The legacy of the late, great Kobe Bryant continues to shine brightly — not just on the hardwood, but now on one of the most iconic stretches of Los Angeles: Hollywood Boulevard. In a touching tribute to his lasting influence on sports, culture, and the city of Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant’s handprints and footprints will now be on permanent display in the forecourt of the world-famous TCL Chinese Theatre.
This permanent installation marks a rare and significant honor. The TCL Chinese Theatre, formerly known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, has long been home to the cemented handprints and footprints of Hollywood’s biggest legends — from Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Bogart to modern stars like Denzel Washington and Robert Downey Jr. For a professional athlete to be included in such a revered space speaks volumes about Kobe’s impact beyond basketball.
Kobe originally left his handprints and footprints at the theater back in February 2011, becoming the first athlete ever to receive such an honor at the landmark. At the time, it was a unique and momentous gesture, celebrating not only his dominance on the court but also his growing cultural influence in the entertainment capital of the world. However, until now, those prints had not been part of the permanent public exhibition. That has changed — and fittingly so.
Now, visitors from around the globe will be able to walk down Hollywood Boulevard and find Kobe’s imprints alongside those of cinematic giants. It’s a symbolic gesture that reinforces how Kobe transcended sports and became a global icon — an inspiration not only for his athletic achievements but for his work ethic, storytelling, and mentorship.
Kobe’s connection to Los Angeles was as deep as it was transformative. He spent his entire 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, delivering five NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, and countless unforgettable moments that will live forever in basketball lore. He became a symbol of grit, loyalty, and determination — traits that resonated with the city’s vibrant, diverse, and hardworking population.
Beyond his career on the court, Kobe was also deeply immersed in the entertainment world. His short film Dear Basketball won an Academy Award in 2018 for Best Animated Short Film, further cementing his place in Hollywood’s creative community. He used his post-basketball life to tell stories, inspire young athletes, and serve as a role model to a new generation.
The inclusion of Kobe’s handprints and footprints in the TCL Chinese Theatre’s permanent exhibition is more than just a tribute — it’s a celebration of a life that continues to impact millions. For fans and visitors alike, it’s now a place where they can pause, reflect, and honor one of the most iconic figures in sports and Los Angeles history.
As crowds continue to gather at his murals, jerseys, and statues, Kobe’s imprint — both literal and metaphorical — remains indelible. The Mamba lives on, not just in the rafters of Crypto.com Arena, but now forever in the heart of Hollywood.