Kobe Bryant's wife files for divorce from the NBA superstar

By Paul Levine Dec 17, 2011, 3:55 GMT

Los Angeles - Kobe Bryant usually makes headlines on the court with his spectacular play, but the NBA superstar on Friday made news in another court.

Bryant's wife, Vanessa filed divorce papers from her husband of more than a decade in Orange County, California, citing 'irreconcilable differences.'

Vanessa decided to end the marriage to the LA Lakers star because she believes Kobe has been unfaithful again, sources told Hollywood celebrity gossip site TMZ.

'She's been dealing with these incidents for a long time and has been a faithful wife, but she's finally had enough. This one is the straw that broke the camel's back.'

Vanessa stood by Kobe when he was charged with sexually assaulting a woman in a Colorado hotel in 2003. When the scandal was dropped, he gave his wife a 4-million-dollar ring to express his love.

'Kobe 'desperately' wants to win Vanessa back and will do 'whatever it takes' to save their 10 and a half year marriage,' the source continued.

According to the documents, the couple will share both physical and legal custody of their daughters, Natalia, 8, and Giana, 5.

Vanessa, 29, is also requesting spousal support, which Kobe has already agreed to pay in a filing.

TMZ is also reporting the couple has no pre-nuptial agreement, so Vanessa is entitled to half the fortune Kobe has amassed during their marriage.

The couple released a statement through a representative saying, 'The Bryants have resolved all issues to their divorce privately with the assistance of counsel and a judgment dissolving their marital status will be entered in 2012.'

Vanessa is being represented by noted divorce attorney Laura Wasser, whose clients include Britney Spears, Angelina Jolie, Maria Shriver and Kim Kardashian.