USC Head Coach Receives Special 'Mambacita' Kobe Gift From Vanessa Bryant

Once she opened the package, Gottlieb was visibly stunned by the design and said, “Oh my gosh, this is art. Everything with Gigi’s name on it.”

She then added, “You guys just continue to do amazing things for girls and women and everyone in sports. Inspiring us,” before ending with, “Happy 20th, Gigi. We think about you all the time and try to do right by your legacy here at USC. Look at that, so Cool.”

Every spring, Nike honors Gianna Bryant with a special “Mambacita” release from Kobe Bryant’s sneaker line. This year’s Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro Mambacita features a white-and-black design inspired by GiGi’s AAU uniforms with gold details celebrating her May 1 birthday, and many fans already view it as one of the best basketball shoes of the year.

The sneaker features a white mesh upper with glossy black leather across the heels, toes, and tongues. Meanwhile, the Nike Swooshes, Kobe logos, and “GiGi” branding stand out in Metallic Gold.

But behind the beautiful “Mambacita” release, there is still a heartbreaking reminder of why Gianna Bryant’s legacy means so much to the Bryant family.

Vanessa Bryant Shares Emotional Tribute to Gianna Bryant

While honoring Gianna Bryant through special tributes remains meaningful, it is also deeply emotional for Vanessa Bryant, considering Kobe Bryant was just 41 and Gigi only 13 when they tragically died alongside seven others in a 2020 helicopter crash in California.

“Happy birthday to my sweet baby angel, Gianna. Words can’t express how much I love and miss you mamacita. Mommy loves you so much! #HappyBirthday #20,” Vanessa wrote on Instagram while paying an emotional tribute to her late daughter, Gigi.

Gianna’s older sister, Natalia Bryant, also reacted in the comments with “

”. Later, Vanessa posted a tribute video announcing scholarships for 20 local student-athletes in Gianna’s honor.

Since the tragedy, Vanessa Bryant has continued raising her and Kobe’s three other daughters, Natalia Bryant, Bianka Bryant, and Capri Bryant, while sharing several heartfelt family moments, including their appearance during Kobe Bryant Bobblehead Night at a Los Angeles Dodgers game.