Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum paid tribute to his idol, the late Kobe Bryant, this Halloween by dressing up as the Lakers legend complete with the iconic No. 24 jersey, purple shorts, armband, and even Kobe’s signature Mamba intensity.
Tatum, who’s long spoken about Kobe’s influence on his life and career, shared the look on social media with a simple caption:
“Forever my inspiration 🐍💜💛”
Fans immediately flooded his post with love and nostalgia celebrating the heartfelt homage. Many remembered how Tatum once trained with Kobe early in his career, calling him his “mentor and basketball father.”
💜 A Touching Tribute From A Mamba Student
For Tatum, the costume wasn’t just a Halloween stunt it was a personal moment of remembrance.
He’s been open about how deeply Kobe’s “Mamba Mentality” shaped his mindset, from his practice habits to his killer instinct on the court.
“Everything I do, every time I step on the floor, I think about what he taught me,” Tatum once said in an ESPN interview.
This year’s Halloween marks one of the few public gestures where Tatum directly honored Kobe since his tragic passing in 2020. It reminded fans of the emotional 2022 NBA Finals run, where Tatum famously wore a purple armband with Kobe’s initials during the Celtics’ playoff games.
😂 But NBA Twitter Couldn’t Resist the Roast
As much as the tribute touched hearts, NBA Twitter did what it always does it added humor.
Within minutes, jokes and memes started flying faster than a Lakers fast break.
One fan wrote:
“That’s not Kobe… that’s Derek Fisher with better lighting.”
Another viral post came from @MELOD1P, who tweeted:
“That’s just Derek Fisher in a Kobe jersey.”
Not to be outdone, Patrick Beverley chimed in too because of course he did.
Pat Bev joked:
“He looks more like Carlos Boozer.”
His comment racked up over 14,000 likes and nearly a million views, turning Tatum’s emotional tribute into a full-blown meme-fest.
🎭 When Respect Meets Roast Culture
The dual reaction perfectly captures the internet’s love-hate relationship with sincerity.
Fans can appreciate Tatum’s respect for Kobe, yet still find humor in how uncanny (or unconvincing) his costume might look.
One fan put it perfectly:
“Tatum’s heart was in the right place, but that Lakers yellow just ain’t Celtics green.”
Even some Lakers fans laughed while still expressing appreciation for the gesture.
After all, when a Boston Celtic publicly honors a Los Angeles Laker, it’s headline-worthy no matter how you spin it.
🐍 Kobe’s Legacy Lives Through the New Generation
Despite the memes, many fans saw Tatum’s gesture as a powerful reminder of Kobe’s enduring impact.
Since his passing, Kobe Bryant’s influence has been seen in countless ways from players wearing his shoes, quoting his mindset, and tattooing Mamba symbols, to entire teams dedicating seasons in his honor.
Tatum, Devin Booker, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and even young stars like Anthony Edwards have all cited Kobe as a key inspiration.
“He changed the way we approach basketball how we think, how we fight, how we never give up,” one fan commented under Tatum’s post.
🏀 A Celtic Wearing Lakers Colors — The Internet Reacts
Celtics fans were understandably torn. Some admired Tatum’s courage to wear the rival colors, while others joked that he “betrayed Boston for one night.”
One viral comment read:
“Bro wore Lakers gold and the basketball gods still blessed him because it was Kobe.”
Even former Celtics legends weighed in subtly, with one anonymous source telling The Athletic:
“If it’s for Kobe, it’s forgiven.”
💬 Celebrity & Player Reactions
Tatum’s Halloween tribute didn’t just stir the NBA crowd it caught the attention of celebrities and players across social media.
LeBron James reposted the costume on his story with the caption:
“Mamba Forever 🐍🔥 Respect JT.”
Meanwhile, Kobe’s widow Vanessa Bryant liked Tatum’s original post, which fans interpreted as a touching silent acknowledgment.
🏆 Tatum Continues to Carry the Mamba Spirit
Over the years, Tatum’s respect for Kobe hasn’t been performative it’s been consistent.
From studying his film sessions to mimicking his footwork, Tatum embodies the Mamba Mentality on and off the court.
“He wanted to be great every day. That’s something I try to live by,” Tatum said in a previous interview.
Whether he’s dropping 40 points in a playoff game or dressing as Kobe for Halloween, it’s clear that his admiration runs deep.
🕸 A Halloween Full of NBA Storylines
This year’s Halloween wasn’t short on NBA fun.
Players like Jimmy Butler went full “emo” again, Jordan Clarkson dressed as a vampire, and Ja Morant surprised fans by wearing a referee outfit.
But none of them matched the emotional resonance (and online chaos) sparked by Tatum’s Kobe tribute.
🏁 Final Thoughts: A Tribute Wrapped in Laughter
At its core, Jayson Tatum’s Halloween gesture wasn’t about trends or attention it was a heartfelt salute to his hero.
Even as memes and jokes flooded the timeline, the love for Kobe shined through every reaction.
Because in the end, whether it’s laughter or tears, Kobe Bryant still unites basketball fans in one way or another.
And if there’s one thing Kobe would’ve appreciated about the night it’s that Tatum had the courage to be himself, even in Lakers gold.