Getting to know Kobe Bryant was a dream come true for many. However, 24x Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic was one of the few who got the opportunity to enjoy a close relationship with the Los Angeles Lakers legend. The two shared a bond and supported each other in numerous ways during their illustrious careers.

Bryant and Djokovic acknowledged each other’s strengths, and above all, they considered each other friends. In memory of Kobe Bryant on the 4-year anniversary of his passing, let’s take a look at some moments from the lives of both sports stars where their friendship shone through.

It was back in 2013 when Novak Djokovic met Kobe Bryant in person for the first time. The tennis star was in Los Angeles to play a charity tennis game at UCLA. But he used this opportunity to also attend a Lakers game from courtside. “Kobe is a fantastic example of a great champion on and off the court,” said Novak Djokovic during a sideline interview before taking a picture with the Black Mamba later that night. Since then the two became good friends.

However, their admiration for each other doesn’t stop there. During the 2019 US Open, Kobe Bryant was asked to pick between Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Without hesitation and without worrying about the fans, the 5x NBA champion stood with his friend and said, “Novak is my guy.”

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Novak Djokovic has also talked about the impact that Kobe Bryant has had on him. Bryant helped Djokovic regain his confidence after undergoing elbow surgery in 2018. Back then, the Serbian tennis pro even considered retiring from the sport as he was mentally not in the right place. However, his friend Kobe motivated him to continue his career and come back stronger.

Kobe Bryant and Novak Djokovic: A walk down memory lane

Djokovic was extremely appreciative of the Black Mamba. So in 2018, when the Los Angeles Lakers decided to retire Kobe Bryant’s jerseys, Djokovic shared the first image the two took in 2013, along with the caption, “One of the greatest basketball players and one of my own favorites. Congratulations @kobebryant. #Ko8e24.”

But two years later, the news of Kobe’s passing heavily affected Djokovic. He shared his condolences at the time and expressed his sadness at the loss of his dear friend. To pay the ultimate tribute to Djokovic, after winning his 24th grand slam title, Novak Djokovic wore a custom t-shirt of him and Kobe Bryant that had ‘Mamba Forever’ on the front and his jersey number ’24’ on the back.

What do you think of the relationship between Kobe Bryant and Novak Djokovic? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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