Lakers News: Jeanie Buss Details How Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant Inspired Her After Jerry Buss’ Death

As the world continues to mourn Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, and the seven passengers, the Los Angeles Lakers have taken their time and rightfully so.

The Lakers are family-owned and Bryant was a part of it for 20 seasons.

With head coach Frank Vogel and the players starting to release their statements, Vanessa Bryant thanked fans for their support during this time.

And now, owner Jeanie Buss has broken her silence and detailed how Bryant and his daughter inspired her after Dr. Jerry Buss’ death, via Instagram:

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

As Buss shares in her post, the Mamba Sports Foundation has now created the MambaOnThree Fund to help support the other families affected by this unfortunate tragedy. If fans want to donate, please visit MambaOnThree.org.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families involved.