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It there’s any more need for inspiration for Tatum to rebound from the Achilles setback, he needs to look no further than his icon — and Los Angeles Lakers legend — Kobe Bryant.
Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum (L) and Los Angeles Lakers’ late great Kobe Bryant (AFP)
The relationship between Jayson Tatum and Kobe Bryant has been more than well-established, with the former idolizing the latter through his entire career — often looking up to Bryant as his mentor.
Kobe Bryant and Jayson Tatum shared a mentor-protégé relationship built on mutual respect and admiration. Tatum, who grew up idolizing Bryant, often cited him as his favorite player and greatest influence.
In essence, Tatum reflects Bryant’s influence through refined footwork, a polished scoring arsenal, and a competitive drive that pushes him to perform at the highest level.
While Tatum is carving his own legacy, the echoes of Kobe’s style remain an integral part of his game.
Well, if there were any more need to find similarities between the two, they now share a surprisingly uncanny connection — one that seemingly cosmically has linked two of their lowest points together — rupturing their Achilles at almost the exact same time in their respective games.
Upon closer inspection of both games (Tatum’s from last week in 2025 and Kobe’s from 2013), it can be seen that Tatum and Kobe both fell victim to their Achilles with exactly 3 minutes 8 seconds left on the clock in the 4th quarter in their respective games.
Call it cosmic serendipity, but here lies yet another link that brings the two together in the eyes of those who believe.
Putting aside their bitter rivalry with the Lakers, Boston fans and the Celtics organisation alike would hope that Tatum finds his own “Mamba Mentality” to bounce back from his most recent setback.
The news of Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles tendon is a heartbreaking setback for both the All-Star forward and the defending champion Boston Celtics.
Tatum, 27, sustained the injury Monday night against the New York Knicks. While chasing a loose ball, his leg suddenly gave out in a non-contact play. He immediately clutched at the area above his ankle, visibly in pain, with his face buried in a towel — a difficult sight for teammates and fans alike — burying the Celtics’ playoff hopes along with it.
But if there’s any more need for inspiration for Tatum to rebound from the setback, he needs to look no further than his icon — and Los Angeles Lakers legend — Kobe Bryant.
Bryant tore his Achilles late in his career and was still able to play at a moderately effective level, even at the tail end of his career. Tatum is in the prime of his career right now, so he should be able to play at an even higher level when he comes back.
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