Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss Shares Heartfelt Instagram Post in Honor of Kobe Bryant

The world is still in shock over the death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant. Sports fans on Sunday were ruined after finding out that Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others were victims in a deadly helicopter accident in Calabasas.

The Los Angeles Lakers released a statement on Wednesday regarding the former face of the franchise's unexpected loss.

On Thursday, owner Jeanie Buss shared a heartfelt Instagram post in honor of the two Bryants.

View this post on Instagram

Kobe, I don’t know how to express what you mean to me, my family and the Los Angeles Lakers. My father loved you like a son, which makes us family. When you invited me to lunch shortly after my father passed away, I was struggling to find motivation and purpose. Kobe, you brought Gianna with you to spend some time with me. You explained that you wanted to show her that women can be leaders in the NBA, just like the men. At first, it seemed like an action of a devoted father setting an example for his daughter. But in actuality – and I am positively sure you knew EXACTLY what you were doing – what you did was give me the inspiration and strength I was searching for. I reflect on that day often and it makes me smile and it makes me strong. I call on that memory whenever I feel down and need a bit of courage. For everything you did on the court that filled me with so much joy and love, for all the lives you changed through basketball itself, it was that day with Gigi that reignited my drive and determination. Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri - I am so sorry for your loss. We are grateful to have you in our lives and we will always be here for you. To the families that also lost loved ones on Sunday, the entire Laker family mourns with you. Laker Nation - we are one family grieving the loss of people we all loved dearly. We will mourn together, cry together but we will also heal together, love together and win TOGETHER. We love you. : : : To learn more about how you can help the families affected by this tragedy go to MambaOnThree.org and to further Kobe and Gianna’s legacy in youth sports visit MambaSportsFoundation.org #peace #love #joy #family #Mamba #Mambacita #2 #8 #24 : : Picture taken in February 2016 on the way to #NBAAllStar game in #Toronto

A post shared by Jeanie Buss (@jeaniebuss) on Jan 30, 2020 at 9:05am PST

Buss elaborated on the success that Bryant brought to the Lakers franchise in his 20 years with the organization.

More importantly, however, Buss talked about Kobe's role in parenting Gianna. Buss reminisced of a time when Bryant brought Gianna with him to lunch with Buss, shortly after the death of her father, Jerry. Kobe brought Gigi with him that day to show that women can play prominent roles in male-driven sports leagues like the NBA.

Words cannot express what Kobe means to the Los Angeles Lakers, our fans, and our city. More than a basketball player, he was a beloved father, husband, and teammate. Their love and light will remain in our hearts forever.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 30, 2020

That is what inspired Jeanie to continue fighting through the pain of her father's loss to run the Lakers organization.

It must've been difficult to write, but Buss perfectly encapsulated the relationship between Kobe and Gianna. While they're no longer with us, their bond will be a source of inspiration for parents around the world.