Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier had a heartfelt message for Vanessa Bryant, the widow of the late NBA icon Kobe Bryant, after receiving a special package of Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation gear. Spoiler alert: It was short, sweet, and straight to the point.
In her Instagram story, the four-time WNBA All-Star gushed over the sweatshirt and shorts set gifted by Vanessa Bryant, writing the now-iconic three-word caption:
“Love thank you!”
Some might say it’s a minimalist masterpiece—brevity at its finest. Or maybe Collier just wanted to avoid accidentally typing an essay. Either way, the gratitude was palpable.
Fashion with a Purpose
The coveted Mamba and Mambacita gear isn’t just about looking sharp (though it absolutely does). It represents something far bigger. Created in memory of Kobe and his daughter Gigi, who tragically passed in 2020, the foundation uses proceeds from the clothing line to support young athletes and promote equality in sports.
This wasn’t just a gift; it was a gesture of camaraderie and shared values between two women carrying on legacies in their own right.
From Lynx Star to Defensive Juggernaut
Speaking of legacies, Napheesa Collier just wrapped up a WNBA season that could best be described as “beast mode.” She averaged 20.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. Oh, and she picked up the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award while narrowly missing out on MVP honors.
The Lynx fell just short of the WNBA championship, losing to the New York Liberty in five nail-biting games. But hey, they didn’t leave empty-handed—they snagged the Commissioner’s Cup, with Collier showing why she’s the queen of clutch.
Honestly, if basketball had a “Swiss Army Knife” award, she’d win that too.
Collier’s Offseason Hustle: Unrivaled Ambitions
You’d think after carrying a team on her back all season, Collier would take a breather. Nope. Instead, she’s busy gearing up for the inaugural season of the Unrivaled Basketball League, a 3-on-3 league co-founded with Breanna Stewart.
The league promises fast-paced action, six teams, and 36 WNBA stars, all while giving players an offseason option to showcase their skills (and earn a decent paycheck). The games will tip off in Miami on January 17 and run until March 10, proving that sunshine and slam dunks are an unbeatable combo.
When asked about the league, Collier said, “It’s been super rewarding. We both see the vision that women’s sports can grow even more.”
Translation: Move over, NBA Summer League, the queens of the court are here to dominate.
A Gesture That Stands Out
Vanessa Bryant’s thoughtful gift was more than just a hoodie and shorts—it was a reminder of the connections that bind the basketball community. Whether it’s honoring Kobe’s legacy, championing young athletes, or simply showing kindness, this gesture added a feel-good moment to an already remarkable offseason for Collier.
In the end, those three words said it all: love, gratitude, and a little inspiration for us all to keep spreading good vibes—on and off the court.