LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Los Angeles Dodgers honored the memories of Kobe and Gianna Bryant today on what would have been the late Los Angeles Lakers star's 42nd birthday.
During ceremonies before the 11-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies, Dodger players donned Kobe Bryant's Nos. 8 and 24 jerseys and the team played a tribute video narrated by retired broadcaster Vin Scully.
“Kobe demonstrated that he was a man of many talents,” Scully said. “He was a champion, a mentor, a creative force, an advocate. “Kobe was also a husband and a father to four wonderful girls. The warrior that we knew as `The Black Mamba' was a sweetheart to his wife Vanessa and a proud `Girl Dad' to Natalia, Bianka, Capri and his daughter known as `the Mambacita,' Gianna.
“Gigi was worthy of her dad's nickname. She shared his passion for basketball and so much more. He in turn wanted her to have every opportunity to succeed, and he believed that the women's game deserved as much respect and support as the men received.”
Kobe Bryant's No. 24, which he wore in his final 10 seasons with the Lakers, and Gianna's youth basketball No. 2 were painted on the pitchers mound.
Kobe and Gianna Bryant and seven others were killed in a Jan. 26 helicopter crash in Calabasas.