It has been three years since Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant passed away in a tragic helicopter accident in Calabasas. Their passing left a huge hole in millions of fans’ hearts who continue to remember the father-daughter duo. While the Black Mamba had already built an enduring legacy, Gigi was on her way to bringing change in the basketball world like her father. To honor Gigi’s legacy, Nike recently joined hands with several family friends and prominent figures of the NBA world for a fitting tribute.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend was 41 years old at the time of his death, whereas Gigi was only 14. The Bryants, alongside seven others were on their way to a basketball game at the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks.

NBA world pays a heartwarming tribute to Gianna Bryant

Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant would have been celebrating her 17th birthday if the devastating tragedy hadn’t taken place. It is heartbreaking that the aspiring basketball star is no longer here to blow out her birthday candles. However, her family and well-wishers made sure to celebrate for her. To commemorate the big day, Nike launched the new Kobe 4 Protro ‘Mambacita’ shoes and jersey.

According to USA Today, the shoes were put up for sale on its online platform and the items were sold out in just a matter of few hours. The billion-dollar shoe brand also collaborated with several sports figures and honored Gigi through a video. The Mambacita’s mother Vanessa Bryant shared the video, themed “PlayGigisWay”, on her Instagram handle.

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WNBA star Sabrina Ionesco, Mambacita’s former teammate Aubrey Callaghan, school basketball coach Jon Grogan, Hall of Famer Pau Gasol, and Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, each gave a brief introduction on what it means to ‘play Gigi’s way’.

Gianna Bryant leaves an example that other young girls could follow to strive to be the best.

READ MORE – Massive Update on Kobe Bryant’s Mentee and Angel Reese Stuns NFL Ace Odell Beckham Jr and 2x NBA All-Star Among Others

Vanessa displays her ‘mamba mentality’

Days before ringing in Gigi’s birthday, Vanessa and her daughters went for a family outing with NFL QB Russell Wilson and his wife Ciara. In the pictures shared by Vanessa, she was seen fearlessly holding anacondas and pythons and so did her daughters. In the caption, she wrote, “Queen Mamba…Happy birthday Sisi! Anaconda & reticulated python”.

WATCH THIS STORY: ‘Burn a hole through you’: Former NBA champion who attempted to scare Kobe Bryant sheds light on the Mamba store”

While Kobe and Gigi might have left this world but the fierce Mamba Mentality will forever remain alive.