also, just want to add, Kobe.. long before this statue ever existed, you had one made and its held and will remain near and dear in my heart for the rest of my life. i can't express to you just how much of a role you played in my life growing up. we never met, yet you were the closest friend I've ever had. and I'll always love you for that. your friend, Mike Reyes.
don't blame the Lakers organization. blame the people who have repeatedly ripped down historic statutes after another. it's sad but this is our reality.
