What better way to honor your father than by blending the two passions closest to his heart? That’s exactly what Kobe Bryant’s eldest daughter, Natalia Bryant, is doing, uniting basketball and filmmaking into one powerful tribute. After graduating cum laude from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, she’s already stepping behind the camera, ready to create magic on screen. It’s her way of carrying forward the Bryant legacy while carving out her own creative path. And really, what better place to begin than Los Angeles, the city forever tied to her father’s greatness?

At 22, Natalia Bryant stepped into the director’s chair for the first time, making her creative debut with Forever Iconic: Purple and Gold Around the World, a short film celebrating the Lakers’ worldwide legacy. She shared the big news on Instagram with a heartfelt message, writing, “Such an honor to be apart of this project! Thank you @lakers for having me join as creative director💛lakers family forever.”

The short film symbolizes a fresh start for the Lakers as they suit up for the 2025-26 season. Stars like Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani and Lakers legend Magic Johnson, along with actress and die-hard Lakers fan Brenda Song, all feature, making it a star-studded tribute to the team’s legacy, mixing sports and cinema into one. 

The film also features jacket designer Jeff Hamilton. Yes! The one whose beautifully crafted NBA jackets are worn by our favorite stars also makes an appearance, sincerely hand-stitching Lakers gear. But beyond the big names, the short captures what makes the Lakers truly special: their culture and connection with fans.

It’s a love letter to the purple and gold spirit that runs through Los Angeles. From fans riding bikes through the city to groups yelling at their TVs during intense games, every scene feels real and relatable.

Brenda Song adds a fun twist by re-creating LeBron James’ viral “It’s our ball, ain’t it?!” moment, while Luka Dončić pays a lighthearted tribute, shouting “Kobe!” as he tosses a towel into a trash can. And of course, in true Bryant fashion, Natalia made sure to honor her father in the most heartfelt way possible. 

The film includes a powerful clip of Kobe Bryant’s legendary game-winner against the Phoenix Suns in the 2006 playoffs, a moment that still gives fans goosebumps. Speaking to PEOPLE, Natalia summed up her vision perfectly: “If you’re not a Lakers fan yet, I hope you watch this, and it makes you want to be.”

Back in high school, Natalia Bryant was a star on the volleyball court, talented enough to keep chasing a future in sports. But instead of following that path, she decided to build her own in film and fashion.

Some might think she stepped away from her father’s legacy, and maybe when it comes to sneakers, that’s true. But in principle, she’s carrying it forward in her own way.

Speaking to Town & Country in January 2024, Natalia opened up about what her father’s legacy means to her.

“In terms of legacy, my main goal is just to be the best version of me that I possibly can,” she said. “I just need to know that I have to keep learning, because there’s no finish line. You just have to keep pushing and being the best person you can be and soaking everything up like a sponge… The job’s never done.”

But maybe she’s kept the legacy alive in sneakers too, just not in the way you’d expect.

Natalia Bryant brings Mamba energy to Nike’s tribute

In August, to honor what would have been Kobe Bryant’s 47th birthday, Nike dropped a short, drama-packed film called Rings-N-Things. Clocking in at just 61 seconds, it stars Natalia Bryant alongside NBA star Jalen Brunson. The film opens with Brunson walking into a jewelry shop run by Big Time Tommie, ready to grab the brand-new Nike Kobe 3 Protro “Halo” sneakers.

But Natalia swoops in, snatching the shoes away and throwing down the line, “You reach, I teach.” From there, she puts Brunson to the test, asking him clutch-style questions to see if he’s truly ready to rock Kobe’s iconic kicks. And even after all that, she leaves him hanging: “You might be ready, but I’m still not convinced.”

The Nike Kobe 3 Protro “Halo” officially dropped at 10 a.m. EST on August 23 through the Nike SNKRS app, priced at $210 in adult sizes.

Nike says the shoe isn’t just about honoring Kobe’s legendary history; it’s a modern performance basketball shoe built for today’s game. Function comes first, but the design doesn’t hold back either. A special touch? Diamond details on the sneaker, a nod to Natalia’s middle name, Diamanté.

And Jalen Brunson starring isn’t random. He’s been a fan of the Kobe sneaker line since high school, often debuting exclusive Kobe colorways on the court.

ESPN even noted that he wore a Statue of Liberty-inspired version during the 2025 NBA Playoffs and the Kobe 6 Protro ‘Grinch’ in March 2024. It’s the perfect mix of family, tribute, and edgy design, and Natalia’s role in the ad only makes it more personal and emotional.