Kyrie Irving recounts visiting Kobe Bryant, Gianna’s statues ahead of Lakers clash: “I need that before the game”

Kyrie Irving took a surprise detour to the Kobe Bryant-Gianna Bryant statue just hours before Mavericks vs Lakers at Crypto.com Arena

Kyrie Irving recounts visiting Kobe Bryant, Gianna’s statues ahead of Lakers clash: “I need that before the game”

Kyrie Irving visits Kobe Bryant's statue prior to facing Lakers

On Tuesday, the Mavericks were in Hollywood to face off against the Los Angeles Lakers. During their visit, the team’s leader and veteran, Kyrie Irving, took a surprise detour to the Kobe Bryant-Gianna Bryant statue just hours before the game.

After the game, reporters asked Uncle Drew what it meant to him to visit the Kobe & Gianna statue. He replied that it “meant everything” to him. Explaining the significance behind the visit and paying his dues to the late legend—someone he grew up idolizing—here’s what the 32-year-old veteran had to say:

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I needed that before the game. I don’t know if anybody in here has ever dealt with that avoiding feeling—avoiding things that are going to be painful or hurt you—and it’s going to be best for you at the same time. That was one of those things. I hadn’t been to the statue just because I was all in my head, all in my emotions these last few times we’ve come here.

Kyrie Irving stated

Irving and the late Lakers legend shared a close mentor-protege bond. Even No. 24 confirmed that Kyrie Irving was one of his closest mentees. He recalled that after the Cavs came back from a 3-1 deficit to win the 2016 NBA championship title, Kobe was one of the first people Kyrie FaceTimed as they doused themselves in victory champagne.

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The Ankletaker recently appeared on Kai Cenat’s popular live stream and shared some wise words for the late Kobe Braynt that effectively captured the essence of his “Mamba” mentality. Irving shared how he used to nag his idol with myriads of questions like “how he really got closer with his wife, his kids“.

Kyrie Irving on the late Kobe Bryant: “I miss him every single day”

During the last season, Kyrie Irving, along with the help of his “Hermano,” was able to push the Mavs to the NBA Finals. However, he had the unfortunate fate of facing off against his former team, the Boston Celtics. Although the Mavs lost the series, in an emotional moment ahead of the series, Kyriediculous confessed that he misses his mentor “every single day.”

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 on the late great Kobe Bryant

Most fans remember the viral video of a cocky and young Kyrie Irving challenging Mamba to a one-on-one during the 2012 Team USA practice. Although he never got his matchup, he received a load of priceless advice from the legend.

Today, it seems like Kyrie is doing his part to keep the name of his mentor and idol alive. Even after a loss on Tuesday at the hands of his former teammate, Luka Doncic, Irving tweeted out a message of hope for the Dallas fans—a mindset reminiscent of Kobe‘s Mamba mentality.