Kobe Bryant's daughter, Bianka, takes the mound to throw the first pitch as the Dodgers honor the late Lakers and NBA icon
In a heartwarming display of family tradition and growing athletic prowess, Bianka Bryant, the daughter of the late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, threw the ceremonial first pitch at the Los Angeles Dodgers’ annual tribute game honoring her father.
At just 8 years old, Bianka showcased poise and accuracy as she delivered the pitch to Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, marking her second consecutive year participating in this special event [1][2][3]. This year's performance demonstrated Bianka's growing confidence in her role.
The Dodgers host a special annual tribute game, often held on or around August 8 to honour Kobe Bryant’s legacy. The events celebrate Bryant not only as a basketball icon but also recognise his lesser-known baseball skills, as evidenced by the bobblehead given away at the game, featuring Kobe in a batting stance and holding a baseball bat [1][2].
The tribute games also feature appearances by Kobe’s family, including his wife Vanessa and daughters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri [1][3]. In addition to the family presence, the Dodgers often combine the ceremony with strong on-field performances. This was evident in 2025 when Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw outpitched Max Scherzer in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, resulting in a 5-1 victory [1][2].
Bianka's participation in the event symbolises both a touching family presence and a growing baseball skill showcased in a solemn but celebratory annual Dodgers event dedicated to commemorating Kobe Bryant's impact on Los Angeles sports and culture.
Notably, Bianka was joined by her mother, Vanessa Bryant, and sisters Natalia and Capri during the game [1]. The tribute games also serve as a remembrance of Kobe's daughter, Gianna, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in 2020 [4].
References: [1] Los Angeles Times. (2025, August 8). Dodgers honour Kobe Bryant with annual tribute game and Kobe Bryant bobblehead night. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2025-08-08/dodgers-honour-kobe-bryant-with-annual-tribute-game-and-kobe-bryant-bobblehead-night
[2] ESPN. (2025, August 8). Dodgers honour Kobe Bryant with annual tribute game. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33784109/los-angeles-dodgers-honor-kobe-bryant-annual-tribute-game
[3] Sports Illustrated. (2025, August 8). Bianka Bryant throws ceremonial first pitch at Dodgers' Kobe Bryant tribute game. Retrieved from https://www.si.com/nba/lakers/news/bianka-bryant-throws-ceremonial-first-pitch-at-dodgers-kobe-bryant-tribute-game
[4] CNN. (2020, January 26). Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna killed in helicopter crash. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/26/us/kobe-bryant-helicopter-crash-intl/index.html
- Bianka Bryant's poise and accuracy in throwing the ceremonial first pitch at the Dodgers' annual tribute game was a testament to her growing athletic prowess, reminiscent of her iconic basketball father, Kobe Bryant.
- The Dodgers' tribute game not only honors Kobe Bryant's basketball legacy but also recognizes his lesser-known baseball skills, as demonstrated by the Kobe Bryant bobblehead given away at the game.
- In addition to Bianka's participation, family members like Vanessa Bryant and daughters Natalia and Capri, were present at the game, making it a heartwarming family affair.
- The 2025 tribute game was marked by a strong on-field performance, with Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw outpitching Max Scherzer, resulting in a 5-1 victory, echoing the competitive spirit of sports.
- In a poignant reminder, the tribute games also serve as a remembrance of Kobe's daughter, Gianna, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in 2020.
- Although sports usually revolve around basketball and baseball, fans from diverse sports like NBA, MLB, football, and basketball were united in their admiration for Kobe Bryant, showing that his influence transcended the boundaries of individual sports.
