feature-image

Imago

feature-image

Imago

The untimely demise of basketball star Kobe Bryant shattered the sports world. The brilliant and brightest star of the basketball world passed away in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. The crash killed 8 other passengers including Kobe’s daughter Gianna Bryant. The father-daughter duo was headed for Kobe’s Mamba Sports Academy when the unfortunate accident took place. Recently, an old, resurfaced clip of the duo’s practice on the Internet brought tears to his fans’ eyes. Years after the tragic incident, people still remember the legend and his daughter who was a rising basketball star.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

Gianna was all set to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the professional league. Gianna, nicknamed ‘Mambacita’ after her father, had a knack for the game and was quite talented. Several celebrities and fans poured in messages of condolences as the news reached them. As a clip from Kobe and Gianna’s practice session came to light, fans reminisce on the legend.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s old practice session clip resurfaced

The 13-year-old daughter of Kobe shared her father’s love of basketball. The 5-time NBA champion often had practice sessions with Gianna. After his retirement, the legend happily took the responsibility to pass down his legacy to his daughter. The two had a special bond and connection. 

article-image

Imago

In a conversation during Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2018, Kobe was asked if his daughter has any plans to join the WNBA when the time comes. To this he replied, “She does for sure.

ADVERTISEMENT

Even in the video, we see the duo engaged in a serious practice session.

The Lakers legend was more than happy to share his knowledge with his daughter and other aspiring basketball players. 

READ MORE: Swirling in Cocktail of Emotions, Kobe Bryant’s “Brother” Unveils “Triggering Point” 2 Days Before HoF Enshrinement

Fans were deeply stirred by the video and poured their feelings out in the comments.

Fans get emotional over the resurfaced clip

Numerous fans reacted to the clip. They wrote how much they wish that the legend and Gianna were still among us. One of the fans wrote, “S**t is just not fair.”

Another noted how the legend was the best coach for young players and wrote, “Kobe Bryant was an amazing coach. Mamba and Mambacita Forever.”

One of the fans said, I really think she could have changed the course of the WNBA. I’ve never watched a game but I would have watched for Gigi, no doubt.”

While one of the users said, “rip my goat,” another user wrote, “I’m never gonna be at peace with this.”

Another fan wrote, “Damn I miss my idol.”

WATCH THIS STORY: LeBron James and Michael Jordan’s 2 Astonishing Feats in Peril as 30 YO Star Inks Richest NBA Annual Contract

The athlete and Gianna are still very much alive in fans’ hearts and memories. And these comments are proof of the love fans have for the legend.

Is there any special memory of the legend that you cherish? Tell us in the comments!

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Pritha Debroy

3,476 Articles

Pritha Debroy works with the NFL Lifestyle Desk at EssentiallySports, where she explores the league beyond the sidelines and focuses on the cultural nuances of football. Bringing a fresh perspective shaped by her background in basketball lifestyle stories and cross-sport expertise, she highlights how NFL athletes build influence off the field. A graduate of the EssentiallySports Journalistic Excellence Program, our in-house initiative that trains writers under industry experts, Pritha specializes in long-form features and player-driven stories that capture the evolving identity of today’s NFL stars. Pritha combines her passion for storytelling with a thoughtful approach to sports culture and lifestyle. With strong communication skills and an eye for detail, she brings a distinctive voice to NFL journalism, delivering engaging and insightful content that resonates with readers.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Aayush Kapoor

ADVERTISEMENT