It’s been five years since the world lost Kobe and Gianna Bryant, but for many, the pain still feels fresh—especially on days like today. Gianna, a rising basketball star with the same fierce spirit as her father, would have turned 19. To honor her memory, Vanessa Bryant shared a powerful tribute that struck a chord across the basketball community. With a touching photo of Gigi in her Mamba Academy uniform and a caption that captured both grief and love, Vanessa reminded everyone just how deep a mother’s strength can run. As friends like Pau Gasol rallied around the Bryant family, the day became not just a remembrance, but a celebration of legacy.

“Happy birthday, Gigi! Mommy loves and misses you more than I could ever express. I love you Gianna. ❤️ 19 ♉️ 5/1 #Mambacita.” Brief yet overflowing with emotion, it was a mother’s love letter to a daughter whose light was taken too soon. The businesswoman and philanthropist, along with Nike, continue to support the underserved youth and advocate for equal opportunity for girls in sports. Even this year, the Swoosh brand made sure to make the birthday more memorable.

On what would have been her 19th birthday, the brand launched the Gigi Bryant “Mambacita” Apparel Collection featuring two new jerseys for $120 each. The black and white inverse jerseys are a nod to Gigi’s youth basketball team, which retired NBA legend Kobe Bryant helped coach. Apart from the usual, a ‘Mambacita’ heart and wings let you carry Gigi’s passion for sport in the future. The tribute for the 19-year-old also included a message from Pau Gasol.

The former Lakers champion has taken a key role in the Bryant family after the passing of his teammate/brother Kobe. From ballet lessons to horse riding, the Spaniard is ever present to support his sister, Vanessa Bryant. This time to he added on Instagram, “Happy birthday sweet Gigi ❤️.”

He was not alone, and not only the basketball fraternity, but even celebrity friends of Vanessa chimed in with support. After all, it’s been a difficult week for the family.

Vanessa Bryant got the support of her friends like a rock

The widow of Kobe Bryant and his oldest daughter hit up Beyoncé’s Los Angeles show on Monday with the singer’s mom. At SoFi Stadium on Monday night, Vanessa Bryant was in her cowboy hat while sitting with the singer’s mom for the show. So, it was no surprise that Tina Knowles would drop a message for her friend’s daughter. “Sweet Angel GiGi we love you❤️.” The birthday this year hits harder as one of the city’s most iconic tributes, the beloved mural of father and daughter, was defaced with black paint.

The restoration work is already in progress thanks to Luka Doncic and his contribution of $5000. It’s not only the Lakers star who is helping the family, but Chris Paul too has helped in training Kobe’s daughter Bianka. Apart from this, he was the inaugural recipient of the Kobe & Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award for his work advancing girls’ and women’s basketball. He added on the post, “Happy Birthday Day Gigi!! ❤️❤️.”

Vanessa Bryant is super close to the Kardashian family. She attended Khloe’s 40th, and she’s even gifted Kim and Kris the coveted Nike Kobe “Grinch” shoes for the holidays. Khloe added in the comments, sharing the love for Gigi. “❤️ I love you V! Happy birthday GiGi!! ❤️❤️.” Another close friend of the family is Kyle Kuzma’s fiancée, Winnie Harlow, who also dropped a sweet message in the comments. “Happy birthday sweet girl ❤️❤️.”

With the issue of the mural behind her, Vanessa is channeling her energy to honor her daughter. Apart from the jerseys, Nike has also launched a pair of Kobe IX Low Protro EM Mambacita shoes to honor the 19-year-old. Profits of which go to benefit the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.