Kobe Bryant.  Forever a basketball legend but also a friend, and proud father.  Everyone has been trying to accept the news of Kobe’s death by sharing their memories, stories and moments with him.  Justin Timberlake posted a lengthy tribute on his Instagram to honour his lifelong friend.  The post showed a series of photos from over the years with a caption that mentioned, the two had met as teenagers and bonded over their drive and process.

Justin wrote, I was in awe of what you could do with a basketball and knew your talent went beyond your physical gifts and stretched to your mentality. ”  Over the years Justin admired Kobe’s mentality and over the years applied it to his own career and journey.

From conversations about drive and ambition to their final conversation about fatherhood and their children being their true legacy, their bond was truly one of a kind and very meaningful for Justin.

Like Justin, Kobe connected with many of us, as a legendary basketball player, an inspiring Mamba Mentality, and someone we will never forget!

R.I.P. Kobe Bryant. You are a champ, a MVP that will always be missed. Mamba forever!

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