The Los Angeles Dodgers paid tribute to Kobe Bryant last season and invited his family to take part in the annual Lakers Night at Dodger Stadium.
Natalia Bryant, Kobe’s oldest daughter, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Mookie Betts. Natalia was joined on the field by her mother Vanessa, and younger siblings Bianka and Capri. Kobe Bryant held the honor of throwing the first pitch in the summer of 2000 after winning his first championship with the Lakers.
Betts catching the first pitch from Natalia was a fitting choice as he formed a friendship with five-time NBA champion and leaned on his advice when returning to Fenway Park for the first time since being traded to the Dodgers.
In addition to the Bryant family wearing custom Dodgers jerseys for the occasion, Natalia took the mound in an exclusive pair of the Nike Kobe 6.
Vanessa Bryant posted an up-close look at the “Dodgers” Nike Kobe 6 PE that Natalia Bryant wore at the Dodgers annual Lakers night last season 🔥⚾️ https://t.co/0XyCCos0ad pic.twitter.com/lHX5AIbRkM
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) February 1, 2024
Vanessa recently has shared detailed looks at various exclusive sneakers and on Wednesday did so with the all-blue pair of Kobe shoes that are being associated with the Dodgers.
The Kobe 6 “Dodgers” PE does not have a release date, but fits with the team’s aesthetic on multiple levels. The predominantly blue sneaker features white and red accents, and baseball-like stitching across the top of the tongue.
Kobe Bryant helped Dodgers sign Shohei Ohtani
Bryant’s legacy and lasting impact has been felt beyond a storied career with the Lakers, and this offseason grew to include playing a key role for the Dodgers’ recruitment of Shohei Ohtani.
The Dodgers played a Bryant video for Ohtani, which had been saved from several years back, and the two-way star was said to be captivated by the message shared.
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