Kobe Bryant Hoping to Reconcile ... for the Sake of the Kids

Kobe Bryant has NOT given up on saving his marriage ... and sources close to the family tell us his two daughters are playing a major role in his effort to reconcile ... ImYourMedia has learned.

We're told Kobe is "deeply depressed" over the situation -- and is very concerned about how his daughters will handle growing up in two separate households.

ImYourMedia broke the story ... Vanessa decided to pull the plug after catching the NBA star in another extra-marital affair.

Sources tell us ... Bryant's family was not aware of Kobe's exploits -- but they hope he and Vanessa can find a way to get along in the future ... if only for the sake of the kids.