LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers paid tribute to Kobe Bryant on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, with a Kobe Bryant Bobblehead Night ahead of their game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium.
Manager Dave Roberts, who has guided the club since 2016, reflected on the late Los Angeles Lakers star’s influence on the city and the team. “His legacy is alive and well,” Roberts said. “What Kobe did for the city of Los Angeles has obviously impacted a lot of us, myself included.”
Roberts first crossed paths with Bryant during the guard’s final NBA season in 2016 and recalled multiple visits Bryant made to Dodger Stadium after retiring. “He was a baseball fan,” Roberts noted. “He’d be seated near the dugout, locked in on pitches. With his celebrity and schedule, he didn’t have to be here, but he wanted to support another Los Angeles ballclub. He was L.A. all day.”
The evening also highlighted Bryant’s family. Natalia Diamante Bryant photographed Roberts during the national anthem, Bianka Bryant delivered the ceremonial first pitch, and Capri Bryant announced the stadium’s traditional pregame line: “It’s time for Dodger baseball.” Roberts thanked Vanessa Bryant and her daughters for continuing to partner with the Dodgers, calling the occasion “emotional” yet celebratory.
Imagem: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images via lakersnation.com
The relationship between the Dodgers and the Bryant family has remained strong since Kobe and his daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash in January 2020. Friday’s tribute added another chapter to that connection, with fans filling Dodger Stadium to honor the five-time NBA champion.
Source: Lakers Nation
