Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is really starting to come into his own. After reaching two conference finals, Tatum seems to have taken the next step, and he has guided the Celtics to their first Finals since 2010. But one of his recent appearances in the press has not gone down too lightly with everyone, as he was seen wearing the look of Kobe Bryant. But Boston Celtics fans seem to have come to their star’s aid.
Tatum grew up idolizing Kobe as a young kid in St.Louis. After he was drafted into the NBA in 2017, he became one of the best wings in the league, and Kobe took notice. The Black Mamba took the young star under his wing and he even trained with him in the offseason. After Kobe’s tragic passing, he posted a very emotional message about the Lakers legend.
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Tatum has even given various tributes to Kobe in subtle ways. He recreated Kobe’s photoshoot earlier this year, and he even rocked an armband representing Kobe’s number in game-7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
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And ahead of Game 2, he showed up in a vintage Celtics gear, which was the same outfit Kobe wore during his draft workout with the Celtics. And this did not go down well with the fans.
Celtics fans come to the aid of Jayson Tatum for recreating the look of Kobe Bryant
The Boston Celtics fans were not happy with the slack Tatum was receiving. They came out to his aid and called out the fans who mocked him. Here are the best reactions:
You absolutely nailed it my dude. Tatum has no blame in this. He’s respecting an icon and a mentor to him.
— Justin Menendez (@Justinn035) June 5, 2022
Not really. If you have an idol and inspiration growing up youll not be annoyed
— Kobe (@mamba4evaeva) June 5, 2022
i thought that at first but nah we just haven't seen this in awhile https://t.co/4TOY3kF78Y
— 𝑩𝑻𝑫 (@balltalkdeep) June 5, 2022
What y’all not gon do is come after Tatum like that, if y’all really think he did this on purpose you’re wrong, let the man play ball and stop worrying about what he wears
— C.Gotti (@Mr_808Mafia) June 5, 2022
Tatum idolized Kobe … only weirdos think it’s weird. Ppl that were big fans of Kobe got tattooed… ppl cried over his death and that’s just being a fan. Imagine actually knowing him and him being your mentor. You’ll grieve however you see fit
— SD La Flare (@IISvFII) June 5, 2022
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I love how its a pattern that players that didn’t ask for this attention then get the attention and people are now Tatum haters becuase they see a post they can scroll by but nah today is the last straw 🤣
— Justò🇭🇹🌴 (@DiscernmentSav) June 5, 2022
What’s weird about him wearing a Boston Celtics t shirt and a pair of green shorts that the Celtics give EVERY ONE who tries out for the team or makes the team??? Like… I don’t understand how that’s weird.
— Mike Hunt (@tuffsportscutts) June 5, 2022
Boston Celtics player wears Boston Celtics shirt and team colour shorts! Wow that is so annoying. People really hate on everything these days smh
— Choppa (@choppabrix) June 5, 2022
man sees another man minding his own business, get annoyed then goes to tweet about it. Jesus Christ the world is coming to an end🤣
— Skoob♏️ (@QDott_) June 5, 2022
Again he had an ACTUAL relationship with Kobe. Y’all didn’t let the kid be
— F.I.N.A.O. (@Tele_Faafetai) June 5, 2022
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How has Kobe influenced Tatum?
Ever since he was a kid and started watching the NBA, Tatum wanted to be like Kobe. In every imaginable way, Tatum tried to be like Kobe. After school, Tatum would shoot turnaround and fadeaway jumpers like Kobe Bryant. Jayson had every apparel and fashion item that Kobe had. He just wanted to be Kobe. As he got older, Tatum looked at Kobe for a different reason. That was to study his game and learn how he could use his moves.
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USA Today via Reuters
May 29, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after winning the Larry Bird Eastern Conference Finals MVP trophy after game seven of the 2022 eastern conference finals at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
And after his historic run in the 2018 playoffs, he got a call from the Black Mamba himself, offering him to be his trainer. Tatum gladly accepted, and he trained with Kobe. He was so star-struck at seeing his idol training him. Even after Kobe’s death, Tatum continues to honor his idol.
