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Vanessa Bryant, Trae Young, Lisa Leslie Unveil New Court in LA in Honor of Kobe, Gigi

Tyler Conway@@jtylerconwayX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVJune 18, 2023

Kobe Bryant's jersey from his final NBA opening day of the 2015-2016 season, is displayed as part of Sotheby's sports memorabilia auction dubbed "Invictus," Tuesday Sept. 6, 2022, in New York. The sale, open through Thursday, Sept. 15, features a variety of athletes who have had deep and lasting impact on their respective sports. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews

Vanessa Bryant, Trae Young and Lisa Leslie unveiled a new basketball court at Los Angeles' Wilson Park on Saturday that features murals of Kobe and Gigi Bryant.

The court was donated by BodyArmor and Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, which honors the Lakers legend and his daughter, who died in a January 2020 helicopter crash.

Nick DePaula @NickDePaula

Vanessa Bryant, <a href="https://twitter.com/LisaLeslie?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LisaLeslie</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTraeYoung?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheTraeYoung</a> unveiled a new court donated by the Mamba &amp; Mambacita Sports Foundation today at Wilson Park in Los Angeles — featuring murals throughout that celebrate the legacy of Kobe &amp; Gianna Bryant. 💜💛 <a href="https://t.co/eVxB5yh6F4">pic.twitter.com/eVxB5yh6F4</a>

"For years we've been trying to build a basketball court in a public space in LA and we're so thankful to council member [Andre] Spicer and Mayor [Emma] Sharif for allowing us to be included in your community," Vanessa Bryant said at the ceremony.

No Jumper @nojumper

Vanessa Bryant showing off the new murals in honor of Kobe Bryant and her daughter GiGi Bryant in Compton. 🕊️🔥 <a href="https://t.co/x9Qxebii8l">pic.twitter.com/x9Qxebii8l</a>

Young and Leslie were both part of the ceremony due to their close relationship with Kobe Bryant before his death.

"I'm excited and honored to be a part of this," Young said. "I remember being a part of certain courts and just being able to get better at my game on these courts."

Bryant played his entire 20-year NBA career with the Lakers, winning five championships and finishing as the fourth-leading scorer in league history. Lakers governor Jeanie Buss has said the franchise will unveil a statue of Bryant outside Cypto.com Arena at some point in the future.

As of now, the court at Wilson Park will be a way for fans to remember Kobe and Gigi while also providing the next generation of players a chance to hone their game.