Emotional Jerry West Reveals Kobe Bryant Had “Great Respect” for Daughter Gianna: “She Was the Apple of His Eye”

Lakers legend Jerry West won one championship in his career with the Lakers. He spent his entire career with the Lakers and made an All-Star appearance every season (14). However, he was more successful as an executive with the Lakers. West is credited with signing several top talents such as Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, among others.

After his retirement, West had a coaching stint with the Lakers. Further, after three seasons, he became a scout at the Lakers. West later was promoted to an executive in the franchise and assembled some of the best squads the NBA has ever seen. He signed Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in the summer of 1996.

Just like West, Kobe went on to spend his entire NBA career with the Lakers. West and Kobe also had a great relationship. Jerry once said that he loved Kobe like a brother, and the news of Kobe’s tragic accident left him in a shock. It has been two years since the world lost Kobe and his daughter Gianna in the tragic helicopter accident. West has opened up on Kobe Bryant and showered praise on him for being a good father.

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Jerry West says Kobe Bryant was a great father

Recently, Jerry West gave an interview to the New York Times. During the interview, he remembered the bond between Kobe and his daughter, Gianna.

“It’s really interesting because he didn’t have a full life. I saw him become a great father. Used to see him, in particular after he retired — he and his daughter (Gianna), who were both killed in that tragic helicopter crash. I just saw this enormous love and respect for this little girl. She was kind of the apple of his eye,” Jerry West said.

“He was just one of those unique players that comes along. He had a big personality. He was very bright. He was going to be a bigger success off the court than on the court. He was taken away too young.”

Indeed, Kobe and Gianna had a special bond, and Kobe helped her in any way he could. Kobe and Vanessa had four daughters – Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, and Capri. However, his second-eldest daughter, Gianna, was in the same helicopter as Kobe and she lost her life in the accident.

Jerry West left the Lakers in 2000 and then had executive stints with Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors.

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