Chowder and Champions
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Boston Celtics: What Kobe Bryant means to C’s and Jayson Tatum

By Justin Trombino

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 7: Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) defends on Boston Celtics small forward Paul Pierce (34) during the Boston Celtics 116-95 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden on February 7, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Elise/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 7: Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) defends on Boston Celtics small forward Paul Pierce (34) during the Boston Celtics 116-95 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden on February 7, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Elise/Getty Images) /
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The loss of Kobe Bryant will forever change the NBA. You can’t mention the history of the Boston Celtics without the Los Angels Lakers, and you can’t mention the Lakers without Kobe Bryant.

In a league full of young and rising stars, the NBA lost a generational icon, hero, and global legend in Kobe Bryant that is going to have an everlasting impact on the game for years to come. One of the many young and rising stars that Kobe Bryant was working with and took under his wing and onto the court was Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics.

When the news was first made public, I didn’t know the proper way to handle it, or if it was even true to begin with. But as more credible media sources and outlets starting saying similar unfortunate outcomes, the feeling of a loss started to become more real and the NBA games being played on Sunday afternoon all of a sudden meant nothing anymore.

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As many of us did, Jayson Tatum grew up watching Kobe Bryant, reenacting his moves in the driveway, and would watch him become one of sports most iconic figures right before our eyes. Bryant would spend his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers and become a five-time NBA champion and league MVP.

Everyone griefs and mourns differently, and although there is no right or wrong way to handle a situation like this, everyone is human and has their own way of doing things. But it’s also good to remember the happy times and the history we all have been blessed to witness from Kobe Bryant throughout our lifetime.

For example in 1996, Bryant’s second year in the NBA, he would win the Slam Dunk Contest. Or in 2006, when he would score 81 points in a single game at the Staples Center. For many of us, Kobe Bryant was our Michael Jordan in this current generation of athletes and fans.

Jayson Tatum went to Instagram to pay a heartfelt tribute to his long time childhood hero and to pay his respects in a way he knew he could.

"“Heart broken. My Hero. My Idol. The reason I started to play this game, the reason I fell in love with this game. Growing up wanting to be just like you, to you becoming a mentor, beyond thankful for everything you’ve done for me.”"

Tatum first drew interest from Bryant during his rookie season in 2017 when he broke one of Kobe’s many records. Tatum became the youngest player in NBA history to record twenty points or more in four consecutive playoff games; a record that Bryant would hold for over two decades.

Regardless of the long and historic rivalry between the Lakers and the Celtics, Kobe Bryant was mentoring Jayson Tatum to become the next greatest player in the NBA. Bryant was easily one of the most skillful and intelligent basketball players to ever hit an NBA court and used his post-playing career to give back to the game of basketball; the game he had so much respect for.

Tatum spent last summer working out with his idol, spent time understanding the game through Kobe’s eyes and would gain tips on how to improve his overall game. Tatum’s time working out with Kobe had a positive and noticeable impact on his development thus far in his young NBA career.

As fans of the Boston Celtics, we‘ll never forget the battles between the Celtics and Lakers over the years. But none more so than their two most recent NBA Finals appearances in 2008 and 2010.

Having the chance to see Paul Pierce and Bryant go shot-for-shot in the NBA Finals is something I’ll always remember as a fan of the Boston Celtics.

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Although the jersey colors were different, Kobe Bryant is definitely an important piece in Boston Celtics history.

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