The Los Angeles Dodgers honoured the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant with a special bobblehead giveaway at Dodger Stadium.
This coincided with the date 8 August to pay tribute to the No. 8 jersey Bryant wore during the first half of his career.
KOBE BRYANT HONOURED
Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, and their daughters, Natalia, 22, Bianka, 8, and Capri, 6, attended the ceremony ahead of the Dodgers’ game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The bobblehead depicts Kobe Bryant wearing his iconic No. 24 Lakers jersey. It’s paired with Nike Kobe 6 Protro sneakers designed in Dodgers colours, while holding a baseball bat.
The collectable was exclusively available to the first 40,000 ticketed fans who attended the game. They were distributed upon entry, creating a memorable event for supporters, according to People.
BRYANT FAMILY REMEMBER KOBE
The event featured special moments involving Kobe’s family. Bianka Bryant threw out the first pitch to first baseman Freddie Freeman.
Young Capri Bryant took the microphone to announce the traditional pre-game line, “It’s time for Dodgers baseball!” Vanessa and Natalia looked on proudly.
KOBE BRYANT’S LOVE FOR BASEBALL
Dodger manager Dave Roberts commented on Kobe’s love for baseball and the importance of the city’s ongoing tributes:
“Kobe loved baseball. So, for the relationship between the city, the Lakers, and the Dodgers, to keep that flame burning is great.
Having the family here was awesome, and seeing those jerseys was fun”.
Kobe Bryant, a five-time NBA champion and 18-time All-Star, tragically died in a January 2020 helicopter crash along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others.
LEGACY THROUGH MURALS
Since then, Los Angeles has continued to honour their legacy through murals, statues, and these sporting tributes.
The city houses 26 murals of Kobe, including one showing him kissing Gianna, a powerful symbol of their bond.
The Crypto.com Arena features three Kobe Bryant statues, including a 19-foot marble statue and a bronze sculpture titled ‘Girl Dad,’ depicting Kobe with Gianna.
This tribute match on 8 August continues a strong tradition for the Dodgers.
THROWING THE FIRST PITCH
In 2023, fans received a special black snakeskin Dodgers jersey inspired by Kobe’s ‘Black Mamba’ nickname.
It featured his No. 8 on the front and No. 24 on the back. These jerseys were reissued in 2024 owing to popular demand.
The family’s participation adds a deeply personal layer to these tributes. Earlier in 2024, Bianka and Vanessa threw the first pitch at another Dodgers game.
It symbolised the family’s ongoing connection to the community and sport.
Fans enthusiastically received Bianka’s confident throw, embodying the Bryant family’s continuing legacy of passion for baseball.
VANESSA ON KOBE’S MEMORY
Vanessa Bryant shared heartfelt sentiments about preserving Kobe’s memory, underlining the importance of these moments.
“Mamba forever,” she said, thanking the Dodgers and fans for celebrating Kobe’s legacy with the family. Kobe’s legacy, marked by excellence, resilience, and family, continues to inspire across continents.
This celebration not only honours an L.A. legend but also connects communities worldwide, including South Africans, through shared admiration for Kobe Bryant’s enduring spirit.
WHAT IMPACT DID KOBE BRYANT HAVE ON YOUR VIEW OF SPORT OR FAMILY?
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