Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is honoring Kobe Bryant by naming his dog Bean, Kobe's middle name. Russell Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Celtics' Jayson Tatum names new dog 'Bean' after Kobe Bryant

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/26/20

Tribute's to the late Kobe Bryant seem to be more popular by the day since the Los Angeles Lakers legend died in January.

One of the best tributes thus far, though, is coming from Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum. The 22-year-old has adopted an adorable French Bulldog puppy, which he plans to name Bean, in tribute to Bryant — Bean was his middle name.

Jayson Tatum is getting a new puppy: a blue fawn French bulldog named Bean, after the late Kobe Bryant. The breeder, Humble Breed Bullies in Philly, says Bean is 4 weeks old and will be driven to Boston once he is 8 weeks. @LilWeezyDog might have a new friend. pic.twitter.com/Xt8Zhdh9D0
— Nicole Yang (@nicolecyang) June 25, 2020

The name isn't the only way Tatum is honoring Bryant, though. He's purchasing the dog from a breeder in Philadelphia, which was Bryant's home town.

Bryant retired in 2016, and Tatum didn't break into the league until 2017, so they never were able to compete against one another. However, the two developed a strong bond while working out with each other during offseasons.

Other NBA players who have honored Bryant include Trae Young, who wore his jersey number to honor him the day after he died, and all the players in the All-Star Game wore his No.'s 8 and 24 to honor him.

Among the most stunning tributes is a large Bryant mural in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is the largest mural in Europe.

Earlier this month, the National Transportation Safety Board urged major helicopter manufacturers to add crash-resistant systems to record data, audio and images following the death of Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others, Fox Business reports.

All passengers on board the flight died instantly upon impact in Calabasas, Calif. in January, according to newly revealed details.

More must-reads: