The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated Kobe Bryant during Lakers Night at Dodger Stadium, which included his daughter Natalia throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, the team making a $100,000 donation to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, and a special drone show.
Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten presented the check to Vanessa Bryant during a pregame ceremony on the field. She was accompanied by Natalia, Bianka and Capri.
Dodgers players stood along the foul line while wearing Bryant Lakers jerseys. Some were in a No. 8 throwback Lakers jersey, while others donned No. 24 in gold.
“The Dodgers are so proud to be helping the Mamba and Mambacita Foundation in their mission to positively impact our community and the entire sports world,” Kasten said in a statement.
Natalia threw out the first pitch to Mookie Betts, who developed a friendship with Kobe and has leaned on his advice over recent years. One such instance came during Betts’ first time playing at Fenway Park since being traded to the Dodgers, as he recalled a conversation with the five-time NBA champion about remaining focused amid distractions.
The Dodgers previously honored Bryant and Gigi during a pregame ceremony on August 24, 2020. It included a video tribute narrated by Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully in recognition of what would have been Bryant’s 42nd birthday.
Kobe, Gigi and seven other passengers were tragically killed in a helicopter accident in January 2020.
Kobe Bryant drone show at Dodger Stadium
Lakers Night concluded with the Dodger Stadium drone show centering around Bryant’s storied career. It recreated several iconic moments and included Bryant’s sheath logo that is seen on his signature Nike shoes.
“It was great to see the Bryants here. I thought the way that the relationship between the Dodgers and the Lakers is very good. Certainly there’s a lot of crossover,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“And I thought we did it right. And the city is Lakers, Dodgers. And so to see the Laker fans and the Dodger fans come here tonight together, the energy was great. Again, to see the family here was great, really emotional for a lot of people, I know. And unfortunately we couldn’t come away with the win but really well done by everyone.”
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