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Vanessa Bryant posts photo of Lakers’ Kobe Bryant tribute jerseys

The Mamba mentality lives on for Vanessa Bryant. On Monday, the wife of the late Kobe Bryant posted a photo to her Instagram story of four Los Angeles Lakers jerseys, all appearing to feature the “Black Mamba” design in honor of the NBA icon, who tragically died in a January helicopter crash along with the couple’s …

The Mamba mentality lives on for Vanessa Bryant.

On Monday, the wife of the late Kobe Bryant posted a photo to her Instagram story of four Los Angeles Lakers jerseys, all appearing to feature the “Black Mamba” design in honor of the NBA icon, who tragically died in a January helicopter crash along with the couple’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others. He was 41 years old.

Three of the jerseys in Vanessa’s photo sported No. 8, while the largest of the bunch had No. 24, both of which were Bryant’s numbers during his career with the Lakers. On the No. 24 jersey, a small heart with the No. 2 is etched in the shoulder in honor of Gianna, who played basketball at Kobe’s Mamba Sports Academy.

Vanessa’s post follows news of the Lakers’ intentions to wear the “Black Mamba” jersey in Kobe’s memory, should they advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs, according to the Los Angeles Times. The Lakers start their opening-round series against the Blazers on Tuesday night.

Kobe, who was referred to as “The Black Mamba,” co-designed the black jerseys, which boast a snakeskin pattern in addition to 16 stars, the LA Times reported, noting the team has won 16 NBA championships.

Last week, it was announced Aug. 24 — 8/24 — will forever be Kobe Bryant Day in Orange County, California.

Kobe Bryant with his family in December 2017Getty Images

“A treasured member of our Orange County community, Kobe Bryant was the basketball legend that inspired so many young men and women to pursue their dreams and never give up,” Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel said, according to CNN.

“I’m proposing August 24 to be dedicated to the memory of Kobe Bryant, and all that he brought to Orange County community,” she continued.

Vanessa, 38, had been married to Kobe since 2001. In addition to Gianna, they had daughters Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, and 1-year-old Capri.

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