Kyrie Irving sends powerful message to young athletes on Instagram Live stream after paying Kobe Bryant tribute

Kyrie Irving touches on a range of topics during his Instagram Live after news of his season-ending injury sent shockwaves through the NBA

Kyrie Irving sends powerful message to young athletes on Instagram Live stream after paying Kobe Bryant tribute

Kyrie Irving hops on Instagram live to leave a message of optimism

On March 3rd, Dallas fans witnessed a heartbreaking loss—the last standing set of legs, Kyrie Irving. The loss of the veteran was later confirmed by ESPN insider Shams Charania, who reported that Irving had been diagnosed with a season-ending injury—a torn ACL in his left knee, to be precise. Probably, that’s why he came back to shoot those free throws—a final message of hope to his future proteges.

Not too long after leaving the game midway through the first quarter, Uncle Drew jumped on Instagram Live to directly address his fans. He told them not to give up hope, thanked everyone for their support and prayers since his injury, and said he is already recovering. During the 15-minute livestream, the former champ showed a lot of courage and proved why he is the truest Kobe Bryant mentee.

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To all the young ones aspiring to be an athlete, learning how to deal with adversity, pain and suffering is just as important as learning to deal with success, happiness, and all the good. When you get knocked back, and don’t have all the answers, that’s ok too.

Kyrie Irving via Instagram Live
Kyrie’s message to young athletes: “To all the young ones aspiring to be an athlete, learning how to deal with adversity, pain and suffering is just as important as learning to deal with success, happiness, and all the good. When you get knocked back, and don’t have all the answers, that’s ok too.”
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Since his unfortunate tear, numerous peers have come forward with prayers for his quick recovery. Kevin Durant got pretty emotional when asked about his former teammate’s injury, and his Hermano, Luka Doncic, did as well. One unexpected show of support and love came from ex-Real Madrid soccer legend Toni Kroos.

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This season for the Mavericks took a wild turn after an NBA Finals trip last year. Luka Magic is now a Laker, while most of Dallas’ bigs are recouping and healing, and now their remaining star, Kyrie, is also sidelined. In the 50 games he played this season prior to his injury, the Ankletaker was averaging just short of 25 points per game while shooting 40% from deep and dishing 4.6 assists.

Kyrie Irving speaks on the Kobe Bryant moment during his IG Live

Throughout his 15-year tenure in the NBA, Kyrie Irving has given a shoutout to his mentor, Kobe Bryant, on numerous occasions. When the Black Mamba was still with us, he even confirmed that Kyrie was the closest of all of his students. So, to pay homage to his mentor and idol, Kyrie came back to shoot his two free throws—a moment that reminded fans of Kobe Bryant’s Mamba mentality.

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I think that the greatest gift that I got that I gave to myself was going to that free throw line & hitting both free throws. If I didn’t make both FTs & if you know, you know (Kobe Bryant). If I didn’t make those FTs, I would’ve been pissed all year.

Kyrie Irving on Instagram

The former champion stated how he would have been devastated had he not made both of his free throws after ripping his ACL. Before he ended the live stream, he also remarked that it hasn’t even been 48 hours since his injury, but “the recovery process already started. Mentally, spiritually, emotionally.”