Vanessa Bryant wishes Kobe and Gigi were here to see Lakers win title

Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James is fouled by Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler, right, while driving to the basket as Bam Adebayo tries to help on defense in the second quarter in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

LOS ANGELES _ The last time the Los Angeles Lakers hoisted the Larry O'Brien Trophy, Kobe Bryant was at the center of the celebration. Ten years later, the Lakers legend is still a poignant figure in the team's latest title after he died in January, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others.

Following Sunday's 106-93 win over the Miami Heat, Bryant's widow, Vanessa, marked the championship-clinching victory on Instagram, posting a photo of Bryant and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, who was Bryant's agent and friend.

"Kobe was right RP! 'Stay the course _ blockout the noise,' " Vanessa wrote on the Instagram story, quoting her late husband.

Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James, left, and Anthony Davis celebrate in the closing seconds against the Miami Heat as the Lakers win the NBA Championship in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

"Wish Kobe and Gigi were here to see this," she added with a heart emoji.

Pelinka, who was also Gianna's godfather, recalled other lessons from Bryant after the victory during an interview. Despite the Lakers' long title drought, Bryant was positive that the team would return to the top again soon.

"Guess you were right, man," Pelinka told reporters while looking upward. "You gave me the energy to do it."

Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James is hit in the face by Miami Heat's Jae Crowder while driving to the basket in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. James made the basket. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Los Angeles Lakers' Anthony Davis blocks the shot of Miami Heat's Kendrick Nunn in the second quarter in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Los Angeles Lakers' Anthony Davis dunks over Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler in the first quarter in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Los Angeles Lakers fans gather near the Staples Center to celebrate the Lakers' 106-93 Game 6 win over the Miami Heat on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Los Angeles Lakers' Rajon Rondo drives past Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler, left, and Andre Iguodala to score a basket in the first quarter in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Los Angeles Lakers' Rajon Rondo takes the trophy after the Lakers defeated the Miami Heat to win the NBA Championship in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Los Angeles Lakers players, including LeBron James, center, celebrate the NBA Championship after defeating the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times/TNS)