It was revealed on Tuesday that Kyrie Irving is set to make his highly-anticipated season debut for the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers. The seven-time All-Star is finally set to take the court for the Nets amid a long-drawn-out standoff with regard to Irving's decision to remain unvaccinated.

With Kyrie's time finally coming, the 29-year-old decided to take the opportunity to honor the late, great Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. Irving took to Instagram to share an endearing image of the Los Angeles Lakers icon and his daughter. The Nets star also added a powerful single-emoji caption to the photo:

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A post shared by K.A.I Hélà (@kyrieirving)

Kyrie considers Kobe to be one of his biggest idols and more importantly, a good friend. The Nets point guard was one of the players that were most deeply affected by Bryant's passing two years ago after a fatal helicopter accident. Irving had to take some time off after Kobe's death as he mourned the untimely passing of the Lakers legend.

Now that Kyrie is on the brink of overcoming yet another difficult period in his career, it is only apt that he recalls the memory of Kobe Bryant — a man who never faltered in the face of adversity.