NBA: Jayson Tatum discusses the Mamba Mentality lesson he learns from Kobe Bryant.

Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics is a true disciple of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

It’s no secret that Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum idolises Kobe Bryant. That is why it is not surprising that Tatum has developed into one of the best players in the NBA today. He is without a doubt one of the game’s most skilled two-way players. However, much of the 25-year-old’s success on the basketball court can be attributed to the Mamba Mentality, which the Celtics forward adopted from the Los Angeles Lakers legend.

Tatum shared a lesson he learned while attending the late great Lakers legend’s camp on the Point Forward Podcast with Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner.

“Growing up, I remember Kobe [Bryant], he spoke at a camp one time,” Jayson Tatum recalled. “I remember he said, ‘I never had a plan B… Why would I not give all my time energy, and effort to what I’m trying to accomplish?’ And that resonated so much. That was my favorite player. That was who I wanted to be like.

“So in my mind, it was never a plan B,” he added, to answer whether he had another option had he not become a superstar in the NBA.

In the end, he even made a 50 Cent reference: “Go to the league or die trying.”

“Kobe Bryant spoke at a camp one time… I remember he said, ‘I never had a plan B… Why would I not give all my time, energy, and effort to what I’m trying to accomplish?’ That resonated so much.”

Jayson Tatum shares a Mamba story 🙌

(via @pointforward)pic.twitter.com/7j6L2XYC3U

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 6, 2023

Tatum, now in his seventh season in the league, is still looking for his first NBA title, which Bryant has won five times. He could win his first one this year, as the Celtics are expected to win the NBA Championship in 2024.

Boston’s success this season has been largely attributed to Tatum’s outstanding play thus far. With a 15-5 record, they currently hold the top seed in the Eastern Conference. The All-NBA forward is averaging 27.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 20 games while shooting nearly 50% from the field.