June 2, 2025 — Los Angeles, CA
In a whirlwind of internet chaos, social media platforms were set ablaze this weekend by a bizarre and unverified rumor claiming that Vanessa Bryant, widow of the late Kobe Bryant, is allegedly pregnant—with none other than a 27-year-old NBA star’s baby.
The speculation originated from a cryptic blind item posted by a popular celebrity gossip account on Instagram, which read: “West Coast NBA royalty might be expecting a new addition… and it’s not who you think.” Within hours, internet detectives flooded the comments, tagging Vanessa Bryant and throwing out wild guesses about the unnamed 27-year-old baller.
Fueling the fire, a grainy paparazzi photo surfaced on Sunday showing Vanessa, 43, leaving a Beverly Hills eatery wearing what some described as a “loose-fitting dress” and “protectively holding her stomach.” While the image shows nothing conclusive, that didn’t stop fans—and trolls—from drawing their own conclusions.
Who Is the Alleged Father?
Though no names have been confirmed (and no actual evidence has been presented), the rumor mill quickly turned its focus toward Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Jalen Rivers, a rising NBA star known for his Kobe-inspired work ethic and close ties to the Bryant family foundation.
Internet sleuths pointed to a charity gala held earlier this spring, where Vanessa and Jalen were photographed laughing together on the red carpet. “There was definitely chemistry,” wrote one commenter. “They were glowing. Don’t @ me.”
Adding more fuel, an anonymous Reddit post from someone claiming to be a “friend of someone on Vanessa’s staff” alleged that she’s been quietly seeing a younger NBA player for “almost a year.”
Public Response
While some fans were quick to celebrate the supposed pairing, calling it “iconic” and “an unexpected but beautiful chapter,” others expressed skepticism—and outrage.
“Y’all really believe this nonsense? Let the woman live,” tweeted one user. Another echoed the sentiment: “Vanessa Bryant’s name should not be trending because of a made-up pregnancy rumor. Y’all need a hobby.”
Bryant, who is notoriously private and has focused on raising her daughters and preserving Kobe’s legacy, has not made any public comment regarding the speculation. Representatives for both Bryant and Rivers declined to respond when reached for comment by entertainment outlets.
Fact or Fiction?
At this point, there is zero verified information confirming any part of the story. But as with many things in the age of social media, the lack of facts hasn’t stopped the rumor from snowballing.
For now, it seems the internet will have to wait—and probably speculate further. Until someone speaks out, this remains just another chapter in the wild, untamed book of celebrity gossip.
Disclaimer: This article is entirely fictional and for entertainment purposes only.