Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss Says "Gigi Reignited My Drive And Determination" In First Statement Since Kobe Bryant Death

Jan 31, 2020 by apost team

Lakers owner, Jeanie Buss, put out a statement regarding the deaths of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. Buss had become close with Bryant ever since he first signed in 1996. She recently broke her silence over his tragic passing with a beautiful statement. 

"Kobe, I don’t know how to express what you mean to me, my family and the Los Angeles Lakers," Buss started her statement to the fallen 41-year-old. "My father loved you like a son, which makes us family." Jeanie's father, the late Jerry Buss, had previously owned the LA Lakers. "When you invited me to lunch shortly after my father passed away, I was struggling to find motivation and purpose," Jeanie wrote.  

apost.com

"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," she said.

 "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. 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."

Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna passed away over the weekend in a tragic helicopter accident. 7 other people on board including the pilot did not survive the crash either. The National Transportation Safety Board has reportedly revealed that Kobe's helicopter crashed at a high speed. 

Jeanie continued saying, "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."

Bryant will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame alongside fellow stars Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett, due to his legendary status. The event will be held in Springfield, Massachusetts, August 2020. Although Bryant was originally announced around Christmas time as one of the nominees along with Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Tim Hardaway, and Mugsy Bogues, he will now automatically be inducted, as reported here by CBS Sports. 

What do you think of Jeanie Buss's comments on Kobe Bryant? Tell us your thoughts below. Pass this article on to your friends and family to see what they think.