Remembering Kobe and Gigi
“Dear Gigi,
When I am in a gym, watching girls basketball teams play, I tend to go in my own little world. I t is always the same visual. The game starts and I see you dribbling out there. Surrounded by your teammates you put up your own show. As talented as you are, what stands out most is how inspiring you are.
I have been very lucky, to have witnessed you play for Team Mamba. Encouraging your teammates, leading by example and showing how happy Basketball made you is something I will never forget. Your dreams to play at UConn and to win a WNBA Championship are still there… but are now shared with other young girls that wear your Mambacitas and have followed your lead.
Thank you Gigi, for showing us what having grit means. And for how a true leader looks like. But most of all thank you for your amazing smile, always present while playing the sport you and I both love so much. Your legacy on and off the Basketball court will always be an inspiration to many girls and women out there.
To me, you will forever be my starting point guard!”
Remembering Kobe and Gigi
“Dear Kobe,
I was never able to watch you in person while you played for the Lakers. I call myself very fortunate however, especially with being a Coach, that I could watch you coaching Gigi and her Mamba Team.
Giving the limelight to your daughter was something so touching and sweet to see. You made clear that it was always about Gigi and her teammates. You also shared how coaching gave you the opportunity to share life lessons and that being her Dad stood always above everything else!
Your support of girls’ Basketball programs, College and WNBA players was so inspiring. You started mentoring Sabrina Ionescu, and became together with Gigi one of her best friends. It was Gigi’s dream to follow in Sabrina’s footsteps. Your unwavering support made it so much fun to watch her journey.
You are missed on every Basketball court and in every gym you set foot in. But you are mostly missed by your beloved wife and your daughters. Being a girl’s Dad and loving every minute of it was something that defined you, apart from Basketball.
When I think of you and Gigi, the only comforting thought is that you are together. With teammates Alyssa and Payton, I see Gigi hoopin’ in heaven. Coached by you and your assistant Christina. With Alyssa’s parents John and Keri and Payton’s mom Sarah on the sideline cheering them on. You will forever be together as Team Mamba.
Kobe, there aren’t enough words to express my gratitude for what you have meant to youth, girls and women’s Basketball, Athletes, Parents and Fans. So many wonderful memories you leave us…
Grazie mille Kobe. Ciao!
Remembering Kobe and Gigi
Remembering Kobe and Gigi
THE PROCESS…
Since I visited many of the same gyms where Gigi played and Kobe coached, I felt inspired to make this drawing. Envisioning them in a warm sunset, showing how bright their spirits shine upon their loved ones, all of us Hoopers and Basketball lovers, came rather easy. During the process, I had memories of having seen Gigi and Kobe out on the court during their games. I felt just the artwork wouldn’t be enough in sharing the legacy they have both left. So I wrote them these letters. May they help with healing and keeping beautiful memories.
Lynn
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