“My father [late Lakers owner Jerry Buss] loved you like a son, which makes us family,” Jeanie Buss once said about Kobe Bryant—and she’s lived by those words ever since. In the wake of Kobe’s tragic passing, Jeanie didn’t retreat into her role as Lakers owner. She stayed close. She showed up. “Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri – I am so sorry for your loss. We are grateful to have you in our lives, and we will always be here for you,” she wrote, offering not just condolences but unwavering support when Kobe passed away. And now, as Natalia Bryant embarks on a fresh chapter, Jeanie remains right beside her, proving that her love and loyalty to Kobe’s family were never just words, but a promise kept.

Just recently, Natalia graduated from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts—Cum Laude, no less. Her stole was a perfect snapshot of everything she carries: her sorority, her class pride, and most powerfully, her father’s legacy. One side was decorated with “Kappa Kappa Gamma,” “Class of 2025,” and “Cum Laude.” The other side? A bold Black Mamba logo, a tribute to Kobe that said everything without needing a single word. It also included the name of her school and the USC rallying cry: “Fight On!”—a phrase Kobe himself lived by.

But what made the moment even more unforgettable was what happened on that graduation stage. It is likely that for the first time, Jeanie Buss presented a diploma—and she did it for Kobe’s daughter. As Natalia walked across the stage, Vanessa captured it all: the proud walk, the smile, the diploma handoff, and the warm hug between Jeanie and Natalia. That wasn’t just a ceremony—it was history, family, and love all rolled into one unforgettable moment.

Vanessa Bryant recently shared a heartfelt tribute to her daughter Natalia’s USC graduation, expressing her deep pride and gratitude. In a touching Instagram post, she wrote, “Legacy. ❤️ @nataliabryant ~thank you @jeaniebuss for making this milestone even more special. #LakersFamily #USCGRAD #CumLaude 🎓🎉.” The accompanying video captured a tender moment where Vanessa kissed Natalia and proudly declared her pride.

The celebration extended beyond the Bryant family, with several celebrities offering their congratulations. Kris Jenner, a longtime friend of the Bryants, commented on the post, “Congratulations!!! Wow where did the time go?!?!?! We are so proud of you Natalia we love you!!! ❤️💛❤️💛.” Kris and Vanessa have maintained a close friendship over the years. Remember the 2024 Valentine’s when Jenner gifted a box of donuts and heart-shaped buns?

Additionally, former NBA player Matt Barnes, who shares a special bond with the Bryant family, also congratulated Natalia, “Congrats ❤️.” Barnes has spoken about how Kobe Bryant mentored his twin sons, providing them with valuable basketball lessons and guidance.

But the most beautiful relationship was the one with Jeanie Buss — a connection that reached its perfect and meaningful completion.

The deep bond between Jeanie Buss and Kobe Bryant

Jeanie Buss and Kobe Bryant shared a bond that was far deeper than the typical player-owner relationship. It was family. On the Games with Names podcast, Buss recalled how after Phil Jackson’s departure to the New York Knicks, he told her something that stayed with her forever: “You always have Kobe. Kobe will always have your back. You can trust Kobe.” That wasn’t just comforting advice—it was the truth. Through some of her toughest moments, Kobe was there, showing up for her not just as a Laker but as a friend.

One such moment came after the passing of her father, Lakers owner Jerry Buss, in 2013. Jeanie was struggling, feeling lost, until Kobe invited her to lunch, with his daughter Gianna by his side. “You explained that you wanted to show her that women can be leaders in the NBA, just like the men,” she wrote in an emotional Instagram tribute after his passing. But she realized he was doing more than setting an example for Gigi—“what you did was give me the inspiration and strength I was searching for.” It was classic Kobe: leading with heart and purpose, always knowing exactly what someone needed.

Even after his tragic death, Jeanie found comfort in knowing how deeply Kobe understood how much he meant to her and the Lakers. “As heartbroken as I am, one comfort that I have is that Kobe knew how much we loved him,” she said. “We never held back the celebrating the greatness that was Kobe.” Jeanie never once took Kobe for granted—not when she called him the “greatest Laker ever,” not when the Lakers retired not one, but both of his jersey numbers. Because for her, it was never just about the titles or the legacy. It was about loyalty, love, and above all, friendship, so rooted that not even time or heartbreak could touch it.

In the end, the graduation was a reminder that Buss is standing up to her promise while honoring the legacy of Kobe and everything he stood for—excellence, legacy, and showing up for the people you love.