Kobe Bryant Honored at Dodgers’ Bobblehead Night

Why this matters: This event highlights the enduring impact of Kobe Bryant on Los Angeles and the sports world, demonstrating how his legacy continues to be celebrated and remembered by fans and the community.

On August 8, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers paid tribute to Kobe Bryant with a special bobblehead night, marking another chapter in the city's ongoing remembrance of the basketball icon. The event, held during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, was attended by Vanessa Bryant and her daughters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri. Bianka had the honor of throwing the ceremonial first pitch, while Capri announced, “It’s time for Dodgers baseball!”

The Kobe Bryant bobblehead features the late Lakers star in his No. 24 jersey, sporting Nike Kobe 6 Protro Dodgers sneakers and holding a baseball bat, symbolizing his passion for both basketball and baseball. The first 40,000 fans who entered Dodger Stadium received the exclusive bobblehead.

This tribute is part of an ongoing tradition by the Dodgers to honor Kobe. In 2023 and 2024, fans received a black snakeskin Dodgers jersey inspired by Kobe’s “Black Mamba” nickname, featuring his No. 8 and No. 24. These tributes underscore the deep connection between Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles community.

Beyond the Dodgers' tributes, Los Angeles has memorialized Kobe and his daughter Gianna with numerous murals and statues. There are 26 murals of Kobe around Los Angeles County, including one of him kissing Gianna. Crypto.com Arena features three Kobe Bryant statues, including a 19-foot marble statue and a bronze statue titled “Girl Dad.”

The Dodgers' tribute game ended with a 5-1 victory over the Blue Jays. In 2017, Kobe Bryant recorded a recruiting video urging Shohei Ohtani to join the team, emphasizing Los Angeles as the best place to win.

August 8th was chosen to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant’s jersey number, 8, which he wore for the first 10 years of his NBA career.

Bianka threw the ceremonial first pitch to Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, while Capri delivered the traditional announcement: “It’s time for Dodgers baseball!”

The bobblehead features Kobe wearing his No. 24 Lakers jersey, Nike Kobe 6 Protro Dodgers sneakers, and holding a baseball bat.

Los Angeles has honored Kobe and Gianna with murals across the county and statues at Crypto.com Arena.

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