SUMMARY
- Since Kobe Bryant's death, Vanessa has involved herself in a lot of charity work.
- Vanessa continues to support her three daughters, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.
Vanessa Bryant is the widow of the late Kobe Bryant. However, she manages to attract a lot of attention from the media whenever she does something. The NBA legend and herself were married for over 20 years and they were one of the most iconic couples. Unfortunately, Kobe and their daughter Gianna passed away in a helicopter crash in 2020, along with seven other individuals. It’s been a couple of years since the accident and it is still hard to digest for some. But fans have grown curious about Vanessa’s dating life.
Vanessa has spent the last few years mourning the death of her husband. She stood by the Los Angeles Lakers legend for over 2 decades. After his death, there were rumors regarding Vanessa dating a professional boxer, Victor Ortiz. However, the boxer denied the claims, stating that they were entirely false. Vanessa was later linked to former Los Angeles Lakers player Derek Fisher, who also played alongside Kobe.
“One of the greatest human beings — not just basketball players — one of the greatest human beings to ever walk this earth.”
Derek Fisher on Kobe Bryant 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/CgIGrbkC0r
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 8, 2024
After the passing of the Black Mamba, Vanessa chose to solely focus on herself on the family she had raised with him. Natalie, Bianka, and Capri were the other three daughters that they parented together. Out of the pureness of his heart, Pau Gasol, a former teammate and a brother-like figure to Kobe still looks out for the girls. Vanessa also indulges in charity work, looking out for underprivileged kids who indulge in sporting activities.
What is Derek Fisher currently doing?
After retiring from basketball, Derek Fisher took up coaching as his new role in the community. Kobe and Derek lifted five NBA titles with the Lakers. Following his retirement, Fisher ended up coaching the New York Knicks from 2014 to 2016. He helped them retain Carmelo Anthony and sign Kristaps Porzingis in 2015. However, the Knicks weren’t too successful under his leadership.
Derek Fisher will be the head coach for his son Drew Fisher and Matt Barnes’ twin boys Carter and Isaiah at Crespi Carmelite High School in Los Angeles
(Via @Tarek_Fattal ) pic.twitter.com/oZXy79LDVz
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 15, 2023
In 2019, he joined the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks as their head coach. He coached the Sparks until 2022, as they parted ways due to his terrible luck at winning. In 2023, Fisher assumed the role of head coach for Crespi Carmelite High School, located in Encino, California.
Are Derek Fisher and Vanessa Bryant dating?
During the 2021 WNBA All-Star Game, the league decided to honor Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant. Vanessa was found in the audience along with Derek Fisher. While the two were seen indulging in a casual conversation, fans and media speculated that they were romantically involved with each other. However, the rumors were put to bed after Derek married Gloria Govan. Ultimately, the idea of Fisher and Vanessa dating was disregarded.
Is this Derek Fisher in the suite with Vanessa Bryant and the kids during the WNBA All Star game tonight? 👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/dRkda26OCS
— Willie Brooks (@billiedwillie) July 15, 2021
Amidst all the rumors and speculations, Vanessa is said to be single and is focusing on her girls. She posted a happy birthday photo on Instagram, “Happy birthday, Papi. Te Amo por siempre. Amor Eterno,” captioned on her Instagram post. Vanessa still considers Kobe her eternal love and soulmate, after his passing away.