Vannessa Bryant was among the millions who rejoiced around the world following the Los Angeles Lakers' 2020 NBA championship-winning game against the Miami Heat on Sunday.
Vanessa, the widow of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, was quick to congratulate the team and its general manager Rob Pelinka.
Pelinka, of course, is a close family friend of the Bryant household. Vanessa sent out a heartwarming congratulatory message to “Uncle P” and wished that Kobe and Gianna were alive to savor this glorious moment.
"Congratulations Uncle P! Congratulations @Lakers Kobe was right, RP! "Stay the course blockout the noise." @kobebryant Wish Kobe and Gigi were here to see this."
– Vanessa Bryant congratulates Rob Pelinka pic.twitter.com/ZWRyaXcZdK
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) October 12, 2020
Before taking on the Lakers' high-profile executive job, Rob Pelinka burst onto the scene as Kobe Bryant's player agent during his 20-year playing career. The deceased NBA icon played a big role in LA's decision to bring Pelinka aboard in 2017, despite him not having any experience running a team.
Pelinka also forged a strong bond with Vanessa and Kobe's daughters and was even a godfather to Gianna. In fact, Pelinka and Lakers owner Jeanie Buss was reportedly the first ones to comfort Vanessa in her home upon news of Kobe and Gianna's tragic demise last January.
Vanessa, meanwhile, continues to support the Lakers upon Bryant's death. Kobe spent his entire 20-year career with the Purple and Gold and won five NBA titles for the city of Los Angeles. Vanessa even gave her seal of approval for the team to don the Black Mamba tribute jerseys in Game 5 of the Finals.
While the Lakers failed to close out the series in the said contest, they managed to finish the job on Sunday and honored Kobe's legacy in the process.
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