Kobe Bryant is one of the most inspirational figures in professional sports history, with his impact spanning well beyond the Los Angeles Lakers and NBA as a whole.
There also are ties between Bryant and the Dodgers, as the five-time champion attended several games at Dodger Stadium before his tragic passing and recorded a video message for Shohei Ohtani that was played during his free agency meeting last offseason.
Ohtani acknowledged Bryant’s powerful message made a strong impact and was among the better aspects of his meeting with the Dodgers.
The Lakers legend is also an inspirational figure for Bobby Miller, who said on SportsNet LA that he’s long looked up to Bryant:
“Kobe means a lot to me. Growing up, I obviously loved watching him play basketball. But later on, as I got older, I really started to learn the meaning of the ‘Mamba Mentality’ and everything he’s about. I watched a lot of videos about him and a lot of speeches he’s had. It’s truly motivating. And it can apply to anybody, like in a workplace or as an athlete. He’s super motivating and I pay attention to a lot of his stuff.”
Kobe’s Minneapolis Lakers throwback jersey was hanging in Miller’s locker inside the Dodgers clubhouse over recent days. The Dodgers celebrated the Lakers throughout their weekend series against the Tampa Bay Rays, which included a drone show and players of the Showtime era being on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
It ended with a Kobe Bryant jersey giveaway that included his wife, Vanessa, and their daughters, Natalia, Bianka and Capri being in attendance. Bianka threw out the first pitch to Mookie Betts.
Miller finding inspiration from Bryant could come at an opportune time as his 2024 season has not gone as expected and the Dodgers certainly could benefit from a turnaround.
Dodgers donate to Kobe Bryant’s foundation
Along with hosting the Bryant family for a giveaway and celebration, the Dodgers made a $100,000 to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.
“To see Vanessa here and the babies, it was really good. Kobe loved baseball. So for the relationship with the city, the Lakers and Dodgers, to keep that flame burning is great,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“The family being here was awesome. Seeing all those 8 and 24 jerseys was fun.”
The Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating positive impact for underserved athletes, both boys and girls, in sports. It was founded through the vision and loving memory of Kobe and Gianna ”Gigi” Bryant.
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