Natalia Bryant is stepping confidently into her creative era. The 22-year-old daughter of the late Kobe Bryant has officially made her debut as a creative director with a short film that hits close to home, celebrating the purple and gold legacy of the Los Angeles Lakers, The Los Angeles Times reports.

The 70-second short, titled Forever Iconic: Purple and Gold Always, is a vibrant, fast-paced love letter to Lakers fandom, from diehard supporters to global admirers. The film, released by the Lakers this week, captures the team’s larger-than-life impact through a dynamic mix of celebrity cameos, fan tributes, and nostalgic moments that honor the Lakers’ past, present, and future.

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani takes batting practice rocking a Lakers cap. Current Lakers star Luka Doncic shouts “Kobe!” as he tosses a towel into a hamper. Fashion designer Jeff Hamilton crafts custom Lakers jackets. Actress Brenda Song cheers wildly in front of her computer, while legend Magic Johnson declares, “It’s Showtime, baby!” The short also weaves in iconic Lakers clips — including LeBron James arguing, “It’s our ball, ain’t it?” and Kobe Bryant’s unforgettable buzzer-beater against the Phoenix Suns in 2006.

“This project was an amazing, collaborative environment with such creative people and we all came together to try and portray the Lakers’ impact, not only in L.A. but around the world,” Bryant said in a statement released by the Lakers. 

“Everyone has their own connection to the Lakers. I hope those who already love this team watch this project and remember what that pride feels like. And if you’re not a Lakers fan yet, I hope you watch this, and it makes you want to be.”

Fresh off graduating from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts in May, Bryant’s directorial debut feels like the perfect blend of her personal story and professional ambition. She’s grown up watching the Lakers’ influence firsthand, and now, she’s adding her own creative mark to that legacy.

“Such an honor to be apart of this project!” Bryant wrote on Instagram. “Thank you @lakers for having me join as creative director💛lakers family forever.”

Lakers controlling owner and president Jeanie Buss also shared her excitement on Instagram, posting the video and writing, “Cheers to the millions of fans around the world who make the Lakers the most popular team in the NBA!! You are the best fans in the league. Congratulations and huge thanks to the amazing @nataliabryant, who helped bring this film to life for her creative director debut.”

Lakers superfan Brenda Song also joined in on the celebration, posting behind-the-scenes photos with Bryant and captioning them, “Lake show for life.” Bryant responded in the comments, “For life!”

With her debut project, Natalia Bryant proves she’s not just honoring her father’s legacy, she’s expanding it, bringing her own vision and creativity to the game.

Cover photo: Natalia Bryant Makes Creative Director Debut With Lakers Kobe Tribute/Photo credit: ABACAPress/Sports Illustrated