In his 12th NBA season, Kyrie Irving is having one of his finest stretches yet. Averaging 26.8 points per game on 48.7% shooting, Uncle Drew continues to torch the league and prove that he’s still a top-tier superstar for the Nets.
While we know that Irving does not depend on outside motivation to compete, Lakers great Kobe Bryant was always someone he looked up to and idolized throughout his NBA journey.
After a hard-fought loss to the Philadelphia 76ers last night, Irving was asked to say a few words about the legend and some of his best values as a man and player.
(via Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson)
“Kobe as a man was very inspirational, very loving, compassionate. Always had an open heart for those that want to follow his knowledge and wisdom. Always willing to pass on what he learned and I was just more than grateful we could have him as a mentor for as many years as I did. Shoutout to Vanessa and all the girls, they are strong so I have to be strong as well and we just want to carry his legacy forward. Him as a spirit is eternal. He’s everywhere right now and Gigi’s everywhere. So I’m grateful I got to learn from him as a man.”
When it was time to talk about Bryant the player, the Nets star had much less to say…
“Him as a player I could go on and on all day. Shout out to Bean Bryant. I love you more than life itself and I miss you a lot. Praise up to you and Gigi.”
Nets PG Kyrie Irving checked in with me last night & we discussed his mentor, Kobe Bryant.
Check out the article at @BallySports here ➡️ https://t.co/n3Phpsn4mi
▶️ Press Play To Watch @KyrieIrving’s tribute to Kobe that includes a cameo from he & his wife’s adorable son. https://t.co/TFWE5kOUAB pic.twitter.com/CL5FMbBE0h
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) January 26, 2023
Of course, as many fans know, today marks the three-year anniversary that Bryant passed away in a sudden and tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of nine people, including his daughter Gianna.
It was a time of great mourning for the Bryant family and the NBA community. As a competitor, mentee, and friend of Kobe, it’s no surprise that Irving was heavily impacted by his passing. To this day, he holds Bryant as not just one of his All-Time favorite players, but also as one of the best.
Kobe Bryant Is One Of The NBA’s All-Time Greats
Bryant’s resume in the NBA is right up there with some of the best we’ve ever seen. As an 18x All-Star, 15x All-NBA player, and 5x Champion, Kobe is undoubtedly one of the best to ever do it, and Kyrie believes he’s the greatest of All-Time.
But no matter where you have Kobe ranked on the NBA hierarchy of legends, his legacy and impact on the game will never be washed away.
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