Kobe Bryant’s legacy lives on, and his daughter, Natalia, is ensuring it continues to inspire future generations. A recent USC graduate, the Black Mamba’s eldest daughter is committed to carrying her legendary father’s torch-creating safe spaces for children and young athletes to develop both athletically and personally.
For five years, Natalia and her mother, Vanessa, have been dedicated to preserving the memory of the Los Angeles Lakers icon and his daughter, Gianna “Gigi”, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in Southern California.
One of Natalia’s most impactful efforts to honor Kobe’s legacy is the refurbishment and donation of community basketball courts in the Los Angeles area-like the one she helped unveil on Monday.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Natalia announced, “We officially unveiled another Kobe and Gianna Bryant basketball court in LA thanks to our incredible partnership with @drinkbodyarmor and @lacountyparks.”
She emphasized that this isn’t just another court, “It’s a new home for young athletes to grow, hone their skills, and embrace the #mambamentality while they #playgigisway.”
The hashtags pay tribute to Kobe’s famous Mamba Mentality and Gianna’s passion for basketball, as she had been taking her first steps as a high school player.
Speaking to NBC Los Angeles after the court’s grand opening, Natalia expressed how much it means to her that these spaces allow children and young athletes to create lasting memories.
“My sister would want everyone to play her way-play Gigi’s way. With both competitiveness and sportsmanship as well,” explained the eldest Bryant daughter.
Honoring her father’s legacy, she added, “I know that my dad just wants as many kids as possible playing on this court, practicing every day.”
