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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 09: Los Angeles Lakers Guard Kobe Bryant and his wife Vanessa Bryant pose for a photo during a game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Washington Capitals at STAPLES Center on March 09, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NHLI via Getty Images)

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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 09: Los Angeles Lakers Guard Kobe Bryant and his wife Vanessa Bryant pose for a photo during a game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Washington Capitals at STAPLES Center on March 09, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NHLI via Getty Images)
Following a recent encounter with a Los Angeles Lakers legend and a close friend, Vanessa Bryant, accompanied by her daughter Natalie, is now taking some time to unwind and soak up the sunshine in an idyllic location in Sardinia, Italy. Remarkably, this picturesque spot lies approximately 445 miles away from the birthplace of her late husband, basketball legend Kobe Bryant, in Capri. Vanessa is known for her resilience and grace and appears to be finding solace in the serene beauty of this Italian destination.
As she continues to navigate the complexities of life after Kobe and her daughter Gianna’s tragic passing in 2020, Vanessa’s choice to venture afar reflects her desire for tranquility and reflection. While the location offers a physical distance from the place Kobe called home, the memory of the basketball icon undoubtedly remains close to Vanessa’s heart, wherever she may find herself in the world.
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Vanessa Bryant and Natalia have a memorable encounter with a Lakers legend
Vanessa Bryant and her daughter Natalia recently had the opportunity to meet Lakers legend Pau Gasol, who is a close friend to Vanessa and was like a brother to the late Kobe Bryant. Vanessa shared a heartwarming picture on her social media account featuring her daughter and Gasol.
She refers to him as “Uncle @paugasol @nataliabryant” in the caption. The image symbolizes the enduring bond between the Bryant family and Gasol, showcasing the strong connection they share.

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Lakers’ Pau Gasol during the game. LA Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on Apr. 12, 2011. (Photo by Lawrence K. Ho/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Following this encounter, Vanessa treated herself to a well-deserved vacation in Sardinia, Italy, 445 miles away from the birthplace of Kobe Bryant, in Capri. She posted a photo of herself basking in the sun at a scenic riverside location, expressing her desire for uninterrupted relaxation with a caption that read, “Do Not Disturb……👑🐍 ❤️ 🐆 ♉️.”
Vanessa’s friends were quick to express their support and commented that she deserves this getaway, recognizing the challenges she has faced and emphasizing with the importance of taking time out for oneself. As Vanessa enjoys her vacation, her resilience and ability to find moments of peace continue to inspire those around her.
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Interestingly, Kobe Bryant, a basketball legend and cultural icon, had strong ties to Italy through his family’s heritage.
Kobe Bryant’s Italian roots
Born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kobe Bryant spent a significant part of his childhood in Italy. His father, Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, played professional basketball in Italy, which led to the family’s relocation to the country when Kobe was just six years old. Growing up in Italy, Kobe developed a deep appreciation for the country’s culture, language, and of course, basketball.
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He became fluent in Italian and even played for several youth basketball teams in Italy before returning to the United States for his professional career. Kobe’s Italian roots and experiences in the country played a significant role in shaping his worldview and his love for the game, leaving an enduring impact on his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
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