Vanessa Bryant continues to honor the legacies of her late husband, Kobe Bryant, and their daughter, Gianna Bryant, by unveiling a refurbished basketball court at California’s Wilson Park. The court, dedicated to the memories of Kobe and Gianna, was opened through the collaboration of the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation and BodyArmor.
The court features murals of the late NBA legend and his daughter, who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in January 2020. The unveiling ceremony took place with the presence of former WNBA center Lisa Leslie and Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young. Vanessa Bryant expressed her gratitude to the attendees, including the artist @sloe_motions responsible for the incredible mural, Lisa Leslie, and Trae Young, in an Instagram post.
She also extended her appreciation to the donors who contributed to making the court refurbishment possible, emphasizing that every dollar and merchandise purchase from the foundation supports their mission of creating positive impact for underserved athletes and boys & girls in sports. Vanessa Bryant thanked BodyArmor for being an amazing partner and hinted at future court launches, concluding the post with hashtags #PlayGigisWay and #MambaForever. This ongoing effort to create positive impacts and celebrate Kobe and Gianna’s legacy reflects Vanessa Bryant’s commitment to preserving their memory and promoting opportunities for young athletes.
Both BODYARMOR and the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation (MMSF) have pledged a total of $24 million to support access to youth sports. This commitment has led to the unveiling of basketball courts in various cities, including Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Dallas, Washington D.C., Atlanta, and Phoenix.
Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young expressed his excitement and honor to be part of this initiative, citing his childhood admiration for Kobe Bryant. Young emphasized the impact that playing on such courts had on his own development as a basketball player.
Vanessa Bryant expressed gratitude for the opportunity to build a basketball court in a public space in Los Angeles, highlighting the support from council member Andre Spicer and Mayor Emma Sharif in allowing them to contribute to the community. The collaborative efforts between the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation and partners like BODYARMOR showcase a commitment to fostering youth sports access and creating positive spaces for communities in honor of Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s legacies.
The court in Compton stands as a tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter, featuring numerous murals that capture their enduring legacy. Among these murals is one depicting Kobe and his daughter side by side, adorned with the word “Forever” in front of them. Additionally, there are two separate murals dedicated to each of them individually, contributing to the lasting memorial at the Compton court.
In a separate event earlier this year, Natalia Bryant, Kobe’s eldest daughter, delivered an emotional speech as the family unveiled Kobe’s handprints at the iconic Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Natalia, joined by her mother Vanessa and younger sisters Bianka and Capri, expressed her honor to recognize her father, Kobe Bryant, a figure beloved by many.
These gestures and tributes underscore the enduring impact that Kobe Bryant and his family have had on the basketball community and beyond. The murals and handprints serve as poignant reminders of Kobe’s legacy, allowing fans and the community to pay tribute to the basketball legend and his daughter in meaningful ways.
She referred to Kobe as the “MVP of girl dads” and talked about how she had seen his dedication to fatherhood and his work ethic as a basketball player.
“One of the greatest pleasures of my life is being his daughter, and I hope to continue to embody and cherish the many lessons he has taught me,” she remarked.