On Wednesday, Natalia Bryant paid tribute to her NBA legend dad at the new Kobe Bryant exhibit at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
The famous Hollywood Boulevard forecourt venue will now feature a permanent display of Kobe’s handprints and footprints.
“While most people knew him as a basketball player or a storyteller, I got to know and love him as my dad,” Natalia said. “And let me tell you, he is the MVP of girl dads, to say the least.”
During her speech, Natalia recalled a few memories she had with her dad of watching movies like Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Marvel series, which inspired her to pursue a career in film.
“The reason behind it is I watched all these movies with my dad,” she recalled. “Each of those memories I will never forget. He is the reason I’m pursuing film in college. And he is the reason film has inspired me to create memories like ours for other people to even bring more fathers and daughters together like us.”
As the first professional player to be given that honor, Bryant, who received an Oscar for his short film “Dear Basketball,” set his hands and feet in cement at the theater in 2011.
The ceremony was also witnessed by Kobe’s widow Vanessa, their daughters Bianka and Capri, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and ex-player Byron Scott.
“It’s truly astounding to be standing here in front of the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, forever displaying my dad’s hands and footprints,” Natalia said. “As you visit here for years to come, I encourage you to place your hands in his and take a moment to stand in his shoes.”
As a child, she remembered that Kobe always made time for his daughters, despite working extremely hard for the Lakers and his film project.
“Dad, you are an icon, a legend, a storyteller, and most importantly, the best girl dad any young woman could dream of.”
“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.”
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