Natalia Bryant is remembering the Black Mamba, one shot at a time.
The eldest daughter of Vanessa Bryant and the late Kobe Bryant made her creative director debut in the Lakers’ new film Forever Iconic: Purple and Gold Around the World, and she included a sweet nod to her legendary dad.
“This project was an amazing, collaborative environment with such creative people,” Natalia, 22, told People in an Oct. 8 statement, the same day the movie was released, “and we all came together to try and portray the Lakers’ impact, not only in LA but around the world.”
Indeed, she wanted this short project to show how “everyone has their own connection” to the Los Angeles team. And true to her vision, she featured several of the Lakers’ biggest fans in the film, including longtime stan Brenda Song. In one of the scenes, the Running Point star proudly cheered as she watched a clip of Kobe—who died alongside his daughter Gianna “GiGi” Bryant, 13, and seven others in a 2020 helicopter crash—making a hook shot.
But the glimpse at Kobe’s impressive skills wasn’t the only iconic detail in this release. In fact, retired Lakers player Magic Johnson and Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani also made a cameo towards the end of the film.
And with Forever Iconic serving as a love letter to the Lakers, Natalia wants this team’s already prominent legacy to never be forgotten.
“I hope those who already love this team watch this project and remember what that pride feels like,” she continued in the statement. “And if you’re not a Lakers fan yet, I hope you watch this, and it makes you want to be.”
Forever Iconic is a slam dunk win for Natalia, as it’s her first official project since she graduated from the University of Southern California with her film degree in May. At the time, she celebrated her academic success by including Kobe’s “Sheath” logo on her cardinal red and gold stole.
And as she continues to show love to her dad’s legacy, she’s also focused on her own.
“In terms of legacy,” Natalia—whose younger sisters are Bianka, 8, and Capri, 6—told Town & Country in an interview published in January 2024, “my main goal is just to be the best version of me that I possibly can.”
Keep reading to see more heartfelt moments in the Bryant family…
Early Beginnings
The Charlotte Hornets selected Bryant in the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft.
Lakers Bound
After being the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, Kobe the traded his draft rights to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Champs
Bryant is joined Shaquille O''Neal as they pose for a portrait with the Championship Trophy after defeating the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals in 2000.
Black Mamba
Bryant helped the Lakers to a victory following Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic in 2009. The Lakers won the National Basketball Association championships defeating Orlando 99-86 for their 15th title and first since 2002. Bryant had 30 points, eight rebounds and six assists as the Lakers completed a four-games-to-one victory in the best-of-seven NBA Finals.
Eye on the Prize
Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls is guarded by Bryant during a 2007 game played in L.A.
No. 1 Fan
Pictured here at the NBA Most Valuable Player Awards in 2008, Bryant and longtime love Vanessa were married in 2001.
Olympian
Kobe and fellow NBA player Lebron James of the U.S. Men's Senior National Team defeatied Spain 118-107 in the men's gold medal basketball game at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.
Family Forever
In 2010, the Bryant family celebrated the Lakers win over the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.
Legends Never Die
Lakers fans celebrated Kobe's Game Seven win at the 2010 NBA Finals.
Taking It All In
Kobe participated in the Lakers victory parade following their NBA championships win in 2010.
An Icon
Bryant accepted the Icon Award onstage during the 2016 ESPYS.
Soulmates
The couple attended the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscars party.
A Fond Farewell
Bryant's family were by his side as he retired both his #8 and #24 Los Angeles Lakers jerseysat Staples Center in Dec. 2017.
Oscar Winner
At the 2018 Oscars, Bryant won the award for Best Animated Short Film for Dear Basketball.
Kobe's Little Girl
Gianna Bryant, who also died in the crash, attended a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks in Nov. 2019.