Photo:Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty
Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty
Candace Parker honored the late Gianna Bryant when she showed up to the Los Angeles Sparks arena for Thursday’s game.
Parker, 37, wore a replica of Gianna’s no. 2 Mamba Academy jersey while arriving at the game, which the Las Vegas Aces won 94-85 after a major comeback in the second half.
Sports Illustratedsaid the jersey was released in limited edition earlier this month.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Vanessa Bryant reacted to the sweet tribute at the Lakers' home arena, where the Los Angeles Sparks and L.A. Clippers also play, in her Instagram story after the game.
Vanessa, 40, posted the photo of Parker in the tunnel and wrote, “Gigi,” with hearts around the jersey.
Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images
Vanessa Bryantgave that touching tribute a social media shout-out as well, reposting the image alongside a sticker reading: “Hugs and kisses.”
Parker signed a contract with the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces during the WNBA offseason.
In February, Parker told PEOPLE, “I just really think at this point in my career, to be able to compete for a championship and to do it in front of my family, is the most important.”
Parker’s family is “West Coast-based,” she said, and with her daughter Lailaa getting ready to start high school next year, the WNBA star looks forward to being closer to home in Las Vegas than when she played for the Chicago Sky.
Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images
“I think first and foremost, it was to be able to get home and see her games and take her to school on off days; stuff like that while she’s still in school,” said Parker, who sharesone-year-old son Airr Larry Petrakov Parker with her wife Anna Petrakovand is mom to Lailaa, 12, from a previous relationship.
Parker had 10 points, eight rebounds and an assist in Thursday’s win over the Sparks.
source: people.com
