Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Kyrie Irving Vehemently Defends Kobe Bryant Amid Questions Over His Legacy

Originally posted on The SportsRush | By Prateek Singh | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 10:25 AM ET

Kobe Bryant’s legacy has taken a baffling hit in recent years. What was once universal admiration has turned into revisionism for many. Some media voices have gone from praising him to questioning his greatness. These are the same people who once smiled in his face, acted like his friends, and now opportunistically cast doubt on a legacy that no longer has a voice to defend itself.

Tracy McGrady’s recent comments were a prime example of that. He suggested that if the roles were reversed, he could have accomplished what Kobe did — win three consecutive championships alongside Shaquille O’Neal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Kobe loyalists around the world pushed back hard. They weren’t about to sit quietly while one of the greatest to ever play the game was picked apart for attention. NBA players too are now taking a stand. Kyrie Irving, who has always held immense respect for Kobe, recently stepped up and shut down the slander. Joining the likes of Olden Polynice and Matt Barnes, Kyrie took it personally. He didn’t hold back.

“I’m not letting people come on and talk about Kobe like Kobe wasn’t one of the best that not only played, but came in as a 17-year-old against grown men. And by the time this man was 22 years old, he had a few championships, and he was busting the best of the best’s a--. Y’all knock that s--- off,” the Dallas Mavericks star said in a recent stream.

Kyrie dismissed the casual talk from media heads who throw around comparisons without understanding the weight of Kobe’s journey. He made it clear that not everyone can be Kobe. Not everyone can walk that path or carry the burden he did. “Y’all not like that. It’s okay. Not everybody can be Kobe. Not everybody can wear those…shoes.”

Kyrie didn’t stop at basketball. He highlighted the full story of how Kobe became immortal not just for what he accomplished, but for what he overcame. Kobe’s legacy goes far beyond the rectangular floor. His mentality, the people he inspired from all walks of life, and the generation that picked up the sport because of him are all part of that legacy.

Bryant’s resilience through failure, his obsession with greatness, and his constant evolution — that’s what made him different. The disrespect, which began for whatever reason and to whoever’s benefit, needs to stop. Because as long as there are Kobe fans like Irving, the opportunists will never get away with it.

This article first appeared on The SportsRush and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: