The late Kobe Bryant was an idol for so many current players across the NBA and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is no exception. To honor The Black Mamba, Tatum got a new piece of ink with Bryant's number. Check it out:
A bit of an odd spot to get a tat but as you can see, it's extremely visible to the eye in unique bold lettering with the number 24. While Jayson Tatum never got the chance to play against Kobe, they built a unique relationship in the summer of 2018 when they worked out together. From that point on, the two formed a bond that lasted until Bryant tragically passed away in January of 2020.
Tatum even spoke on that unforgettable time in an interview last August on J.J. Redick's podcast. Via Bleacher Report:
“I'm here working out with you because you inspired me without even knowing,” Jayson Tatum said of Kobe. “Besides my son being born, that's like the best day of my life … I'll never forget that day.”
Clearly, Bryant meant a lot to Tatum. After all, he grew up watching the Lakers legend show out on a nightly basis in the Association. It definitely stands to reason why he got this tattoo.