Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, had a wholesome but heartbreaking message for the late Los Angeles Lakers legend on his birthday on Saturday.
The “Black Mamba” would have been 47 today if not for the devastating helicopter crash that cut his life short. Victims of the tragic crash were his daughter, Gigi, along with seven others.
Vanessa Bryant Pens Wholesome Message for Late Husband Kobe Bryant With Adorable Throwback Picture
Taking to Instagram, Vanessa shared a throwback picture with Kobe that sees her giving him a peck on the cheek.
“We love and miss you and Gigi so much,” she wrote. “Sending our love to you. Happy birthday, baby. @kobebryant ❤️”
Vanessa Bryant’s post on IG wishing Kobe Bryant a happy birthday. 🫶🐍 pic.twitter.com/vCaXDZuBxI
— marshmallow (@jess_bernas) August 23, 2025
Vanessa, 43, has since been instrumental in raising their three other daughters, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri. The Bryant family has also received rich praise for their tremendous efforts in keeping Kobe’s legacy alive.
It was a turbulent 2020 for the family upon hearing news of Kobe’s and Gigi’s death on Jan. 26. The Lakers have also made every effort to honor their franchise superstar, and one of them was by unveiling a statue of him and his daughter on the south side of Crypto.com Arena.
Earlier this year, Jayson Tatum recollected his emotional reaction to his idol’s death.
“I remember where I was at the moment when it happened, when I heard the news,” Tatum said. “I remember how I felt, just how it kind of impacted me and the rest of the world.
“When you’re younger, and you’re a kid, and people pass, you don’t really understand it. But s**t, I was 21 at that time, and it was somebody I was close with. I was in New Orleans before one of our games, and I remember I was with my dad, and I saw it come across the news. I was just in a daze.”
Kobe’s death plunged the whole basketball world into grief, and years later, fans continue to remember him fondly for his contribution to the sport. The five-time NBA champion ended his career as an 18-time NBA All-Star, a 15-time All-NBA Team nod, a 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, and the 2008 NBA MVP.
All of his achievements came with the Lakers, and he was posthumously named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. He made the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame twice.
Vanessa’s tribute comes a day after reports of Warner Bros. acquiring the spec script “With the 8th Pick,” which details the behind-the-scenes drafting of Kobe in 1996. The script was penned by Alex Sohn and Gavin Johannsen.
