Jayson Tatum winner of this year’s NBA Championshpi and one of the brightest stars in the NBA today, draws a significant amount of inspiration from the legendary Kobe Bryant. His idol from his early ages, although he played for Celtics biggest rivals the Lakers
While the debate over the greatest NBA player of all time often centers around Michael Jordan and LeBron James, many, including Tatum, place Kobe in that elite category and go step further.
During a recent appearance on Inside the NBA on TNT, Tatum was asked what makes Kobe Bryant his Greatest of All Time (GOAT). Tatum highlighted Bryant’s incredible work ethic and the profound inspiration he provided to people worldwide:
The Inspirational Impact of Kobe Bryant
“For me, it’s the inspiration thing. The way he inspired people. The way he inspired somebody that was 2,000 miles away that I had never met. Just watching him on TV, watching his interviews, watching how hard he worked, the ups and downs of his career. From 2,000 miles away me seeing myself in him. Wanting to achieve my dream and chase my goal and work as hard as I did because he did those things. How many kids and how many people he inspired throughout the world. And not to say the other best players didn’t, but for me, the inspiration factor is the biggest reason why I’m here today.”
Kobe’s relentless mindset and his drive to outwork everyone are legendary. Nearly everyone who played with or worked with Bryant has a story about his dedication. His influence extends beyond basketball, motivating people from all walks of life. For Tatum, Bryant’s example provided the motivation needed to strive for his own greatness.
Kobe Bryant’s legacy continues to live on through players like Tatum, who embody the qualities that made Bryant a true icon of the Lakers.
