His pal Godfrey Gao may no longer be around but basketball superstar Jeremy Lin certainly made sure that Godfrey remains close to his heart.

Last Friday (Jan 10), the 31-year-old sportsman paid tribute to his late friend by wearing a suit given to him by Godfrey to the Chinese Basketball Association All-Star Game Gala dinner in Guangzhou.

This is to honour my brother, Godfrey Gao. He gave me the suit. He really loves playing basketball, and I think I should wear the suit he gave me today,” said The Beijing Ducks star. He also added that when Godfrey was still alive, he would often take the time to attend celebrity charity matches and had supported Jeremy when he was recovering from an injury.

According to reports, Godfrey, who played basketball when he was in college in Vancouver, had specially tailored the suit and had it sent to Jeremy’s hotel to congratulate him on winning the NBA championship last July.

Jeremy also wore customised shoes that was emblazoned with pics of him and Godfrey along with the messages “RIP Godfrey” and “Always brothers” when he played his first game after Godfrey’s passing.

“Still shocked to hear that you’re gone. Tonight’s shoes were dedicated to you. Needed some time to find the words to post, but the world will miss you, bro. From playing pickup basketball to comforting me in Vancouver when I was rehabbing from my worst injury to gifting my Beijing Ducks teammates free suits to supporting my celebrity game all three years and more. Gentle, humble, loving. I’ll miss you bro,” Jeremy wrote on IG when he posted the pic of the shoes.

Jeremy’s tribute touched his followers, with many writing messages of support to the basketballer while offering condolences to Godfrey.

“What a true brother. I'll miss him forever,” a fan wrote.

“I believe that Godfrey will be happy to see this from heaven,” said another.