Paul Gasol/InstagramSlam dunk!
Milwaukee Bucks player and former Lakers star Pau Gasol announced the sweet and special news that he's a father. The two-time NBA champion and his wife Catherine McDonnell welcomed their first child together, a baby girl.
Pau also revealed that his newborn daughter's name is a tribute to the late Gianna Bryant, who tragically passed away with her father, Kobe Bryant, and several others in a helicopter crash in January.
"Our little one has finally arrived!! The delivery went really well and we couldn't be happier," Pau shared on Instagram on Sunday, Sept. 13, alongside a family photo. "Elisabet Gianna Gasol, a very meaningful name for our super beautiful daughter!!"
Catherine revealed her little one arrived on Sept. 10. "She made a quick and easy entrance on a VERY special day, her great-grandmother Elizabeth's 100th birthday and her mom and dad's 2nd engagement anniversary," the proud mom captioned her post. "We are already so in love with our sweet Ellie!!"
Vanessa Bryant approved of the couple's special tribute. "Love you 3," she replied to the NBA star's post. "Congratulations."
Additionally, Vanessa re-shared the news on her private Instagram feed and revealed she's the godmother of Pau and Catherine's newborn daughter.
"My goddaughter is here!!!! Congratulations @paugasol @catmcdonnell7 Love you 3 so much! So touched by your request to honor my Gigi," Vanessa's heartwarming message read. "Can't wait to hold Elisabet Gianna Gasol."
Back in May, the couple announced their baby news. "5 years together, 4 moves, 3 months in quarantine with my family, 2 wedding anniversaries and 1 baby on the way," Catherine revealed in July. "What a year it has been. You are going to be the best dad @paugasol! Love you."
Prior to their pregnancy announcement, the two lovebirds celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary.
"You light up my world, baby," Catherine posted on Instagram on July 7. "Happy 1 year anniversary @paugasol! Time flies when you're having fun!"
"It's been a crazy year, filled with some of the happiest times and some of the hardest times, especially with the loss of loved ones," she continued. "But, there is no one that I would rather be next to through it all. I love you more and more everyday. So lucky to have found my soulmate. Cheers to many more wonderful years together and many more beautiful moments to come."
Pau, who played with Kobe on the Lakers team, isn't the only NBA star to pay tribute to him and his late daughter. Click here to see how Gianna and Kobe's legacy continues to be remembered.