won the other Power 5 berths alongside Iowa. However, the biggest shock of the conference tournaments was in the WCC, where Portland, for the second year in a row, stunned ranked Gonzaga in the title game. Conference tournaments run until Sunday, where the final winners will be chosen just hours before the tournament bracket is announced.

Read More: Footage Of Kobe Bryant Taking Brandy To His Prom Emerges On Twitter

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6ix9ine Didn’t Pay For His Own Bronze Statue In Cuba

Earlier this week one of the strangest stories in recent memory of rap news emerged. That came when pictures of a new bronze statue of 6ix9ine emerged from Cuba and started making the rounds online. Very little information was known about the statue and many suspected it wasn’t actually bronze and the rapper probably paid for it himself as some kind of publicity stunt. But earlier today the artist who created it took to Instagram to explain some things.

The artist responsible shared some more close-up pictures showing off the details of the statue. While many debated how much it even looked like the rapper after seeing the original pics online, it resembles him much closer once you can see the whole thing. In the caption, he reveals that the statue was paid for by a client that doesn’t appear to be 6ix9ine himself, as many fans suspected. It’s unclear how much the statue cost or why a still unknown client paid to put a statue of the rapper up in Cuba. Check out the detailed pictures of the bronze sculpture below.

Read More: 6ix9ine Teases New Rap Music

6ix9ine Statue In More Detail

6ix9ine is currently still stuck in the Dominican Republic after being arrested for assault there last year. His fans made quite the scene both at the spot of his arrest and the prison when he was released. As a result of his crime he has to remain in the country for six months following his arrest. He’s about halfway through the time currently. He will wrap up his legal proceedings and likely get to go home later this year.

In December, 6ix9ine promised his fans on social media that he had new music coming soon. He claimed his new album was so close to being done that it might even still come out in 2023. While that ultimately didn’t happen fans are still hoping the project is coming as soon as he claimed. What do you think of somebody other than 6ix9ine himself paying for a statue of him to be put up in Cleveland? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: What Is 6ix9ine’s Best-Selling Single?

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6ix9ine Statue Erected In Cuba

It’s been a complicated few months for 6ix9ine. The rapper was first arrested in the Dominican Republic back in October for an alleged assault on some producers working in a studio there. It caused quite a scene as fans of his showed up in bulk at both the studio where he was arrested and the jail he was eventually released from. Things got even more legally complicated for the rapper when it was ruled that he wasn’t allowed to leave the country for the next 6 months. Thankfully, he doesn’t have to spend that time in prison but the ruling does mean he isn’t going anywhere for at least a few more months.

But while he’s been occupied in the Dominican Republic, fans in Cuba found their own way to show support. Pictures are making the rounds this week of a newly made and erected statue of the rapper in what appears to be bronze. As many fans pointed out in comments of pictures of the status online, the resemblance isn’t exactly uncanny. Despite the somewhat unclear look of the statue, it sports some distinct features of the rapper like his chain and stacks of cash. Check out the picture and some fan reactions to it below.

Read More: 6ix9ine Breaks His Silence Following Arrest

6ix9ine’s New Statue

Last month, 6ix9ine got some good news about one of the ongoing legal matters in his life. He was originally hit with a massive payment to someone he allegedly assaulted at a club. He was originally ordered to pay a $10 million default payment after failing to show up in court. But a few weeks ago the ruling was overturned by a judge. That means he will no longer have to pay the massive $10 million original ruling.

But he isn’t off the hook entirely for the matter yet. But thankfully for him any actual judgement is likely to constitute MUCH less money. Last month, 6ix9ine also promised that he had a new album on the way in early 2024. He hasn’t revealed any more details about the project since. What do you think of the new statue of 6ix9ine put up in Cuba? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: What Is 6ix9ine’s Best-Selling Single?

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Lakers To Add Kobe Bryant Statue Outside Crypto.Com Arena In February

To mark Kobe Bryant Day, the Los Angeles Lakers announced that a statue of the late Hall of Famer would be erected outside Crypto.Com Arena in February 2024. Bryant’s wife Vanessa announced the plan in a video released at 8:24am on Kobe Bryant Day (August 24). The statue will be unveiled on February 8. The date was chosen to honor Bryant’s #8 jersey, as well as their late daughter Gigi’s #2 jersey. Kobe and Gigi were killed in a helicopter crash in January 2020.

