Kobe and Vanessa Bryant.Photo:Vanessa Bryant/Instagram
Vanessa Bryant/Instagram
Vanessa Bryanthas her late husband on her mind on a sentimental date.
The widow of Los Angeles Lakers legendKobe Bryantshared a sweet photo from 24 years ago on Instagram Monday as she reminisced on time spent with her love.
In the photo, she poses alongside Kobe, whodied in a helicopter crashin 2020 along with the couple’s daughter Gianna, as he wraps one arm around her waist and she presses herself against his chest. Both Kobe and Vanessa are smiling from ear-to-ear in the shot.
“24 years ago…. Day 1. #1999 👑❤️ 11/27/99,” she wrote in the post’s caption, referencing that the photo was taken 24 years ago to the day — which was also Kobe’s jersey number in the latter part of his storied career.
Kobe and Vanessa Bryant.Kobe Bryant/Instagram
WNBA starSabrina Ioenescushared some love on the post, too, writing, “😍😍😍” under the photo of her long time mentor and his wife.
New York Yankees iconAlex Rodriguezjoined in, too, as he commented “🔥🔥” on the sweet shot of Vanessa andhis late friend.
Natalia Bryant, Vanessa Bryant, Bianka Bryant, Capri Bryant attend the unveiling of Kobe Byrant’s hand & footprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre in March 2023.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Vanessa — who is also a mother toNatalia, 20,Bianka, 6 ½, andCapri Kobe, 4, with Kobe — frequently shares throwback photos with her late husband on Instagram.
Shehonoredhim on Father’s Day this year, as she called him “the very best girl daddy” and shared several photos of him with their four daughters, including the late Gianna, who was 13 when she died in 2020 alongside her father and seven others.
Kobe and Vanessa Bryant attend the L.A. Kings and Washington Capitals game in March 2016.Andrew D. Bernstein/NHLI via Gett
Andrew D. Bernstein/NHLI via Gett
Later that month, she announced thata statue in Kobe’s honor will be erected outside the L.A. Lakers arenain celebration of his contributions to the team and his legacy.
“As you know, Kobe played his entire 20-year NBA career as a Los Angeles Laker,” she said in aclipposted on both her Instagram account and the team’s account. “Since arriving in this city and joining the Lakers organization, he felt at home here, playing in the City of Angels."
“On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters and me, I am so honored that, right in the center of Los Angeles, in front of the place known as ‘The House That Kobe Built,’ we are going to unveil his statue so that his legacy can be celebrated forever,” she said.
The statue will be unveiled on Feb. 8, 2024 and joins the likes of other Lakes legends Elgin Baylor,Shaquille O’Neal,Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,Earvin “Magic” Johnson,Jerry Westand Chick Hearn who also have statues in their honor.
Vanessa and Kobe Bryant at Six Flags in Valencia, Calif. in June 2009.Mathew Imaging/WireImage
Mathew Imaging/WireImage
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“Kobe Bryant was one of the most extraordinary athletes of all time, and one of the most iconic individuals in the history of Los Angeles,” Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss shared in a statement at the time.
The leaguenotedthat Kobe was involved in planning the statue prior to his death nearly four years ago.
source: people.com
