Vanessa Bryant - widow of NBA icon Kobe - posts heartbreaking message to late daughter Gigi on what would have been her 18th birthday

Vanessa Bryant posted a heartbreaking message for her late daughter, Gigi, on what would have been her 18th birthday.

Gigi and her father, Lakers and NBA great Kobe Bryant, tragically passed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas in January 2020. The fatal crash also claimed the lives of seven other individuals.

On Wednesday, Vanessa posted a montage featuring pictures and video of Gigi, writing: 'Happy birthday to my gorgeous girl, Gigi! I love you. I miss you. I'm so proud of you.'

Furthermore, Vanessa reflected on how Gigi would have graduated from high school and chosen a college this year.

'2024 was your year. You would have been graduating high school and choosing which college to go to. (I would have been trying my hardest to convince you to stay close to home).'

Vanessa Bryant posted an emotional message for her late daughter Gigi on her birthday 

Kobe Bryant and Gigi passed away in a helicopter crash in Calabasas in January 2020 

'I'm proud of the change in sports you and daddy worked so hard on,' Vanessa added. 'You continue to motivate me and inspire young women and girls daily. I love you always, mommy.'

Kobe and Gigi were 41 and 13 when the tragic incident happened. John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, Christina Mauser, and the pilot Ara Zobayan also died in the crash.

Kobe will forever be remembered by fans for his 20-season NBA career with the Lakers.

The Black Mamba spearheaded the Purple and Gold's legendary run in the 2000s, winning five titles and two Finals MVPs.

Kobe played in the NBA for 20 seasons and won five championships with the Lakers 

Gigi played at the Mamba Sports Academy where she was mentored by her father

Gigi shared Kobe's love for basketball and was a player at the Mamba Sports Academy where she was closely mentored by her father.

After their death, Orange County supervisors voted unanimously to declare August 24 as 'Kobe Bryant Day' as the date holds Kobe's legendary jersey numbers. The City of Los Angeles started the tradition earlier as they began honoring it after his retirement.

Bryant was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame along with contemporaries Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan on May 15, 2021.