Kings to Honor Anze Kopitar, Cementing Him in Los Angeles History

The Los Angeles Kings announced on Friday that they are retiring the jersey of Anze Kopitar and erecting a statue of the franchise great outside of Crypto.com Arena, securing his place in LA history.

Kopitar, who hails from Slovenia but spent his entire 20-year NHL career with the Kings, holds franchise records for games played, assists and points.

Apr 14, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Los Angeles Kings forward Anze Kopitar (11) during a stop in play against the Vancouver Canucks in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Come Feb. 24, 2027, he’ll receive what the team described as “the organization’s highest individual honor.”

Kopitar’s No. 11 is being retired and the team is putting up a bronze statue of him, only the fourth King to receive both honors after Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille and Dustin Brown.

Four others — Rogie Vachon, Marcel Dionne, Dave Taylor and Rob Blake — have had their jerseys retired but did not receive a statue.

“To have my number retired and a statue unveiled by the LA Kings is an incredible honor, and one that is difficult to put into words,” said Kopitar in the team’s announcement. “When I arrived in Los Angeles 21 years ago, I simply hoped to earn the opportunity to play in the NHL. I never imagined something like this. I have been fortunate to spend my entire career with one organization, surrounded by amazing teammates, coaches, staff and fans who have made this journey so special. I share this honor with everyone who has been part of it, especially my family, whose love and support have meant everything to me. I am truly grateful to be recognized in this way by an organization that has given me so much.”

Robitaille, president of the Kings, praised Kopitar for “defin[ing] what it means to be a Los Angeles King for the past two decades.”

“His leadership, consistency and commitment to excellence have helped shape the identity of our franchise, both on and off the ice,” he said. “He has earned the respect of everyone who has had the opportunity to play with him, coach him or watch him compete. Anze’s legacy extends far beyond the records, awards and championships. He has inspired generations of Kings fans and left an indelible mark on our franchise, and the Los Angeles and Southern California community.”

Now Kopitar joins some all-time greats, including Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant and Oscar De La Hoya, in the pantheon of LA sports.