There’s no denying that Kobe Bryant is one of the most iconic NBA players. Many people see the Black Mamba as a source of inspiration, including the Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, who had the privilege to get to know him personally.
Jayson Tatum has never shied away from expressing his admiration for Kobe Bryant, which he did once more during his recent appearance on NBA on TNT.
“The way he inspired people, the way he inspired somebody else 2000 miles away… Watching how hard he works, the ups and downs of his career… Me seeing myself in him,” Tatum said about the Black Mamba.
Jayson Tatum has paid tribute to the late Los Angeles Lakers superstar several times before, including in the 2022 NBA playoffs. At the time when the Boston Celtics were going up against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, Jayson Tatum revealed that he texted Kobe Bryant before Game 7.
Despite knowing that Kobe Bryant would not be able to reply, Jayson Tatum played the game in honor of him by wearing an armband in Los Angeles Lakers colors with the No. 24 on it. The Boston Celtics advanced to the NBA Finals, as Tatum had 26 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and four three-pointers on 9-of-21 shooting from the field.
Jayson Tatum had regrets after Kobe Bryant’s untimely death
When Jayson Tatum established himself as one of the top young players in the NBA, he took the chance to be mentored by Kobe Bryant as they worked out together during the offseason.
When Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in January of 2020, Jayson Tatum joined the basketball community in mourning. Later on, Tatum said he should’ve reached out more to the one-time NBA MVP when he had the chance.
“It’s bittersweet. I can’t believe that he’s not here anymore. And the thing that I regret is I wish I would’ve called him more. I wish I would’ve texted him more. I just always thought he was so busy. I never wanted to bother him. We knew each other. He told me to text him, call him anytime,” Tatum said earlier this year via Andscape.
“I had so many questions I wanted to know the answers to. I should have called him more and it taught me a lesson,” he added.
More must-reads: