Skip to main contentSkip to footer
Pau Gasol and Vanessa Bryant © DeFodi Images

Strong friendships

Vanessa Bryant celebrates Paul Gasol's son's birthday with sweet message: Their special bond

Most recently, Vanessa celebrated Paul's birthday


Daniel Neira
Daniel Neira - Los Angeles
Senior WriterLos Angeles
UPDATED NOVEMBER 28, 2024 11:04 AM EST

Vanessa Bryant and Kobe Bryant's longtime friend have had a strong friendship over the years. The two celebrity families have been especially close after the tragic death of the athlete, with Gasol always sharing his support for the Bryant family, including Vanessa and her daughters.

This time, Vanessa took to social media to a sweet birthday message for Paul's 2-year-old birthday. "Happy 2nd birthday, Max! We love you so much," she wrote on Instagram, adding a red heart emoji and posting a photo. She can be seen smiling with Paul and Catherine's son while enjoying a school game. 

Vanessa Bryant and Pau Gasol's son Max© Vanessa Bryant/Instagram
Vanessa Bryant and Pau Gasol's son Max

Paul and Katherine, who are ready to welcome their third child soon, paid tribute to Kobe Bryant's daughter Gianna Bryant, who tragically passed away alongside her father. The couple named their second child Elisabet Gianna Gasol. Vanessa is also Elisabet's godmother. 

Paul and Cat Gasol with Vanessa Bryant and her daughters© Cat Gasol/Instagram
Paul and Cat Gasol with Vanessa Bryant and her daughters

Vanessa has a special bond with the Gasol family, with the couple sending flowers to her every year to celebrate her wedding anniversary with Kobe Bryant. "Thank you [Catherine], [Paul], and Ellie Gianna," she previously wrote on Instagram showing a big flower arrangement with red roses. 

Pau Gasol and Vanessa Bryant attend the Women's Gold Medal game between Team France and Team United States© DeFodi Images
Pau Gasol and Vanessa Bryant attend the Women's Gold Medal game between Team France and Team United States

Most recently, Vanessa celebrated Paul's birthday with a sweet message. "Happy birthday, brother!!! We love you [Paul]," she wrote, adding a heart and birthday cake emojis, posting a photo from Gasol's Hall of Fame ceremony. "Thank you, sister!! Love you!!" the athlete and philanthropist responded in a comment.

"Happy Birthday to our #1 guy! The best papa, husband, friend, person, everything! We love you so much!" Paul's wife also wrote at the time. "You are our sunshine, Papa! I couldn’t ask for a better partner/lover/friend to do this wild life with. Thanks for all you do for us and the amazing example you set for our kids. We love you so much!" she wrote on Father's Day.