Capri Bryant, the youngest daughter of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, turned six, and one of the first people to show her love was someone her late father trusted deeply. Sabrina Ionescu, now a WNBA champion and one of the game’s brightest stars, posted a short and heartfelt message that quietly said a lot.
It was personal, emotional, and full of warmth, just as fans have come to expect from someone who was more than just a mentee to the late Kobe. Their connection still lingers years after his passing.
Sabrina Ionescu Rekindles Bond With Kobe Bryant Through the Legend’s Daughter
On June 20, Ionescu shared a touching Instagram story for Capri’s birthday. It featured an adorable photo of the two hugging, with a message that read:
“Happy Birthday to the sweetest 6 year old.”
The post was brief, but it didn’t need to be longer. It was enough to remind fans of the special bond Ionescu still shares with Bryant’s family.
Since Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s passing in January 2020, Ionescu has quietly stayed close with the Bryants. She’s visited the family, stayed connected, and even celebrated with them after big moments, like Team USA’s gold medal win in Paris.
Revisiting Sabrina Ionescu and Kobe Bryant’s Friendship Before NBA Legend’s Death
Ionescu’s friendship with Kobe began when he watched her dominate during Oregon’s 95–53 win over USC back in January 2019. Sitting courtside with Gianna and her teammates, he saw something about Ionescu’s game that stood out.
That meeting turned into regular conversations, workouts, and mentorship. Ionescu even came down during the summer to help Kobe coach his Mamba Ballers team. She also trained with Gianna, helping her build the foundation of her own game.
Kobe, as ever one of the greatest basketball players, gave Ionescu invaluable advice to improve her game. He gave her specific tips on footwork, shot arc, and body control to take her skills to the next level.
“He told me how high my arc needed to be on my shot, how to angle my foot, which led to the kick-out. How much power to push off. ‘Real sharpness comes without effort,’ he said,” Ionescu shared as reported by Sporting News.
It helped her sharpen her game, and more importantly, it showed her how invested Kobe was in her growth and in women’s basketball as a whole.
When Ionescu became the first and only player in NCAA history to achieve 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 1,000 assists in her career, she dedicated her achievement to the Black Mamba.
“That one was for him. To do it on 2-24-20 is huge.”@Sabrina_i20 dedicated hitting 2K Pts, 1K Ast and 1K Reb to her late friend, Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/AHJ4qFrP9M
— espnW (@espnW) February 25, 2020
Since then, Ionescu has carried their bond with her through every season. She’s now a three-time WNBA All-Star and a champion with the New York Liberty. She’s one of the league’s best 3-point shooters and playmakers and has become a face of the WNBA.
But she’s never moved on from what Kobe gave her.
“I carry Kobe and Gigi with me every day and honor their legacies through my dedication to the game,” said Ionescu. “I wake up every day grateful for the platform I’ve been given and I strive to lead by example and serve as a role model for young people and especially girls to pursue sports — a platform Kobe and Gigi were passionate about,” she shared with People.
Ionescu meant every word of it as she continued to show it on the court and in quiet moments like Capri’s birthday. It’s a connection that hasn’t faded but growing deeper with time.