A basketball court opened Monday in East Los Angeles honoring the legacy of Lakers star Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna.
The newly refurbished court at Atlantic Avenue Park is done up in Lakers purple and gold, with Kobe and Gianna’s names in the center. The sidelines bear the phrase #PlayGigi’sWay.
Natalia Bryant, fresh from graduating from USC, spent some time running drills with kids at the opening.
“I know my dad and sister would be so proud to see kids experience basketball,” she said. “It's all about getting on the court, getting outside, being creative, having fun with your friends and making those memories.”
This is the 21st court opened by the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation across the country, and the third here in L.A. Bryant told KNX News’ Karen Adams it’s important to have public courts like these.
“I have the best memories with my friends when I was a kid and just playing outside, being a kid, having fun, and I'm happy that by opening these courts we get to give those opportunities to make those kind of memories and get outside,” she said.
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Kobe and Gianna Bryant, along with seven others, died in a helicopter crash in 2020.
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