WNBA icon Candace Parker may have just retired from the league, but it appears that nothing is going to keep her away from making a positive impact on the game that she loves.
She recently shared a post to Instagram showing her training Bianka Bryant, daughter of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
When the Lakers legend lost his life in a helicopter crash in 2020, his daughter Gianna was also tragically killed along with seven other people. She was a talented young player who many thought had a bright future in the sport.
While it’s tragic that Gianna Bryant never got a chance to take her basketball abilities to the highest level, it’s heartwarming to see Bianka Bryant in the gym with a role model like Parker.
Parker just wrapped up a legendary career in the WNBA that included seven All-Star selections, two MVP awards and three championships. The former No. 1 overall pick spent 16 seasons in the league and averaged 16.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.
Kobe Bryant, of course, had a legendary career of his own. He finished his playing days with 18 All-Star nods, one MVP award and five championships. He spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers, averaging 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.
Bianka Bryant is just seven years old, but if she were to develop an interest in pursuing basketball (or if she already has), she would certainly have countless supporters around the world who would love to see her carry on her father’s legacy.
Kobe Bryant would’ve likely been thrilled to know that the WNBA has gained significant popularity recently. Some felt that Gianna Bryant was in line to make a positive impact on the popularity of women’s basketball. She, too, would’ve likely been happy to know that the sport appears to be headed in a very promising direction today.
Bianka Bryant’s journey will be a special one to watch if she chooses to make basketball a big part of her life as well.
