Pau Gasol names first child Gianna after former teammate Kobe Bryant’s late daughter
Pau Gasol named his daughter Elisabet Gianna and Vanessa Bryant will be her godmother
In a move that’s melted hearts all over social media, former Los Angeles Lakers star Pau Gasol and his wife, Cat, have decided to pay homage to Kobe Bryant by naming their first-born daughter Elisabet Gianna Gasol.
“Our little one has finally arrived!! The delivery went really well and we couldn’t be happier!! Elisabet Gianna Gasol, a very meaningful name for our super beautiful daughter!! #girldad,” Gasol wrote Sunday.
READ MORE: Lakers, California county to honor Kobe Monday for ‘Kobe Bryant Day’
According to ESPN, in response to the beautiful tribute, Vanessa Bryant posted her own celebratory post on Instagram, writing: “My goddaughter is here!!!!”
“We love you sis!,” Gasol commented on her post. “You’re going to be the best Godmother to our Ellie Gianna.”
READ MORE: Vanessa Bryant writes heartwarming birthday message to late husband, Kobe Bryant
Gasol played with the late NBA legend in Los Angeles from 2008 to ’14 and they won two championships together. Even after they each left the team, Gasol maintained a close friendship with the Bryant family and has continued to be a part of their lives in the wake of Kobe and Gianna’s tragic helicopter crash.
Just last month, Gasol and his wife went on a boat trip with Vanessa and her daughters — Natalia, Bianka, and Capri — near San Francisco.
“We had a tremendous connection, it’s quite evident,” the former athlete told ESPN‘s Omar Raja back in May about his relationship with Bryant. “He’ll be always present with me and with all of us, in certain degrees and different ways.”
You can check out the video below of Gasol sharing his favorite stories of his dear friend while analyzing plays from their three straight NBA Finals runs.
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