“We were gullible about [the NBA] and we wanted it so bad. That was my bro.” Kevin Garnett on the Stephen A. Smith Show recalled meeting Kobe Bryant when they both were kids. He claimed on the show that both of them grew up together being kids, nervous about their future. KG would play the role of the mentor when the Lakers legend first played in his All-Star game. So on the day of honoring Kobe and his daughter, the Celtics legend was not far behind.

“#BEANFOREVER 🫡💯” He added a story on his Instagram with another message “🫡💯DOG for life…” The story also had a post from his IG account, which had multiple photos about their journey. 3 All-Star photos of the two, sharing the behind-the-scenes bond between the two.

The last carousel post featured Kobe Bryant in his orange WNBA hoodie with his daughter. Kevin Garnett added the following caption on the post, “Forever. ♾️💜.”

The bond was not only forever for the tag, KG even stated once he would name his son after the Lakers legend. “I miss Kobe every day, man… We celebrate him like he’s still alive and I love that … When I have another son someday, I don’t know when and where, but I’m going to dedicate a son to Kobe.” 

To signify the bond even further, let’s look at how the Celtics legend hyped up a nervous Kobe Bryant ahead of the All-Star encounter.

It was Black Mamba’s first All-Star appearance. In addition, he was about to face his idol, Michael Jordan, so the nervousness kicked in. But Kevin Garnett was right there to make sure Kobe Bryant was up for the challenge. “Yeah, motherfu-ker, we at the All-Star game… We here now… we here now… Get your a– up… We going at this…. We get out here. I’m looking for you. Be ready.” And the motivation worked like a charm.

In his first rookie game, Kobe emerged as the second-highest scorer in the game with 18 points. Only behind his idol Michael Jordan, who also was the MVP with 23 points.

Apart from Kevin Garnett, other legends too honored Kobe Bryant

The 15x All-Star was not the only rival who admired the Mamba Mentality. Even though many considered the Lakers’ legend to have a closed personality, he would often cherish facing stronger opponents. Especially those who made him even work harder on his craft. And two of those opponents were Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade.

“Myself, Melo and him, we have been really close.” Kobe Bryant once shared about his bond with his Olympic teammates, D-Wade and Melo. Even the two honored the 5x NBA Champion. The Knicks legend added a post on X, “Sometimes you never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” It was from the practice sessions from one of the Olympics training.

Wade added to his story, “Miss You 24!” Alongside a carousel in appreciation of the legacy of the Lakers legend. On the 5th death anniversary, the fans and the former players came in unison to honor Kobe Bryant.