Candace Parker has never been shy about admiring the late, great Kobe Bryant. From training sessions to sideline pep talks, their connection ran deep. Now, as she gears up for one of the most significant moments of her career, she's ensuring his presence is felt in the best way possible.
Mark your calendars for June 29 because the Los Angeles Sparks are set to retire Candace Parker's iconic No. 3 jersey. The ceremony, taking place against the Chicago Sky (her second championship team), will celebrate Parker's legendary career. And if she has her way, some very special guests will be courtside.
On a recent episode of NBA on TNT, the 3x WNBA champion shared the names of those she'd love to see at the event: Vanessa Bryant and her daughters, along with Lakers legend Pau Gasol. "I was drafted in 2008 when it was like Kobe era, you know, when he was trying to win that championship with Pau," Parker said. "So I think to have Vanessa and the girls there, to have Pau there, would be amazing."
The Mamba Mentality Lives On
Parker's connection with Kobe Bryant started in 2008 but didn't end with his passing. She's continued to honor his legacy in countless ways, coaching his daughters, supporting Vanessa, and embracing the Mamba Mentality on and off the court.
During the Chicago Sky's 2021 championship run, Parker credited a pre-game pep talk from Vanessa Bryant as the spark that fueled her team's victory. "The advice I got from Vanessa before the game was 'play Gigi's way' and I think we did that all playoffs," Parker said, as reported by Yahoo. "If Gigi could play, she would play as hard as she could."
Aunty Candace's Courtside Coaching
Beyond the game, Parker has taken on a mentor role for Kobe's daughters. She often shares moments of their basketball progress, giving Vanessa credit for keeping them connected to the sport.
"But it means a lot to me that Vanessa [Bryant] is still so connected to the game of basketball," Parker said. "She wants her daughters to be a part of it and to understand the legacy that they come from, but also build their own, which I think is cool."
Parker even gave a special shoutout to Bianka Bella Bryant, sharing a clip of her practicing hoops with the caption: "Look at the wrist loaded under the ball… On her toes… Basketball in her blood! #MiniMamba Aunty Candace is so proud of you BB and you too COACH @VanessaBryant."
A Full-Circle Moment
As Parker prepares to see her jersey hanging in the rafters, she reflects on the lessons Kobe taught her. She recalls their training sessions, mainly his "Build Your House" footwork drills. Now, passing those teachings down to the next generation makes the honor even more meaningful.
Candace Parker's journey has always been intertwined with Kobe's legacy, from the Mamba Academy to the Sparks' rafters. And on June 29, as she takes her rightful place among WNBA legends, she'll do so with the Mamba Mentality leading the way.