Kyrie Irving stood with his team before Wednesday’s matchup against the Detroit Pistons. Nothing but silence, and eyes on the scoreboard to honor Kobe and Gianna Bryant, who died in a helicopter accident on Sunday. Irving had tears in his eyes and running down his cheek, trying to hold the emotions in after losing his friend, his mentor.
He spoke to reporters about his relationship with Kobe after a 125-115 win over the Detroit Pistons. He scored 20 points and dished out five assists. But the story: His relationship with Kobe.
“I asked him for help 4-5 years ago.