Vanessa Bryant shares Kobe Bryant's iconic NBA Finals message ahead of LA Dodgers' return to NLCS

Six weeks ago, Vanessa Bryant and her children went to Dodger Stadium to attend the “Kobe Bryant Jersey” game. The late LA Lakers superstar became a big Dodgers fan during his over two decades of stay in Los Angeles. Bianka Bryant, the youngest daughter, threw the ceremonial pitch.

On Friday, the Dodgers survived a hard-fought thriller against the San Diego Padres 2-0 in Game 5 of the National League Division Series. The win pushed them into the league championship series against the underdog New York Mets.

The LA Dodgers celebrated with their fans following the win but Vanessa Bryant kept them grounded. She sent them a message echoing her last husband, Kobe Bryant’s iconic line:

“Job’s not finished.”

Vanessa Bryant's message to the LA Dodgers on Instagram. [photo: @vanessabryant/IG]

The legendary comment was made by “KB24” following the LA Lakers’ 101-96 win against the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the 2009 NBA Finals. Bryant faced reporters in the postgame conference with a serious look. When asked if he wasn’t happy after the Lakers grabbed a 2-0 series lead, Bryant responded:

“What’s there to be happy about? Job’s not finished. Job finished? No, I don’t think so.”

The LA Dodgers will host the first two games before the series shifts to New York. Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and the star-studded LA roster can’t afford to overlook their opponents. The Mets were a wild card team but dispatched higher-seeded opponents on their way to the NLCS. They beat the Milwaukee Brewers in three games before eliminating the Philadelphia Phillies in five.

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LA Dodgers continue to support Kobe Bryant and Vanessa Bryant's foundation

During his time with the LA Lakers, Kobe Bryant would sometimes bring his family to watch LA Dodgers games. After games, he would often talk to Dodgers players. For his contribution to the community and his impact on athletes across sports, the MLB team started contributing to Bryant’s foundation.

When Vanessa Bryant and her kids attended the Dodgers-Rays game six weeks ago, the Dodgers also donated $100K to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.

The LA Dodgers continue to support Kobe Bryant's foundation. [photo: @vanessabryant/IG]

Former MVP Mookie Betts presented the check to Vanessa Bryant, representing the Dodgers’ support of their advocacy.