"They Need the Money" - Kobe Bryant's
Jan. 26, 2020. That’s the day the world lost Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash. His family was devastated. However, his wealth became a point of discussion. While his wife, Vanessa Bryant, inherited his wealth, Bryant’s parents struggled. And Nick Young recently disclosed the same.
In a recent interview session with DJ Vlad, Young shared insights into the controversy surrounding Bryant’s parents having to sell his memorabilia. “They need the money, I think… I was about to say that they didn’t really have that much compared to Vanessa. If you ain’t got the funds, you got to do what you got to do,” he said. Young’s reluctance to discuss the topic was visible, hinting at the sensitivity of the matter .
### The 2013 Auction Dispute
The financial rift between Kobe and his parents, Pamela and Joe Bryant, became public in 2013 when they attempted to sell his sports memorabilia—including his 2000 Lakers championship ring, a signed basketball, and his high school championship ring—without his knowledge. Kobe filed a lawsuit, leading to a public apology from his parents: “We regret our actions… and appreciate the financial support he has provided over the years” . Despite this, the relationship remained strained, with Kobe reportedly cutting off financial support due to their rocky dynamic .
### Recent Auction of Kobe’s Ring
In March 2024, Kobe’s 2000 NBA championship ring (originally gifted to his father) resurfaced for auction. The *Los Angeles Times* reported that Joe Bryant had sold it over a decade earlier, and the new owner listed it via Goldin, the same auction house used by Kobe’s parents in 2013. The sale reignited debates about the family’s financial struggles .
### Root Causes of the Estrangement
The tension predated Kobe’s marriage to Vanessa in 2001. His parents disapproved of their relationship, partly due to racial differences, and skipped their wedding. Though Kobe later attempted reconciliation, the conflicts persisted. Notably, Kobe’s decision not to sign a prenuptial agreement left his $600 million fortune entirely to Vanessa, excluding his parents .
### Public Reactions and Criticism
Gilbert Arenas criticized Vanessa for not aiding Kobe’s parents: “It’s her job to call them… [They’re] trying to survive, and she’s sitting over there with a billion-dollar industry.” Others, like Dr. Umar Johnson, echoed this sentiment, arguing Vanessa should honor Kobe’s legacy by supporting his parents . Conversely, Vanessa has faced her own battles, including a 2020 lawsuit from her mother, Sofia Laine, who claimed unpaid wages as a nanny—a case Vanessa called “extortion” .
### Vanessa’s Stance and Legacy
Vanessa, now worth $600 million, has focused on philanthropy, including the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. Her legal settlements (e.g., a $28.85 million payout from Los Angeles County over crash photos) have been directed toward charitable causes, not family support . Her Instagram tribute to Joe Bryant after his 2024 death—mentioning “hoped things would’ve been different”—underscored the unresolved rift
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