The late basketball star Kobe Bryant (1978-2020) received a special posthumous honor last Wednesday. His hand and footprints were unveiled at a ceremony attended by his wife Vanessa Bryant, 40, and their children at the infamous TCL Chinese Theatre.
It’s the first time Hollywood cinema has exhibited an athlete’s footprints, Vanessa Bryant proudly writes on an Instagram post that shows a short video of the event. In addition, this is also the first time that the TCL Chinese Theater has a permanent public exhibition.
In the presence of her three children Natalia (20), Bianka (6) and Capri (3), the widow of the basketball legend beamed from ear to ear on the red carpet. She and daughter Natalia arrived at the special premiere in black dresses. Six-year-old Bianka wore a beige coat and white tights, little Capri came in a white dress with a light blue coat.
Lakers President Jeanie Buss (61) and Lakers coach Byron Scott (61) were also present at the unveiling and, like daughter Natalia Bryant, addressed a few loving words to the late Kobe Bryant.
“Jeanie and Byron, you both have been a special influence on Kobe and his Lakers career. Thank you for being there today. Natalia, I know how hard it is to do what you did today. We are like that proud of you,” Vanessa Bryant thanks in another Instagram post.
The casts have been kept since Bryant pressed his hands and feet into a block of wet cement on Feb. 19, 2011, a theater spokesman said, according to CBS News. This ceremony took place the day before the Wests’ 148-143 victory in the NBA All-Star Game at the then Staples Center, in which Bryant scored 37 points and was named Most Valuable Player for the fourth and final time. was chosen.
“It’s a great honor,” Bryant said at the ceremony in 2011. “I’m extremely honored to be able to do this. I’ve actually never thought about it when I’ve watched movies. I never thought that my hand – and footprints would be found right here at Grauman’s Chinese Theater.”
Bryant told The KCAL News Staff at the time that his handprints and footprints, along with those of many film industry legends, “rank high” on the list of his many accomplishments, which include winning five NBA championships with the Lakers. Bryant was particularly impressed by the immortality of his hand and footprints on the forecourt. “If you come back in 100 years, they will still be there,” he said. “You’re not going anywhere. It’s here forever. You’re a part of Los Angeles forever.”
Kobe Bryant was one of the most iconic basketball players of the past few decades. He died in a helicopter crash in January 2020 along with his daughter Gianna (2006-2020).
