There’s some pretty good info on this forum including a recording of the ATC communications.
The helicopter was on hold for 15 minutes waiting for traffic to clear around Van Nuys airport. He wanted to go VFR from that point on.
The 15 minute hold may have given him a case of get-there-itis.
https://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/629197-kobe-bryant-killed-s76-crash-3.html
That seemed to be IMC and nothing where VFR should be attempted.