Jayson Tatum’s Ongoing Tribute to Kobe Bryant: Lessons Learned On and Off the Court
In a recent conversation with Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum opened up about the valuable lessons he continues to draw from his late mentor, Kobe Bryant, as he navigates the challenges both on and off the basketball court.
Expressing a sense of regret, Tatum revealed that he wishes he had reached out to Bryant more during the basketball legend’s lifetime. Reflecting on Bryant’s untimely passing, Tatum shared, “I can’t believe that he’s not here anymore. And the thing that I regret is I wish I would’ve called him more. I wish I would’ve texted him more.” Tatum explained that he had always perceived Bryant as extremely busy and was hesitant to disturb him.
Despite Bryant’s encouragement to reach out anytime, Tatum admitted, “I was almost scared. I can only imagine all the things he has going on. I don’t want to bother him.” In light of the tragedy, Tatum acknowledged the importance of seeking guidance and lamented missed opportunities to tap into Bryant’s wisdom. He said, “I had so many questions I wanted to know the answers to. I should have called him more, and it taught me a lesson.”
Drawing inspiration from this experience, Tatum has adopted a more proactive approach with veteran players in the league, particularly mentioning his frequent interactions with LeBron James. He emphasized the willingness of experienced players to share insights on various topics, ranging from basketball strategies to personal well-being and business decisions off the court. Tatum highlighted, “People are willing to give you answers, you just have to ask.”
“Now I don’t hold back with older guys in the league now, like ’Bron [LeBron James]. ’Bron is somebody that I text and call a lot, and it could be from basketball to how to take care of your body to business decisions off the court. People are willing to give you answers, you just have to ask.”
It is well-documented that Bryant held a special place in Tatum’s heart, being his favorite player during his formative years in St. Louis. The tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif., in January 2020, claimed the lives of Bryant and eight others, leaving an indelible mark on the basketball community. Bryant was 41 years old at the time of his passing.