HOF Rapper Ice Cube Snubs NBA Legend from LA Sports Mount Rushmore, Fans Furious Over Shock Omission
Despite frequently praising
Kobe Bryant
as a personal hero and cultural icon,
Ice Cube
stirred controversy after omitting the Lakers legend from his Mount Rushmore of Los Angeles athletes.
The rapper, actor, and diehard Lakers fan recently shared his list in a social media video—an unexpected selection that has ignited widespread discussion across sports circles.
Ice Cube's choices reflected a broad appreciation for LA's multi-sport legacy. His Mount Rushmore featured MLB pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya, and NFL running back O.J. Simpson—figures who left a lasting imprint not just in their sports but also in the cultural and historical fabric of Los Angeles.
Kobe Bryant
's exclusion was surprising, especially given Ice Cube's deep admiration for the five-time NBA champion. Over the years, Cube has frequently acknowledged Kobe's influence on both the sport of basketball and the city of Los Angeles. In NBA-specific contexts, Cube has regularly included Kobe on his basketball Mount Rushmore. However, when expanding the lens to encompass all sports, his selections reflect different priorities.
Ice Cube talks Raider Nation, LA Sports and the Rise of Hip-Hop (Full Episode)
There are a few likely reasons for Kobe Bryant's absence:
• Cube's picks highlight trailblazers who impacted Los Angeles beyond just wins and championships. Valenzuela became a symbol of pride for the Latino community, De La Hoya represented boxing dominance in the city, and Simpson—despite later controversies—was an athletic icon during his time at USC.
• Ice Cube may also have sought to avoid redundancy, keeping Kobe on his basketball-exclusive Mount Rushmore while reserving his all-sports version to celebrate other figures who helped shape LA's identity across various arenas.
Still, the decision sparked passionate reactions from fans who believe Kobe Bryant is an undeniable part of LA's sports DNA. To many, his impact—on and off the court—is unparalleled, making him a fixture in any conversation about the city's athletic greats.
Ice Cube's list, however, offers a broader perspective. It invites a deeper reflection on what defines a city's sports legacy—is it championships, cultural resonance, pioneering impact, or emotional connection?
Also read:
"Do You Think LJ Will Give Up This Season?" - NBA Analyst Comments on LeBron James Reported Interested in Potential Move to the Dallas Mavericks
In leaving Kobe Bryant off this particular list, Ice Cube isn't downplaying his legacy. Instead, he's embracing a more inclusive vision of LA's rich athletic history. It's a nuanced choice that reflects how the term 'icon' can evolve based on the scope and context of the conversation. And for a city as diverse and layered as Los Angeles, perhaps there's more than one way to honor its heroes.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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