While Kobe Bryant was a basketball legend, he was also a truly legendary girl dad.
Since being chosen in the 1996 draft and becoming the second-youngest player in NBA history, Bryant has been synonymous with basketball. But since retiring in 2016 as a five-time NBA champ with 20 seasons under his belt, a different side of Bryant came to the forefront: the family man. And in the wake of the tragic helicopter crash that killed Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna (as well as seven others), it’s that legacy those closest to the NBA star say he’d be the most proud of.
While both the world and the Bryant family grieved after their death, his wife, Vanessa, and their living daughters, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri, have worked hard to continue his legacy, as both a humanitarian and a proud dad. So, in honor of that legacy that Kobe was understandably most proud to be building, let’s relive some of the sweet moments he shared with and about his beautiful family.
Today, August 23rd, would be his 46th birthday — so in honor of his legacy and the love he had for his girls, let’s take a look back at some of their sweetest moments,.
On Jan. 19, Kobe posted a precious throwback picture of Natalia wearing “his” jersey: the now-iconic No. 24. The same day, he shared a current photo of the gorgeous teen in honor of her 17th birthday. “Happy Birthday my baby. I love you beyond measure. You will always be my little Principessa,” the proud dad wrote.
When his second youngest turned three, Kobe shared a precious snapshot of the little girl on his shoulders. “Happy birthday B.B.,” he wrote, gushing, “Can’t believe you are 3 already! We love you little Mamacita.”
Back in 2019, Kobe posted so many sweet photos of his daughters cuddling together for their Christmas photoshoot.
Kobe took to Instagram on Thanksgiving to share a few photos of what she was most thankful for — all of his girls.
Back on Dec 20, 2019, Kobe wanted everyone to know his daughter Gigi was something special: a true sporting talent who could play basketball in her heels. He lovingly captioned it, “#HoopsAndHeels #StealsAndStilettos.”
Kobe was so happy when he got to take Bianka to meet Misty Copeland!
It may technically have been the winter, but living in Southern California meant Kobe was able to squeeze in pool days with his adorable toddler during his downtime.
Our hearts! How precious is this family photo of Kobe and his crew on Halloween? They really leaned into the Wizard of Oz theme with Vanessa as the Wicked Witch, Kobe as the Wizard himself, Gigi as the Tin Man, Bianka as Dorothy and baby Capri as the Cowardly Lion.
In his retirement, Kobe pursued a more creative pursuit: storytelling. At his book-signing for the inspirational book Legacy and the Queen, Vanessa surprised him by bringing Bianka and Capri to cheer him on.
We’re not sure who enjoyed frequenting Disneyland more — Kobe or his girls. But this much is certain: the doting dad loved to spend time with his daughters at the happiest place on earth.
While on vacation, Kobe stole a quiet minute for a selfie with Vanessa. “Mamba and Queen,” he captioned it, alluding to his nickname (Black Mamba) and his pet name for his wife.
Kobe shared the birth of his fourth child with the caption reading, “Our little princess Capri Kobe Bryant “KoKo” 6/20/19 ❤️.”
Back in August, Kobe gave a shout out to the US Women’s National Soccer Team after spending a day watching them with three of his daughters
It’s hard to believe that a short 8 months ago, Kobe and Vanessa were patiently waiting for their fourth “princess” to make her debut.
When Kobe headed to the University of Connecticut women’s basketball senior night, he had the best plus one: daughter Gigi. The two attended the game together to celebrate the career (and retirement) of legendary WNBA’er Rebecca Lobo.
Back in 2018, he celebrated BIanka’s birthday, posting a darling photo with the caption reading, “Our baby girl Bianka Bella aka BB is two today. I can’t believe she is 2 ALREADY 🤦🏾♂️ what a blessing #Sagittarius #proudpapa.”
Remember when he posted the sweetest video of daughter Bianka singing? You can tell he was so proud
What better way to bring in your 40th year than with a trip to Cabo with your family? Kobe clearly had the right idea when he sprung this vacation on his wife and daughters.
Gianna showed everyone she was her papa’s mini-me when she played basketball back at the Luxembourg Gardens.
During the family’s 2018 trip to France, he was always holding onto, or nearby one of his beloved daughters.
In this adorable video, we can see Kobe teaching his daughter Bianka how to play elephants; and it’s still so sweet years later.
During a vacation, Kobe lovingly wrote, “Blessed #myangels #daddysgirls.”
Back in 2017, Kobe shouted out his “Bryant ladies” as they were gearing up for the USA soccer game!
Back in 2013, he wrote, “Happy Birthday to my Gianna, Gigi, Viva Boom. Time has wings. #fatherslove #daddysgirl #babymamba #taurus.”
Before you go, check out these celebrity dads who have the sweetest bonds with their daughters.
