Sabrina Ionescu paid a heartwarming tribute to Kobe Bryant‘s daughter, Gigi, during her memorable battle with Stephen Curry on Saturday night! She might have lost the battle, but her sincerity shone through. Ionescu, who Kobe mentored in college, is one of the Bryant family’s close friends. And now, Vanessa Bryant has reciprocated the same love.

During the Saturday night event, the WNBA star was seen wearing a bracelet with Gigi’s name engraved. This adorable gesture was neither missed by the fans nor by Vanessa. She shared ESPN’s post of a close-up look at Ionescu’s wrist bracelet on her Instagram story and used stickers to convey “I love you @sabrina_I.”

The friendship between Kobe Bryant and Sabrina Ionescu was born out of the dream they shared: to elevate women’s basketball to the next level. And she has already taken major steps to ensure the same by challenging arguably the greatest shooter of all time.

Speaking of the competitive battle, Ionescu mentioned, “Just to be able to have this be the first of this kind of event and come out here and put on a show but understanding what this means. Excited to change the narrative and be able to do it alongside the greatest to ever do it.” Even facing defeat, she is certainly thrilled to usher in a new change for both leagues. But it wouldn’t have been possible without Kobe.

Watch This Story: Lebron James, Steph Curry, and Naomi Osaka join hands to push the Marvel franchise

She has often given credit to the Black Mamba for being there for her during her toughest times. And she returned the favor by mentoring Kobe’s daughter, Gigi.

Sabrina Ionescu shared a beautiful bond with Kobe Bryant

The WNBA star met Gigi and the late Los Angeles Lakers icon for the first time while securing a 95-53 victory for the Oregon Ducks in 2019. The duo, accompanied by Gigi’s two teammates, took seats courtside to witness the game. Following that, Sabrina dedicated time to coach the Mamba Ballers during the 2019-20 season. Ionescu is one of the few who closely observed Gigi’s playing style. She described how Gigi inherited her father’s impressive skill set.

Talking about Gigi’s approach to the game and Kobe’s aspirations, Sabrina conveyed, “She smiled all the time, but when it was game time, she was ready to kill. “ She further stated, “If I represented the present of the women’s game, Gigi was the future, and Kobe knew it.”

Trending

“Ain’t Ready for Him”: Michael Jordan’s Grandson’s Sneak Peek Given by Daughter Jasmine

February 20, 2024 07:15 am EDT

Allen Iverson Comes Clean on Shaquille O’Neal’s Loyalty Beyond $10 Billion Ties

February 20, 2024 08:39 am EDT

“I Have 4 Wives”: 13 Years After $200,000 a Month Divorce, Shaquille O’Neal Makes a Heartening Marriage Confession

April 10, 2023 10:08 pm EDT

Who Is Shaquille O’Neal’s Ex-Wife? What Was the Reason Behind Their Divorce?

April 10, 2023 04:11 pm EDT

“Sh*t Ain’t Right…RIP”: Ja Morant Grieves for Beloved Family Member, Expresses Deep Love Online

February 20, 2024 10:45 pm EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Sabrina also took the stage at Kobe’s celebration of life ceremony at the Staples Center. Kobe and Gigi would have been proud of the WNBA Star.

“WTF”: Disgruntled NBA Fans Unleash Wrath On $16,000,000-Rich Company After Massive Kobe Bryant News Hits Online Platforms