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.
Rob Pelinka celebrates with LeBron James Photo: USA TODAY Sports
USA TODAY Sports“Guess you were right, man,” Pelinka told reporters while looking upward. “You gave me the energy to do it.”