Kobe Bryant and Vanessa Bryant
Kobe Bryant allegedly cheated on Vanessa Bryant numerous times throughout their marriage Reuters

KEY POINTS

  • Apar from Gianna, Bryant had three other daughters with his wife
  • Bryant played only for Los Angeles Lakers throughout his career
  • Last week, Gianna's school retired her basketball jersey number as a tribute

Kobe Bryant’s wife Vanessa took to social media to expresses how her brain “refuses” to accept the deaths of her husband and daughter, Gianna.

National Basketball Association (NBA) legend Bryant and Gianna were among the nine people killed in a helicopter crash last month in California.

Bryant, who was considered to be a gifted talent, jumped directly from high school into the big world of NBA. He represented the Los Angeles Lakers throughout his career that spanned across two decades. The five-time NBA champion moved away from professional basketball in 2016.

The Lakers legend achieved several laurels throughout his career including the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player award and two-time NBA Finals MVP. He was also a two-time Olympic champion and was named the NBA scoring champion as many times.

"I've been reluctant to put my feelings into words," Vanessa Bryant wrote on her Instagram account along with a video featuring Bryant and Gianna. “My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone. I can't process both at the same time. It's like I'm trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me. It feels wrong."

"Why should I be able to wake up another day when my baby girl isn't being able to have that opportunity?! I'm so mad. She had so much life to live. Then I realize I need to be strong and be here for my three daughters. Mad I'm not with Kobe and Gigi but thankful I'm here with Natalia, Bianka and Capri. I know what I'm feeling is normal,” added Vanessa.

“It's part of the grieving process. I just wanted to share in case there's anyone out there that's experienced a loss like this. God, I wish they were here and this nightmare would be over. Praying for all of the victims of this horrible tragedy. Please continue to pray for all,” Vanessa, who had three other daughters with Bryant, added further in her Instagram post.

Fans visit a makeshift memorial to Kobe Bryant near Staples Center, where the Los Angeles Lakers will play their first game since the franchise legend's death when they host the Portland Trail Blazers on January 31
Fans visit a makeshift memorial to Kobe Bryant near Staples Center, where the Los Angeles Lakers will play their first game since the franchise legend's death when they host the Portland Trail Blazers on January 31 GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / DAVID MCNEW

Earlier, Vanessa had announced a "celebration of life" memorial service for her late husband and daughter will take place at the Staples Center, the home of the LA Lakers, on Feb. 24.

In a special ceremony, Gianna’s school paid tribute by retiring her No. 2 basketball jersey number.

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