This weekend, the Los Angeles Lakers won against the Miami Heat — making them the 2020 NBA Champions. The team hasn’t achieved this title in a decade, since the late, great Kobe Bryant led them to victory in 2010. In a private Instagram Story post, Kobe’s widow — Vanessa — reflected on the recent win.
“Congratulations Uncle P! Congratulations [Lakers],” she captioned an old photo of Kobe and Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka. “Kobe was right RP ‘stay the course- block out the noise’ – [Kobe Bryant.]”
She added, “Wish Kobe and Gianna were here to see this.”
The Lakers honored Kobe this season by wearing Black Mamba uniforms for Game 5. Last week, LeBron James — who led the team to victory with 28 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists — wore a shirt with a picture of Kobe that read, “More than ever with love, 1978-2020.” After winning Sunday night’s game (Oct. 11), the Lakers dedicated the milestone to Kobe.
“Kobe — I know he’s looking down on us super proud,” Anthony Davis told reporters. “We miss him and this is definitely for him.”
“I think Kobe and Gianna have guided this team the entire year,” General Manager Pelinka said. “Kobe’s voice is always in my head — always. Every day; every minute… for us to be able to win this championship doesn’t take away the sting of the loss, but what it does is it helps us add to their legacy.”
He added, “Kobe and Gianna’s legacy will last forever. It will impact lives around the world in positive ways and this Lakers championship in 2020 is partly to build on that legacy and honor them. The moment couldn’t be any more special to do that for them.”
Kobe played for the Lakers for the entirety of his legendary 20-year career. He and his daughter, Gianna, tragically perished earlier this year in a helicopter crash along with seven others.