The two NBA teams with the most titles, the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, have also faced off frequently in the last 70 years, often ending in tragedy. As a result, it is uncommon for a member of this squad to voice appreciation for the well-known players on the opposing front line.

There are still some exceptions, though. One such example is Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, who as a youngster looked up to the legendary Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, a player of 20 seasons.

Jayson Tatum never holds back when admitting that he looks up to Kobe Bryant as an inspiration. The Sporting News will go further into Jayson Tatum’s constant thoughts about one of the best players in NBA history in this piece.

Why does Kobe Bryant excite Jayson Tatum so much?

Since his selection in the third round of the 2017 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum has stated that Kobe Bryant has been his childhood hero. Jayson Tatum underlined this once more during the 2018 Eastern Finals matchup with LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers when LeBron James was viewed as the NBA’s heir apparent to Kobe Bryant’s legacy.

“The Lakers are the team I have adored since I was a young child, and Kobe Bryant is the main reason I am so passionate about basketball. He was, still is, and always will be my favourite player.

I think he has amazing scoring shots; his jumping footwork is very impressive. Kobe Bryant was adamant about wanting to be the greatest player. “He has the will to fight like an assassin, is serious about training himself, and always knows how to motivate himself,” Jayson Tatum remarked.

In an interview with Slam Magazine in 2022, Tatum’s mother, Brandy Cole, stated that her son’s dream was to grow up to be like Kobe Bryant.

Afterwards, Jayson Tatum shared on the podcast “The Old Man & The Three” with JJ Redick, saying, “My life has the two happiest moments.” The day my son was born, the day I went to the gym, the first time I met Kobe Bryant, and the day he gave me some really helpful advice about his game.

That was a day I will never forget. It’s so hard to put into words the sensation you get when you practise alongside your idol. It was the best day of my basketball career, in my opinion,” Jayson Tatum said.

Jayson Tatum has consistently shown respect for his predecessor, even when he was competing against Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers and sporting a Boston Celtics shirt.

Jayson Tatum honours Kobe Bryant with a message

In addition to using words, Jayson Tatum showed his appreciation and admiration for Kobe Bryant by doing several other acts. In 2020, following the tragic death of the Los Angeles Lakers icon in a helicopter crash involving his daughter Gianna, Jayson Tatum shared a remembrance post with pictures of himself with Kobe Bryant along with a choked status update.

“My heart is shattered. You are my idol and my hero. It was because of him that I took up basketball and fell in love with the game. I always wanted to be like him when I grew up and wanted him to be the one to lead the way.

I want to thank you most of all for all you have done for me in life. I can’t express how much I appreciate you for inspiring me. A very depressing day. Kobe and Gianna, rest in peace.

To show his admiration for Kobe Bryant, Jayson Tatum got a tattoo of the number 24 on his leg that features two Black Mamba snakes, which is Kobe’s nickname. Like Kobe Bryant did throughout the entirety of his career, Tatum wears an armband on his left arm every time he takes the field.

Jayson Tatum even contacted the late Kobe Bryant, stating, “I have your blessings,” in Game 7 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals. He then wore a purple armband with the number 24 printed on it and took the field. That season, Jayson Tatum led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals, where they were defeated by the Golden State Warriors.