“I miss him every single day,” Kyrie Irving gets real on relationship with Kobe Bryant ahead of Finals

Kobe Bryant was a mentor to the Mavericks' Kyrie Irving.

“I miss him every single day,” Kyrie Irving gets real on relationship with Kobe Bryant ahead of Finals

Kyrie Irving opened up about relationship with Kobe Bryant ahead of the finals.

When Kobe Bryant passed away, younger players in the league lost their mentor and inspiration. With his incredible basketball skills, the star was also known for his ‘Mamba Mentality’ which inspired many along the way. As Kyrie Irving was one of those students, the Mavericks guard has been hugely impacted by Bryant.

As Kyrie Irving has now reached the finals for yet another time, the athlete took the opportunity to express how he feels about the absence of Bryant. Irving revealed that not only Bryant but his family also supported the Mavericks’ star. 

I don’t know if anyone here has ever lost a mentor, lost someone that's a little bit older than them that meant something to them. Even if you guys didn’t talk every day, there was still that connection that they were gonna always be there for you. It wasn't just him it was his family as well. They supported me unconditionally. I miss him every single day alongside the rest of the world.
Kyrie Irving in a recent presser

Bryant also talked about Bryant’s inspirational presence and approach to life that not giving up mindset. According the Irving, Kobe Bryant‘s impact will help the next generation as it will get passed on by players such as himself. Irving then concluded that he was aiming at getting multiple champions just like his mentor.

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Irving has not made it to the finals after Bryant’s passing in 2020. After struggles with changing teams and injuries, Irving has made it to the finals again after six years. The star now has a chance to add another title with the Dallas Mavericks.

Kyrie Irving practiced in the mirror before challenging Kobe Bryant

Despite not playing together on the same team in the NBA, Irving did get a chance to play alongside Bryant during the Olympics. At the time Irving was a rookie full of passion and confidence. The guard even went up to challenge Bryant one-on-one during the Olympics’ practice.

Irving’s statement shocked many including Bryant due to his confidence. However, years after the incident, Irving opened up about how nervous he was while approaching Bryant. Irving opened up about the moment as he sat with Kevin Durant on his podcast. 

I practiced the line in my head, like when I get a chance, I could beat you one-on-one. I practiced in the mirror before I got there.
Kyrie Irving on Kevin Durant’s podcast

After that, the relationship between the two flourished and Bryant guided Irving in his career. The Lakers star also had a huge influence on the Mavericks guard during the 2016 NBA finals which led Irving to win his first and only championship.

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