Kobe Bryant’s daughter Natalia delivered a speech at the unveiling ceremony of the late Lakers’ legend’s handprints at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood and her dad’s former teammate Byron Scott sang her praises afterward.
On March 15, Vanessa Bryant, 40, and Kobe’s daughters Bianka, 6, and Capri, 3, supported Natalia, 20, as she gave a loving speech during the emotional ceremony where her father’s hand and footprints were permanently placed in the forecourt of the iconic Hollywood theater. During her address, Natalia called Kobe the “MVP of girl dads,” and described being his daughter as “one of the greatest joys of my life.” Natalia also remarked on her father’s legacy, adding that “This day symbolizes the impact that he has had on a city that he loved and cared for so deeply.” The TCL Chinese Theater originally immortalized Kobe back in 2011 when he became the first athlete to have his hand and footprints imprinted on the cement there.
Natalia Bryant remembers the late Kobe Bryant and shares that he was the “MVP of Girl Dads.” 💜 pic.twitter.com/9Qk4Iy7Myj
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) March 15, 2023
In addition to the deceased NBA champion’s immediate family, members of the Lakers’ organization such as the president Jeanie Buss, vice president of operations Rob Pelinka and three-time champion, and Kobe’s former mentor, Byron Scott. The 61-year-old, who also gave a speech at the event, praised Natalia for her words and said it was “amazing,” watching her speak at the event.
“I’ve known the Bryant family all his life, basically since they’ve been together, so watching her speak today was amazing,” Scott told People. He continued, remarking on how Kobe’s eldest daughter has grown into “such a beautiful, beautiful person,” while also celebrating the late NBA star’s efforts as a father. “Kobe did a good job,” he said.
Scott also agreed with Natalia’s belief that Kobe was the MVP of Girl dads, telling People “She’s right. He loved his girls,” he said. “I’ve never seen a father display the love that he displayed for his girls as much as I saw Kobe.”
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Elsewhere in her speech, Natalia encouraged people to take time to interact with her father’s hand and footprints, calling them a “treasure,” for his fans from all over the world.
“I encourage you to place your hands in his and take a moment to stand in his shoes,” she said. “This will be a treasure for the city of Los Angeles and my dad’s fans from all over the world to hold and to cherish.”
Natalia ended her speech by directly addressing her late father and expressing the immense pride and love she and her sisters will “forever and always,” hold in their hearts for him.
“Dad, you’re an icon, a legend, the storyteller, and most importantly, the best girl dad any young woman could ever dream of,” she said. “I’m honored to be here to represent you and our family, and we are extremely proud of you. We will love you forever and always. Love, Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, Capri and Mommy.”
Watch Natalia’s speech below.
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