Sabrina Ionescu, Bianka, Kobe Bryant

Sabrina Ionescu (Image source Getty Images and Twitter)

Vanessa Bryant took her seven-year-old daughter Bianka to New York City to visit their close family friend and WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu. On Instagram, Kobe Bryant’s wife shared photos and videos from her vacation with her kids, including Capri Bryant. During their visit, Ionescu played basketball with Bianka, offering her guidance and support.

The relationship between Ionescu and the Bryants has grown close over the years. Before Kobe Bryant’s tragic passing in January 2020, Ionescu was one of his mentees. Despite only joining the WNBA in 2020, Ionescu has quickly become one of the league’s top players. Last season, she led the Liberty to the WNBA Finals and set a record for the three-pointers made in a single season.

Some WNBA fans reacted emotionally after watching Kobe Bryant’s daughter on the court. One fan wrote, “Bianka’s got the best coach in town if she’s trying to get that technique right. Too cute!” While another fan reacted, “Glad that Pau Gasol and Sabrina are helping to raise Kobe’s daughters to have a love of the game.”

Sabrina Ionescu Shared a Strong Bond with Kobe Bryant

Ionescu and Kobe Bryant shared a strong bond, with Kobe supporting her during her college basketball days. In an interview with the LA Times, Ionescu recounted her first interaction with Kobe.

“They sat courtside, where my jaw dropped; they watched the entire game. And that was the first time I met Kobe. He congratulated us on the win that day and our season up to that point but said, and I’ll never forget, ‘Don’t shoot yourselves in the foot.’ He meant don’t settle, keep grinding, and control what you can. The national championship wasn’t far, and our goal was to win it all.” Ionescu said.

Recently, after a game, Ionescu was seen enjoying her time and taking photos with Los Angeles Lakers legend Pau Gasol. Gasol was seen showing support for Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty.