Kobe Bryant's Widow, Vanessa Honours Him With A Custom Pair Of Sneakers Amid Fake Pregnancy Buzz

It has been more than four years since the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, along seven others. Every year on August 24, the city comes to a halt to celebrate 'Kobe Bryant Day' in its unique way due to the two jersey numbers he wore, 8 and 24. This year, in 2025, a youth basketball showcase was held at the Mamba League Invitational in his honour. The event was graced by his widow, Vanessa Bryant, who not only made sure his legacy continues, but even paid a subtle tribute to him in her unique way.

Vanessa Bryant paid a 'sparkling' tribute to her late husband, Kobe 

Vanessa Bryant recently made a rare appearance at the Mamba League Invitational on August 24, 2025. She was seen wearing a simple black T-shirt that featured Kobe holding up his No. 8 Lakers jersey from the beginning of his legendary career. But it was her choice of footwear that caught the attention of onlookers. She completed her look with a pair of custom Kobe 3 Protro sneakers, encrusted with over 5,000 Swarovski crystals.

Kobe Bryant's fans are well aware that the custom pair of sneakers is not just any other sparkly shoes. Rather, they are a personal nod to the man who once redefined basketball in Los Angeles. They are a re-engineered version of Nike's Kobe 3 Proto (2008) with modern technology. The new design is also a homage to their eldest daughter, Natalia Diamante Bryant. Rob Pelinka, Lakers general manager and Kobe's longtime friend and ex-agent, sat beside her. He wore his own pair of Kobe 3s. The moment was quiet but powerful as two people who knew Kobe best honoured him without words.

Vanessa Bryant penned a heartfelt message for Kobe on what could have been his 47th birthday 

It is not the first time that Vanessa has used fashion and symbolic gestures to honour her late husband. Earlier this summer, she brought her daughters to a Dodgers game on Kobe Bryant Bobblehead Night, where her youngest daughter took part in the pregame ceremonies. Just a few days ago, on what could have been Kobe's 47th birthday on August 23, she shared a touching post on Instagram with an unseen picture of her kissing Kobe. Sharing the picture, she penned:

"We love and miss you and Gigi so much. Sending our love to you. Happy birthday, baby."

Vanessa Bryant has silently fought fake speculations about her personal life

Even as she pays tribute, Vanessa has faced unnecessary criticism online. Recently, social media was flooded with fake AI-generated pictures suggesting that she was pregnant with basketball star Jaylen Brown's child. The manipulated images quickly spread, forcing Vanessa to clarify the false claims. But rather than making noise, she shared a bold Instagram Story with a meme of Rihanna flipping her middle finger. The image was paired with the caption:

"Me protecting my peace, not pregnant & having fun all summer."

Meanwhile, the Nike Kobe 3 Protro 'Halo' has been dropped on his birthday on August 23, 2025, at the brand's official site. 

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