Throughout Kobe Bryant's career, he was able to inspire numerous young players, including those who would eventually find themselves in the NBA. One of the league's stars who has always paid homage to Kobe is none other than Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson. Since Kobe's death, Thompson has shared various throwback photos of Kobe and has even shared some personal anecdotes of things Kobe was able to teach him while he was alive.
Today on his Instagram story, Thompson showed off a copy of Kobe's book The Mamba Mentality: How I Play. The book came out back in 2018 and Thompson had his very own personalized copy that came with Bryant's signature. On the inside of the book, the message was simple: "To Klay, Rings Rings Rings Rings."
Kobe was able to win five championships during his time in the NBA and so far, Klay Thompson has three of his own. Both of these players know what it takes in order to win a championship and it's cool to see Kobe bestow these simple words upon a fellow competitor.
We're sure Thompson cherishes that book with all of his heart considering the events of the last few months. If there is one thing for sure, it's that Kobe is one of the most influential players to step on the court.
The Game Reveals Kobe Bryant Face Tattoo
The Game’s new Kobe Bryant face tattoo pays homage to the basketball legend’s iconic number, stylized as an infinity symbol.
Following the death of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, The Game has mobilized to pay homage to his memory. Not only did Game pen a yet-to-be-released musical eulogy to Bryant, but he recently inked the Mamba’s iconic number onto his face. Taking to Instagram to reveal his commemorative tattoo, Game showcased a horizontal “eight,” visualized as to depict the infinity symbol.
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It’s unsurprising to see Game move to honor Kobe Bryant like this given the profound impact the sudden death appeared to have on him. In the days following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of Kobe, his daughter Gigi, and seven other victims, The Game used his Marathon Monday tradition to draw an emotional parallel. Dedicating a lengthy post to Kobe and his fallen friend Nipsey Hussle, Game made sure to highlight the fragility of life and implore his followers to spread love.
Though face tattoos inherently spawn no shortage of negative reactions, Game appears unfazed by those questioning his decision. Instead, he remains determined to carry Kobe’s memory with him forever. Check out the ink below and sound off — how do you feel about Game’s artistic tribute?
Shareef O’Neal Gets Kobe & Gianna Bryant Tattoos In Their Honor
Kobe had a huge impact on Shareef's life.
Kobe and Gianna Bryant's passing has come as a shock to the basketball community and over the past week, fans, family, and peers have been in mourning. One of the people who knew Kobe was none other than Shareef O'Neal who is the son of NBA legend, Shaq. Shareef used to talk to Kobe all the time as the Bryant would give the young basketball player some advice on the game. Shareef also knew Gianna which makes the situation even more heartbreaking.
According to TMZ, Shareef is honoring Kobe and Gianna with a tattoo. Recently, Shareef took to his Instagram story where he showed off a tattoo depicting Gianna' Number 2 Mamba jersey. Next to the jersey is Kobe's two numbers: 8 and 24.
LeBron James recently got his own Kobe Bryant tattoo which depicts a black mamba snake next to a rose. The tattoo also features Kobe's two numbers. Even Anthony Davis got similar ink which just goes to show the kind of impact Kobe had on the game of basketball and its players.
Over the next few weeks, months, and perhaps even years, we're sure we will see even more tributes pour in for one of the best players to ever step on a court.
Kobe Bryant’s Daughter Gianna Honored By Uni. Of Conn Women’s Basketball Team: "Forever A Husky"
She was a star in the making.
She was just a teen following in her superstar father’s footsteps. Gianna Maria-Onore “GiGi” Bryant always made it clear that although her basketball icon dad Kobe Bryant didn’t have any sons, she was still capable enough to carry on his legacy. Their last moments together were reportedly at church that fateful Sunday (January 26) morning before they would attempt to make their way to Kobe’s Mamba Sports Academy along with seven others for basketball practice. Sadly, they would perish together in a helicopter crash along with seven others.
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Like millions of others, the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team was devastated by the news of the Los Angeles Lakers legend and his daughter’s passing. “Kobe and Gianna meant a lot to our program. Our thoughts are with the Bryant family,” the team shared on its Instagram page after verifying news reports. “Mamba Mentality will live on forever, but they are deeply missed. ?.” On Monday, the team returned with another post, this time in tribute to Gianna.
“Mambacita is forever a Husky ?,” the wrote in the caption of a photo that showed a #2 UConn jersey draped over a seat with a bouquet of flowers. They made sure to set aside a special place for the late 13-year-old basketball player at their game against Team USA on Monday evening. Check out their tributes below.
