Kobe Bryant is known worldwide for his legendary career as a basketball player. His exploits as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers are iconic. What was also evident to everyone was how much Kobe loved his kids. His four daughters, Natalia Diamante Bryant, Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant, Bianka Bella Bryant and Capri Kobe Bryant were his world. So much so, that Kobe championed the idea of embracing being a “Girl Dad.”
Gigi
Gianna “Gigi” Bryant seemed to be the daughter most interested in following directly in her father’s footsteps. Gianna "Gigi" Bryant was born on May 1, 2006. She was only 13 years old when she passed away in a helicopter crash with her father. Gigi was Vanessa and Kobe Bryant’s second daughter. At an early age, Gigi was around the game of basketball. She was often seen at her father’s NBA games. Gigi was not just a spectator at her father’s games, she was a student. Kobe trained and pushed Gigi hard to help her become a basketball star, which is something Gigi fiercely wanted. Players and coaches all recognized Gigi was special. She had the talent and drive needed to be a WNBA star. Most importantly, Kobe recognized his daughter was special. He knew she had the skill and mindset needed to be a great basketball player.
The Return Of Kobe x Nike
In 2023, Nike released the Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita Sweet 16.” The Kobe 6 Protro Mambacita Sweet 16 honored the life of Gianna Bryant. The shoe itself featured a black and white textured upper. Gold letters displayed the words “Kobe” and “Gigi” on the heel. The number “2” displayed on the lateral heel paid respect to the basketball legacy of Gianna Bryant. Vanessa Bryant, the widow of Kobe and mother of Gigi, donated all the proceeds from the shoe to the Mambacita Sports Foundation. The “Mambacita Sweet 16” was the first shoe released in a new partnership between the Bryant family and Nike.
Girl Dad
Kobe Bryant was proud to be a “Girl Dad.” It is one of his many enduring qualities that has allowed him to be an icon.
- Adam C. Better
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