Allen Iverson Congratulates Kobe Bryant On His Upcoming Retirement

by Joe KozlowskiDecember 2, 2015, 6:01 pmNews, Z-Home Slider >

About 10 years ago, there was no player in basketball like Allen Iverson. He proved this in the 2000-2001 season, when he single-handedly carried the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals. He couldn’t bring the title to the City of Brotherly Love, though, because of two men: Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.

While Shaq has been out of the league for some time, Bryant recently announced that this will be his final NBA season. And with the first stop on his farewell tour being Philadelphia, A.I had to reach out to his former rival.

Congratulations on a great career from one of your biggest fans. You’ve always been a top competitor with a big heart. Much love, AI

A photo posted by Allen Iverson (@theofficialai3) on Nov 30, 2015 at 5:50am PST

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The pair are no strangers on social media. On the night that the Sixers retired Iverson’s jersey, Bryant acknowledged him and thanked the Philadelphia guard for pushing him to be his best.

Time has wings my brotha. Your game pushed my then 21 year old self to play beyond my years. Your impact on the game will be felt for generations. #salute #respect #96 #AI A photo posted by Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) on Mar 1, 2014 at 10:22pm PST

Photo: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Allen Iverson #1 of the Detroit Pistons dive for a loose ball on November 14, 2008 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Pistons won 106-95.