Natalia Bryant’s New Lakers Film Has Sweet Nods to Dad Kobe Bryant

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Natalia Bryant is remembering the Black Mamba, one shot at a time. 

Vanessa and Kobe Bryant’s oldest daughter recently stepped into the role of creative director for a new Lakers film called *Forever Iconic: Purple and Gold Around the World*, and she paid a touching tribute to her father within it.

In a statement released on October 8th, the same day the movie came out, 22-year-old Natalia shared that the project was a fantastic and collaborative experience with incredibly creative individuals. She explained that everyone involved worked together to showcase the Lakers’ influence, both in Los Angeles and globally.

She designed this short film to demonstrate how everyone feels connected to the Los Angeles Lakers. Staying true to her idea, the film showcased several dedicated Lakers fans, including actress Brenda Song. One scene features Song enthusiastically watching a clip of Kobe Bryant – who tragically died in a 2020 helicopter crash with his daughter, Gianna “GiGi” Bryant, 13, and seven others – making a hook shot.

Beyond showcasing Kobe Bryant’s incredible talent, the trailer also featured a special appearance by Lakers legend Magic Johnson and baseball star Shohei Ohtani near the end.

Okay, seriously, *Forever Iconic* isn’t just a documentary, it’s a total obsession for me! Natalia clearly *loves* the Lakers, and she’s made something that I think will make sure everyone—forever—remembers just how incredible this team is. It’s like she’s protecting their legacy, and honestly, I’m so here for it!

She hopes current Lakers fans will rediscover their team pride while watching this project. And for those who aren’t fans yet, she hopes it will inspire them to become one.

Natalia’s new project, *Forever Iconic*, is a significant achievement, marking her first official work since graduating from the University of Southern California with a film degree in May. She commemorated her graduation by featuring Kobe Bryant’s “Sheath” logo on her USC stole, which was red and gold.

And as she continues to show love to her dad’s legacy, she’s also focused on her own. 

I was so inspired by what Natalia shared in her recent interview with *Town & Country*. She has two younger sisters, Bianka and Capri, and when asked about what she wants her legacy to be, she said it’s simply to be the best version of herself – and honestly, that really resonated with me. It’s such a powerful and humble goal.

Keep reading to see more heartfelt moments in the Bryant family… 

The Charlotte Hornets selected Bryant in the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft.

Kobe Bryant was initially selected 13th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, but his rights were immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

In 2000, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal celebrated their NBA Finals victory over the Indiana Pacers by posing with the Championship Trophy after winning Game 6.

In 2009, Kobe Bryant led the Los Angeles Lakers to a championship win against the Orlando Magic in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The Lakers defeated Orlando 99-86, securing their 15th NBA title – their first in seven years. Bryant scored 30 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists, completing a 4-1 series victory for the Lakers.

Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls is guarded by Bryant during a 2007 game played in L.A.

I always admired Kobe Bryant, not just for his incredible talent on the court, but also for his beautiful relationship with his wife, Vanessa. They’ve been together since 2001 – I remember seeing them at the NBA MVP Awards in 2008, and they just radiated happiness. It was truly inspiring to witness a strong, lasting love like theirs.

At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, playing for the U.S. Men’s Senior National Team, won the gold medal in men’s basketball, defeating Spain 118-107.

In 2010, the Bryant family celebrated the Lakers win over the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. 

 Lakers fans celebrated Kobe’s Game Seven win at the 2010 NBA Finals. 

Kobe participated in the Lakers victory parade following their NBA championships win in 2010. 

Bryant accepted the Icon Award onstage during the 2016 ESPYS.

The couple attended the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscars party.

In December 2017, the Los Angeles Lakers retired both of Kobe Bryant’s jersey numbers – #8 and #24 – at Staples Center, and his family was there with him.

At the 2018 Oscars, Bryant won the award for Best Animated Short Film for Dear Basketball.

In November 2019, Gianna Bryant was seen at a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks. Sadly, she was also a victim of the crash.

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2025-10-09 19:17