NBA legend, Kobe Bryant’s legacy will keep going on after Natalia Bryant gave a speech praising her late father. Kobe was a larger-than-life figure, and the impact he had on an entire generation of players will always be remembered. The Lakers legend was honored at the TCL Chinese Theatre on Wednesday, 12. Bryant’s handprints and footprints were imprinted in cement, and the first athlete to do so.
Kobe spent 20 years with the Lakers, and his hands and feet were printed on a block of wet cement almost a decade ago. Unfortunately, Kobe couldn’t be with us, however, it was his eldest daughter who accepted the honor on his behalf. Kobe won the Oscars in 2017 for a best animated short film. Natalia made a speech on his behalf that left many emotional.
Natalia Bryant gives a heartfelt speech honoring her father, Kobe Bryant.
Mamba’s handprints and footprints were enshrined permanently today at the famous Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. pic.twitter.com/r0qWnb2r37
— Kobe Bryant Stories & Motivation (@kobehighlight) March 15, 2023
Natalia called her dad the MVP, “let me tell you, he is the MVP of girl dads, to say the least.” She said. Bryant continued with what Kobe meant to her, “Being his daughter is one of the greatest joys of my life, and I hope to continue to embody and cherish the many lessons he has taught me,” Natalia added.
The 20-year-old continued about how Kobe achieved yet another feat. It was only fitting for him to be the first athlete to do so. “This also embraces the Mamba mentality and competitiveness at being the first-ever athlete to ever accomplish this,” Bryant added. Kobe even after passing away continues to have an impact on the world. Many current NBA players idolized Kobe and the Mamba mentality to this day.
What is Natalia Bryant doing right now?
Natalia is majoring in film at the University of Southern California and has completed her freshman year. While she was growing up she often talked about movies and watched numerous movies with him. Natalia and Kobe were returning home after the midnight showing of Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker. They two decided to watch the entire franchise in a go.
However, Natalia fell asleep in the first half of the movie, “I fell asleep during the first half of the [first] movie.” admitted Natalia. Natalia is also an athlete and was into volleyball. However, she decided to not pursue a sporting career, and choose to pursue her passion. Like her father, Natalia dreams of winning an Oscar one day.
“I want to win an Oscar. I’m not sure for what, or for what Oscar category, but that’s on my list. And I want to make a film where I can incorporate fashion and those fashion aspects, and I think combining my two passions, that’s just amazing. I want to be able to do that,” Natalia mentioned according to PEOPLE. It is fair to say that Natalia is pursuing what inspired her in the first place.