Image Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

Vanessa Bryant announces mural book ‘Mamba and Mambacita Forever’ ahead of Kobe and daughter Gianna’s fifth death anniversary

Kobe and Gianna were among nine people who lost their lives in 2020 Calabasas helicopter crash.

Image Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter were among nine people who lost their lives during the 2020 Calabasas helicopter crash. Bryant, an NBA legend, won five N BA championships during his 20-year-long glorious career with the LA Lakers, and is still counted as one of the greatest players to have played the game.

Kobe’s sudden and tragic death on January 26, 2020, sent shockwaves among sports lovers across the globe. The ‘Black Mamba’ as he is fondly called is still remembered five years after his death. Ahead of the fifth death anniversary of Kobe and Gianna, the late player’s wife Vanessa Bryant announced the release date of a book which will honor their legacies.

Vanessa, on Wednesday, announced, via her Instagram, that the book titled “Mamba and Mambacita Forever” will be released on August 19, 2025, during Mamba week. Notably, Mamba Week is a week-long celebration dedicated to Kobe Bryant. The week also includes Kobe Bryant Day (August 24) as well as his birthday (August 23).

Vanessa, on her Instagram, wrote, “Kobe and Gianna Mural book highlighting a selection of murals in their honor coming 8/19/25.”

“Taken together, what emerges is the story of a man who became even more than he himself could have imagined, an avatar of determination, discipline and competitiveness,” the release read.

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The book will highlight more than 100 pieces of art from around the world, as per People.

Kobe played a total of 1346 games for the Lakers (highest for the franchise) and scored 33643 points with 6306 assists and 1944 steals.

19 years ago today, Kobe Bryant scored 81 points in a win against the Raptors! (w/ postgame interview) (2006)

81 PTS
6 REB
2 AST
3 STL
1 BLK
61% FG (28/46)
90% FT (18/20) pic.twitter.com/BJSq6CwaTF
— ThrowbackHoops (@ThrowbackHoops) January 22, 2025

About “Mamba & Mambacita Forever”

The photos inside the book were taken by Andy Bernstein, who worked with Kobe during his 2018 autobiographical book “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play.”

The title of the mural book was inspired by the family’s nonprofit organization founded by Kobe Bryant, Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. The release of the book will come a year after the Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a bronze statue of Kobe and Gianna outside the Crypto.com Arena.

Gianna Bryant

Kobe Bryant

Vanessa Bryant

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.