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[Saba Sports News] Kyrie Irving recently spoke about his relationship with Kobe Bryant, expressing how much he misses his mentor. Although they didn’t talk daily, Irving felt a deep connection and appreciated the support from Bryant and his family.
“I don’t know if anyone here has ever lost a mentor, someone a bit older who meant something to them. Even if you didn’t talk every day, there was still that connection that they were always there for you. It wasn’t just him, it was his family as well. They supported me unconditionally. I miss him every single day,” Irving said.
He highlighted Bryant’s global influence and how his approach to life inspired millions, including Irving himself. Bryant’s lessons extended beyond basketball, encouraging the next generation to push beyond their limits.
“His ability to approach life and inspire you to do extra when you were tired. His life lessons transcended basketball or any sport, sparking new minds in the next generation to carry the torch,” Irving added.
Irving also admired Bryant’s championship success, expressing his own desire to win multiple championships like his mentor.
“That’s what I felt like he was teaching me, to carry the torch but also know how to pass it along. Along that journey, he won a few championships that I’m still chasing. I want to sit at that table and say I have multiple championships,” he said.
Irving holds Bryant in high regard for the support he received when he was a young player. Now, as a mentor himself, Irving aims to honor Bryant by guiding the next generation of NBA stars while striving for success at the highest level.