The Athlete Lifestyle logo

Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum roasted for Kobe Bryant tribute tattoo (PHOTOS)

The All-Star small forward adds new ink to his collection but his choice has created big buzz on social media.

Matt Ryan

Team Giannis forward Jayson Tatum (0) holds the Kobe Bryant MVP Trophy after the 2023 NBA All-Star Game at Vivint Arena.
Team Giannis forward Jayson Tatum (0) holds the Kobe Bryant MVP Trophy after the 2023 NBA All-Star Game at Vivint Arena. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum is coming off winning his first championship ring, and added a second Olympic gold medal to his hardware collection. It’s been a great summer of team accomplishments for the 26-year-old small forward.

As for the individual accomplishments, Tatum has had a summer to forget. He lost out on the NBA Finals MVP to teammate Jaylen Brown, and he barely played any meaningful moments in Team USA’s gold medal run in Paris. His mom even made waves over his lack of playing time. 

Regardless, Tatum had a great season, averaging 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. He’s working hard to get even better and taking advice he’s learned from his idol, the Los Angeles Lakers late legend Kobe Bryant.

RELATED: Jayson Tatum, Ella Mai reveal newborn baby amid Team USA men’s basketball victory

Speaking of Bryant, yesterday August 23, would’ve been his 46th birthday. Tributes poured out across social media and one announcement was Tatum’s new tattoo honoring the Hall of Famer. Tatum got ink on his arm of him holding the 2023 Kobe Bryant All-Star MVP Award trophy he won. 

Check it out:

Tatum said, “My first All-Star Game was in Chicago in 2020 when they renamed the MVP after (Bryant), and I remember telling myself that day, ‘I’ve got to get one of those before I get done.’”

RELATED: Miami Heat star Tyler Herro roasted for his new tattoos (PHOTOS)

It’s a nice gesture and the award clearly means a lot to Tatum. It was a very mixed reaction, however, on social media as many weren’t impressed: 

RELATED: New Kobe Bryant billboards unveiled for 2028 Summer Olympics (PHOTOS)

Tough crowd. But Tatum will always have his haters. Hey, at least his back tattoo is inspiring others. Let’s see if he adds the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy next to his tattoo collection.

Published |Modified
Matt Ryan
MATT RYAN

Matt Ryan is a dedicated sports journalist with over 20 years of experience in digital and linear media. After receiving a Masters in Journalism from USC, he’s worked for Fox Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo Sports, USA Today Sports Media Group, and Bally Sports, while holding various leadership roles along the way.

Home/News