The event unveiling Kobe Bryant‘s bronze statue was an emotional rollercoaster. From various people close to Kobe, like his wife Vanessa and former teammate Derek Fisher, reminiscing about the Black Mamba to ex-Lakers coach Phil Jackson providing a hilarious anecdote involving Michael Jordan, it was a special occasion for everyone involved. The Lakers vs the Denver Nuggets game that followed the ceremony may have been overshadowed because of this, but one moment from the game involving Kobe’s daughter captured the fans’ hearts.
Among the superstars, such as Adam Sandler, in attendance at the Crypto.com Arena for the game, Kobe’s former teammate, Pau Gasol, also cheered the purple and gold on. But he wasn’t alone.
Uncle Pau Gasol will always be there for the Bryant family
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Bryant’s eldest daughter, Natalia, was seen leaning her head on the shoulders of her uncle, Pau Gasol. The duo got emotional as Natalia and Bryant’s former teammate watched the Los Angeles Lakers game. Their eyes were filled with pride, likely by reminiscing about Bryant’s legacy.
— Ashley Nicole Moss (@AshNicoleMoss) February 9, 2024
The tragedy of Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s untimely death left their family and friends devastated. Bryant’s longtime friend has been a consistent source of support for the Bryant family throughout this time. Kobe and Pau shared a great friendship as they started to play alongside each other for the Lakers.
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That bond extended to their families as well. Both families are often spotted spending special occasions together. While Vanessa is the godmother of Gasol’s daughter, Elisabeth, Gasol is also the godfather to Bryant’s daughters. The Bryant family also attended Elisabeth’s baptism ceremony in Spain last year. Natalia’s wholesome moment with her uncle is winning people’s hearts.
Fans admire Kobe Bryant’s daughter’s heartwarming moment with uncle Pau
One fan praised Gasol’s true friendship with the Bryant family and wrote, “Textbook definition of his brother’s keeper.”
Textbook definition of his brothers keeper 💯
— Giovanni ✪ (@1nnavoig) February 9, 2024
Another fan mentioned how lucky Kobe was to have Gasol by his side, and wrote, “W uncle man. Kobe was lucky to have him as a brother.” One fan commended Gasol for keeping his promise to Bryant. Praising the Hall of Famer’s loyalty to his friend, the user wrote, “I love how much he has stayed on his word to the Bryant family”
W uncle man. Kobe was lucky to have him as a brother
— Biggchuck (@Biggchuck___) February 9, 2024
I love how much he has stayed on his word to the Bryant family
— R. (@gullyblanchard) February 9, 2024
Some went on to predict how proud Kobe would have been to witness the moment and wrote, “I love how he’s been there for the family Kobe would be so proud man.”
I love how he’s been there for the family
Kobe would be so proud man— Marvin (@MarvinYNWA) February 9, 2024
While one of the fans showed support for Natalia and wrote, “I feel for Natalia. I hope she continues to be strong,” another fan wrote, “my brother’s keeper.”
I feel for Natalia. I hope she continues to be strong. ❤️🩹❤️🩹💙💜
— DMike (@DMikesworld) February 9, 2024
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my brother’s keeper
— Ashley (@Ashley_n845) February 9, 2024
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Which is your favorite moment of the event? Let us know in the comments section below.