Dodgers host Kobe Bryant bobblehead night to honor Lakers legend
The Los Angeles Dodgers honored Kobe Bryant on Friday with a special bobblehead giveaway at their stadium.
The date, Aug. 8, was chosen to recognize the No. 8 jersey Bryant wore during the first half of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, and their daughters, Natalia, 22, Bianka, 8 and Capri, 6, attended the event ahead of the team's game at Dodgers Stadium against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Dodgers and Vanessa collaborated on an Instagram post on Aug. 8 showing pictures of Bryant's daughters partaking in some pre-game activities.
The carousel was accompanies by the caption, "Mamba forever. Thank you, Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka and Capri for helping us celebrate Kobe Bryant Bobblehead Night. 💙."
Bianka threw the ceremonial first pitch to Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, while Capri delivered the traditional opening line, telling the crowd, “It’s time for Dodgers baseball!”
The bobblehead, unveiled by the team earlier this summer, depicts Bryant wearing his No. 24 Lakers jersey and Dodgers-themed Nike Kobe 6 Protro sneakers while holding a baseball bat.
The collectible was available exclusively to fans attending the Aug. 8 game, with the first 40,000 ticketed guests receiving one upon entry.
Bryant, a five-time NBA champion and 18-time All-Star, died in January 2020 in a helicopter crash that also claimed the life of his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others.
