Gianna Bryant Had Hoped to Carry on Father’s Basketball Legacy

Retired Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant and seven other people died in a tragic helicopter crash today while on their way to sports training facility Mamba Academy in Calabasas, California. The facility was founded by Kobe in 2018, and his daughter played on the academy’s Lady Mamba basketball team.

The father and daughter duo often attended games together.

The bond between a father & a daughter is so unconditional. Undeniable & unbreakable, on earth and after! Light & love to Vanessa, Natalia, Capri & Bianka Bryant. Strength & protection to you all!
Light & love to Kobe & Gianna.. May they rest peacefully together 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/bUrcjeKC8c

— Christina 🌻✨ (@tjtot_podcast) January 26, 2020

Kobe also often shared his support of his daughter’s athletic pursuits. He nicknamed her “Mambacita” as an ode to his legendary “Black Mamba” moniker.

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Gigi at work #mambacita

A post shared by Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) on Jun 24, 2018 at 6:12pm PDT

Kobe talking about his daughter Gianna carrying on his legacy. Heartbreaking to watch thispic.twitter.com/M3FAuAHjM4

— manny (@mannyfidel) January 26, 2020

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I hate seeing my #teammamba girls play against each other. This is GREAT defense by our mamba pg Alyssa Altobelli and a familiar looking fade by our 2gd the #Mambacita

A post shared by Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) on Nov 15, 2019 at 12:10am PST

Kobe talking about how passionate his daughter Gianna was for the game of basketball. 💔pic.twitter.com/ej7arbYr4a

— SNY (@SNYtv) January 26, 2020

For those looking to pay their respects, a memorial has been set up outside of the Staples Center arena in Los Angeles.