4 years since Kobe Bryant‘s passing and his memories continue to remain prominent. Be it the Lakers organization and Vanessa Bryant unveiling statues or Nike continuing with his editions to reintroduce popular releases, the NBA icon isn’t to be forgotten anytime soon. Among the many holding him near, Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios prove to be two today. 

The 4X Grand Slam singles champion, Osaka, wore a black Bryant jersey with the No. 8 and Lakers emblazoned in golden detailing, while Kyrgios wore the signature purple and gold No. 8 jersey at the US Open last night. After missing out on the professional tennis circuit since 2023, the 29-year-old made his anticipated return, teaming up with the Japanese star. This isn’t their first time wearing a Bryant jersey in the arena. 

Osaka often wears the Lakers legend’s jersey whenever she needs extra mental support and strength. She has looked up to the Lakers icon enough to worry about not meeting his expectations. “Sometimes when I sit and think about my career, I feel a little sad because like I wonder if he [Kobe Bryant] is disappointed in me and how I handle things,” Osaka opened up once on succumbing to media pressure. 

Well, the 26-year-old has stood up against the unkind scenarios enough; walking away from a press conference or refusing to place herself in an interview, heeding her mental health. Proud would Kobe be, with her stance there as well as on the court and knowing, she continues to honor him.

In the Women’s Singles Finals against Victoria Azarenka, the athlete wore a Black Mamba jersey and a Lakers sweater again to a press conference, after defeating Serena Williams. 

“For today, I felt like I needed some extra strength. That’s kind of why I’m wearing this,” Osaka said about her sweater in a conversation with ESPN. 

Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios reflected on their connection with Kobe Bryant

Osaka shared a close bond with the basketball legend, Bryant, who was like a mentor to her. During their first meeting at the Bryant Orange County in 2019, Osaka recalled how the Los Angeles Lakers legend gave her a pep talk to lift her spirits. 

Kyrgios wasn’t as close to Kobe as Osaka was, but he has immense respect for him. He came out wearing a Lakers No. 8 jersey during his crucial matchup at the Australian Open against Rafael Nadal.

“That’s one thing that I remember about that day is that I never listened to music again before I walked out because I loved how much Kobe, obviously, had left behind but the crowd was so loud when I walked out and I always wanted to remember hearing how much athletes like us… are appreciated when we walk out in the stadium,” Kyrgios said on Good Trouble With Nick Kyrgios podcast.

After accidentally hearing the crowd’s cheers when he wore a Kobe jersey, Kyrgios realized the deep love and admiration people had for athletes. Since the Lakers legend’s tragic passing on January 26, 2020, Kyrgios has stopped listening to music while walking onto the court to have a deeper connection with the fans. 

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.