Vanessa Bryant, Capri Bryant, and Bianka Bryant posing with LeBron James.Photo: Los Angeles Lakers/Instagram

LeBron James Poses with Kobe Bryant’s Daughters at NBA All Star Game

LeBron Jamesmade sure to take a moment during theNBA All-Star Gameto greet some special guests.

The NBA star, 38, stopped to say hello to Lakers legendKobe Bryant’s daughters, who were seated courtside at the event, which they attended with momVanessa Bryant.

James shared a big hug withNatalia Bryant, 19, and also huggedBianka Bella, 6, while Capri, 3, hung back shyly behind Natalia. He then sat down for a photo with the three girls, with Capri climbing into her sister’s lap and facing away from the camera.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“I’m so pleased that Pau has been chosen to receive this award. Pau has done so much to promote women and girls in sports and cares deeply about spreading a message of equality, which was so important to Kobe and Gianna,” Vanessa, 40, the Chair of the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a positive impact for underserved athletes and boys and girls in sports, said in a statement about the honor.

“We are grateful to the WNBA and Pau for continuing to honor Kobe and Gianna in this way,” she added.

Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

Legend Pau Gasol is presented with the 2023 Kobe and Gigi Bryant WNBA advocacy award by WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert and Vanessa Bryant during the NBA All-Star Game

James — who shares daughter Zhuri, 8, and sonsBryce, 15, andBronny, 18, with wife Savannah James — and Kobe shared a special moment the night before thetragic helicopter crashthat resulted in Kobe and Gianna’s deaths, as well as those of seven others.

During a game between the Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers, Jamespassed Bryant for third place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list— a monumental moment in his career.

That night, James worespecial shoes during the performancethat paid tribute to the Lakers legend. Later on, Bryant congratulated James on the milestone with a message on Instagram.

“On to #2 @kingjames! Keep growing the game and charting the path for the next,” Kobewrote.

source: people.com