UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers have tapped Natalia Bryant as the creative director for their electrifying preseason hype video, titled “Forever Iconic: Purple and Gold Always.” This announcement comes just days before the Lakers are set to kick off their regular season against the Golden State Warriors on October 21, 2023.
In a dazzling display of talent, Natalia enlisted a star-studded cast for the video, featuring Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, Lakers legend Magic Johnson, beloved actress and Lakers fan Brenda Song, and iconic jacket designer Jeff Hamilton. Each contributed to the dynamic visuals that celebrate the team’s spirit and legacy.
The video showcases memorable moments, including Brenda Song’s playful homage to a viral meme of LeBron James, where she humorously mimics his iconic shout of, “it’s our ball, ain’t it?” Additionally, the clip features Luka Doncic yelling “Kobe” while executing a dramatic stepback to toss a towel into a trash can.
As the video nears its conclusion, Magic Johnson is seen holding the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy, exclaiming, “It’s Showtime, baby,” igniting excitement among fans. Natalia also incorporates a nostalgic clip of her father, the late Kobe Bryant, hitting a pivotal game-winning shot against the Phoenix Suns during the 2006 NBA playoffs, adding an emotional layer to the project.
Natalia expressed her enthusiasm on Instagram, stating it was “such an honor” to lead this project, and she reaffirmed her commitment to the Lakers by writing, “Lakers family forever.” This project comes on the heels of her recent graduation from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts in May and her appearance in a Nike ad with Jalen Brunson in August, promoting the new Kobe 3 Protro sneaker.
As the Lakers gear up for the incoming season, this hype video not only serves as a promotional tool but also a heartfelt tribute to the franchise’s enduring legacy. Fans are eagerly awaiting the regular season kickoff, and the excitement generated by this video is sure to amplify the anticipation.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Lakers prepare to launch their season under the bright lights of the NBA.
