LeBron James unveils 'Mamba 4 Life' tattoo honoring Kobe Bryant
Though he shared several touching tributes on social media this week, LeBron James has finalized a permanent method of honoring Kobe Bryant in the wake of the Laker legend’s death.
James unveiled a new tattoo on his leg honoring Bryant — who was killed in a helicopter crash along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others — in an Instagram post on Friday afternoon.
The tattoo reads “Mamba 4 Life” below a black snake and a pair of roses. Bryant’s Nos. 24 and 8 sit on either side of the snake.
James posted a boomerang of himself getting the tattoo to his Instagram story on Thursday, too. Anthony Davis also posted a similar photo to his Instagram story on Thursday, showing the artist, Vanessa Aurelia, working on his own tattoo to honor Bryant.
Appears as if LeBron is getting a snake tattoo to honor the memory of Kobe Bryant. 🙏 🐍
(🎥: @KingJames) pic.twitter.com/ceMTR59dnC— theScore (@theScore) January 30, 2020
James, like most of the NBA world, was hit hard by the news of Bryant’s death, and could be seen in tears walking off the team plane just hours after the news broke on Sunday. He posted an emotional note to his Instagram on Monday, complete with several photos of him with Bryant. He also shared a video of him hugging Bryant on the court at the Staples Center.
“I’m heartbroken and devastated my brother,” James wrote, in part. “Man I love you big bro. My heart goes to Vanessa and the kids. I promise you I’ll continue your legacy man! You mean so much to us all here especially #LakerNation.”
The Lakers will take the court Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers, their first game since Bryant’s death. They were scheduled to take on the Clippers on Tuesday night, however that game was postponed after the tragedy.
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