While Speculating on Kobe Bryant’s Relationship With Parents After 2020 Memorial Silence, Former Teammate Opened Up on Vanessa’s Grief

Lakers great Kobe Bryant was known for his otherworldly skill set. From his unfathomable accolades in his career to every tiny detail about his life, all is known to the public. However, very little was known about the late legend’s relationship with his parents. John Salley, who won an NBA championship alongside Bryant recently spoke about Kobe’s memorial in his latest interview with DJ Vlad. 

As per sources, Bryant had a rocky relationship with his parents, Joe and Pamela Bryant after they did not approve of his wife, Vanessa. But they were able to reconcile after Bryant’s daughter Gianna was born. However, that was squandered too after the 2013 auction incident. However, as Salley recalled, the memorial book had all of Kobe’s pictures with his sisters and parents. This was a great gesture by Vanessa.

“But I saw pictures in the memorial pamphlet that everyone received when they got there, of Kobe with his nephews and his pictures with his sister. All of that was inside of there. I think Vanessa did an unbelievable job,” recalled Salley. Showing support for the mother of four and the big heartbreaking loss she endured in life, Salley said, “Let me tell you I don’t know we all may be sad but not as sad as her.” Furthermore, he added, “Let her grieve and I don’t I hope she doesn’t have to answer back, she did an amazing job.”

John Salley said this after DJ Vlad asked him about the fact that Bryant’s parents decided not to speak at his memorial.

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John Salley talks about Kobe Bryant’s parents

Bryant’s parents were present at the funeral, however, they chose not to speak. His sisters Shaya and Sharia were also present. Both were seated in the front row. While John Salley seemed hesitant to speak on the matter, he ultimately shared his opinion. He noted how his parents were very private and reserved.

The Pistons legend shared, “Jelly Bean and his wife and his sisters, they’re not in the spotlight and maybe they didn’t want the targeting of being in the spotlight.” He furthermore explained, “So they stayed out of it so no focus would go to anything.”

Back in 2013, Kobe’s parents indeed put up their son’s 2000 NBA championship ring in an auction without his permission. The Black Mamba himself gifted it to his father. However, the 5x NBA champion was heartbroken when he found out about the sale and took the matter to court. After much discussion, the matter was settled with Joe and Pamela selling six of the items including the ring. They were not on talking terms for a while.

This auction incident caused a dent in their relationship. Despite that, the Los Angeles Lakers legend continued his efforts to reconcile and they managed to be on speaking terms again after Capri’s birth. 

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