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During a Thanksgiving Day livestream hosted by popular streamer Kai Cenat, Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving shared a heartfelt and reflective story about the late basketball icon Kobe Bryant. Irving’s account shed light on the profound impact Bryant had on him, both as a player and as an individual. The conversation provided a glimpse into the personal bond between the two and the life lessons Bryant imparted to Irving during their interactions.
Irving, who has consistently expressed his admiration for Bryant, spoke about advice he received during the Cleveland Cavaliers' 2016 championship-winning season. He explained how Bryant encouraged him to embrace self-reflection and solitude as a way to grow and achieve greater clarity.
“I remember during the season when we won the championship he told me to do a few things that were crazy,” Irving said. “He told me to really start isolating myself a little bit more to get a greater sense of who I am and how you have to approach every day.”
Kyrie Irving reflects on Kobe Bryant's mentorship amid career challenges
Irving highlighted Bryant’s transformative influence, describing how the Lakers legend served as both a role model and a mentor, while simultaneously encouraging others to strive for their own greatness.
“His approach to life, his approach to the game of basketball was something that was transformative,” Irving noted. “It gave us a hero to look up to but also, he didn’t want to be looked up to as a hero. He always wanted to let you know you want to be better than me.”
Reflecting on Bryant’s legacy, Irving emphasized how Bryant overcame challenges both on and off the court. He recalled how Bryant’s career faced intense scrutiny during certain periods, with criticism coming from fans and media alike.
“Let’s not forget that people were on a Kobe hate train for a while,” Irving said. “He wasn’t always the most favorite athlete. Kob was like one of the ones that made it out the fire – media turned on him, fans turned on him, and to be a Kobe fan when you were younger during those times you really had to have those tough conversations.”
Kyrie Irving also shared insights from personal conversations with Kobe Bryant, revealing how the late legend navigated his professional and personal life. He spoke about Bryant’s ability to separate competition from personal relationships, as well as his openness to life after retiring from the NBA.
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“I asked him all those questions on how he dealt with it mentally, spiritually, emotionally, how he got closer with his wife and kids,” Irving said. “How he was more open to life after he left the league because he didn’t have to be competitive with us anymore.”
Irving honors Bryant's enduring influence and universal legacy
Bryant’s selective approach to mentorship was another key theme of Irving’s story. He described how Bryant would only share his knowledge with those willing to humble themselves and learn.
“Kob always split the line though, he wasn’t close with anybody, he wasn’t working out with anybody in the summer,” Irving explained. “He would only give a few people the information that were willing to listen – so, you had to initiate yourself as a student like I know nothing, teach me.”
Irving concluded his reflections by acknowledging Bryant’s universal influence, likening his impact to that of revolutionary figures in history.
“Kobe isn’t the only one – it could be Bruce Lee, Bill Russell, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King,” he said. “It could be revolutionary people that left the ideology for us to become better people and want us to make a positive impact on the world.”
The livestream provided a moving tribute to Bryant’s legacy, showcasing the depth of his influence on Irving and countless others. Through his story, Irving illustrated how Bryant’s lessons transcended basketball, inspiring those who knew him to strive for excellence in every aspect of life.
