Photo by: Robert Hanashiro
8 | BSM MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020
Since the day you left us and lead-
ing to your memorial on Feb. 24,
there has been an endless outpour-
ing of love. We don’t know how Van-
essa stood in front of 20,000 people
in the house you built, as well as be
seen by the countless others who
tuned in. She carried with her so
much strength, and through her
tears and deep breaths, she gave the
most touching eulogy for you and
Gigi. Your parents and sisters looked
on as you were remembered. You fa-
vor your beautiful mother, but I can
see your father Joe in you too. We
laughed at the memories she shared
like the time after you retired from
basketball you were late picking up
the girls from school, and it pained
our hearts when she spoke about fu-
ture moments she would no longer
have with the two of you. Your wife
and the wonderful mother to your
princesses gifted us with the special
times you all had and we can only be
thankful because she doesn’t owe
anyone anything. No one would have
blamed her if she chose to honor you
to herself, but she allowed us to see
Gigi’s retirement ceremony and she
posted an old photo of the two of you
on Valentine’s Day, she shared it was
your favorite holiday.
Thank you, Kobe, for sharing your
gift with us while here on earth. I
believe you and your mambacita
(Gigi’s nickname from your Mamba
one) is playing the best basketball
games above. Know your daugh-
ter’s impact in the 13 years she was
here has already changed the face of
women’s sports in her middle school
level, high school, college, and the
WNBA. The world misses you and
Gigi, but we know your family misses
you more. We find comfort know-
ing you are Vanessa’s and your three
princesses guardian angel. In your
wife’s words in February inside the
Staple Center, she said, “take care of
‘Gigi,’ and she has “Nani,” “B.B.,” and
“KoKo.” Adding, you all are “still the
best team.” We stand with her and
your family; dad, mom, and sisters
today, tomorrow, and forever as we
remember you.
There will never be another Kobe
Bean Bryant, but you will have cre-
ated a legion of young boys and girls
to follow in your footsteps and grow
a game even more so than when at
the age of six
Rest in power Mamba #8 #24