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Natalia Bryant paid tribute to her late father and NBA star Kobe Bryant as a new display was unveiled in his honor at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
On Wednesday (March 15), Kobe Bryant's handprints and footprints went on permanent display in the forecourt of the famed theatre, KTLA reports.
Kobe previously put his hands and feet in cement at the TCL Chinese Theatre in 2011. The NBA star, who won an Oscar for his short film "Dear Basketball," was the first professional athlete to be offered to leave his mark at the theatre.
Natalia Bryant delivered an emotional speech during a ceremony held on Wednesday to make Kobe's print a permanent fixture in Hollywood.
"While most people knew him as a basketball player or a storyteller, I got to know and love him as my dad," Natalia said. "And let me tell you he is the MVP of girl dads to say the least."
Natalia said she and her father used to watch Star Wars, Harry Potter, and other movies together, which inspired her to pursue a career in film.
"The reason behind it is I watched all of these movies with my dad," she said. "Each of those memories I will never forget. He is the reason I'm pursuing film in college. And he is the reason film has inspired me to create memories like ours for other people to even bring more fathers and daughters together like us."
Natalia's mother, Vanessa Bryant, sisters Bianka and Capri, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, and former player Byron Scott all attended the ceremony in Kobe's honor.
"It's truly astounding to be standing here in front of the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood forever displaying my dad's hands and footprints," Natalia continued in her speech. "As you visit here for years to come, I encourage you to place your hands in his, and take a moment to stand in his shoes."
Even when Kobe was busy with the Lakers and working on his movie project, he always made time for his family, Natalia recalled on Wednesday.
"Dad, you are an icon, a legend, a storyteller, and most importantly the best girl dad any young woman could dream of," she said. "I'm honored to be here to represent you and our family and we are extremely proud of you. We will love you forever and always. Love, Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, Capri, and Mommy."
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