Lakers legend Kobe Bryant gave fans numerous memories on Christmas Day. However, this year he is not among us, but his former teammate Matt Barnes ensured that he sent a present to the Bryant family in memory of the NBA icon.

Barnes sent Vanessa Bryant two beautiful wooden murals of Kobe and Gigi. This was a very thoughtful and memorable gift by Barnes, who had his fair share of ups and downs with Kobe. In return, Vanessa thanked Barnes for the thoughtful Christmas gift via her Instagram stories.

Barnes used the help of Roy Munson to create these beautiful murals. These efforts made by the players and fans for the Bryant family proves just how impactful Kobe Bryant truly was.

The history between Kobe Bryant and Matt Barnes

Kobe and Matt go way back, and they shared one of the most bizarre examples of the Mamba Mentality; The “no-flinch” incident between the two.  For further detail, Barnes tried to rattle Kobe on the court back in 2010, prior to them becoming teammates.

During an inbound play, Barnes tried to scare off Kobe by pretending to throw the ball at him, but the Mamba didn’t even flinch! He stood still as a rock and this incident marked one of the best Mamba Mentality moments ever.

Although some might argue that the ball was not near Kobe’s face, it was still an incredible moment. Kobe actually recruited Barnes to the Lakers after this moment prevailed and the latter also informed how Kobe persuaded him to join the purple and gold!

Kobe’s message to Barnes was “‘Anyone crazy enough to f**k with me, is crazy enough to play with me, do you wanna be a Laker?'”

ALSO READ | “Crazy Enough To F**k With Me”: Matt Barnes Reveals Kobe Bryant Called Him to Join Lakers After Ugly Fake Pass Incident

Barnes accepted Kobe’s invitation and joined the Lakers later down the line, but the duo never won a championship together. Regardless of their history, the gift by Barnes is something the Bryant family will appreciate a lot. What are your thoughts on the gift by Barnes? Let us know in the comments section down below.