Vanessa Bryant Sends Heartwarming Message to Gianna on Her 14th Birthday

Vanessa Bryant, the widow of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, offered a poignant birthday wish to her late daughter, Gianna, who was born 14 years ago Friday.

The incredibly painful passage of family milestones is something that Vanessa Bryant continues to deal with, slightly more than three months after Kobe and Gianna Bryant were two of the victims in a Jan. 26 helicopter crash that killed nine people.

Gianna Bryant was the second oldest of the four Bryant daughters and was traveling with her father and the others killed to a basketball tournament when the tragedy took place.

In the wake of Gianna Bryant’s death, the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team paid tribute to her, where they draped a jersey featuring the No. 2 over a courtside seat. That number was one she wore during her brief basketball career.

Shortly after Kobe Bryant died, the former Laker was elected to the basketball Hall of Fame, with the ceremonies for his induction scheduled for Aug. 29.

The possibility exists that the ceremony will be delayed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but regardless of when it takes place, Vanessa Bryant is expected to attend and accept the posthumous accolade for her late husband.