Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum pulled a page out of Kobe Bryant's book on Christmas Day when facing former teammate Kyrie Irving and the Nets. Tatum found some space after a nifty spin, then sunk a deep three over Irving's outstretched hand. As both trotted up the court, Tatum casually slapped his former teammate's  butt:

Bryant was the first one to ever do this. The Lakers legend drained a clutch three late in the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns in the 2010 Western Conference Finals and then proceeded to slap Suns' head coach Alvin Gentry before he jogged over to the LA bench:

There's a good chance that Tatum definitely copied Bryant, considering the Boston youngster has voiced how much of an idol the Black Mamba was to him growing up.

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Tatum and Irving played together for two seasons with the C's, before Kyrie left for Brooklyn before last season. Nevertheless, Brad Stevens' team is one of the most exciting teams to watch in the East, led by Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Boston beat the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday in their season opener thanks to 30+ points from both Tatum and Brown. Kemba Walker is still hurt, but once he returns, this team will have their big three intact.

The Celtics are currently heading into the fourth quarter against the Nets as they look for their second-straight victory to open the 2020/21 campaign.