Los Angeles, CA — June 1, 2025
In a shocking yet celebratory twist that has taken both the sports and entertainment world by storm, Vanessa Bryant, the widow of late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, has officially confirmed that she is expecting a child with a rising 27-year-old basketball star.
The announcement came via a heartfelt Instagram post late Sunday evening, where Vanessa, 43, shared a radiant photo of herself holding a sonogram, accompanied by the caption:
“After years of healing, love has surprised me again. Excited to welcome a new blessing into the world this winter. #Miracle #Gratitude #NewChapter”
While she did not name the father in the initial post, insiders quickly connected the dots after she was spotted courtside at multiple games of Los Angeles Lakers forward Marcus Delaney — a 27-year-old NBA All-Star known for his explosive plays and philanthropic work. Just hours after her post, Delaney reshared the photo with the words, “Love is timeless. Legacy continues 
#Blessed”, effectively confirming the relationship and the pregnancy.
The couple has reportedly been quietly dating for over a year, forming a close bond over shared values, family dedication, and a mutual love for the game. According to sources close to the family, Vanessa’s three daughters with Kobe — Natalia, Bianka, and Capri — have embraced the news with joy and support.
Reactions online have ranged from surprise to overwhelming support. Fans flooded social media with messages celebrating Vanessa’s courage to love again, calling the pregnancy a “beautiful new chapter” in her journey.
“Vanessa deserves happiness more than anyone. This is a sign that love can rise from the ashes,” one user wrote.
Kobe Bryant, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in 2020, remains a towering legacy in the basketball world. Many see this moment as both a personal healing and a poetic continuation of that legacy, albeit in an unexpected form.
No further details have been disclosed regarding the due date or gender of the baby, but representatives have confirmed that both Vanessa and Marcus are “thrilled and thankful for the support.”
Whether this new chapter will bring wedding bells remains to be seen, but for now, the world joins Vanessa Bryant in celebrating the miracle of new life — and the resilience of the human heart