After more than 10 years of marriage and numerous claims of infidelity on his part, Vanessa Bryant (née Laine), 29, has filed for divorce from basketball player Kobe Bryant, 33.
The young Latina and the LA Lakers shooting guard met when she was still a senior in high school. Though the relationship began while they were both young, they were married within a year of meeting, and remained together for just under 11 years. Vanessa stayed by his side amidst numerous rumors of cheating and even stayed with him when a hotel employee accused Kobe of sexually assaulting her. In the end, Kobe admitted to sleeping with the concierge, but said he did not rape her.
Vanessa, whose full name is Vanessa Cornejo Ubrieta Laine Bryant, filed on December 16th, citing irreconcilable differences, though the splitting couple is said to have privately resolved all issues related to the divorce prior to the filing. However, a final settlement is not expected to be filed until some time in 2012.
They have two daughters, Natalia Diamante Bryant, nearly 9, and Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant, 5, and both parties have requested joint custody of the children.
