Pau Gasol, Lakers legend and his wife, Cat McDonnell, have welcomed their first-born daughter and decided to honor the memory of Kobe Bryant and his family.

The Spanish Center named her Elisabet Gianna Gasol.

"Our little one has finally arrived!! The delivery went really well and we couldn't be happier!! Elisabet Gianna Gasol, a very meaningful name for our super beautiful daughter!!" he said.

Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were among nine people who died in a helicopter crash in January.

Gasol, who played alongside Kobe Bryant for seven seasons in Los Angeles winning two championships together, maintained a friendship with the Bryant family long after being teammates.

Bryant's wife, Vanessa, celebrated the birth by announcing on Instagram: "My goddaughter is here!!!!" Gasol commented on her post, writing: "We love you sis! You're going to be the best Godmother to our Ellie Gianna."

Kobe called himself a 'Girl Dad', as he was the father of four girls.

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