“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 never backed down from that promise. After Kobe’s tragic passing, Jeanie didn’t keep her distance as an executive of the LA Lakers. She stayed close, always showing up for the Bryants. And now, as Natalia Bryant begins her own journey, Jeanie is still standing right by her side, proving that her love and loyalty weren’t just words.
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 ever, 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.
(This is a developing story…)
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