‘Mamba Knight’: Fans React to Jayson Tatum’s Beautiful Tribute for Idol Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant might be the greatest Laker of all time. With his incredible shot making ability from the mid-range or even the three point line, and his ability to lock in other top guards, Bryant made a name for himself as a two-way beast.

His game was pretty reminiscent of another legendary player, Michael Jordan. While the likes of Jordan and Magic Johnson inspired Kobe’s generation, ‘the Mamba’ became a source of inspiration for many current superstars.

Be it star guards like Bradley Beal and Devin Booker or even big men like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bryant has had a major influence on multiple stars’ lives with his incredible play and his ‘Mamba mentality’ towards the game.

READ MORE- “Don’t Care About That Man”: Joel Embiid Lashes Out at Ben Simmons

Jayson Tatum re-creates iconic Kobe Bryant shot

While the likes of Booker have been pretty vocal about their admiration to Kobe, perhaps the most well-known Bryant disciple is Jayson Tatum. Despite donning fierce rivals’ Celtics’ jersey, Tatum credits ‘Mamba’ for inspiring him.

In celebration of the 75th year of the NBA, the 2-time All-Star stepped up to the plate to pay a special tribute to his idol. Donning the vintage Lakers’ jersey with Bryant’s iconic 24, Tatum re-created one of Kobe’s most influential game winners.

Jayson Tatum recreates Kobe’s game-winner over Wade! @jaytatum0 #NBA75 pic.twitter.com/UI6HWToivN

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) October 19, 2021

Back in 2009, with a single possession left to play, Kobe and the Lakers were down 107-105. In an inbound pass, Bryant dribbled around with the ball and was guarded by Dwyane Wade.

In possibly the most dramatic fashion, the 2-time scoring champion drained the three-pointer and won the game for the Lakers. Given how insane the shot was, this arguably one of the best buzzer beaters Kobe has had in his career. There couldn’t have been a better tribute to the ‘Mamba’ than one of his biggest fans re-creating his iconic winner.

NBA fans reacts to Tatum’s tribute to Kobe

Fans all around the world had some interesting reactions to Tatum’s tribute for the ‘Mamba’. While Kobe fans were fired up with the Celtics’ forward donning a Kobe jersey, others speculated a possible switch to the Lakers to JT in the near future.

Tru Mamba Knight https://t.co/8WQug7Sor3

— Rai Static (@YoungStrrdi) October 20, 2021

Jayson Tatum looks better in a lakers jersey can’t lie and what a nice deed by Tatum for the respect to Kobe#Jaysontatum #LakeShow #kobecity https://t.co/lSnQYCNu47

— mat the baller (@matsquad247) October 20, 2021

Boston fans punching the air rn https://t.co/jEboQA8vyn

— Junior (@quadjo_jr) October 20, 2021

What could have been if @lakers didn’t draft wack ass Lonzo https://t.co/ukyUKmuoYu

— mike (@m_candaza) October 19, 2021

Book seeing Tatum as Kobe https://t.co/cnsv14I37w pic.twitter.com/q8D5Kg9Y48

— rob (@rawrbertsaurus) October 19, 2021

That shot was everything fam. https://t.co/NdM2eFxxxn

— sonwabilendamase (@NewBigJay) October 20, 2021

The legacy is passed on the next generation https://t.co/E0O3zyOp5g

— Rod (@Rod44721924) October 20, 2021

Tatum wearing the purp and gold jersey is sumthing I wish to see in the coming years https://t.co/D9y6MbHDCw

— Krischelle (@krischelle__) October 20, 2021

As Boston Celtics fan I almost lost it when Jayson Tatum was in the lakers uniform https://t.co/pIZnJeWanc

— Agent Breaker (@Breaker_VA) October 20, 2021

Mamba the GOAT.. https://t.co/c0i4IZGdWo

— Elton Mooto (@elton_mooto) October 20, 2021

While we may have lost Bryant to a tragic accident, his legacy lives through players like Tatum and Booker. Not only these are the players who are destined to become superstars, they have the capability to become the face of the league very soon. What do you think about Tatum’s latest gesture? Let us know in the comments section down below.

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