Kobe Bryant's daughter Natalia Bryant and Lakers boss Jeanie Buss share a moment that left everyone watching
, crossed the stage in the hood and her dress at the University of South California on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Just when everyone thought it was a normal confirmation,
owner
stood next to her.
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What followed next made a simple ceremony a heartfelt scene that no one would come.
Natalia Bryant pays tribute to Kobe Bryant with her graduation stole
On Saturday, at USC's Bovard Auditorium in Los Angeles, Natalia Bryant walked on stage to accept her diploma. The 22-year-old had finished her film degree. Rather than a simple stole, she sported one bearing her late father's own "Kobe" logo and the words "Thank You Mom & Dad."
With each step, the crowd witnessed Natalia Bryant's manner of stating that she keeps her father's spirit alive. She told the reporter that she wanted to honor her parents. The logo on the stole was a salute to pay tribute to her father, 5 times NBA winner with
(2000-2010).
When Natalia Bryant came to the center of the stage, her mother, Vanessa Bryant, looked at her with pride from the first row. Vanessa had posted pictures earlier in the day with Natalia, who fixed her stole and smiled for friends.
Jeanie Buss steps in to make the moment memorable
Right before the announcer revealed Natalia Bryant as the graduate, Los Angeles
Jeanie Buss stepped forward from the back of the stage. On Sunday, May 18, 2025, Vanessa Bryant revealed the surprise on her Instagram story.
In the story, Jeanie got up, opened her arms to embrace Natalia Bryant warmly and then handed over her diploma. Jeanie Bus has been Lakers' president since 2013 and was actually very close to Kobe Bryant.
Jeanie Buss has been the Lakers' president since 2013 and was indeed very close to Kobe Bryant. Her action also showed how the organization respects family relationships. The mother, Vanessa Bryant, tagged Jeanie Buss in her post after the ceremony with the caption, "Thank you for making this milestone even more special."
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Natalia Bryant later commented under her mother's clip with "thank you @jeaniebuss" and several heart emojis.
Even Hollywood celebrity Kris Jenner congratulated by saying, "Congratulations!!! We are so proud of you, Natalia, we love you!!!" The official X account of the Lakers commented, on May 18, 2025, "We are so proud of you, Natalia Bryant. Welcome to the Trojan Family!"
That surprise cameo by Jeanie Buss made a regular graduation a special celebration of heritage and affection.
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