“You Deserved to Live Long”: Donning Kobe Bryant’s WNBA Sweatshirt, Vanessa Bryant Pens an Emotional Message

It’s a big day for the Bryant family. On the live WNBA draft pick on ESPN, Cathy Engelbert, league commissioner announced a new annual award in the name of Kobe Bryant and Gigi Bryant. The Lakers star and his daughter accidentally died in a helicopter crash in the initial weeks of the year. ‘Kobe and Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award’ will recognize an individual or group who has made significant contributions to the visibility, perception, and advancement of women’s and girls’ basketball at all levels.

Moreover, Gigi Bryant was named as part of the 2020 honorary draft pick becoming the youngest to be drafted in the WNBA. “Kobe was an incredible champion of women’s basketball, and Gianna shared her passion and dedication to our game,” Engelbert said on the WNBA live draft pick.

Emotional Vanessa Bryant has a message for everybody

Vanessa Bryant took over Instagram and the fans are going insane showering their love for Kobe and Gigi. She recently posted Gianna’s picture of her playing days in a jersey. Vanessa has melted the world with her words and the strong emotions that she let out. “I’m so proud of you, Gigi. God, I miss you baby. You deserved to live a long, healthy and happy life,” She wrote in the caption, “I wish I could hold you and tell you how proud I am of you. You’re the best, baby girl. Mommy loves and misses you more than I could ever express.”

Proudly displaying Kobe Bryant’s sweatshirt

Vanessa was the one to open the news about Gigi being selected in the honorary draft pick. She had a heartbreaking but very powerful video message of thanks for everybody on Instagram. “It would have been a dream come true for her. She worked tirelessly every single day. She wanted to be one of the greatest athletes of all time just like her daddy.” Vanessa was wearing Kobe’s sweatshirt and was extremely emotional while speaking in the video, “This is his sweatshirt. Thank you. I want to congratulate all of this year’s draft picks. So congratulations, work hard. Never settle. Use that Mamba Mentality.”

While we find it difficult to move on with a world in basketball without Kobe, WNBA lost its future basketball player as well!

Read More: WNBA players talk about the impact of Kobe Bryant in a touching video