WATCH: Devin Booker Has a Smile on His Face Upon Watching Idol Kobe Bryant’s Jersey in The Rafters

Over a year ago, on January 26th, the world lost Kobe Bryant in a tragic helicopter crash. Even today, players and fans look to honor the NBA legend any way they can. Players looked up to the Los Angeles Lakers star, considering him their idol. Phoenix Suns icon Devin Booker – who grew up as a Bryant fan – was one of the many deeply affected by Bryant’s passing away.

Booker and the Suns were recently at the Staples Center – Bryant’s home for his 20 years in the NBA. While the Suns secured a 123-94 win over the Lakers, Booker had everyone’s attention for a completely different reason.

Devin Booker reminisces while looking at Kobe Bryant’s jerseys at the Staples Center

In a recent video uploaded, it appears that Booker is smiling up at Bryant’s jerseys at the Staples Center. Both his numbers were retired following his death and have been up since then. While some fans wondered if Booker was really looking at the jerseys and smiling, many remembered Bryant writing that they miss him. Many wrote that they too miss Bryant, and still cannot believe the five-time NBA champion is no longer with us.

Jun 13, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after a play in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game four in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters

Booker explains what the Kobe Bryant mural in the commercial means to him

A few days ago, fans were introduced to NBA’s 75th anniversary with an elaborate ‘Welcome to NBA Lane’ video. At the 1:55th mark, a Kobe Bryant mural shows up, a ten-second’s silence following as a tribute. Booker, who was featured in the video, was also looking at the mural shown. Michael B. Jordan, who was narrating, mentioned that some things are bigger than basketball as the camera panned out to cover the mural.

During a recent interview, Booker explained what the mural meant to him. “I had a few people telling me that that was their favorite spot. I’m glad the way it turned out, obviously. No lines, which is how I wanted it to be and I got to pay my respects at the same time,” he said. So it’s a no-brainer for me. I talked to Vanessa (Bryant) about it, she 100% cleared it, which made me feel even more comfortable doing it. And that was that”. 

READ MORE: Devin Booker Consulted Vanessa Bryant Before Honoring Kobe Bryant in NBA 75 Commercial

Signed shoes w/message, “Be legendary” from Kobe Bryant to Booker #SunsVsLakers pic.twitter.com/v8bmT3Jkjs

— Craig Grialou (@CraigAZSports) March 24, 2016

The mural was also quoting the words ‘Be Legendary” – something special to Booker. Back in 2016–when Booker debuted and Bryant retired–the latter signed a pair of shoes for Booker with ‘Be Legendary’ written on them. Since then, the phrase means most to the Booker. The 24-year-old has always considered Bryant close to his heart, the two of them sharing a special bond.

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