USC's coach Lindsay Gottlieb helps unveil Kobe & Gianna Bryant basketball court

There will always be a strong connection between Kobe and Gianna Bryant and USC. On Monday, May 19th, the lasting impact of the two since their tragic passing was once again on full display. During an opening dedication ceremony at Atlantic Avenue Park in East Los Angeles, coach Lindsay Gottlieb and recent Trojan alumna Natalia Bryant played an important part in the day's event.

Both shared some words and spoke to the importance of giving aspiring players access to opportunities to continue to push their limits and grow the game of basketball. Fittingly, in matching the Los Angeles Lakers purple and gold for most of the court, the center circle has the words 'Kobe & Gianna Bryant' in the center circle. The names of the two are surrounded by the symbolic butterflies, a touching nod to the two basketball icons.

Part of the mission to provide increased equal opportunities for boys and girls to pursue their sports endeavors, the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation donated and allowed for the previously significantly more spacious location to be turned into a great place for local athletes to train on.

Coach Gottlieb was not only there for the ribbon-cutting ceremony but also ran some drills for the youth in attendance. As shared on her X page, the USC head coach strongly appreciated and pulled from the continued inspiration of the Bryant family and foundation.

Giving back is a staple for the USC program

To see USC featured so prominently in community efforts such as this only further speaks to how important the school is to LA. Coach Gottlieb being able to attend and provide the children in attendance a truly unique experience adds to the ceremonial opening of the venue that much more.

The Mamba Mentality lives on through Kobe's family and through the efforts of others, not just in the tremendous work of the foundation, but also in those who give of themselves for others in the pursuit of excellence, similar to what coach Gottlieb did on Monday at Atlantic Park.