It has been three years since basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi passed away, leaving a huge void in the Bryant family. However, Kobe’s wife and businesswoman, Vanessa Bryant, bounced back from the grief stronger than ever, leaving fans in awe. Her show of strength and take-charge attitude continues to be an inspiration to millions of people. The reality TV star even attended the All-Star weekend to support a friend of the Bryant family.
The All-Star weekend was a star-studded affair witnessing several athletes in attendance. Vanessa even ran into her close friend and WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu who was in attendance with her fiance. There is no doubt that Kobe’s absence will always be felt. However, the Bryant family matriarch has maintained her presence in NBA-related affairs with utmost responsibility.
Vanessa Bryant extends her support to Pau Gasol
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The close bond between the Gasol and the Bryant family took shape when Pau Gasol was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2008. The 2x NBA Champion played alongside Kobe Bryant for six seasons, during which they developed an unbreakable bond. Gasol and his wife Catherine McDonnell were constantly beside Kobe’s family after the tragic Calabasas accident. The couple selflessly helped Vanessa in every way possible after they shifted back to California from Spain. Therefore, it was only given that the reality TV star would attend the All-Star weekend in Utah to support Gasol, who was nominated for the Hall of Fame.
Uncle Pau last night 🥲💜
(Via Vanessa Bryant) pic.twitter.com/OLqsRc02jQ
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) February 18, 2023
Vanessa even uploaded an adorable photo of ‘Uncle Gasol’ holding her kids Bianca and Capri, seemingly having a great time together. For the star-studded affair, Vanessa opted for a casual outfit. She wore a denim jumpsuit, beige pointed boots, and a long faux fur coat the same color as her shoes. Vanessa completed the look with a sling bag and minimalist jewelry.
READ MORE – Pau Gasol Admits Desire to Be Father-Figure for Kobe Bryant’s Daughters: ”I’ll Try to Be There for Them”
The philanthropist received only love and appreciation from fans on her Instagram post. A fan reposted a photo of Vanessa on Twitter with a caption that read, ‘Vanessa Bryant looking absolutely GORGEOUS headed to Allstar Weekend. Love to see this cause I know it’s not easy without Kobe’. Another social media user commented, ‘I continue to be amazed by her strength’.
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Additionally, in a photo uploaded by another family friend Sabrina Ionescu, a fan wrote, ‘You guys are great friends and family to Vanessa ❤️❤️❤️’.
Gasol’s tribute to Gigi Bryant
Pau Gasol and his wife, Catherine, welcomed their first child several months after they received the devastating news of Kobe’s death. As a way to honor Kobe and Gigi, Gasol and Cat named their daughter Elisabet Gianna Gasol. In 2022, Vanessa shared a photo of her holding her Goddaughter Elisabet on her Instagram handle.
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Catherine was among the millions of fans who dropped a comment that read, “The best Godmother ever.” There is no doubt that the mother of three is indeed a great Godmother to the two-and-a-half-year-old munchkin.