Vanessa Bryant has congratulated the LA Lakers for winning the NBA championship on Father-Daughter Day with a touching Instagram post featuring Kobe and Gianna.
The Lakers won their 17th NBA title – their first since Kobe’s fifth championship in 2010 – as America celebrated Father-Daughter Day.
Vanessa tragically lost husband Kobe and 13-year-old daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash in California in January.
Kobe played his entire NBA career with the Lakers, winning five championships and was an 18-time NBA All-Star
In an Instagram story, which featured a picture of Koba holding Gianna aloft on court, she wrote: “Kobe was right RP! ‘Stay the course — blockout the noise.”
The message quoted her late husband, in a message to Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.
“Wish Kobe and Gigi were here to see this,” she added with a cared heart emoji.
Kobe Bryant remains a poignant figure at the Lakers to this day.
The team wore Black Mamba inspired jerseys during the play-offs in tribute to the franchise legend.
Pelinka, who was a close friend on Bryant and was his agent, paid his own tribute to Kobe after their championship win.
“Guess you were right, man,” Pelinka told reporters while looking upward. “You gave me the energy to do it.”
