'Part of my soul': Vanessa Bryant's heartbreaking birthday tribute to daughter

Vanessa Bryant has poured her heart out in a touching tribute to her daughter on her birthday more than three months after Kobe Bryant and Gianna (Gigi) died in a helicopter crash.

LA Lakers legend Byrant, daughter Gigi and seven others died in a helicopter that crashed into a Southern California hillside on 26 January.

‘NOT TRUE’: LeBron James slams ugly NBA virus rumour

‘LESS AND LESS’: Aussie star's grave fears for NBA restart

Gigi was set to turn 14 on Friday and her mother Vanessa sent out a heartbreaking Instagram post to pay tribute to her daughter.

“Happy 14th Birthday to my sweet baby girl, Gianna. Mommy loves you more than I can ever show you,” she wrote.

“You are part of MY SOUL forever. I miss you so much everyday. I wish I could wake up and have you here with me.

“ I miss your smile, your hugs and your giggles. I miss EVERYTHING about YOU, Gigi. I LOVE YOU so much!”

She also shared a post asking friends and family to wear red for her daughter’s birthday.

“Gianna loved to wear a red bow in all of her school pictures. Red means love and life,” she wrote.

“To commemorate Gigi’s birthday today, please consider wearing red, caption an act of kindness or show how you will play Gigi’s way since she always gave everything she did her all and led with kindness.”

Bryant spoke about Gianna at that memorial service, saying Gianna “would have likely become the best player in the WNBA.”

Others have paid tribute to Gianna since her death.

The UConn women’s basketball team laid out a Gianna Bryant jersey days after her death.

Kobe Bryant’s foundation was renamed to honour Gianna’s legacy.

With Chris Cwik - Yahoo Sports US