KOBE BRYANT’S widow, Vanessa, has said that God knew her husband and 13-year-old daughter could not live without one another.

Vanessa made the comments yesterday at The Celebration of Kobe and Gianna Bryant held at the Staples Center.

It was held on the 24th February, the date of chosen because of its connection to one of Kobe’s jersey numbers.

Thousands of people packed out the Staples Center to attend the event organised to celebrate the life of the basketball legend, who died aged 41, and his daughter.

During an emotional tribute to Kobe and Gianna, known as Gigi, Vanessa said: “God knew they couldn’t be on this earth without each other. He knew he had to bring them home to have them together. Babe you take of our Gigi. And I got Nani, Bibi and Coco, we’re still the best team.”

In her speech, Vanessa also revealed that the former Lakers player had bought her the blue dress Rachel McAdams wore in The Notebook, as a symbol that he wanted the pair to grow old together.

The 37-year-old paid tribute to their daughter Gigi, who she said was a “daddy’s girl”.

She described Gigi as an “incredibly sweet and gentle soul” and “one of my very best friends”.

Gigi, who was following in her father’s footsteps, would have “most likely become the best player in the WNBA”, Vanessa said.

The pair have three other daughters – Natalia, Bianca and Capri.

Speaking of her husband and “soulmate” who she had been with since she was 17, Vanessa said: “He was mine. He was my everything.

“He was a doting father, a father that was hands on and present.”

Michael Jordan also spoke through tears about Kobe during the memorial service.

“When Kobe Bryant died, a piece of me died,” Jordan said.

Shaquille O’Neal said: “Kobe and I pushed one another to play some of the greatest basketball of all time.

“Kobe and I always maintained a deep respect and love for one another.

“Mamba, you were taken away from us way too soon, just know that we got your back, little brother.”

Beyoncé, Alicia Keys and Christina Aguilera all performed at the memorial.

Kobe and Gigi died alongside seven others in a tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on January 26.

Watch The Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant here.