Vanessa Bryant's 'Mamba & Mambacita Forever': All about her latest project to honor Kobe and Gianna

Vanessa Bryant is ensuring the legacy of her late husband, Kobe Bryant, and their daughter, Gianna, lives on through a heartfelt new project. In a moving tribute, Vanessa is set to release "Mamba & Mambacita Forever," a poignant catalog celebrating over 100 murals created in their honor, PEOPLE reveals.  

The book, which will debut on August 19—just days before Kobe Bryant Day—speaks volumes about the basketball legend and his daughter's global impact on millions. Following their tragic deaths in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, fans around the world expressed their grief and admiration through memorials, including public art, sculptures, and candlelit vigils.  

According to a press release shared with the publication, "Mamba & Mambacita Forever" brings together these murals and the heartfelt stories behind them. "Taken together, what emerges is the story of a man who became even more than he himself could have imagined," the release states, describing Kobe as a symbol of "determination, discipline, and competitiveness." Beyond his iconic status as one of the greatest athletes of his generation, the book highlights his devotion to his family and his role as a loving father.  

The book's title reflects the nonprofit organization Kobe founded, which Vanessa later renamed the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation to honor both Kobe and Gianna. Explaining the change on Instagram shortly after the 2020 tragedy, Vanessa wrote, "Because there is no #24 without #2," referencing their jersey numbers.  

The book features photography by award-winning sports photographer Andrew D. Bernstein, who worked closely with Kobe on his 2018 bestseller, "The Mamba Mentality: How I Play."  

This tribute is not the first time Vanessa has celebrated Kobe's storytelling legacy. Before his passing, Kobe authored several young adult novels, including "Legacy and the Queen" and "Legacy and the Double," the latter published posthumously. Vanessa told PEOPLE that these works, rooted in life lessons and emotional growth, were significant to Kobe.  

Since the tragedy, Vanessa has worked tirelessly to honor Kobe and Gianna through various projects and memorials. In August, she unveiled a bronze "Girl Dad" statue outside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles in collaboration with the Lakers. The statue depicts Kobe lovingly holding Gianna, underscoring his pride in being a devoted father to his daughters.  

Vanessa also continues to share personal tributes on social media, marking special occasions such as Kobe's birthday.

"Mamba & Mambacita Forever" by Vanessa Bryant will be published by MCD, an imprint of Farrar, Straus and Giroux. The book is available for preorder now and will be officially released on August 19, 2025, allowing fans to honor the enduring legacy of Kobe Bryant.