January 26 – the importance of this date changed forever after last year’s tragedy. Kobe Bryant, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others, lost their lives in a tragic accident. As the world mourned, that unfortunate event forced many NBA players to show how Kobe’s presence had impacted their life. Brooklyn Nets’ Kyrie Irving was one of these players.

Today, the Lakers are facing the Cavaliers and LeBron James’ men will do everything to win the game and dedicate it to Kobe. But there are players like Kyrie too, who belong to a different team, but still, carry utmost respect for the lost legend.

Brooklyn Nets’ Kyrie Irving paid his tribute

Ahead of the Nets’ second game against the Miami Heat, Ky allowed himself to reminisce about his memories of Kobe. He donned a #8 Kobe Bryant jersey as he walked in the Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY. When a photographer tried to shoot him as he marched past, Kyrie exclaimed, “You know who I was rockin’ tonight… Come on, stop it!”

Kyrie Irving entered the NBA in 2011, and that was the same season when the Lakers had lost their consecutive conference semis. The Black Mamba was a 5-time NBA Champion and the greatest name in the league, and so it was only obvious for a young Kyrie to become mesmerized by this once-in-a-lifetime icon.

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Ky’s video tribute to Kobe Bryant

This was not the first occasion when Kyrie showed his love and respect for the Black Mamba. On August 24, 2020, the day that marked Kobe’s 42nd birth anniversary, Ky did something special for his idol. 

In the video, an emotional Kyrie expressed, “Kobe means to me what it means to plant seeds and watch them grow.”

This was the same Kyrie who could not hold his tears back during the Nets’ team tribute to Kobe on January 30, 2020. Also, right before the beginning of the 2020-21 season, Ky wore a t-shirt with “BRYANT” written in bold to the team practice. Plus, he promoted the Nike Kyrie 3 ‘Mamba Mentality’ basketball sneakers to ensure Kobe’s legacy is attached to his own.

Read also – Kobe Bryant Remembrance Day: Vanessa Bryant Places a Humble Request To All Media Houses