Netflix recently dropped season 4 of the popular series Stranger Things, and one of the lead actors left a touching tribute to the late Kobe Bryant. Caleb McLaughlin, who plays Lucas in the show, chose to wear the No. 8 on his basketball jersey in honor of Bryant, a heartwarming tribute from the young actor to one of the most inspirational NBA players of all time.
.@calebmclaughlin paid tribute to Kobe Bryant on 'Stranger Things' 💜💛
(via @netflix, @strongblacklead) pic.twitter.com/uBr1KWjl5U
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 30, 2022
Lucas Sinclair, who is played by McLaughlin, is a member of the Hawkins High School basketball team in the fourth season of Stranger Things. He wears the No. 8 jersey, and Netflix revealed that it was actually his own idea to pay homage to Bryant, of whom McLaughlin was a huge fan.




McLaughlin shared a side-by-side photo of him in the Hawkins High basketball uniform and the Black Mamba in the iconic Purple and Gold No. 8 jersey to his Instagram story, alongside a heart emoji.
Fans of Stranger Things picked up on the easter egg after the season 4 release on May 27, and both Netflix and McLaughlin confirmed the connection on Monday.
Netflix released the first seven episodes of the first volume of season 4 on May 27, with a two-part finale set to be released in July. The fourth season comes following a three-year hiatus, during which fans were eagerly awaiting the return of the show.