The untimely demise of Kobe Bryant left a huge void in the world. The man who appeared invincible in everything he did was an idol, a hero for millions of people. Kobe managed to not just touch lives, he helped people follow their dreams and become the best version of what they could be. He has left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. In fact, there are several players in the league today who follow the path that Kobe once walked on.

Kyrie Irving is one of those disciples of the late legend. Irving recently secured a massive W for him which was aided by his mother, and together they made history. Despite a big reason at hand to celebrate, Irving got emotional upon seeing a clip of his idol. In a heartfelt note to the greatest ever, the 31-year-old said that he wishes we still had The Black Mamba among us.

Kyrie Irving gets emotional over Kobe Bryant’s old clip

Kobe expected the best attempt from everyone around him. So the only way to win his trust was to be the hardest worker in the room. Irving, from the very beginning, proved to him that he’s a true prot?g?. He is among the few athletes that Kobe spoke highly of and Irving always appreciated that. The 2016 NBA champion called Kobe from the locker room after upsetting the Golden State Warriors from being 3-1 down. This was Kobe’s prediction for that year’s finals. Irving told Kobe over Facetime, “Dude it worked. Your advice worked.”

Although Kobe never showed much emotion at the time, he admitted later that he felt very proud of his mentee.

Recently, an old video of Kobe and Irving surfaced on Twitter. Back when the two shared a locker room in their Olympic days, Irving and Kobe were discussing guarding techniques. This was from the same time when Irving challenged his idol for a one-on-one game. An emotional Mr 4th Quarter responded to the clip saying “Love you for life Bean. Wish you were still here.”

His sentiments were echoed by fans in the replies as well. Several fans commented that they too miss the late legend every day.

Kobe had admitted that “Kyrie is probably the one I?m closest to.”

Read More: Shaquille O?Neal Recalls His Painful Beef With Kobe Bryant

Kyrie Irving’s recent $126 million deal

The Dallas Mavericks star recently signed another contract with his team. With this contract, he will now be at the Mavs for the next three years. What’s even more impressive is that his stepmother Shetellia became the first Black woman to have successfully negotiated and sealed an NBA contract. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal also celebrated this massive achievement.

What is your fondest memory of the late great Kobe Bryant? Tell us in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Top 5 times Shaq was too dominant on court.