Kyrie Irving Destroys NBA Media For Disrespecting Kobe Bryant

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving criticized NBA media analysts during a July 22nd Twitch stream for disrespecting the late Kobe Bryant. Irving specifically called out analysts who undermine Bryant's contributions to the NBA and his influence on younger players, stating, "I’m not letting people revise history." He highlighted Bryant's achievements as a 17-year-old competing against grown men and winning championships by age 22.

Irving directed his comments at "media talking heads" who "casually throw names around" without proper NBA history knowledge, arguing many lack the credibility to evaluate Bryant's game. He emphasized that Bryant's influence extends far beyond basketball, citing his character and ability to inspire people. Irving stressed that "real Kobe fans" or "real Mamba fans" focused on his greatness, not his failures or naysayers, knowing who truly supported him.

Irving's remarks were a reaction to Bleacher Report ranking Bryant as the 11th best player of all time, which many deemed disrespectful. Shaquille O'Neal called the ranking "criminal," Kenyon Martin stated Bryant was the league's best during his 15-year tenure, and Matt Barnes suggested media disrespect began after Bryant's 2020 death, blaming "clueless analysts and analytics-inspired nerds."

FS1’s Chris Broussard suggested recency bias influenced the list, particularly Stephen Curry being ranked ahead of Bryant. Broussard stated he wasn't ready to place Curry above Bryant, largely due to defense. He noted Bryant made 12 All-Defensive Teams (tied second-most in NBA history) and a record nine All-Defensive First Teams for a guard/wing, while defense is a weakness for Curry.