LeBron James is showing off the details of the tattoo tribute he got for Kobe Bryant, who died on Sunday along with his daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash.
On Friday, the 35-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star posted an Instagram photo of his new tattoo beside an old one showing him and Bryant, 41, sitting courtside.
He captioned the photos, “My brother #Mamba4Life #RIPKobe #RIPGiGi.”
As can be seen in the photo, James’ new ink consists of Bryant’s jersey numbers (8 and 24) and a snake (a nod to his “Black Mamba” moniker). Below the black serpent, the words “Mamba 4 Life” are inked. The design also features two roses.
James first revealed the homage tattoo he was having from artist Vanessa Aurelia on his left thigh in an Instagram Story post he published on Wednesday.
Anthony Davis, top player for the Los Angeles Lakers, also posted a video of himself getting a tattoo, though he hasn’t said what it is.
As in, “@kingjames thank you for letting me Do this piece for you!!” Aurelia posted on Instagram on a Friday and told everyone. Sincerely, it was a privilege to work with you, and you are the coolest people in the world. ?#mambamentality #mamba4life #lakers #RIP” making my work easy’!!??
As she tweeted, “@kobebryant you are missed loved and cherished through many.”
Bryant and his daughter Gianna, then 13 years old, were in a helicopter that crashed on a hill in Calabasas, California due to dense fog on the way to a youth basketball game with parents and players from the Mamba Sports Academy girls’ team. They perished together with the plane’s pilot, Ara Zobayan, as well as Christina Mauser, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, and their daughter, Alyssa Altobelli.
James, upon hearing the news of the terrible incident, took to Instagram on Monday night to pay his first of two tributes to Bryant.
I’m not prepared, but here I go anyhow. With the Lakers, Bryant won five championships over the course of 20 seasons. “Man I sitting here trying to write something for this post but every time I try I begin crying again just thinking about you, niece Gigi and the friendship/bond/brotherhood we had!” he added.
It’s my job to carry this load and keep it rolling,” he said. Heavenly Father, provide me with your power and keep me safe. I managed to bring ALL of us together! I just can’t seem to get through all the things I want to say at the moment. Brother, until we meet again!
After a recent game at the Staples Center, the three-time NBA champion posted a video of himself greeting Bryant and Gianna.
“My sibling!! He captioned the video, “I love you guy!!
James experienced an intimate encounter with the Lakers icon Kobe Bryant the night before his untimely demise.
James, who wore tribute sneakers to Kobe Bryant’s honor during the Lakers’ game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 25, moved above the basketball legend and into third place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Later, Bryant posted an Instagram message congratulating James on the achievement, which read: “On to #2 @kingjames! Maintain the game’s expansion and lead the way to the next.