Late Husband Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gigi Honored With Major Tribute in Vanessa and Lakers’ Presence

Kobe Bryant’s beautiful new mural is gaining massive love and praise. 6 years after Bryant presented his first youth basketball program, The Mamba League, at the gym in Nickerson Gardens, this place went through redevelopment. The project was overseen by Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, and the Lakers Youth Foundation. Along with special facilities, a huge mural of the Lakers legend and his daughter Gigi has also graced the gym.

Vanessa and members of the Lakers organization came together at the ribbon-cutting ceremony held in Nickerson Gardens to celebrate the reopening of the Gym. The Official Instagram page of Lakers and Vanessa jointly shared a few pictures from the ceremony and wrote, “The Lakers, Vanessa Bryant, and the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, celebrate the ribbon-cutting of the newly renovated sports spaces at Nickerson Gardens for local youth to shine on and off the court.”

After the 19-foot bronze statue at the Cryto.com Arena, fans and netizens became emotional to see the latest mural painted in honor of the basketball legend and his daughter Gigi Bryant. Many took to their social media to express their emotions. The location chosen for the redevelopment project also has a special meaning. The place was previously the Boys & Girls Club, where Kobe Bryant’s first Mamba League was realized.

The program was for kids who dream big, just like the Black Mamba and his daughter. The 5x NBA champion was clearly not fond of the AAU. Naturally, after his retirement, he decided to start his own program to help aspiring basketball players. In association with Nike and the Boys & Girls Club of Los Angeles, the late legend started the Mamba League in 2017. This was a 40-team co-ed youth basketball program that was held for eight weeks. And Vanessa couldn’t have been prouder.

Vanessa Bryant talks about her inspiration to redevelop the gym

Speaking of the significance of this location and his inspiration to rebuild this place, Vanessa said, “The site is a special location for my family. He (Kobe) used basketball to teach life lessons to young boys and girls. It serves as a reminder to all the boys and girls who play here that they are loved.”  

The overwhelming admiration from fans for the mural dedicated to the father-daughter duo shows that it was indeed the right decision. The artist behind the mural is Brian Peterson. He has previously created the sculpture featuring the smiling faces of the Los Angeles Lakers legend and Gianna, Forever Court side Sculpture.

Along with Peterson, Kiesha Nix, Lakers Vice President of Charitable Affairs and Lakers Youth Foundation, and people of the Nickerson Garden were in attendance at the event. Vanessa continues to honor the legacy of her late husband and daughter.