The Boston Celtics are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010 when they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. Coincidentally, the leader of that Lakers team helped this Boston team get to the winner’s circle.
The Celtics advanced past the Miami Heat in a tough and unpredictable seven-game Eastern Conference finals when Jayson Tatum posted 26 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two blocked shots in Game 7.
Tatum is one of several NBA stars who considers himself a disciple of the late Kobe Bryant, and Lakers fans may be dismayed at the fact that the Black Mamba mentored the Celtics star before he died in January 2020.
After Boston took Game 7, Tatum revealed he leaned on Bryant’s memory and tutelage prior to the start of the contest.
Via Lakers Daily:
“Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum revealed that he sent the late Kobe Bryant a text message prior to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat on Sunday night.”
During the game, Tatum even wore a purple and gold arm band that had Bryant’s No. 24 on it.
Jayson Tatum wearing #24 Kobe arm band in Game 7 @jaytatum0 pic.twitter.com/Dkuruxq3yv
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 30, 2022
Lakers fans may be rooting against Tatum and the Celtics in the upcoming championship series, but they can at least be proud that Bryant’s influence and legacy are still extremely strong
