Wife of Newport’s Kobe Bryant files for divorce

ORANGE — Citing irreconcilable differences, the wife of Laker guard Kobe Bryant filed for divorce Friday, according to court papers.

Kobe and Vanessa Bryant, of Newport Coast, said they have “resolved all the issues” related to their divorce in private. The Daily Pilot obtained copies of the paperwork at the Orange County Superior Court family courthouse in Orange.

Vanessa Bryant signed her divorce petition Dec. 1. Kobe Bryant signed his response Dec. 7.

The couple, who have two children, are routinely spotted around town. They have been married for 10 years.

In a statement released by their publicist, the couple said a final judgment for the marriage will be filed with the court in 2012.

“We ask that in the interest of our young children, and in light of the upcoming holiday season, the public respect our privacy during this most difficult time,” they said in the statement.

The couple also asked for privacy in a statement to “The Insider” television show.

Vanessa Bryant is being represented by noted divorce attorney Laura Wasser.

This story was reported by Daily Pilot Staff Writer Lauren Williams in Orange and Los Angeles Times Staff Writer Victoria Kim in Los Angeles.

victoria.kim@latimes.com; lauren.williams@latimes.com

Twitter: @thedailypilot