WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 12: Vanessa Bryant attends the 2022 Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell at Pacific Design Center on November 12, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)

Vanessa Bryant as received nearly $29 million in a settlement in a lawsuit of photos from Kobe Bryant’s crash site. 

On Jan. 26, 2020, a helicopter crash in Calabasas tragically killed Bryant, his daughter Gianna, pilot Ara Zobayan, baseball coach John Altobelli, Altobelli’s wife Keri and daughter Alyssa, basketball coach Christina Mauser, Payton Chester and her mother Sara.

In August of last year, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s and Fire departments were found liable in court for taking and sharing photos of the helicopter’s crash site.

Luis Li, one of Bryant’s attorneys, shared the following statement to CNN:

“Today marks the successful culmination of Mrs. Bryant’s courageous battle to hold accountable those who engaged in this grotesque conduct. She fought for her husband, her daughter, and all those in the community whose deceased family were treated with similar disrespect. We hope her victory at trial and this settlement will put an end to this practice.”

In March 2020, it was reported that eight deputies allegedly shared or took photos of the crash site, per the Associated Press. Alex Villanueva, the Los Angeles County Sheriff, said that they made sure the photos of the crash site were deleted.

Kobe spent his entire career with the Lakers, which spanned from 1996 to 2016. He led the organization to five NBA championships over an 11-season span (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2010) and won back-to-back NBA Finals MVP honors in 2009 and 2010.

Bryant was an 18-time All-Star who earned 11 All-NBA First team honors. The 2008 league MVP won back-to-back scoring championships in 2006 and 2007.

Kobe and Vanessa married in 2001 and were together until his untimely passing. Kobe and Vanessa had four daughters together: Gianna, Bianca, Natalia and Capri.

Matas Buzelis Scouting Report: Potential Landing Spots for the G-League’s Sensation Ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft

Matas Buzelis (Image source: X/Spurs Interaction)
Matas Buzelis is considered a top-10 prospect in the 2024 NBA Draft, starting Wednesday, June 26.

Standing at 6-foot-10 with a good wingspan, Buzelis has the crucial physical tools in the NBA. His height and length make him a versatile defender and a potential offensive matchup problem. Due to his height, Buzelis often has an advantage when finishing on the move against wing defenders.

Buzelis averaged 2.7 blocks per game in the G League despite being a skinny teenager in a physical environment. His wingspan and vertical leap contribute to his shot-blocking ability, and his fearless mentality is an asset on defense.

However, Buzelis’ ball-handling skills are subpar, so he is considered a forward rather than a guard. His inability to create his shot limits his offensive versatility. One of the primary concerns for scouts is his inconsistency. Physical defenders can prevent him from getting to his spots, and he struggles to consistently maintain a high level of play.

Buzelis shot only 26.1% from beyond the arc and had 14 games without making a three-pointer. This lack of reliable outside shooting is a significant downside in today’s NBA.

Many draft boards project Buzelis as a potential pick for the Detroit Pistons, who hold the 5th overall pick. However, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reported that the Pistons view Buzelis as their floor, indicating he might not fall below the 5th pick.