Apart from being one of the most decorated NBA players of the modern era, the late Kobe Bryant was a true philanthropist. His contributions off the court, mentally and physically, are what made his legacy so great. During his basketball journey (in high school, the NBA, and the Olympics), the Lakers legend made many friends and well-wishers.

In a recent social media post, Vanessa Bryant responds to one of  the Mamba’s close friends and former coach through a heartfelt message.

Vanessa Bryant’s message to Mamba’s friend

In a recent Instagram post, legendary college basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K) talks about his relationship with the late Lakers legend.

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He says, “I had the honor of coaching Kobe and became close friends with him. To see what Vanessa, his wife, has done. To see this Mamba Mambacita Foundation help kids and choosing our school to be one of the few schools that are going to do it.”

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He further explains, “Basically, they live out in LA and they’re helping kids on their own end. I told the kids, ‘Vanessa Bryant’s family is sending you their wealth’… It was a lot of energy, it was actually really beautiful.”

Mike Krzyzewski, popularly known as Coach K, is a legendary coach who led the United States national basketball team to three gold medals at the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympics. He was the late Kobe Bryant’s coach for the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and the two became close friends after that.

After she announces the Mamba Academy’s partnership with Duke University, Vanessa Bryant replies to Coach K’s kind words on her Instagram post. She says, “Heartfelt thanks to my husband’s coach and friend, #CoachK, for continuing to share Kobe’s story as a devoted student of the game. We are grateful to you. Thank you to the kids for showing up and having FUN in honor of Kobe and Gianna. #PlayGigisWay #MambaForever .” Vanessa Bryant continues late Kobe Bryant’s legacy as she continues to grow the Mamba Mambacita Academy.

Kobe Bryant’s legacy

After retiring from the NBA in 2016, Kobe Bryant started the ‘Mamba Sports Academy’ in 2018. He taught students how to consistently improve their respective games. He also majorly contributed to the city of Los Angeles through his philanthropy.

The facility where the Mamba Academy existed was a place where Bryant hosted workouts for NBA and WNBA players. He also coached his 13-year-old daughter’s (Gianna) AAU girls’ basketball team there. However, after his tragic demise in January 2020, the facility closed so they could “work through the grieving process”.

The Academy launched the “MambaOnThreeFund” to support the other families affected by the tragedy as well as the “Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation” to support underserved athletes and young women in sports. 

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What are your thoughts on Vanessa Bryant’s heartfelt message to Coach K after the ‘Mamba Foundation event? Let us know in the comments below!