“On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters and me, I am so honored that, right here 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,” Bryant said in her video announcement. Kobe will be the seventh Laker to be honored with a statue. The statue walk currently bears the likenesses of Elgin Baylor, Shaq, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, and Chick Hearn.

Read More: Steve Kerr reflects on facing Kobe as both a player and a coach

Lakers To Honor Kobe In 2024

The Lakers said that the statue had been in development for some time. Furthermore, they noted that Kobe himself had been part of the initial design process. The team also said it would be the first in a “series of physical tributes” to the late star. “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,” said team owner Jeanie Buss. “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.”

GM Rob Pelinka, who previously served as Kobe’s agent, also spoke on the statue. Pelinka said that the statue would give Kobe a physical presence “on the hallowed ground Kobe created where we can all gather to pay honor to a mighty and great man.” According to the NBA schedule, the Lakers will host the Nuggets on the day of the statue unveiling.

Read More: Vanessa Bryant posts heartfelt birthday message to late husband

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Shaquille O’Neal Supports LeBron James Statue Outside Crypto.Com Arena

LeBron James has played for the LA Lakers since 2018. The 2022-23 season was his third with the team, meaning he has spent more time in LA than he did with the Miami Heat. However, LeBron, who turns 39 this year, has had a mixed tenure with the team. Outside of their 2020 NBA title during the pandemic-impacted season, the Lakers have been far from juggernauts in the Western Conference.

However, one of the many topics currently circulating within the Lakers fandom is whether LeBron deserves a statue outside Crypto.com Arena. The plaza in front of the Lakers’ home court contains a number of statues honoring Lakers legends such as Shaq, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. However, there is plenty of resistance to the idea of LeBron getting a statue there too. Despite this, there is a prominent voice very much in favor of seeing LeBron be immortalized there.

Shaq Supports LeBron Statue

Speaking to Brandon Robinson of Bally Sports, Shaq gave his take on a LeBron statue. “If they wanted to give him a statue, I’d be fine with that,” the Lakers legend began. “He did win a title with the Lakers and lot of people say that it doesn’t count. LeBron has broke the record [scoring record] and he broke the record as a Laker. He’s a great player, great ability and he did what he was supposed to do as a LAKER. But the thing about the Lakers is that Laker fans are real greedy, Okay you got us this bubble championship, but when are you going to give us another? It’s always that.”

As a Laker, LeBron is averaging 27.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. Those are all career highs when looking at his per-team stats. Granted, he played much longer and at a much different point in his career for Cleveland but the point stands. As Shaq mentioned, LeBron won a championship and broke the all-time scoring record while wearing the gold and purple of LA. Even as his career inevitably winds down, LeBron still playing at an elite level. Depending on how the next few seasons pan out, LeBron could arguably retire as a Laker. But what do you think – does LeBron does a statue outside Crypto.com Arena? Let us know in the comments. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

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Mayor Of Tina Turner’s Birthplace Wants To Build A Statue In Her Honor

Mayor of Brownsville, Bill Rawls Jr., has shared that he’d like to build a statue in the Tennessee town to honor the late Tina Turner. Turner, who passed away Wednesday, was born in Brownsville, and attended Carver High School near Brownsville’s Heritage Park. Mayor Rawls shared that he wants the statue to live in the park, memorializing the performer’s legacy. He’s also getting support from various other local leaders, who share his desire to commemorate Turner’s career.

“When Tina stepped on stage, she owned it,” Mayor Rawls told TMZ. He added, “We want this statue to represent that passion. Tina was an inspiration to the entire world.” Rawls says Turner, “showed the people of Brownsville no matter where you start, you own your story about where you end up.” Brownsville is also the home of the Tina Turner museum, which has seen a surge in visitors since her passing.

