Two-time Olympic champion and Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant joined the LA 2024 board of directors and the athlete’s advisory committee.

“I want to bring my experience playing in L.A. and as an Olympian to help guarantee an elite experience for athletes in this city in 2024,” Bryant said. “The Los Angeles community has embraced me as one of their own for 20 years. I love this city and how people support both athletes and the creative community. Working with LA 2024, I hope we can bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games back to Los Angeles.”

Bryant is an 18-time NBA All-Star, playing the entirety of his 20-year career with the Lakers. He retired in 2016 after leading the team to five championships while becoming its all-time leading scorer.

“Kobe is an icon for millions of sports fans around the world,” said Casey Wasserman, LA 2024 chairman. “Throughout his career he demonstrated a real passion for instilling his love of sport and his work ethic in the next generation of young athletes.”

Eight other members have also joined the bid committee’s Athletes’ Advisory Commission, which now has 108 members. New members include David Boudia, diving; Valerie Brisco-Hooks, track and field; Mark Crear, track and field; Meryl Davis, ice dancing; Sarah Hughes, figure skating; John Moffet, swimming; Summer Sanders, swimming; and Charlie White, ice dancing.

“I am beyond excited to welcome Kobe and the rest of these extraordinary athletes to the LA 2024 Athletes’ Advisory Commission,” said Janet Evans, LA 2024 vice chairwoman, director of athlete relations and four-time Olympic champion. “Athletes have been the heart and soul of our bid from day one and they will continue to inform our approach every step of the way.”