During his career, Kobe Bryant wasn’t just a basketball icon—he was a mentor, a leader, and an inspiration to those who followed in his footsteps. One of those who truly valued Kobe’s guidance was Kyrie Irving. Their bond wasn’t just about basketball; it was about life, growth, and becoming something greater. Irving even called Kobe his “mentor” and often said, “I miss him every day.” And during a heartfelt Thanksgiving moment, Irving revisited those memories and shared what Bryant meant to him.

Though before he dived into what he did about Kobe Bryant, he also was respectful towards some of the moments they shared which he stated to not discuss on camera. He said, “I remember during the season when we won the championship, he told me to do a few crazy things, bro…I will tell y’all off stream because some of the things are not meant for kids.”

At an intimate Thanksgiving gathering with Kai Cenat and others close to him, Irving further opened up in a way that left everyone reflecting. He shared how Kobe’s perspective on life shaped him. “The best Kobe story I could give is his approach to life,” the 32-year-old said. “His approach to the game of basketball was something that was transformative,” he explained.

To say that Kobe Bryant was one of the greatest competitors in basketball would not be a stretch. He entered the sport with the mindset of not just winning the game but also dominating it. As a high school player in the Philadelphia suburb, he was often seen challenging the Sixers players in one-on-one games. I mean, talk about the audacity and self-confidence! But it is fair if you are the Black Mamba who got drafted into the NBA straight from high school. And once in the league, he went on to challenge his hero Michael Jordan, who was then on the rise to become the greatest player of all time.

Moving on, Irving further stated, “He gave us a hero to look up to, but he didn’t want to be seen as a hero. He wanted us to strive to be better than him.” For Irving, Kobe wasn’t just a role model; he was someone who urged others to surpass him, pushing them to reach new heights. This relentless pursuit of greatness, coupled with Kobe’s unique humility, left an indelible mark on the Dallas Mavericks point guard’s life.

He also recalled another profound lesson from Kobe. “Don’t let this sport define you, bro,” Kobe had told him. That advice stuck, especially after Kobe’s tragic passing. Irving has often shared how much he misses his mentor, saying earlier this year, “I don’t know if anyone here has ever lost a mentor or someone older who meant something to them.”

“Even if you didn’t talk every day, there was still that connection,” Irving added. “It wasn’t just him; it was his family as well. They supported me unconditionally, and I miss him every single day, just like the rest of the world.”

As Irving reflected on these memories, it was clear that Kobe’s influence still shines brightly in his life.

Kyrie Irving carrying Kobe Bryant’s legacy every day

Earlier this year, Kyrie Irving opened up and shared the invaluable lessons he learned from Kobe Bryant, which helped shape him both as a player and a person. “While Bryant is gone, he walks with me in spirit every day,” Irving said, emphasizing the deep connection he still feels with his mentor.

Not only does Irving carry Kobe’s memory, but he also feels his presence in the decisions he makes every day. “I feel his presence every day,” Irving shared, adding that he’s grateful to have had the opportunity to challenge Kobe one-on-one and learn directly from him. But the impact didn’t stop there. The 2016 NBA Champion highlighted Kobe’s commitment to causes bigger than basketball, like championing women’s empowerment and contributing selflessly to society. “He showed me there’s so much more than just the game of basketball,” Kyrie noted.

And yet, Irving’s admiration for Kobe goes beyond his public legacy. “He helped out a lot of people that no one really knows about,” 8x NBA All-Star revealed. The way Kobe worked quietly, without seeking recognition, left a lasting impression on Irving. “I try to follow in that same lineage and create my own path,” he said, vowing to honor Kobe’s values while forging his own formula for success.