There’s no doubt about the impact Kobe Bryant left on the sport of basketball and the vibrant community in Los Angeles. He also left an impact on Trae Young, so when Trae was offered the opportunity to be a part of a court donation in honor of Kobe and his daughter Gianna Bryant, he was thrilled.

On Saturday, June 17th, Trae Young joined Vanessa Bryant and WNBA legend Lisa Leslie in unveiling a new court at Wilson Park in LA featuring murals of Kobe and Gigi Bryant. The court was donated by Body Armor and the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.

Vanessa Bryant noted that the project of opening a public court in Los Angeles had been in the works before Kobe and Gianna’s death and she was proud to be able to carry it through in their honor.

“For years we’ve been trying to build a basketball court in a public space in LA and we’re so thankful to council member [Andre] Spicer and Mayor [Emma] Sharif for allowing us to be included in your community,” she said.

For Trae, just the opportunity to pay tribute to one of his childhood heroes was a blessing.

“I’m excited and honored to be a part of this,” Young said. “Growing up idolizing Kobe, it was an honor for me to be in his presence.”