How Does Kobe Bryant’s Legacy Bring a Change in the Locker Room Even Today? 21-Year-Old Lakers Guard Explains

Not a day passes by without reminiscing about the late legend Kobe Bryant. The impact that the 5x champion left on his fans is quite admirable. However, at the same time, one would be eager to know how much Bryant continues to impact the athletes of the modern NBA. Is his legacy still being celebrated like before? Or have the times changed? Los Angeles Lakers guard, Max Christie shared how the influence of the ‘Black Mamba’ has gone to the next stage.

The 21-year-old rising star joined former Lakers veteran Lamar Odom on his podcast episode. Christie was questioned about the statue unveiling of Bryant and if his legacy changed the atmosphere in the locker room. He replied, “We talk about him [Bryant] a lot. Even in the NBA, you see guys wearing his shoes all the time…You see guys with tattoos of Kobe. That’s the magnification, that’s the impact he had, not only on the Lakers, but everybody in the NBA.”

By etching Bryant’s name on their skin, the young players continue to show how much influence he has in their game. LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, Jordan Clarkson, etc., are some of the notable players in the league who have tattooed the 5x champion on their skin. 

James has a tattoo on his thigh that depicts a black mamba and Bryant’s jersey numbers, 8 & 24. Booker wrote Bryant’s famous quote, “Be legendary” on his hand after the demise of the LA champion. Anthony Davis has a similar tattoo to that of James, but with Bryant’s famous brand logo with Nike. Clarkson might have topped all of the above players by etching a beautiful picture of him with Bryant on his calf. Lamar Odom made a similar tribute as well. 

Lamar Odom shares the idea behind the Kobe Bryant tattoo on his neck

In 2023, Odom also joined many players by inking Kobe Bryant’s face around his neck. Bryant and Odom spent 7 years with the Lakers from 2005 to 2011. Odom played a huge part in delivering two championships in 2009 and 2010. But apart from the game, Odom has a lot of love for Bryant, outside the court. When Odom was hospitalized in 2015, Bryant took the time to visit him at a hospital in Las Vegas. Only a few players visited the 44-year-old in those distressing times. 

So after Bryant’s demise, Odom inked Bryant’s face. He shared, “He Definitely got his Arms around me helping people to be their best everything he stood for!! Mamba Mentality…That’s why he’s tatted on my Neck so he always in my Ear!!”. This is the significance behind Odom’s tattoo. All the above tributes are so meaningful, which shows us how high they have placed the ‘Mamba’. 

 Read more: Nick Kyrgios Explains How His Kobe Bryant Tattoo Keeps Him Inspired on Tennis Court