February 27th 2025.
As the Dallas Mavericks stepped onto the court to face the Los Angeles Lakers on February 25th, a familiar face was spotted paying a visit to the statues of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna outside the Crypto.com Arena. Kyrie Irving, a player for the Mavericks, hadn't visited the statues since they were unveiled on August 2nd, 2024, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Before the game, Irving took a moment to view the statues, a visit he had been avoiding due to the painful emotions it brought up. "It meant everything to me," Irving shared. "I needed that before the game. I don't know if anyone else has experienced that feeling of avoiding something that you know will hurt you, but it's also what's best for you. That's how I felt about visiting the statues. But this time, I decided to go. I also made sure to pay my respects to his family and always try to do so whenever I can. But sitting in front of that statue just felt different."
It's clear that Irving's love and admiration for Kobe Bryant still runs deep. He even wears an armband on his left arm, just like Kobe did during the first half of his career. And during warmups before the game, he was seen wearing a red rubber band with "Gigi Bryant" and a white heart inscribed on it.
As the game began, Irving couldn't help but pay tribute to the late NBA legend by imitating one of his most iconic moves on the court. After making a three-point shot, Irving pumped his fist several times, just like Kobe used to do. "I'm a bit of a troll sometimes," Irving joked. "I definitely did the Kobe fist a few times. He used to hold it a little longer and grit his teeth, but for me, I was just like, 'Yes, I got lucky in this building.' It felt good, man."
Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gigi, and seven others tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. Their memory continues to live on in the hearts of many, including Irving, who paid his respects in a meaningful way during his visit to the statues.
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