Natalia Bryant throwing out 1st pitch for Dodgers on night honoring Kobe

kobe bryant wearing a dodgers jersey in front of cameras at dodgers stadium
Kobe Bryant attends Game Four of the 2018 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Photo credit Harry How/Getty Images

Natalia Bryant, the oldest daughter of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, will honor her father by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the Dodgers’ game against the Atlanta Braves Friday night.

September 1 is the Dodgers’ annual “Lakers Night” – an event the baseball team holds every year to celebrate their basketball counterparts. Kobe himself threw out the first pitch during a game in the summer of 2000.

Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash in January 2020. That summer, the Dodgers paid their respects by writing Kobe and Gianna’s jersey numbers, 24 and 2, on the mound for a game on August 24.

Fans who bought a special ticket package will also receive a special jersey in black snakeskin print, inspired by Bryant’s nickname “Black Mamba.” They feature the Dodgers logo on the front with Bryant’s name on the back, along with his Lakers jersey numbers, 8 and 24.

Kobe’s widow Vanessa Bryant reposted a photo of the special jerseys on Instagram, thanking the Dodgers and saying she plans to attend the game Friday.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Harry How/Getty Images