Kobe Bryant during his 20-year-long NBA career has left an ever-lasting legacy that is preached to date. There are countless tales about his brilliance and infamous ‘Mamba mentality’ that more often than not come to the surface. Recently, the Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum narrated a story about one of the greatest players in history.
Furthermore, Bryant’s unfortunate death in a helicopter crash shook the community to the core and it has never been the same. However, stories like these, let him live an immortal life in the hearts of his fans. In the ‘Point Forward’ podcast, Tatum was asked if he ever had a plan B considering how long he has had his way.
.@jaytatum0 names his All Time Top NBA players. Did JT get it right?? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/ELI9jjggAw
— Point Forward (@pointforward) December 6, 2023
To this, the Celtics player responded by reminiscing the time when Bryant spoke at a camp. All of which inspired him to not look back in another way when he started his basketball journey. Tatum revealed that the Lakers star asked everyone what they wanted to be, followed by asking about their second option.
Everyone present had something or another as their backup plan. Bryant looked at them funny and said, “Man, I never had a plan B. Like people always told me disperse your eggs in different baskets.” Bryant continued to say, “Why would I not give all my time, energy, and effort to the thing I’m trying to accomplish? “ Tatum revealed that each of the words resonated with him deeply.
Jayson Tatum worked out with Kobe Bryant in 2018
The rising NBA star Jayson Tatum made his debut after being picked by the Boston Celtics in 2017. Ever since then, he has been constantly uplifting his performance and has become a fan favorite. Interestingly, Tatum also more often than not makes use of Bryant’s signature moves in his game.
Which he learned from the master himself when he worked with him in 2018. Shortly after his team won, Bryant dropped him a text which left him stunned. In the same podcast, Tatum revealed what the 5x NBA championship winner said.
Looks like Jayson Tatum has picked a new workout partner. His name is Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/L5NJslj3Gy
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) July 27, 2018
The Celtics forward guard said, “He’s like, ‘Yo, this is Kob. Love your game, love what you’re doing, Keep it up. This summer, I want to get together and work on some things. Just hit me.” Tatum noted how it is crazy that someone from a thousand miles away inspired him to chase his dreams the way Bryant did.
Jayson Tatum wanted to be Kobe Bryant
Jayson Tatum has revealed on countless occasions that his favorite player is Kobe Bryant. Additionally, his story further strengthened that he truly was inspired by the Black Mamba and has been working towards his dreams ever since. Ttaum’s mother Brandy Colespoke to Slam magazine about how he wanted to be like him.