Kobe Bryant’s Daughter Bianka Bryant Had Special Role at Dodgers' Tribute Game

Kobe Bryant’s Daughter Bianka Bryant Had Special Role at Dodgers' Tribute Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Los Angeles Dodgers paid tribute to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant on Friday night with a special bobblehead giveaway at Dodger Stadium. 

But the evening’s most heartwarming moment came when Kobe Bryant’s 8-year-old daughter, Bianka Bryant, stepped onto the mound to throw the ceremonial first pitch.

The tribute took place on 8/8, a date chosen to honor the No. 8 jersey Kobe Bryant wore during the first decade of his NBA career.

Thousands of fans filled the stands for the Dodgers’ matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays, eager to get one of the limited-edition Kobe Bryant bobbleheads featuring the late star in his Lakers uniform, holding a baseball bat.

Bianka Bryant’s Memorable First Pitch

Before the first pitch, the five-time NBA champion’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, and their three daughters, Natalia, 22, Bianka, 8, and Capri, 6, were introduced to the cheering crowd.

Bianka Bryant confidently stepped up to the mound and threw a strike to Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, earning loud applause from fans.

Bianka Bryant threw out the first pitch on Kobe Bryant bobblehead night 💙

(via @MLB, @SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/h4l6yBMS9g

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 9, 2025

Her younger sister, Capri Bryant, followed with a spirited delivery of the iconic line, “It’s time for Dodgers baseball!”

This wasn’t Bianka Bryant’s first time in the spotlight at Dodger Stadium. In August 2024, she also threw a first pitch alongside her mother during another special game honoring Kobe Bryant’s memory.

Continuing Los Angeles Tradition

The Dodgers’ Kobe Bryant Night has quickly become a cherished tradition for both the team and the city. In previous years, tributes have included a black snakeskin Dodgers jersey inspired by Kobe Bryant’s “Black Mamba” nickname, with his No. 8 on the front and No. 24 on the back.

This year’s collectible bobblehead, available only to those in attendance, showed Kobe Bryant in his No. 24 Lakers jersey, wearing Nike Kobe 6 Protro Dodgers sneakers. The figure is already drawing high resale prices online.

Kobe Bryant’s Legacy Beyond Basketball

The night was about more than just giveaways. It was a chance for the city of Los Angeles to once again celebrate the life and impact of Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in January 2020 alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.

Over the years, L.A. has created lasting tributes, including more than two dozen murals across the county and three statues outside Crypto.com Arena. The most recent, unveiled in 2024, is a bronze “Girl Dad” statue of Kobe and Gigi sharing a hug.

The Dodgers’ 5-1 win over the Blue Jays added to the celebration. While the players battled on the diamond, fans were treated to a rare mix of L.A. sports history, Dodgers baseball, and Lakers legacy.

Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who lived in Los Angeles as a child when his father played for the Angels, arrived wearing a Lakers shirt with Kobe Bryant’s image, honoring the late NBA star before the first pitch.

It was a fitting reminder that Kobe Bryant’s legacy lives on, not only in the murals, statues, and collectibles across Los Angeles, but in the poise, energy, and spirit of his daughters.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared.