It’s still hard to believe that it’s been over four years since Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant tragically passed away in a helicopter crash. On December 30, 2019, Kobe filed to trademark “Mambacita” since Gigi had started hooping. Through the academy, Kobe would coach many young girls alongside her daughter. Many colleges saw the potential in Gigi and were ready to offer scholarships. And there was another NBA veteran who saw something similar in Gigi.

2-time NBA All-Star Zach Randolph was on a podcast with Paul George and shared the story of seeing Bryant’s daughter for the first time. It was only possible because his daughter requested him to play alongside Gigi. Randolph was unsure if Kobe would accept his request but still called the Lakers legend for his daughter’s dream.

“Man Zbo, I don’t know bring her down to Orange County and we will see how she fits in with the girls,” said Kobe. The 17-year veteran said he was proud to see the late Kobe Bryant coach his daughter. Plus, he claimed that her daughter fit right in with the girls like the missing piece of a puzzle. And he was also mesmerized by Gigi’s performance.

When asked how ‘Mambacita’s game was, Randolph said on Podcast P with Paul George, “kinda like her dad.” Randolph said not only the shooting stance but her whole form was similar. Plus, the way Kobe used to behave on the court she had the same mannerisms. ‘Z-bo’ even said anybody who would have watched Gigi would say that she was like “A girl Kobe Bryant. ” Recently remembering her daughter, Vanessa organized a special basketball camp for young aspiring players, just like Gianna. Just like Kobe Bryant who once trained a former LSU player.

Kobe Bryant aspiring young hoopers through ‘Mambacita’

Hailey Van Lith shared the story of how she got to meet Kobe Bryant. Around 2019, before her college basketball career could kick off, she got a call from NBA icon Bryant. “I couldn’t believe it, that he actually knew who I was and thought I was a good player. When I later asked him, ‘Why me?’ he basically said the way I play, my work ethic and mentality on the court, reminded him of himself, and it compelled him to reach out to me.“

Hailey recalled how happy she was on receiving that call and getting an invitation to work with the Los Angeles Lakers legend. Bryant knew her name and wanted to spend time with her to talk about how basketball was like a dream. But Kobe had an exterior motive and Hailey’s dad Corey spilled the beans.

As per the LA Times, Corey stated, “He wanted to help Hailey, but he also wanted to put someone in front of his daughter she could relate to, because Hailey is an incredibly hard worker. Hailey has devoted her life so far to becoming the best person and basketball player she can possibly be, and he wanted to show Gianna, ‘If you do this, you can attain the goals you want to attain.’”

Kobe Bryant often displayed his mean persona during his playing days. Yet after his retirement, he was a father figure for not only Gigi but for many young players. Vanessa and Nike are continuing the traditions by organizing said camps and honoring both Kobe Bryant and Gigi.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.