Courthouse honoring Kobe and Gianna Bryant opens at Wilson Park in Compton – Daily News

COMPTON — Vanessa Bryant smiles as she walks past the exterior wall of Wilson Park Gymnasium at a mural painted by her late husband Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant.

The Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, in partnership with BodyArmor, opened a refurbished outdoor basketball court and unveiled a new mural of Kobe and Gianna in front of Compton locals Friday morning.

The tiled court is Lakers’ purple and gold, with a white logo on the center court and Kobe and Gianna’s names etched in black lettering. The mural was created by Los Angeles artist Slo, who has painted murals of famous Los Angeles figures across the city.

Among those in attendance were Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, former Sparks center Lisa Leslie and current Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young.

Vanessa Bryant says building a public basketball court has been a Bryant family goal since Kobe’s career.

“For years we have been trying to build basketball courts in public spaces in Los Angeles. I am very grateful to ,” said Vanessa Bryant.

Wilson Park Basketball Court is the 10th court that Body Armor has renovated in the past year. Federico Muyshondt, his CEO of BodyArmor, said it was his favorite coat he designed.

“The event is even more special when you think about what it means to be here in LA,” Muisshonto said. “This is the city that Kobe Bryant played in, the city he built.”

A BodyArmor-sponsored athlete, Young grew up idolizing Kobe. In addition to answering questions, he also helped teach some of the moves to the children invited to the courtroom.

“I grew up idolizing Kobe, so it was an honor to be in front of him,” Young said.

Young said it was special to attend the court hearing because of her relationship with Kobe and Gianna.

“I am thrilled and honored to be a part of this,” Young said. “I remember being on a particular court and improving my game on that court.”

The All-Star guard’s name has surfaced in potential trade talks involving the Lakers since the Lakers ended their season with a loss to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals. Young was spotted courtside during that series, and he’s also a Clutch Sports customer, along with LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ agents.

Young did not comment on speculation about reports that the Lakers were interested in trading him, but said fans could see him on the courts in Los Angeles this summer.

“Well, you might see me at the Drew League,” Young said. “I don’t know if I will play, or I might play, so who knows.”

Leslie, who had a close relationship with Bryant, said she was happy the community was able to renovate the court and believes projects like this will provide more opportunities for young people in Compton.

“Whenever I have a chance to talk to my children, I always say, It may not reach all of you, but it may reach one of them. That’s what this court is for. It’s for you. It’s about giving them a chance,” Leslie said. “I can’t say when you should come out here and hone your skills, but you have an opportunity and someone will take it.”