Vanessa Bryant pens tribute to late husband Kobe Bryant on 42nd birthday

Kobe-Bryant-Los-Angeles-Lakers

Kobe Bryant, pictured above. (Darren Abate/AP)

On what would have been his 42nd birthday, Vanessa Bryant — wife of the late Kobe Bryant — penned an emotional Instagram tribute on Sunday to her husband, thanking him for “loving me enough to last several lifetimes.”

Bryant, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others, died in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26 in California.

It was among many tributes given over the weekend to the 2008 MVP, five-time champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and 18-time All-Star selection.

Former Lakers running mate Pau Gasol — who starred on the 2009 and 2010 title teams — tweeted Sunday that he wished he could be with Bryant to celebrate his birthday.

“With tears in my eyes today, I just wish so badly that you were here celebrating your (birthday) with your girls and family,” Gasol said.

“I miss you and Gigi so much brother. I will always be thankful for how much you have impacted my life in so many different ways.”

The NBA honoured Kobe and his Gianna during Sunday’s slate of games with a video board banner displayed around the court.

The WNBA also hung his jersey courtside during Saturday’s games and players wore bracelets with his initials and the jersey numbers of both Kobe and Gianna.

Nike is also celebrating Bryant’s life and career with “Mamba Week.”

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