Read More: Tina Turner Mourned By Questlove, Erykah Badu, And More

Tina Turner Was An Inspiration To The People Of Brownsville

Mayor Of Tina Turner's Birthplace Wants To Build A Statue In Her Honor
Hamburg: After the German premiere of the musical “Tina – Das Tina Turner Musical”, Tina Turner (M), singer, and ensemble will be on stage in the Operettenhaus. Photo: Georg Wendt/dpa (Photo by Georg Wendt/picture alliance via Getty Images)

“It’s crazy around here,” explained Sonia Outlaw-Clark, executive director of the the Tina Turner Museum. “There have been a few people leaving flowers.” Outlaw-Clark went on, telling Morning Edition more about the museum. The Tina Turner Museum houses various pieces of memorabilia, including costumes, records, photos, and more.

“My favorite piece is the [high school] yearbook because it shows her before she ever started her music career,” the executive director revealed. “They asked the students what they wanted to be, and she listed ‘entertainer.’ So we know she had aspirations of that even before she left Brownsville.” Outlaw-Clark believes that “[Turner’s] story of overcoming, becoming whatever you want to be,” is what fans admire the most. “And making things happen regardless of where you came from or what your circumstances are.”

Read More: Beyonce Honors Tina Turner At France Tour Date: “Scream So She Can Feel Your Love”

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Coretta Scott King’s Cousin Blasts Boston’s MLK Statue

Today (January 16), the U.S. is celebrating the life and activism of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Millions of people reflect on Dr. King and his leadership during the Civil Rights Movement, and it’s easy to find tributes shared throughout social media. Recently, Boston also added to the celebratory events by unveiling a new 22-foot bronze statue that wasn’t well received by the public.

The Washington Post later reported the statue was created by sculptor Hank Willis Thomas. It was said to honor “the relationship between the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King.” However, the internet was soon flooded with negative reactions, including one from Coretta’s cousin, Seneca Scott.

Boston, MA – January 12: Embrace, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial sculpture at Boston Common. (Photo by Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Read More: Samuel L. Jackson Corrects Tina Lawson After She Shares Post Claiming He Met MLK

“For my family, it’s rather insulting,” Scott penned in an essay for Compact. He further said the “sculpture is an especially egregious example of the woke machine’s callousness and vanity.”

“Ten million dollars were wasted to create a masturbatory metal homage to my legendary family members — one of the all-time greatest American families,” Scott also stated. “How could anyone fail to see that this … brings very few, if any, tangible benefits to struggling black families?”

Meanwhile, the statue shows an embrace inspired by an image of Dr. King, who hugged his wife Coretta after learning he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

Boston, MA – January 10: Embrace, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial sculpture at Boston Common. (Photo by Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Read More: R. Kelly Defense Team Compares Him To MLK, Mike Pence, Hugh Hefner: Report

Moreover, sculptor Thomas explained his vision to The Boston Globe.

“This work is really about the capacity for each of us to be enveloped in love,” Tomas additionally shared. “And I feel enveloped in love every time I hear the names and see the faces of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King.”

Check out images of the statue and a few reactions, and let us know what you think of the tribute.

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Mexico Honors Canelo Alvarez With Statue In Juanacatlán

canelo statue

The face of boxing has been immortalized.

Multi-division world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez was honored with his own statue by Mexico in the boxer’s hometown on Monday evening. Presented by the Mexican government, Canelo marks the second fighter to receive a statue in 2022, following Deontay Wilder in May.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Caleb Plant Talks Anthony Dirrell, Canelo, Eddie Hearns, & Boxing Future

In Juanacatlian, Mexico, surrounded by family, friends, and fans, the 32-year-old champion was honored for his many accomplishments during his ongoing 17-year boxing career. The honor comes on the heels of Canelo latest win against longtime rival Genndaiy “GGG” Golovkin over the Summer.

Canelo is the biggest draw in today’s boxing, with high-profile brand endorsement deals with Hennessy, Louis Vuitton, Tecate, and Under Armour. Alvarez is currently ranked #5 on ESPN boxing’s pound-for-pound list with a record of 57 wins and 2 losses.

MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Canelo Alvarez Makes Billy Joe Sanders Quit, Inches Closer to Undisputed Middleweight Championship

Alvarez is currently in negotiations for a rematch against Dimitry Bivol, who gave Canelo the second defeat of his career in early 2022. A laundry list of others who want a shot at Canelo includes Jermall Charlo, David Benavidez, Caleb Plant, and Demetrius Andrade.

In related news, Canelo is set to appear in the upcoming film Creed 3, starring and directed by Michael B. Jordan.

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