Home/NBA

via Getty

via Getty

Today would have marked the 45th birth anniversary of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. It was a time to remember the late player and the legacy he left behind for his fans and NBA enthusiasts around the world. While the late icon may have had a rusty relationship with his parents, there was one member of his immediate family that Kobe was pretty close to. She also took to Instagram to remember the man who devoted 20 years of his life to the sport of professional basketball.

Many people took to social media, sharing their own tribute and remembering the player in their own way. Even Shaquille O’Neal’s kids shared pictures of their “unc.

Kobe Bryant’s elder sister remembers the legend on his birthday

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Kobe’s sister, Sharia Washington, recently took to Instagram to share a post with her 200,000 followers. Consisting of multiple photos, the post highlighted the bond that the 47-year-old shared with her younger brother. The first picture showcased the two as children attending a ceremony that required them to dress up at their finest.

via Getty

From resting his left arm on his sister’s shoulder and striking a pose in one picture to caressing his pregnant sister’s stomach in the next, the Black Mamba seemed to be one affectionate brother. Bryant always cared for Washington, even during his NBA days, as evident in the last pictures that the latter shared on her post.

Watch This Story: “He Passed That Sunday”: Shaquille O’Neal’s 66YO Buddy Reminisces the “Surreal” Moment When the World Lost NBA Legend Kobe Bryant

Besides the series of pictures, Sharia also penned down a caption. It read, “Your physical presence is missed every day, but your legacy will live on forever. Happy birthday Bean! Love you.” Below the heartfelt message was also a quote by the Lakers star, which read “You are responsible for how people remember you—or don’t. So don’t take it lightly.”

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sharia W (@shariawash)

The post has drawn reactions from various users. Many of them, including WNBA icon Swin Cash, comedian Loni Love, Pau Gasol’s wife Catherine, and former WNBA player Nancy Lieberman, took to the comments section to share their thoughts in regards to the wonderful tribute.

A month after Kobe Bryant and his daughter’s passing, Sharia marked their presence with permanent ink

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Just like all the fans and close individuals associated with the Black Mamba, Sharia has missed her brother dearly ever since his death in a helicopter crash in Jan 2020. Sharia chose to honor her brother in her own way.

As Kobe’s tragic passing approached its one-month anniversary, Sharia took to Instagram to share a picture with her followers. It highlighted a snake (a Black Mamba) encircling the numbers “2” and “24”.

The tribute was not meant to solely honor Kobe. It was also meant to honor his daughter, Gianna Bryant, who lost her life in the same helicopter crash. The “2” was Gianna’s chosen number, meant as a way to honor US soccer player Sydney Leroux.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

READ MORE: LA Legend, Who Was Saved From Dreadful Fate Courtesy Of Kobe Bryant’s Millions, Gets Emotional Over Paul Gasol Joining His Brother: “Imagine That Conversation”

What are your thoughts on Sharia Washington’s tributes to her brother Kobe Bryant? Let us know in the comments below.