From Heartfelt Tributes to Chilling Kobe Bryant Chants: Here’s How LA Dodgers’ Lakers Night Had Fans in Pool of Tears

The 1 of September was an important day for baseball fans around the world. Serving as the second night of their four-game series against the Atlanta Braves, the Los Angeles Dodgers decided to commemorate ‘Lakers Night’ on Friday. They did so in spectacular fashion. Along with honoring the franchise that won 17 NBA championships, the night was also in honor of one man. A legend who devoted over 20 years to the Los Angeles Lakers and became synonymous with greatness: the late Kobe Bryant.

With Kobe’s loved ones present, the Dodgers rolled the red carpet out for the Black Mamba and the legacy he left behind.

Kobe Bryant’s daughters get their moment to shine

Vanessa Bryant, donning a ‘Queen Mamba’ jersey, entered Dodger Stadium with her three daughters: Natalia, Bianka and Capri. One of the most heartfelt moments occurred before the game when 6-year-old Bianka exclaimed “It’s time for Dodgers Baseball.” Of course, it sent the entire crowd wild with cheers and applause.

Natalia Bryant also received love from the crowd. The 20-year-old was honored with the opportunity to throw the first pitch of the game. Tossing the ball from the front of the mound, it took one bounce before landing onto the gloves of Mookie Betts.

In 2000, after winning his first ever championship, Bryant threw out the first pitch at Dodger Stadium. 23 years later, his daughter carried forward the legacy. As the Braves and Dodgers lined up alongside the first and third bases, fans could be heard chanting “Kobe, Kobe!”

Many of the people who were able to secure a ticket for the highly anticipated match were awarded a special Kobe Bryant Dodgers jersey.

LA Dodgers honor the legacy of Kobe Bryant

Mookie Betts and other players associated with the Dodgers wanted to commemorate ‘Lakers Night’ in a special way. The official Instagram handle of the Dodgers uploaded a picture of Betts arriving at the game. He donned a jersey which featured Kobe Bryant’s face on the front.

At the same time, Jason Hayward was wearing a custom Bryant shirt with a Dodgers hat. 28-year-old Evan Phillips was sporting the Kobe 6 Protro ‘Mambacitas’ while team pitcher Joe Kelly adorned a Mamba Lakers jersey.

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The post, captioned, “Reppin’ Kobe for Lakers Night,” felt truly heartfelt as the entire team came together to honor Kobe.

Notably, before Natalia was given the chance to throw the first pitch, the giant screen in the stadium highlighted a tribute in honor of the Black Mamba. With Avicii’s ‘Hey Brother’ playing in the background, the video featured Kobe sharing a moment with various members of the baseball team. It even included a few pictures of the former player at the baseball stadium with his family.

Earlier this year, a video of Kobe throwing out a pitch at Dodger Stadium caught fire. Months later, it was re-enacted in poetic fashion. If fans weren’t already teary eyed, they would have been after seeing this beautiful tribute.

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