It’s difficult to believe that two years have passed since Lakers great Kobe Bryant was joined by his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, a.k.a. Gigi was among the Lakers’ greatest players. Nine people were killed in a helicopter accident in Calabasas (California),. The tragic loss of young lives — including one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history — still haunts the Black Mamba’s fans and those playing professional basketball. Golden State Warrior Klay Thompson said as much on Wednesday, July 20, when he accepted the ESPY Award for Best Comeback Athlete, crediting the entire Bryant family for their part in his journey, and Kobe’s wife Vanessa responded to his kind words.
After suffering from injuries for more than two decades, Klay Thompson made his return to Golden State in January. He had been battling injuries for over two years. First, he suffered a torn ACL. Then, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon. After his return, he assisted his team. Win an NBA Championship — something he said wouldn’t have been possible without Kobe Bryant’s inspirational words. As he accepted his ESPY award, the Warrior got emotional and concluded his speech with:
Lastly, I would like to thank the Bryant family, because, I don’t know if Vanessa’s out there watching, but to Vanessa and her three beautiful girls, we think of Kobe and Gigi every day. Mamba Mentality was a daily reading for me during rehab. Those are some of the most memorable moments in my life. He inspired me to become the athlete that I am today. … Thank you, Kobe. Thank you, Gigi.
It turns out that Vanessa Bryant was watching, because she shared a video of Klay Thompson’s acceptance speech to her Instagram, thanking him for the sweet sentiment and for not only keeping her husband’s memory alive, but also her daughter’s. She wrote:
@klaythompson, you’re a class act. We are grateful for your love and support for Kobe, Gigi, and our family. You are always there to support Kobe and my Gigi whenever you think about Kob. Congratulations. #MambaMentality #Espys
Continuing to share stories about Kobe Bryant and Gigi is one way to ensure their legacies live on after the tragic crash on January 26, 2020, and Vanessa Bryant has been carrying that torch — with the Help from many others — by posting about Special memories they sharedAnd Honoring her late husband on his Birthday.
Vanessa Bryant deserves so much credit for the way she’s been able to stay strong for her three daughters, especially dealing with her grief in front of the entire world and Continuing to fight legal battles in relation to the crash. There’s no doubt how much it means when today’s athletes show that her husband’s contributions are not forgotten, and Gigi’s spirit lives on as well.
Check out these specials and documentaries about Kobe Bryant to see the past, present and future of the former Laker and his five NBA Championships. Also, learn how to stream them.