The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics have established themselves as the most successful teams in NBA history, with their longstanding rivalry often playing a decisive role over the past 70 years. It is uncommon for a member of either team to openly express admiration for the star players on the opposing side. However, there are exceptions, and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics serves as a prime example. Tatum, who idolized Kobe Bryant during his childhood, found inspiration in the legendary player’s 20-year tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jayson Tatum, drafted third overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2017 NBA Draft, has always been vocal about his admiration for Kobe Bryant. This sentiment was particularly evident during the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals against LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers, as James was widely regarded as the successor to Kobe Bryant’s legacy in the NBA.

“The Lakers are a team I’ve admired since I was a child, and Kobe Bryant is the main reason I love basketball,” Tatum expressed. “He has incredible scoring abilities, especially his technique when he hops. Kobe Bryant was driven to be the best player he could be. He took his training seriously, always knew how to motivate himself, and possessed the will to figҺt like an аssаssin,” Tatum added.

Tatum’s mother, Brandy Cole, revealed in an interview with Slam Magazine in 2022 that Tatum had always aspired to study and emulate Kobe Bryant as he grew up. Tatum himself later shared a memorable experience on the podcast “The Old Man & The Three” with JJ Redick, where he recounted the joy he felt when he first met Kobe Bryant during practice and received invaluable advice from him. It was a day that left an indelible mark on his basketball career.

Despite wearing the Boston Celtics jersey and competing against Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers, Jayson Tatum always displayed admiration for his predecessor. He not only expressed his gratitude and respect through words but also through various actions. When Kobe Bryant tragically passed away in a helicopter аccident with his daughter Gianna in 2020, Tatum paid tribute by sharing photos of Kobe Bryant and expressing his grief.

To commemorate Kobe Bryant, Tatum even got a tattoo of the number 24 and two Black Mamba snakes (Kobe Bryant’s nickname) on his leg. He also wears an armband on his left arm, akin to Kobe Bryant’s practice, every time he steps onto the court.

In a poignant gesture, Tatum texted Kobe Bryant’s phone number, saying “I have your blessings,” before wearing a purple armband with the number 24 printed on it during Game 7 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals. Tatum led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals that year, although they ultimately fell short against the Golden State Warriors.

During a practice session before the 2022 NBA Finals series, Tatum wore a practice shirt with the same pattern that Kobe Bryant had worn during his trial period with the Boston Celtics as a young player.

Despite his deep admiration for Kobe Bryant, Jayson Tatum had harbored a strong desire to play for the Los Angeles Lakers. He even hoped that his nаme would be called in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft by the Lakers. However, this dream did not materialize.

“That year, the Lakers had the second pick, and I thought I could make my dream come true,” Tatum revealed in an ESPN interview during the 2022 NBA Finals. “But they didn’t seem to care,” he added.

Jayson Tatum’s journey in the NBA may have taken him to the Boston Celtics instead of the Los Angeles Lakers, but his admiration for Kobe Bryant remаins unwavering, and he continues to honor the legacy of the Lakers’ great on and off the court.